December Newsletter

Dear Parents, Carers, and Supporters,

Welcome to our very first newsletter ‘Shin Pads and Shoelaces’ of the year! Yes, it’s December, but we figured it’s as good a month as any to start something new. We’re excited to use this opportunity to keep everyone informed and connected as we continue to grow and develop as a club.

First, we want to extend a warm welcome to everyone who is part of Wetherby Athletic JFC. Whether you’re one of the many volunteers who help manage the club, a coach or support staff member, or simply someone who shows up every weekend to cheer on their child’s team, we are so pleased to have you with us. Your involvement, no matter how big or small, is what keeps this club running. It’s your club, and we’re grateful for everything you do to make it a success.

As we look to the future, our goal is to establish Wetherby Athletic as a community-focused club that emphasises inclusivity, participation, and competition. We’re committed to helping young players develop their football skills, grow in confidence, and build valuable life skills like communication and teamwork – all while staying fit and healthy. Of course, we also recognise the crucial role parents and carers play in this journey (including the endless search for shin pads and those elusive matching socks!).

The club is entirely volunteer-run, and we cannot stress enough how much we rely on your support. From coaching to admin work to simply helping put up the nets before a game, every bit of help makes a difference. Junior sports clubs face unique challenges as participants grow up and move on, meaning we are always looking for new volunteers to step in and ensure the club can continue to thrive. Early involvement in smaller tasks not only supports the club but also enriches your child’s experience in the long run. So, if you can lend a hand – even occasionally – we’d love to hear from you!

We’re thrilled with the progress made this year in shaping the club’s structure, and we want to thank everyone who has stepped into a role. There are still some positions to fill, but the response so far has been fantastic. A big thank you to all who have gotten involved – your contributions are making a real difference.

On the social side, we have some fantastic events coming up to round off the year! Join us on Friday, 20th December, for our Christmas Social – a chance for all adults involved with the club to relax and celebrate. Starting at 7 PM at Wetherby Sports Association, we’ll enjoy a festive stroll (with bar stops!) up to The Engine Shed for a lively Christmas party. Tickets can be booked in advance online, and we’d love to see as many of you there as possible.

The next day, on Saturday, 21st December, we’ll be joining Dave Bock at the 9 AM Wetherby Park Run as he finishes his remarkable challenge of running 50 miles a week for 52 weeks in memory of Ethan Westerman. This is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness and support for mental health. We encourage as many parents and players as possible to participate or come along to cheer him on.

Finally, on Boxing Day, don’t miss the WAJFC Dads vs. KDR Dads match at 1:30 PM – a fun, community- focused game with proceeds going to charity. Whether you’re supporting your team or just enjoying the festive atmosphere, it’s a great way to cap off the holiday season.

Thank you for being part of Wetherby Athletic JFC. We hope you have a fantastic Christmas and a wonderful festive season.

Warm Regards,

G. Lewis.

Gareth Lewis
Chair
Wetherby Athletic Junior Football Club