Hello and welcome to the second edition of The Teamsheet, and it is filled with new content, information and interviews!
It has been a great summer for Sportscast Jersey. With a break in football it gave us a chance to cover other sports which is always a joy. From cricket to rowing, to petanque and beach volleyball, amongst others - it has been a superb few months!
In this edition Dan spoke with David Kennedy who has left his role at the Jersey Football Association for arguably the most important sports job in Jersey, as the CEO of Jersey Sport. He explains the clear aims he has, and I truly believe he is the best person for this role.
Elsewhere I caught up with Courtney Blampied and learnt about Yoga, and her Yasana Yoga Loft classes.
I also found out all about the unsung heroes at Jersey Cricket - giving them the spotlight they deserve.
Thanks to John Trevelen for his write up about Jersey Bulls FC. John is known as the stat man in local football and his insight was fantastic.
I hope you enjoy this edition!
NEW BEGINNINGS FOR BULLS
John Treleven looks back on the last half a decade of Jersey Bulls Football Club, and looks forward to a new era at the club.
The retirement of Gary Freeman as manager, along with his loyal right-hand man Kevan Nelson after five years in charge gives an opportunity to reflect on how far the Jersey Bulls have progressed in that period. Elliot Powell, along with nine associated appointees, succeed him and will hope to build on the foundations laid by Freeman, and Powell has stated that he intends to keep Jersey in the play-off positions at the very least.
Founded in October 2018 the Bulls was conceived by Chairman Russell Le Feuvre to give Island players an opportunity to test their abilities in a more competitive environment on the mainland. It also gives islanders an opportunity to support a club side in Jersey that competes nationally. He was joined by ex-Grouville manager Ian Horswell as the man to raise the sums needed to participate. It is not only travelling away the Bulls have to pay for but also the flights and hotel of twenty-five away players and officials, plus three match officials, for every match they host at Springfield.
In November 2018 the Bulls received F.A. approval for their bid to join the English football leagues and a month later the Combined Counties League approved their membership bid to join Division One for the 2019-20 season. The Bulls announced Freeman as manager and they signed up 32 local players.
After opening friendlies against Stevenage and Leicester City U23s the Bulls hosted their first league match against Ash United. A 3-0 win began a sensational run of 27 straight wins in the league with the Bulls sealing ‘promotion’ to the Premier Division with their 27th victory, a 2-0 win at home to British Airways, their amazing achievements bringing the attention of the national media. Then the world went into lockdown due to the global pandemic, all league football was suspended before the F.A. made the decision to cancel the remainder of the non-league football season and render all of it null and void, in effect expunging Bulls’ record-breaking season as if it never happened. 2020-21 meant Bulls had it all to do again in Division One of the Combined Counties League but after four league wins and an opening round victory in their first F.A. Vase match there was another lockdown.
However, promotion was eventually gained to the newly formed Combined Counties Premier Division South under the F.A. re-structure of the “non-league pyramid”. This was based on the points per game average gained in league matches over the two abandoned seasons and with the only 100% record the Bulls were ranked first nationwide.
Continued restrictions meant that Jersey entered the 2021-22 season without having played any pre-season friendlies. Early league fixtures were all played away but early success came in the F.A. Cup and the F.A. Vase, notably the former. A 10-1 win over Horsham Y.M.C.A. was the best debut match win in the competition since 1945. Chertsey Town put an end to the run with a solitary goal in the Third Qualifying Round in front of a record home attendance of 1,611.
The league campaign was then tackled in earnest and by the beginning of March, Jersey were in a three-way tussle for the two promotion places. However, just when it was hoped that the season would end with a string of home fixtures it was announced that Springfield would be closed for its long-delayed re-development so there would be a run of seven fixtures “on the road”. Only one of them was won. Re-grouping, Bulls won their last four matches back at Springfield to finish the season in fourth place after their first season at the higher level.
A review of the season led to a decision to withdraw the club’s entry to the F.A. Cup for 2022-23 partly due to the restrictions placed on offshore clubs. It was hoped this would enable them to concentrate on their league and F.A. Vase campaigns. The season promised much but the two main goals proved to be just beyond them. They finished third in the league and in the F.A. Vase Bulls won six matches before going down to the only goal of the game against the holders in the last sixteen.
The 2023-24 season began, as the last one ended, with Jersey winning the men’s football tournament at the Island Games in Guernsey with 14 current and 4 former Bulls forming the squad managed by Powell. Jersey had decided to re-enter the F.A. Cup and played four hard fought fixtures in it, including two draws, before going out in extra time. Recovering from that the league season got off to a stuttering start before five successive clean sheet wins put them top, albeit other teams had games in hand. In addition the U18s reached the final qualifying round of the F.A. Youth Cup.
