Aycliffe Today Monthly | 27
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“He hasn’t forgotten
where he came from
and that’s important.”
his team into the FA Carlsberg
Sunday Cup (the All England Cup)
last season and this season.
“I still love being involved as much
as I can on a Sunday, when time
permits,” says the 23-year-old.
“It helps me let my hair down.
After the stress of playing in the
league on a Saturday this gives me
the chance to have a bit of fun and
enjoy football with my mates.
“It’s a good laugh, but we take it
seriously at the same time. We’re
a decent side, and it’s nice to be
involved and hopefully my friends to
improve and become a good side.”
Steele
seems
to
have
reinvigorated a Sunday morning
pub side just by introducing simple
rules he has to adhere to every day.
OK, the fines may be worlds apart,
but the disciplines remain the same.
A pound for being late, another quid
for not wearing your club tracksuit.
It not only instils discipline, it also
chips into the Blackpool kitty.
Steele is aided by joint boss Dave
Owens, while Des Wood, the father
of one of Steele’s lifelong friends
Mark, has been involved with the
club in varying capacities for 30
years.
“I’ve been disappointed with the
attitude of some of the people
involved over the last three or four
years, with players letting you down
week-in, week-out,” said Wood, who
now runs the Huntsman Over-40s
team.
“But that doesn’t happen when
Jason’s involved. His input is
immense. If he’s training on a
Sunday morning he makes sure the
side is picked and he’s texted all the
players to make sure they all know
where they’re playing.
“The organisation is excellent and
having him involved has been a
major plus for the club.”
Steele’s work in the local
community can only be commended.
Other than helping to run his Sunday
side, he regularly visits schools. He’s
also a Sporting Ambassador for
his old comprehensive, Woodham
Academy, along with another
famous ex-pupil, the Chelsea
‘keeper Ross Turnbull.
Wood
adds:
“He
does
presentations for the kids on the
town, he goes into the schools, he’s
fantastic, and it’s great credit to the
lad.
“He hasn’t forgotten where he
came from and that’s important.
He’s a top guy.”
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