Football Focus Issue 73 | Page 29

Sunderland City Juniors of the league structure when the club started and have climbed through every league and now play in the Premier League, securing their place there by winning Division 1, only losing 1 game. Everyone at the club is really excited for the rest of 2017 and beyond and can’t wait to see what the future holds for us all. One area of focus for our club is girl/female participation, Montogmery are coached by Kristen Whitfield, who decided to move into coaching after injuries cut short a very promising football career and we are hugely proud to have a girl in our ranks when Beth signed as goalkeeper for our Defoe team. Our policy on youth development is at the fore front of everything we do, as a club we not only see it as important to develop their football skills and abilities but also develop them as a person. Being in a junior club is a great way to learn life skills and the club often arrange events outside of their usual training and match day routines. These have included; The Woodland Challenge, players came together to take part in a junior assault course through forest which involved lots of team work and determination, team bowling sessions, Foot Golf, SAFC Match days which often involves a trip for pizza beforehand, Christmas Parties, visits to infinite air, football darts and more. The roles we play in the club, and work we do behind the scenes both myself as Head of Football and Joanne as the club Chairperson is hard work but massively rewarding. When we hear of the success stories from all our teams and how they have progressed over the season it puts a huge smile on our face. Deb Metcalfe of Debs Daycare recently took the time to tell us more about her company and their positive association with Sunderland City Juniors. She said, “I am able to care for children from 0 years to 16 years … Monday to Friday … 7am to 8pm. I have a toyroom that I work from which is full of toys for the early years of learning. I also offer free funded childcare for 2 year olds and 3 to 4 year olds.” “My husband is coach of the Montgomery team and my son Jack plays for them having started when he was seven years old. The club has been doing very well on the field and they also do an excellent job off the field and recently carried out a bag pack to raise money for charity. OFSTED REGISTERED CHILDMINDER Tel: 07828686359 “I’ve sponsored the club for two years now and it is a privilege to be able to support them. As long as Jack’s happy I’m happy and we’re totally behind the work being done at the club.” www.footballfocusmag.com 29