There was only one automatic promotion spot available in the league this season with the other going to the winner of play-offs between the next four sides. At the Christmas break third placed Bulls were looking at the play-offs as big spending Farnham Town still had a 100% record. In the F.A. Vase the Bulls were exempt to the 2nd Round by virtue of reaching the last 32 (or better) the previous season.
Falmouth Town arrived for the last 16 round of the Vase and brought numerous supporters with them, many kitted out in Cornish tartan, amongst the second highest Bulls crowd of 1,346. A tremendous atmosphere prevailed only to be ruined by the worst refereeing decision of the season by the most senior official to “look after” a Bulls fixture and the visitors went on to win 3-0. They lost in the quarter-finals but went on to gain promotion to the Southern League after winning the Western League play-offs.
Back in league action Jersey ran Farnham close both home and away and finished with an impressive final away record of 19 13-4-2 42-16 43. Jersey now had finishing second in their own hands with the fixtures all at home where the Bulls record was not as impressive as their one on the road but they were all won to guarantee finishing second and therefore hosting both the play-off semi-final and final should the Bulls reach that stage. A.F.C. Croydon Athletic having finished 5th were the semi-final opponents after climbing the table steadily since new investors arrived early season. The visitors battled to a 2-1 victory aided by a penalty miss and a defensive mix up and an identical result at Knaphill saw them gain promotion. Meanwhile Bulls having finished 4th, 3rd and 2nd can only hope that pattern continues for 2024-25. No pressure then Elliot!
Yasana Yoga Loft’s Journey…so far!
Yoga is defined as ‘to unite’ and Courtney Blampied has been doing just that with her local Yoga classes here in Jersey. Dan caught up with the islander to talk about the origins of Yasana Yoga Loft and her future aims.
Have you always been sporty?
I have always played badminton since around the age of nine. I progressed quite well with that and was playing for Jersey with a great team, and I loved that. As I got older, I started to be interested in other things. I was always interested in the relays and sprinting in school, and then as I got older, I explored Pilates, Yoga and just going to the gym in general. I have always had an interest in a variety of sports I would say!
Yoga – was it love at first sight?
I was trying out all the classes in the gym when I was sixteen and I really enjoyed Yoga. I liked the mindfulness aspect of it as that was something I was only able to access when I was in that setting. It was new to me and I was keen to explore more. I have always been quite flexible but, as my practice deepened, I realised yoga was about so much more than flexibility and I started to appreciate the importance of alignment, the breath and mindfulness.
Where
did the name Yasana
Yoga Loft come from?
It was winter during lockdown and I was working from home at the time. In the evenings I would get creative and play around with different business logos and ideas for a yoga Instagram page. The word Yasana is a combination of the words “Yoga” (which derives from the Sanskrit ‘yuj’ meaning ‘to unite’) and “Asana” (which is a traditional Sanskrit word often translated to mean ‘posture’ or ‘pose’). The “Loft” part is because my dream is to one day have a yoga studio loft somewhere high up with a lovely view where I can hold classes - so that was me putting the idea out into the universe, who knows, maybe one day it might happen!
What made you want to teach classes?
There were a couple of inspiring people I was following on Instagram, as well as really great teachers and classes that I was attending here, which inspired me to go for it. I thought teaching would be something I would quite enjoy. I really got sold when I was in Australia in Coogee Bay. I stepped into the studio and it was a really different experience and at that point in my life it was really beneficial for me. I said to myself then that I would save up and go to Bali and do my teacher training, and I did some research and lined up the place where I wanted to learn but then Covid happened, I flew home and it was all turned upside down. I then thought I would do it online as they moved the course online so that people could do it remotely but it wasn’t the same, so after lockdown ended I saved up and went to Bali and finally completed the course. I never had any expectations of how it would go from there, but I knew I had my ticket to start teaching if I wanted to. I am glad I did it because it has been really rewarding and enjoyable.
How was the first class you took?
My friends were amazing for this! They all knew the hard work that I had put in to complete my yoga teacher training, particularly those who had done the course with me, and there was so much love and support there! There was a reluctance to begin with because there is self doubt but you realise that you can do it and that you can really help people in a positive way. The first classes I took were for a very small group but, the more I did it, the more I posted on social media, the more opportunities came up. There is such a big community here and I have met so many other yoga teachers / students, it is such a nice network of people.
