Football Focus FF86 WEB | Page 62

Eastwood and Kimberley FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/FOOTYFOCUSMAG Eastwood and Kimberley FOOTBALL CLUB Eastwood and Kimberley FC is a fine example of a club that is committed to progressing on and off the field. Football Focus Magazine recently caught up with Club Representative Anthony Watkinson to find out more. FF: How long have you been involved with the club and what first attracted you to the club? AW: The club was founded in 2011 by myself and my Brother Rhys, after a trip to the Grassroots Football Show in Birmingham. It was there where he suggested starting a club up as there were stalls selling the basics from training cones to footballs. Having purchased the necessary bits, we advertised via social media that if anyone was interested in playing football, then they should come along to training sessions at a local park. From then on, we have grown from strength to strength. FF: What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your role? AW: The most challenging aspect is ensuring the players have paid their subs each week and any fines 62 Issue 86 incurred by the County FA and League (thankfully never had any of these from the league) are paid up. Other than that, it’s extremely rewarding. Starting a club up from scratch is a daunting prospect but providing football for all, seeing the club members embrace events and fundraisers for charitable causes and enjoying being part of a group, means it’s a very worthwhile role indeed and to know you were a major cog in the wheel, makes it even more satisfying. FF: How’s the general mood down at the club at the moment? AW: Overall, everyone is in a buoyant mood. Our first team have just completed their first ever season in the top division of Notts Sunday football and finished mid- table whilst our 2nd team has a solid foundation upon which to build for next season in the lower divisions. Our end of season matches for charitable causes at both Notts