Junior football club looking ahead to 2016
As a new year starts, Driffield Junior Football Club will be hoping for more success following a good 2015.
The committee said: “We have some strong squads at different age groups, and several of our teams still have cup games to play and some are also challenging for end of season titles. We wish them well in 2016 and hope to see some well-earned silverware in Driffield by the end of the season.
“Sadly, early in the season we saw the demise of the men’s team but we are confident that new players can be found to re-start the team ready for the 2016 /2017 season.”
Driffield Junior Football Club is in its second year as a Nike partner club and all teams now play in the Nike blue and white hooped kit.
The club added: “Being a Nike partner club brings many benefits; all teams have received free match balls and a bursary that gives discount on all the training courses our coaches have attended. We have also had some of our coaches attend Nike Partner Club days at Old Trafford and Wembley.
“This has been possible due to the fantastic support of local businesses which have sponsored teams this year. But, prior to the new season starting in September 2016, further sponsorship will be needed.”
Anyone interested in sponsoring a team can contact Jim Laird on 07949 228356.
Girls’ football has been a real focus this last year with coach, Rich Day, running a girls’ only section. Numbers have gradually grown and friendlies are to be arranged prior to, hopefully, starting teams in the East Riding Girls’ League next season. Anyone interested can contact Rich on 07799 183468
With the dark nights, training is now taking place at the North Gym at Driffield School on Thursday evenings from 6 to 7pm and all games will take place on Saturday mornings.
The club has been able to secure funding through the Football Foundation for the girls’ section which will mean that all the equipment and facility hire that is needed to run it is in place.
The club said: “Through the FA Kits for Clubs scheme we have also been able to get the team a full playing kit. Let’s hope that girls’ football really takes off in 2016.”
The club’s annual tournament, held at Driffield School in June 2015, was a real success and raised vital funds that help to maintain the running of the club. Preparations for this year’s event start this month in the hope that this summer’s tournament is just as successful.
The club added: “The backbone of Driffield Junior Football Club is the committee and the team managers. The committee worked tremendously hard in 2015 and thankfully the small core of people are highly committed to the club and all it is trying to achieve; sadly numbers on the committee are dwindling so in 2016 we hope to encourage new members to join us.
“Similarly, we cannot underestimate the dedication of the team managers and coaches who give up their time voluntarily to enable the children to train and play in their matches.”
Anyone who feels they can help in this way should, again, get in touch with Jim Laird for further details. Early this year the club will be running taster sessions for Year 1 children, with a view to starting teams in September 2016.
Look out for further details in your local paper, the Driffield & Wolds Weekly.
Driffield Junior Football Club would like to wish all children, parents, volunteers and anyone else who continues to support the club in any way a very Happy New Year and they hope to see you all on Sunday mornings cheering the teams on from the sidelines.