Just how rewarding is teaching?
The most rewarding thing for me is providing a safe space for people, whether they are trying something new for the first time, or maybe even challenging themselves to tackle a new posture. Most importantly I like that my classes facilitate a time for busy people to connect with themselves and enjoy the introspective journey of their yoga practice. It is really great to hear that kind of feedback and to know that my classes are having a positive impact and helping others.
What makes your classes unique?
I have always enjoyed the spiritual aspect of yoga as well as the physical. I do love a fitness Yoga class if I am in the mood but I think with my classes I try and bring it back to the traditional roots and more about connecting with yourself. I do a few different classes and try to adapt depending on the energy and what people are feeling. I think that is important.
Involvement with the Island Yoga Project
It has been a great way to work with other Yoga teachers on the island. The project has brought people together and made yoga accessible for the whole community. It has also allowed us to appreciate various locations on our beautiful island during the warmer summer months and to make the most of being able to practice outside surrounded by nature (I’ve had bunny rabbits, dogs, butterflies and crows all featuring at various classes, which just adds to the fun - all are welcome of course!). .
What are your future plans and goals?
In the immediate future I think Yoga is something I can travel with and I would like to teach in different places around the world. I would also love to collaborate with others who are practicing in the wellness space. For the time being I am focusing on improving my skills so I can offer more from my classes. My priority will always be creating a safe space where people can come to practice and enjoy some time for themselves and who knows, maybe one day that space will be my own little yoga loft with a view!
SUPPORTINSPORT
Jersey Sport is a registered charity with a purpose to increase participation in sport and make it accessible, sustainable, and safe for everyone in Jersey.
#JerseySport #SupportInSport
@JerseySportOfficial @JerseySport
@jerseysportje @JerseySport
DAVID KENNEDY
Dan Andrade sat down with new Jersey Sport Chief executive officer David Kennedy to find out about his upbringing, passion for sport, his own reflections on his time as Jersey Football Association CEO and what his ambitions are for Jersey Sport.
Dan began by asking about Kennedy’s earliest memories. ‘My first memories of sport is receiving a Falkirk strip for Christmas when I was very young. My dad was a police officer in Falkirk and we were living there, and went to all of the games. My earliest memories of that was being lifted over the turnstiles at Brockville Park stadium, which you got away with more back in those times! Falkirk were in the Scottish Premiership at the time and I remember watching some brilliant players from the bigger clubs like Celtic and Rangers, but it was the atmosphere that mesmerised me and lived with me ever since. Even now I love going to the big stadia that create that amazing atmosphere, and I have been very lucky to go to many of them.
On other sports he was keen on, Kennedy said ‘Where we lived in Scotland was literally backed onto a golf course and from the age of nine, I was really into the sport for a lot of years. I always remember when Sandy Lyle won the Masters, and I went up to the 18th and he bunkered his tee shot, but then he managed to hit his second shot to around eight feet from the hole and I just remember having the feeling of desperation for him to win and when he did it was brilliant. That certainly inspired me as a young golfer at the time. As I got older though, I became more committed to the football, and the golf was taken over but even now I enjoy hitting a ball.’
‘My first experience in professional football was as a schoolboy at Coventry City. I used to go down there in the holidays as a 12/13-year-old and I knew at that time I was pretty good but thought I lacked that extra ingredient that I needed to be a footballer. Jim Leishman (my old Livingston FC Manager) always described me as a ‘pitch and a putt’ away from being a top footballer. After the Coventry experiences I came back and played with my local league sides before I was picked up again at 19 when I was signed with Dunfermline. That is when I had a much better chance. I was lucky to have a few years in the professional ranks between Dunfermline and Livingston.’
On what stands out ‘You probably remember more of the disappointments than you do the highlights. In terms of highlights, the night I signed for Dunfermline was one that I will never forget. It was straight after a cup final with my local semi-pro team. I was taken into the clubhouse after and was asked to sign, and with my family being there it was a special moment. Then, being released was a huge disappointment. A lot of the injuries stand out too. But I had many good times, played with a couple of really good semi-pro clubs who were at the time quite unfancied clubs. They didn’t have a lot of money but assembled a squad which was to become known as the crazy gang in Scottish football. It was made up of players released from professional clubs and people with a point to prove. We had really successful seasons but what stands out is the team ethic and togetherness that I will always remember, and that is why the Island Games last year for me was so special. That has to be up there as a memory because of the team ethic between the players and management was brilliant, as well as the level of trust we had in each other. It was an experience that took me back to those playing days.’
