When people think about grassroots football, they often think about matchdays, training sessions and the excitement of watching young players develop. What is less visible is the army of volunteers working behind the scenes to make it all possible.

For our Chair, that journey began in the same way it does for many parents: standing on the touchline watching his five-year-old son take his first steps in football.

"I was there anyway, so why not help?" he says.

A few months after joining the club, he was asked to get involved. Before long, he was helping run three Under-7 teams. What started as lending a hand quickly became a decade-long commitment to the club, driven by a simple belief: if something needs doing, get stuck in and make it happen.

Today, that same hands-on approach continues to shape his role as Chair.

More Than a Football Club
Leading one of the area's largest grassroots football clubs means looking beyond results and league tables. The role involves helping steer the club's future, ensuring the right structures, support and opportunities are in place for players, coaches and volunteers alike.

From welfare and facilities to finances and long-term development, there is always plenty happening. Yet one aspect of the role stands out above all else: supporting the volunteers who give their time to keep the club thriving.

With more than 100 volunteers helping to support 49 teams, the club relies on an incredible network of people. A major focus for the Chair is finding ways to simplify processes and reduce unnecessary administration so volunteers can spend more time doing what they love.

Watching Players Grow
Ask him what he enjoys most about grassroots football and the answer comes without hesitation: the memories.

Over the years, he has watched hundreds of young players begin their football journeys. One story in particular perfectly captures what makes grassroots football special.

He remembers a five-year-old player who couldn't decide which foot to kick the ball with. Instead, he would skip towards it and kick with whichever foot wasn't on the ground at the time. Fast forward ten years and that same player has become one of the hardest-working footballers in the team.

"It's those journeys that make it all worthwhile," he explains.

For him, success has never been defined solely by results. In fact, during his first few years of coaching, he rarely knew the score of the game. The focus was always on enjoyment, development and giving children a positive experience.

Because while football skills matter, the greatest reward is seeing young people develop as individuals. Confidence grows, friendships are formed and lifelong memories are created along the way.

Building for the Future
As the club continues to grow, so do its ambitions.

Chris is passionate about creating even more opportunities through the expansion of girls' football, increased disability provision and stronger community partnerships. He also wants to strengthen the sense of belonging across the entire club.

"We have fantastic team identities," he says. "The challenge now is making sure every player feels they're part of one club."

One achievement that highlights this vision is the development of the new 3G pitch at EBCSA. Having played a role in helping bring the project to life, seeing the facility open and filled with young people enjoying sport remains one of his proudest moments.

"It took a huge amount of work from a lot of people, but seeing the impact it's already having makes it all worthwhile."

Volunteers: The Heart of the Club
As the club approaches its 50th anniversary, one thing remains unchanged: volunteers are the heartbeat of everything it does.

Without coaches, managers, welfare officers, fundraisers, committee members and countless others working behind the scenes, grassroots football simply would not exist.

His message to anyone considering volunteering is simple: you don't need to be a football expert, and you don't need endless free time.

"If everyone gives a little bit, it can make an enormous difference."

Ultimately, what makes the club special isn't the facilities, the trophies or the league positions. It's the people. The players, parents and volunteers who care deeply about the club and continue to make it better year after year.

In one word, he describes the club as community. After speaking to him, it's hard to think of a better choice.

Quick-Fire Questions
Favourite football team: Leeds United
Favourite player of all time: Bryan Robson
Best football memory: My team winning the league unbeaten.
Tea or coffee: Coffee
Favourite matchday food: A pint
If you could have any job in football, what would it be: Spectator
One word to describe our club: Community.

The success of our club is built on the dedication of volunteers, and Chris embodies everything that grassroots football is about: community, commitment and a genuine desire to make things better for others.

As we look towards our 50th anniversary and an exciting future, we are incredibly grateful for everything Chris has done, and continues to do, for the club.

Thank you, Chris. Your hard work, vision and dedication are truly appreciated.