Equip club to keep up the good work

TODAY WE TALK TO SWALWELL JUNIORS FC

Tell us about your group.

We are a junior football club which has been going since 1989 and we currently have more than 200 members. We have 40-plus coaches and 20-plus volunteers and committee members. We take in boys and girls from the local community, no matter what their ability.

What will you do with this year’s Wish money?

This year’s money will be spent on new training equipment for all of the use of all the team. As always, money from any source is vital to a club like ours, but this is special as it is raised by members and the community working together on our behalf. New training equipment will help to ensure that our members can perform to the best of their ability.

What kind of activities take place at your group?

Football-related activities and socialising.

Who is the longest serving member of your group?

Me, Ian Buchanan. I’ve been involved for 28 years.

Tell us about the biggest or best activity or event your group has organised.

We organised a football tournament for 24 underseven and under-eight teams during the summer and saw nearly 200 players and their families and friends have a great day out while taking part in physical activity in the fresh air. It was fantastic to see and well received.

What is your group’s proudest moment to date?

The proudest moment up to now is that one of our teams invited another charity who deal with young people with various needs to spend the day with them at the club. They played football as well as socialising in the clubhouse.

Why should someone join your group?

We are a family-friendly club and welcome anyone, regardless of age ability or background.

What makes you proud to be from the North East using five words?

Fun, warmth, generosity, inclusiveness, hope.