Coaching then came into Kennedy’s life. ‘Once that period of my career finished it allowed me to focus on another side of the game that I was passionate about, which was coaching. I was 17 when I did my first coaching badge and I really enjoyed it. I was around 21 when I got my UEFA B license, I did that with a lot of professional players and I thought I was better than a lot of them because I worked hard, whereas many of the experienced players thought they could make the transition effortlessly. That gave me a huge amount of confidence which I then took into my coaching and sport development career.’
‘Coaching wise, Island Games Gold was a special highlight’ Kennedy told Dan. ‘To do it with people like Elliot Powell and Dan Garton who I am really good mates with, and everyone else who was a part of that journey. A really special group of players who are not just great footballers but amazing people such as Luke Watson, James Queree, Luke Campbell who are brilliant lads and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with all of the players that week. To share the success with them meant a lot for me. In terms of my younger coaching days it was about developing myself rather than getting success because, at times, I was working six days a week challenging myself and the more that I did that, the more I moved up the coaching ladder and I was lucky to get a job with the Scottish FA, I really enjoyed that opportunity which then led to even more chances.’
On how he moved to Jersey he said ‘At the time I was due to start a new job in Argyll and Bute who were looking for a football officer. It was a place where football really needed developing, it was a beautiful part of Scotland and I was really looking forward to the move. However, I actually came to Jersey on holiday to visit a mate and I got hooked on Jersey quite quickly which is easily done! I felt the people were so friendly, I loved the diversity of the community and how everyone really got on, it was a place I really saw myself settling. At the time a Community Sports Officer role was coming up so I took the jump to move and I am thankful that is the decision that I came to.’
‘It was a timely opportunity. I think many people’s perceptions of Jersey was more to do with its affluence instead of its challenges. At that time there was a significant problem with young people who were quite frankly, bored and hanging around the streets causing low level trouble. It was not anywhere near the anti-social behaviour I had dealt with in Scotland, but I was able to deliver many programmes which worked up there to address some of the challenges, and it was brilliant because I could see the impact of that really quickly. It showed how much Jersey needed it, the kids needed it and for me it showed what an impact sport can have on people’s lives on several levels. We have spoken about footballer careers so far and the opportunity to achieve at a high level, but to use sport in a way which is much more positive to the rest of society meant just as much to me as it did to win a game of football. To see how much of an impact I could make, I got hooked on that and since then I have continually wanted to show that is what sport can provide to a community.’
Kennedy then went on to speak about his first stint at Jersey Sport. ‘At the time I was in charge of sport development at Government of Jersey which was transferred to Jersey Sport. It was a challenge because instead of reporting to government, you reported to a board. You also had to look after the business, which is different because when working for government, that side was taken care of. There were spells where I was stuck behind a computer far too much and that meant I wasn’t doing what I really enjoyed, which was getting out meeting people. It was necessary to build up the organisation but it took a little bit away from me. There was no doubt a significant expectation of what Jersey Sport was going to be and I think the way it was launched brought that expectation. I don’t think people knew what Jersey Sport could or couldn’t do at the time. I don’t think government was particularly clear with what they wanted it to do. At times it felt like you were developing programmes, which was more expanding what we had done before as opposed to really doing some targeted work on the development of sport. A lot of that was down to funding, as the government wanted to concentrate on funding for physical activity rather than sport, which took away from the original remit, which was to do with working with sports. Between that and sitting behind a desk, I lost myself a little bit in all honesty but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t enjoying it, because I love working in sport and I was still recognising the impact we were making, but ultimately, I needed to be in charge and that is why the Jersey Football Association job was a no brainer.’
‘It was an easy decision because I felt I could work on a vision which would improve the game, and all whilst working in football which everyone knows is a sport I am passionate about. I came in with a vision to unite all the various parties involved in football. I felt like referees were out there on their own and were feeling unloved. There was a lot of fragmentation in the sport and I felt I could hopefully be the one that could bring that together for the good of the game. That meant meeting with a lot of people, and seeing things from their perspectives too. I did my referee qualifications so I could walk the walk with the referees as well, and I enjoyed doing that. I wanted to steady the ship because the game had been on the back of the paper for the wrong reasons a bit too much, and I wanted to change that. Something that helped was the merger of the Combination and the JFA, which ultimately meant that the JFA would run the league, which was exactly the right thing to do for the governance and customer service side of things. Any decisions we had to make to do with that could then be quicker, and much more transparent. We could get people in a room and discuss the challenges, and I think that was something we have done brilliantly over the last four years because that can be a near impossible job at times as every club wants a decision in their favour. I wanted to see more people playing and we have definitely achieved that, the numbers are higher than they have ever been. I wanted to see improved discipline and we have achieved that. We have bucked the trend nationally to see far lower levels of ill-discipline in Jersey and that doesn’t come by chance. It comes by working with clubs, players, referees and we have almost every club in the office to look to improve that. I am proud that when I go to games now, I see players that are playing their part in good behaviour. You will always get some problems, but that is because of the emotion of the game but I think we have moved on and have a much improved environment in the senior game.
