Burngreave Sports Project encourages people of all ages to participate in physical activity. Their Under 18s football team, the Burngreave Canklow Crusaders, is currently attracting attention. In only their second season, the team has once again sustained a lofty league position and looks well placed for promotion even this early in the season.
Steve Richardson manages the team. He is part funded by BNDfC as Burngreave Community Football Development Officer to work in Burngreave primary schools and Fir Vale secondary and set up accredited training. One successful trainee, James Cook, now coaches the Under 18s.
Steve explained the recent interest was encouraging: “We’ve only been going a short while and are doing fantastically well. There have been scouts from clubs such as Dinnington Town who want them to play midweek under 19 games at semi-pro.” This could open the door to professional football in the future.
Steve started out at Rotherham United where he coached Canklow Crusaders. When he started coaching in Sheffield, he combined some of his old squad with new members from Burngreave, Rotherham and Brinsworth. The team plays at Canklow. Steve says that working in Burngreave has changed his opinion on the area: “It’s been a real eye opener.”
I talked with two Burngreave players, Yasar Mohammed and Wael Sheibi, both 17. Yasar was spotted playing for Sheffield United’s Academy and signed last January and Wael joined for the start of this season. “If we all play together, we’re one of the best teams in terms of exciting football,” said Yasar.
I watched the Crusaders take on Penistone Church FC. Despite only eleven players and no substitutes, I was impressed with their performance and their level of fitness throughout. Steve nodded, “Our fitness tends to win us a lot of games in the latter stages”. They won 2–0, with Yasar Mohammed named Man of the Match.
Despite limited resources, Steve has taken his team from strength to strength: “Last season we played as an under 17s side in the same league and only just missed out on the playoffs. This season I want us to go a step further and secure promotion.” Their latest win puts them at the top of the league. Good luck to Steve and his squad – we’re all rooting for you!
Anybody wishing to take a trial for the team with a view to signing in January should contact Steve at steve.richardson@sheffield.gov.uk.
Training sessions (costing 50p) are held on Fridays.
12–16 year olds at SUFC Academy, 4–6pm and under 18s sessions at Fir Vale, 6–8pm.
Contact Steve Richardson on 0781 068 5519.
by Brent Moya