Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Winning friends is our game
Football
Following the bad press football has been getting, the emergence of a heartwarming story always helps remind fans the good the sport can achieve.
Football has many benefits, whether it be for physical health or just a way for people of all ages to socialise.
Sometimes, however, it is a bit more than that, as is the case with the Faversham Town Under-12 side.
Many would consider winning East Kent League Division 1 and the Charles Ridge Trophy, a first-of-its-kind achievement by any Faversham Town side, as the highlight of the season.
But for some parents, there is more to football than winning.
Keith Williams, one of the team’s parent helpers, explained how grateful all the parents were towards the team’s coaches Paul Wiebe-Williams and Al Nuttal.
He said: “The club’s ethos is about friendship, having fun, allowing all abilities to participate, winning with pride and losing with dignity.
“All this has provided the children with good role models in Al and Paul and helps in their own social developments, but the real key is the effort and time that the coaches put into the club and without them, and the help of some parents, this opportunity doesn’t happen.”
One parent was so grateful for the help the football club had in their son’s devel- opment that they messaged Paul personally to thank him.
Mr Williams said: “Apart from the time and effort, Al also provides financial help and arranges an event at the end of every season, formally known as Al Feast, to celebrate achievements over a barbecue, with live bands and camping.
“This is a weekend where all the families pitch their tents and have a great weekend, with the kids playing football 24/7. ”