‘Part of my vision was to bring far more football insights into decisions and I think I have been able to do that as well, because of my knowledge and experience of the game. At the same time I found that we were always coming up against FA rules and there was only so much that I could change, and those rules are in there for a reason. People will criticise them but when you ignore those rules, that is where you create dangerous precedents and people in Jersey have long memories, and if you make a particular decision it could backfire on you, even a few years down the line. We have always made sure that we have followed common sense, but also followed the rules as well. What I hope people have found is that my door is open to anyone, and that is because I feel more can be done in person, through a conversation rather than over email.’
Dan then asked about various topics, starting with Walking Football. ‘It has been a bit of a jewel in the crown during my time here. Jody Byrne has done a brilliant job both at the recreational side and running the league on a Sunday. It started with four teams and we are now at eight. The standard is much higher than it was three years ago. We have continually reviewed the rules, the playing environment is much better now and that means the level of enjoyment is undoubtedly higher than it has ever been. That is why more people are coming. We have even managed to get rid of the stigma that it’s just for old men, and anyone that has come and had a go at it knows how good a workout it is. St George’s Park was a brilliant opportunity for those better players and I still struggle with being beaten by Italy in the Quarter Finals as I felt we were worthy of a result that game, and I genuinely think if we had beat Italy, we would have gone on to win it because of the way we grew in that tournament. In general, though I have loved refereeing, playing and coaching it. It has been a brilliant bit of work and Jody deserves huge credit for what he has done with that.’
On women’s football he said ‘I think in my time we have seen the ground swell and are now starting to see more of the younger girls taking part in the game. Statistically we are up there with anybody else in terms of the growth of the younger age groups. Now we have a designated Girls and Women’s Football Development Officer in Charlie Balcombe, we hope to see programmes in place that will bring people back to the game. Women’s Walking Football has just started and that will hopefully grow. We only had three clubs last season delivering the senior teams, so we have to do more to incentivise, facilitate and support clubs to be able to provide opportunities for girls and women. We need to develop a strategy that supports the clubs and their ambitions. In terms of success, we have seen it in the younger age groups but we now need to see that coming through to the senior game. What I will say, is all the feedback we get from the development centre is that we have some exceptionally talented girls coming through which is exciting to know. We have a generation coming through who are probably even better than the one they are going to replace. If that means the quality is only going to improve, that is really good for the game as well.’
‘I have thoroughly enjoyed being around the women’s representative team. I remember going over to Essex for the Southern Counties Cup and that night they were superb, and gave absolutely everything. You can see the level of pride they achieved, getting a result against a very large county. Those trips and games are clearly something we want to do more and Lee Ingram made that possible with his sponsorship. We just need to continue to provide more opportunities for them. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed that trip, I didn’t enjoy being in Guernsey where there was a toss of a coin to determine whether they were in the tournament or not. That was probably one of the most difficult situations I have in the last four years. I felt it was grossly unfair and I felt absolutely helpless. To then stand in front of the team and tell them the outcome was something that was a real challenge for me. Hopefully that heartbreak will drive them on, particularly in the Island Games. I think they needed the Muratti defeat, just to press the reset button a little bit. Sometimes you just need to have a bit of a reality check to know you can’t perform below your best and still get a result. I am really confident they will bounce back and do really well because there are some excellent young players in that squad and Chad Morris will make sure that they are well prepared.’
On running the local league Kennedy said ‘Whilst we are a small island to deliver football here takes far more effort than it does in a larger county FA because there are so many variables that are much stronger over here, such as competition between sports. We have so few facilities here that we are trying to shoehorn a football season outside of the cricket season. Similarly, as an island we have so many more activities that take people out of the game. I have so many examples why we are asked to move fixtures and that just doesn’t happen in the UK. It has been a real challenge for Suzie since she came in, and the weather last season undoubtedly threw it into chaos. She has managed to keep a level head to get us to the end of the season and has done a great job. When I came in, I also wanted to make it easier for people to take part in football. I remember someone trying to explain the monthly registrations to me and even after they did it twice, I still couldn’t understand, and if I couldn’t others wouldn’t too, and as a result would find it a barrier to come into the game. We simplified that process and I think that has been well received by the clubs. I can’t praise the team high enough because it is high maintenance overseeing the league here but I think everyone knows it is not an easy job.’
