As this year draws to a close, it’s always important to reflect on the previous 12 months and give thanks to those who have made it another memorable time for the club.

Without the support of our team of Volunteer Managers/Coaches all this would be in vain. Our managers and coaches are so much more than the name suggests, they are friends, colleagues, media and marketing execs, admin assistants, call centre operatives, first aiders, weathermen, taxi drivers, storage men, event organisers, conflict resolution, negotiators and an ear to be moaned at. They do all of this so our players, our children can play football in a safe and enjoyable environment, they do all this despite having their own families and jobs and all for FREE! The hours worked as a grassroots coach can be upwards of 15 per week, it is so much more than 1-hour training and a game on Saturday. This Christmas we have to give thanks to all they do for our players and from everyone at Wingerworth JSA I wish all our managers and coaches an amazing Christmas, eat plenty, get merry and spend the valuable time you have spare this year with your own family and loved ones.

A special thank you must go to the management committee, a group of committed individuals who are often unseen but provide the base that allows us to grow as a club, Geoff (President & Child Welfare), David (Secretary), Dale (Vice Chair & U7s Coach) Andy (Fundraising & U8s Secretary), Olly (Comms & U7s Coach), Mark (Groundsman & U9s Coach), Chris (Groundsman & U9s Coach), Adam (Equipment & U14s Coach) all give up even more of their time to ensure everything runs as smoothly as it can, without all of these we cannot be the success that we are.

A special mention to the parents/guardians/families of our players, thank you for all your support once again, you put trust in WJSA to provide your child an environment they can feel safe and happy, as well as progress with their football and we understand how difficult this can be. This is not lost on anyone at WJSA and I know that together we can continue to provide the right environment for all.

To all our players, thank you for all your hard work and passion, it’s fantastic to see so many of you fully engaged at training and representing WJSA in matches. The feedback we get is amazing and you are a credit to WJSA. The passion and will to improve is matched equally with respect and sportsmanship and it is a true honour to watch you all play football the way the game is meant to be played.

To everyone associated with WJSA, have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Darren Parkinson
Wingerworth JSA