Each day for two weeks, a Stalybridge Celtic Juniors volunteer will be profiled on the ‘Grassroots Volunteer and…’ series of Q&As. These are the people who make grassroots football happen for hundreds of children at Celtic Juniors.
Name:
Garry Jones
Role:
U15s Whites Manager
Number of years volunteering:
5 years Stalybridge, previously 5 years with Curzon
Proudest Moment:
Last season. After a unbelievably bad run of injuries, luck and general poor form we reached the Xmas break rock bottom of the EMJFL Prem with just 1 point and having played more games than all other teams. We had a crisis meeting, went back to basics, trained over Xmas while other teams rested and went on to play the rest of the season unbeaten (save one game) and lifting the Cup. This included beating the eventual league champions (and at that time unbeaten) home and away- and in style! We finished last season as one of the strongest teams in the region and have continued this going forward. Waiting for the restart, we look forward to a Primary Cup final and a County Cup final – if they happen. Never give up , always keep the faith, and when the football gods are really not with you, work work work and things will turn around!
Hours per season:
Genuinely too many to count. Involved in football 6 days a week, plus dreaming about it when asleep.
One thing I would change:
We need a better relationship/involvement with the main club. As one of next years top U16s teams, I have a string of players who will go on to play at semi-pro or higher level. If they don’t get the opportunity with Stalybridge, it will be with someone else!
Day job:
NHS Fire Safety Officer for the Manchester Hospitals
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