‘I watch a lot of local games and I think that younger players are now getting more opportunities because players have gone to Jersey Bulls, and the standard of those youngsters is definitely much higher because of the opportunities that they may not have had prior to the formation of the Bulls. The quality is clearly not going to be the same level as the Bulls, because they are playing at a higher level every week, but at the same time what I am seeing more is teams with more structure with insight into good phases of play. Back in the day, certainly when I was at Jersey Scottish, as an example, is that we had good players and we didn’t have to coach them too much whereas I think players are coached more now and I am seeing really good coaching at local league level. It is also worth saying not that every good player is in the Bulls side. There are people who are unable to commit to Bulls who are in the local league and they pull the level up with them, supporting the younger players. I think the priority is to sustain the numbers that we have because the 11v11 game nationally is struggling due to societal changes, and the commitment of training and a game on a Saturday. It is becoming a challenge for a lot of people so we need to make sure the league structure allows us to sustain that participation. ‘
‘The Inter League Cup success was a different sense of achievement as it was the first as CEO rather than coach or manager’, Kennedy explained. ‘First of all, having all the players at St George’s Park and the procedures that had to be done for the travel because we were right in the middle of Covid. To see the players and management go and win that so comprehensively gave everyone on that trip a lot of pride and joy. That was my first insight into the role of CEO when it comes to the representative side. You just want to make sure the players and the management have everything that they need to enable them to achieve success.’
‘Nothing beats being in the dugout itself, so to have the opportunity at the Island Games and Muratti in May was a double hit for me in terms of my pride, because we had organised the Muratti, to then be part of the journey and to win both as well was brilliant. Sometimes you have to remember why you are in the job, and to have the butterflies in the stomach is something you don’t get enough of sitting behind a desk so to be on the touchline is a reminder of why you love the game. ‘
‘I have come to realise the level of importance of a Muratti and what beating your noisy neighbours means to players at all age groups and Muratti games in football. I have come to realise even more that there is no love lost, not just for the players, coaches but probably with the Associations themselves too. We both desperately want to win. I didn’t recognise that until our U18s got beat in Guernsey in 2022. People start asking questions, and want to know why we lost. The scrutiny in defeat in those games is huge. Obviously, Guernsey have had to answer that question a lot more than we have lately. It has been great to see the record we have had but the important thing was seeing the quality in performance in the games we have won. I think the younger age groups played some brilliant football in high pressure environments. That for me shows we are doing some great work. The senior level men’s Muratti is a ‘win at all costs’ game, but I actually felt our lads have played some terrific stuff in those games. Overall, we have been through a purple patch and I don’t see any reason that should change because we have some hugely talented young players coming through. I believe we will see far more young kids getting professional contracts in the next 3-5 years too. Underpinning all of this is our local clubs who are doing a brilliant job with these players from a young age. I think it takes a lot of commitment to be a volunteer in any sport, and in football the responsibility you have with a group of young players is to not only provide that safe environment but to help them develop too, so I have every respect to every single volunteer who gives up their time.’
On one key face at JFA Kennedy said ‘When I started, I think the JFA were seen more as the governors of the game and that is not to say JFA will ever lose that tag because ultimately, we are here to make the big decisions, but I think we have a more collaborative approach. Jonathan Le Fondre can be a bit of a punch bag when these decisions have been made, where one club is aggrieved, but the way he handles himself and his team to manage the game on a day-to-day basis has made my job far easier because he is exceptionally professional. I don’t think you can get a better football services manager in England than Jonathan. I know that clubs appreciate that and for anybody that doesn’t, they certainly should, because the reality is, there would be a bigger risk to the association if Jonathan were to leave than with anyone else leaving.’
