WTFC YOUTH NEWS
Meet our Grassroot Manager & Coaches
This is an introduction to our Youth coaches, who volunteer at the community group Wimborne Town Youth group - affiliated to Wimborne Town Football Club.
First up.. Graham Woods. Youth Coach and Manager at WTFC Grassroots Youth Section
“Nothing for 10 to teens, in small towns like Wimborne, to do”
"I have two children in the mixed football teams U15’s and U13’s. I started a team within the WTFC group when my son was 9 and he wasn’t getting to play as much in his local team, which was bursting at the seams. So, I went to Wimborne Town and started my own team, with some of his friends.
It has been one of the proudest things I have ever done in my life. Not to be overly dramatic, but the advert for Grassroots football below is my favourite advert. It says it all- the look of happiness on children faces when they exercise, play with their mates, or feel they are contributing to a team, is everything - its such a good feeling.
Looking back on growing up in Wimborne, there was really nothing for us to do but hang out at the park. There were lots of things for adults, from bowls to tennis and plenty of pubs! For younger ones, clubs to kindergarten. But, for young boys there was the Sports Centre if you liked a specific game and that was it.
If I can give another group of kids somewhere to go and play at their level, and keep fit, then that’s one more thing sorted in our community."
Graham Woods
A final message from Graham:
- If we have more parent coaches helping to start teams at WTFC Youth, then all levels of children can play, not just the best footballers.
- Grassroots is open to everyone.
- If there is not room in the team, then we need to start another one.
- Not for profit, as we charge the minimum amount so we can all have kits and pay the leagues and FA to get to competitive matches.
