grassroots magazine
0 to 50 in two years!! White Notley Football Club has been a well-established club in the rural village of Faulkbourne in Essex for 75 years! But with no existing junior section….it was time to invest in the future and the next generation of future footballers. What started as a conversation between two neighbours rapidly saw the growth from no youth section to three youth sides over just two seasons, accommodating approximately 44 new budding football stars and providing opportunities for 6 eager new Managers (0 to 50 in two years!). And what a journey it has been and still is… The ‘inclusive of all abilities’ attitude of the youth section resulted in the transfer of existing teams to their new ‘football home’ as well as the recruitment of new players from the local village. This meant new friendships were forged and more kids got the chance to be a part of ‘the beautiful game’. The season started with a new kit and a badge on the chest that the kids are proud to wear… the White Notley Hornets, Lions and the Tigers were born! As the journey and the challenges of starting a new youth section unfolded, we rapidly realised It was never about winning, but being part of the ‘football family’, being part of something the players and managers are proud of. It is about the enjoyment of taking part, having fun and being part of a team. Matchdays end with hotdogs in the clubhouse and often the odd ‘refreshments from the bar’ enjoyed by the parents. Visiting teams look forward to coming to play at White Notley, they are greeted with a warm welcome, a smile and facilities that all parents and players are proud of.
However, starting and funding a new youth section comes at a cost…. The generosity of our sponsors, SH Leisure Services, CSS Recruitment and Autosmart Paintworx combined with the tireless support of the parents and the youth committee sees the club go from strength to strength. We have organised fundraising days, easter egg hunts, bingo nights, quiz nights, race nights and penalty shoot outs……all supported by players, parents, guardians, carers, and the local village residents. The youth section received FA accreditation at the end of the season which acknowledges the fact that we are providing the right environment for safe and well led football for children. Through the provision of providing the correct environment we have now started to reap the rewards with all three teams showing a vast improvement over the season, proving the fact that all kids need is a little help, a little hope and a coach that believes in them!
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Long may it continue.