When asked what his advice would be to the next CEO, now announced as Tim Prior he said ‘My job, when I came in was to build a lot of the foundations, so I think it is about looking with fresh eyes, reviewing all the programmes and even the role of the JFA because we are seeing more and more clubs, and individuals, duplicating programmes that the JFA is delivering, and if that is going to continue then realistically the JFA could be a more efficient. My best bit of advice would be to lean on the board. We have an outstanding board now and are very fortunate to have Jimmy Kelly as chair who always demonstrates the highest levels of professionalism. Ultimately though, be your own person and ensure integrity at all times because if you fall below that then there will be people ready to jump on that, and as sad as it seems, at times success in this job is to keep football off the back of the newspapers for the wrong reasons. I would advise that we look at how we can reward and recognise our volunteers much better because it is getting harder and harder to attract volunteers into our game, therefore it is important we recognise all of the work that is getting done. Lastly, keep the door open.’
On making the move back to Jersey Sport Kennedy said ‘I didn’t think about it straight away and the main reason for that is I still felt I had work to do here at the JFA. I probably gave myself six years before I looked to move on and there was a part of me that didn’t want to leave before I had achieved all what I wanted to. At the same time, the Jersey Sport job came on the back of a particularly critical sports review and what really appealed to me about it then was that I saw the opportunity to challenge myself and to turn around a situation. More importantly, it was a review that had developed after feedback from sports clubs in Jersey and that made me think that there was a lot to do, and one thing about me and my career is that I have always wanted to be in a place where I can achieve things and recognise that level of success. I see this job as an opportunity to turn around a situation close to my heart which I believe I can personally do. I have an unbelievable network of people in sport and government who I can turn to when needed. I believe I am the right person to manage that relationship between government and Jersey Sport. I will look at the sports review and its recommendations, as well as the feedback. Over the next 12 months, I hope to be able to say that all the recommendations have been realised and in doing so, we have changed people’s perceptions of Jersey Sport. If I manage that, I know I will be on the right road, and going forward is seeing how much we can achieve in a small island, with big sporting ambitions.
Dan asked Kennedy about his own thoughts on Jersey Sport. ‘My opinion has changed in the last 18 months. I think there are more connections with what Jersey Sport are doing now with sports than there were in the past with sports. I think that there are people involved now who are driving that, Libby Barnett being a prime example. Many sports clubs are full of praise for Libby and also Chloe Bougard. I think they are starting to take clubs with them now, by involving them in decision making. There has definitely been far more progress, but my job is to make sure that we move the dial even further and people recognise Jersey Sport is having an impact, not just good intentions.’
‘There are three main challenges in sport. Funding, facilities and volunteers, and a lot of the time you don’t need massive strategies to address the three of them’, Kennedy explained. ‘If the clubs are looking for support, then that is what you focus on. My early drive will be to create fundraising strategies to get money into sport. Similarly, we need to push for facilities, be that supporting private enterprises who are looking to build sports facilities, and help with any planning applications for facilities, otherwise we are going to be left behind and the current stock of facilities are going to continue to deteriorate. With regards to volunteers, it goes back to what I said I football, we need to recognise them much more than we have done in the past.’
‘I can’t wait to get started. As soon as I was appointed, I received an unbelievable number of emails from people in different sports and I will hit the ground running because I have worked with a lot of them in the past. I am at an age now where I have confidence in my own abilities. The JFA has been brilliant for me in terms of my own development. Every day is a learning day, and I am looking forward to take all I have learnt here at JFA to Jersey Sport, and to keep developing there. I will use the same philosophies and I am looking forward to challenging myself to be the best I can be, because there is a lot riding on it and it is a big responsibility. The level of passion in the sports community is huge, so if you are not the best, they will be the first to tell you, so I need to achieve, because if I do it means that sport in Jersey will be in a much better place than it is just now.’
RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Mon The Beans
SOL SOLOMON SIGNS FOR LEAGUE TWO TRANMERE ROVERS FC
ASA TRIBE SIGNS FOR GLAMORGAN CRICKET CLUB
RACHEL LECK IS SELECTED TO REPRESENT ENGLAND IN DISCUS AMBIENT IN MANCHESTER INTERNATIONAL
TIGERS SWIMMING CLUB PERFORM BRILLIANTLY AT BRITISH SUMMER CHAMPIONSHIPS
WINNING MEDALS GALORE
FARMERS CC AND OLD VICTORIANS CC QUALIFY FOR THE EUROPEAN CRICKET LEAGUE
MEGAN ROWFORD AND OLLIE VOAK WIN HOBIE BRITISH NATIONAL CROWN
JERSEY PETANQUE WIN HOME NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIPS
LUKE HARRIS SIGNS ON LOAN WITH LEAGUE ONE BIRMINGHAM CITY FC AND MUCH MORE...
