JUNIOR football often hits the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Poor behaviour and pushy parents are just two of the reasons highlighted as a blight on the game.
But, it’s too often forgotten there are of thousands of good people who put in hundreds of unpaid hours and often pay money out of their own pockets to ensure youngsters can enjoy a game of football each weekend.
John Robinson is just such a character, without whom the amateur game would not exist.
John has sadly decided to retire from his duties as secretary at Dalton Dynamoes at the end of this season, after dedicating much of the last 10 years to helping the youngsters of Dalton playing the game they all love in a safe and friendly environment.
A lifelong Town fan and keen cricketer, John’s love of football started when he played for his school team at Newsome High. He then went on to play for The Royal Pub and Primrose Hill Sports Club.
When son Jez decided he wanted to play football at the age of six, John took him along to the Dynamoes and was immediately recruited by the club as team manager.
John’s impact was obvious from the start and, by the time they had reached the Under 11 age group, he’d already recruited enough players to form two teams and was elected to the committee (in 2001).
After finishing mid-table in the Under 11s, the teams continued to improve each year at 12, 13 and 14 until the first team, which was still made up of players who had been with the club since they were six, went on to complete a famous triple at Under 15 by winning the RCD League title, RCD League Cup and Huddersfield FA Cup.
And, with just three points separating them from top spot, the team now playing in the Under 17s are once again pushing hard for honours.
By 2006, John had taken over the role of secretary where, with around a dozen teams to organise, he instigated bimonthly meetings to improve unity within the club, girls teams, fundraising events and exit routes for youngsters to move into open-age teams.
Club chairman Neil Martin said: “John has spent a great deal of his own time ensuring that the club runs smoothly and his efforts have made possible the provision of football for hundreds of boys and girls over the years.”
Team captain Oliver Scott was also quick to add his praise, saying: “John’s easy-going manner and commitment are just two of the reasons why so many of the team are still with him after 10 years.”
But, John won’t be the only one missing from Dalton next season.
As any volunteer will acknowledge, giving up your time needs the support of your family and John’s wife, Angie, has not only supported him but also given up a great deal of her time to help the club become successful.
Angie explained: “The journey through coaching has been a fulfilling, indeed a life changing experience, where John has not only learned a lot but, more importantly, made many new friends.”
RCD League secretary Eric Kershaw added: “Sadly, volunteers like John and Angie rarely receive the recognition they deserve outside their own club circles, but their efforts are invaluable in ensuring youngsters can enjoy healthy recreation.
“John and Angie have tried very hard to run Dalton Dynamoes in a professional manner and their retirement, together with the loss of their knowledge and experience, will be a big blow, not just to the club, but also to the League.”
