Name: Lee Battye (Aka: Batts)
We are pleased to introduce Lee Battye who joins Sitlington Junior Football Club as Co-Founder and Head Coach. Lee has played football from junior (as the photo demonstrates) to open age. A former footballer at Heckmondwike Grammar School OB and Heckmondwike Town playing in the premier division of the West Yorkshire League, Lee has a great footballing mind, bringing enthusiasm and a want to allow for equal opportunities for all youth players aligned with the club.
Lee tells us:
‘My son has just finished his first season of football and watching him develop and learn has been so pleasing for me which has ignited my passion to want to be involved in Junior football. The project has taken off massively and the buzz around the local village and surrounding areas is incredible. The club’s philosophy is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to play, learn and most importantly have fun. There has been a lot of hard work behind the scenes to ensure that we are a professional and successful Junior football club, our club partnership with Emley AFC has been a real highlight. I would like to personally thank those who have helped and supported us with sponsorship, kind donations and grants to get us on our way’.
Name: Marc Keane (Aka: Keano)
We are pleased to introduce Marc Keane (Keano) who joins Sitlington Junior Football Club as Co-Founder and Head Coach. Marc has played football from junior to open age. A former Horbury Town captain playing in the West Yorkshire Premier League Marc brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be invaluable for the development of our youth players.
Mark tells us:
‘When Lee and I first discussed the prospect of starting up a local junior football club I was excited from the start. Football has given me many memorable moments and I believe that football gives the foundations for building positive relationships with peers. Our clubs philosophy is to provide our youth players with the opportunities to learn, develop, and most importantly enjoy playing the game’.
Name: Martin Inman (Aka: Tinny)
We are pleased to introduce Martin who joins Sitlington Junior Football Club and part of our coaching set up. Martin has been a brilliant addition to our club, bringing enthusiasm, passion and new ideas to training sessions.
Martin tells us:
‘After having a conversation with Lee about being involved in a coaching capacity, it was with great privilege to accept an assistant coach role. I have spent the majority of my life living in the village, growing up here and playing my junior football for the very club, including some seasons at open age level. The project Lee and Marc has commenced with bringing football back to the village is nothing short of amazing. It has been great to see all the kids train with a smile on their face in which we agreed its not about the results but to help develop these players and have fun during. I am grateful to be involved and look forward to the season with the team’.
Name: Jennifer Gray-Battye (Aka: Jen)
We are pleased to introduce Jen who joins Sitlington Junior Football Club as our Welfare Officer. Since being born, Jen has grown up in Netherton, attending the village school and enjoying her sporting interest of ballet. Jen has an education background, with 10 years of teaching experience. Jen has an enthusiasm for children been active, been in the great outdoors and primarily having fun in a safe environment.
Jen tells us:
‘ I am excited at the opportunity of being a Welfare Officer for a local club. It excites me that this new founded Junior football club can bring together children who want to build their skills, come together as a team, and enjoy the world of football. I have experienced first-hand with my son, how football can ignite a passion for a sport, and I am excited to see this developing in my local village. I would like to thank the children , parents , sponsors, and committee team members, who without them, would not make the journey of Sitlington Junior Football Club possible. I am looking forward to meeting all the children and parents in the up-and-coming weeks.’.
Name: Alex Bottomley (Aka: The King Of Spreadsheets)
We are pleased to introduce Alex Bottomley who joins Sitlington Junior Football Club as Treasurer of the club. Alex has been busy behind the scenes independently developing our website and setting up our treasurer account. Alex will take the lead in all finances related to the club.
Alex tells us:
‘I am absolutely delighted to be part of this exciting community project. Its is remarkable how much interest that this has generated locally, and we hope this continues to grow over the coming years. As a parent and passionate football fan myself, there is no better feeling than watching your child develop on the pitch. We really hope this will be the perfect platform for kids to come and train with a dedicated coaching team, develop skills and maximise their future potential’.