UNSUNG HEROES: JERSEY CRICKET
With Jersey Cricket’s best players pushing themselves on the field, Dan takes a look at those who keep things ticking behind the scenes to make the local cricket scene as exciting as it is!
What is your role at Jersey Cricket?
Dom Blampied
A bit of everything! I oversee the boys pathway, from Under 11 up to Under 19s world cup qualifiers, on top of that I oversee the “Future Reds” community programme that involves holiday camps and term-time sessions for boys and girls aged 5-13. I also spend half my week as a groundsman with Peter, this involves preparing wickets, cutting the outfield and general upkeep of the facility here at Grainville.
When did you first join?
I first started working as a community coach aged 16 in 2012 when still in full time education, then after leaving school took on a community coach role full time in September 2014.
What has been your highlight moment as part of Jersey Cricket? Plenty, on the work side of things, anytime a side I coach has a big win against a strong associate nation or county age group side is always fantastic, notable highlight would be beating the Netherlands in the Netherlands at last seasons Under 19 World Cup Qualifier when I was assisting Neil Macrae. As a player for the men’s side, any tournament win, notably 50 Over Challenge League in 2022 or the European T20 in Desert Springs in 2021.
What’s the best thing about being a part of Jersey Cricket? Working with good colleagues and friends, some of which I have worked with for a long time.
What is your role at Jersey Cricket? Office Admin / Company Secretary
When did you first join? June 2016
What has been your highlight moment as part of Jersey Cricket?
Helping to incorporate us into a Limited Company so we could become a registered charity/NPO - as cricket grew in Jersey, the needs increased so this set the foundation for the next era of Jersey Cricket as we moved into our new home at Grainville.
What’s the best thing about being a part of Jersey Cricket? The team! The days are always busy, all year round not just during the cricket season. The work is diverse, from the normal day to day tasks like bookkeeping to working the tournaments, so having a strong & dedicated team makes all the difference.
Becky Walters
Lee Meloy
What is your role at Jersey Cricket?
Head of Cricket Operations
When did you first join?
In a full-time capacity since September 2011. Previously I had worked seasonally as a development coach before university in 2008.
What has been your highlight moment as part of Jersey Cricket?
Having held several different roles across our pathways at grass roots and elite performance levels, I’d have to say watching the performances of our home grown male and female athletes on the international stage. I’ve been lucky enough to have had an impact on their careers since they were taking part in our community courses right the way through to representing Jersey in international cricket.
What’s the best thing about being a part of Jersey Cricket?
The attitude to always strive to improve what we do. Year on year we are trying to offer more cricket to all who want to take part whether that be on our junior school’s programme, junior/senior club cricket or getting more women playing the sport socially.
What is your role at Jersey Cricket? Head Groundsman
When did you first join?
June 2022
What has been your highlight moment as part of Jersey Cricket?
From a playing perspective it was certainly leading Jersey into all ICC tournaments. I was lucky enough to lead a lot of great people over that time. Hosting challenge league B in Jersey with Farmers and Jersey winning 4 of their 5 games on home soil to qualify for ICC One day international matches. Hosting Jersey Women’s first ever ICC tournament together with FB.
What’s the best thing about being a part of Jersey Cricket?
Being able to support the preparation of the teams and players for tournaments, working with the coaches to give them what they need and people coming to the ground and enjoying the facilities. It’s also a great team and brilliant to work with all the coaches and other staff at Jersey Cricket.
Peter Gough
What is your role at Jersey Cricket?
CEO, Manager of the Men’s Team, chief cheerleader
When did you first join?
In November 2020 I joined the Board as a Non-Executive Director before being appointed CEO in February 2023
What has been your highlight moment as part of Jersey Cricket? Surviving 6 weeks in Africa in summer 2022 and getting us all home in one piece! We played great 50 over cricket winning all our Challenge League matches in the heat and humidity of Uganda, followed by T20 cricket in Namibia and Zimbabwe in unusually cold conditions. It was a genuine immersion into the culture of 3 different African countries with police escorts, tribal dancing, monkeys in the breakfast room, altitude, and the fading grandeur of big stadia in poverty-stricken Zimbabwe. It was a real challenge to provide off the field stability and security in that part of the world so that the team could perform at their best.
What’s the best thing about being a part of Jersey Cricket?
I love being part of a successful and well-regarded cricket community which is inspiring and providing for future generations of cricketers. Everyone involved - the fans, the board, staff, the many volunteers, our intermediaries in Government, schools, coaches, domestic and international players - everyone is doing their bit to make us better. In particular, the growth of girls cricket and the enormous potential they have, is very exciting.
