Story and photo by Mick Ashman
Euro 2016 may be over, but here in Sheffield the teams of youth football club, Earl Marshall Juniors, are preparing for the new season.
Our local junior football club, celebrated another great season at their annual presentation night on Saturday 11th June. The event coincided with the England v Russia match, and after the awards young players and their families watched the second half of the game.
Last season, the Under 11s were playing non-competitive games used to rank them ready for the forthcoming Under 12s campaign.
Manager Patrick Turner said:
“It was great to see the boys develop, this year was unusual because I gave out three awards to the ‘most improved’ players.”
The Under 14s had a tough season in Division A and are likely to be relegated to Division B. However, manager Garfield Walters is optimistic
“These are a great set of players with a fantastic team spirit”
he said.
“I have worked with most of them since they were Under 7s”.
For the Under 15s who enjoyed an excellent year in Division B it will be their final season. Saidi Msigiti, who has managed some of the boys for nine years, said it was a tough decision to take time out from junior football:
“I have been proud to have worked with Earl Marshall for all that time; I have seen how junior football can create lasting friendships and bring communities together.”
In recognition of his tireless efforts Saidi was awarded the Mark Moran- Healy trophy – the club’s Annual Award given to those who have made an outstanding contribution to Earl Marshall JFC, a club run entirely by volunteers.
The Under 12s and Under 15s teams will be looking to develop their squads over the summer.
To find out more