WHILE all eyes have been on the world cup in Qatar, MP Shailesh Vara headed down to Yaxley Football Club where the first team was playing Halesowen Town. The reason for his visit was to support the club's efforts to attract more volunteers.
Yaxley FC has signed up to a nationwide scheme called 'Pitching In', designed to encourage the community to take up volunteer roles with local football clubs. The programme is run by the Entain Foundation in partnership with Trident Leagues, who have set up a national volunteer hub, an online portal enabling clubs like Yaxley to advertise volunteering vacancies.
Yaxley FC, based at In2itive Park, is the home ground for several village teams including men's, women's and a number of youth, junior and development teams.
During his visit Shailesh took on the (volunteer) role of stadium announcer. In addition to thanking supporters and sponsors he welcomed officials and players and read out the team sheet. Afterwards he told us: "This is a highly worthwhile initiative which not only will benefit clubs like Yaxley but also provide enjoyment to those who volunteer." The score was 1-0 to the visitors!
Club chairman Malcolm Clements said various roles are up for grabs at Yaxley FC and this important new programme will help raise awareness of local football to people who might otherwise not realise the many ways in which they can get involved.
Shailesh's visit came just days after the government shared an update on its own investment in grassroots football, a total of £55m across all four nations of the UK. As well as funding the creation of traditional grass and 3G pitches money has been allocated to a wide range of projects such as multi-use games areas (MUGAs), floodlighting, changing rooms and smaller capital projects to help clubs enhance and improve their facilities for year-round use.
Photo: MP Shailesh Vara (left) was welcomed by Yaxley FC chairman Malcolm Clements and Lee Martin from sponsor Toojays Training
