From Saturday Kick-about to Cup Final

Back in the summer, Dominic Parker from the Wybourn Estate was part of the Sheffield United team that brought the national ‘Kicks’ competition trophy to Sheffield for the first time ever. On the day of the competition, 15-year old Dominic was goalie and a crucial save in the closing stages of the final kept the Sheffield united team on top of the game. The team had journeyed all the way to Birmingham early one Sunday morning to overcome Aston Villa 3-2 and become the 2014 Champions.

Every Saturday you can find Dominic practicing his skills on one or other of the Sheffield Manor Lodge fields. Supported by Babs (Babajide Adebola) from Sheffield United Community Foundation we’ve seen a bunch of local young people come together and really improve their sporting skills, team work and positive attitude. For a while, Babs has been scouting the young talent at the Sheffield Manor Lodge sessions (in my opinion there are a number of very good players - both United and Wednesday supporters) and he had no hesitation offering Dominic a place on the winning team put together from neighbourhood projects across the city.

Last week Dominic came to me and asked if he can continue leading the Saturday coaching sessions for juniors that he’s been delivering purely on his own initiative as a young volunteer throughout the summer. The answer was a straight yes!

So, if you know a 6 -11 year old (boy or girl) who wants to develop their football skills in a relaxed and supportive setting then get in touch with us or just turn up on the day. Find us at the Discovery Centre and we’ll introduce you to Dom and his class of future cup winners! Sessions run every Saturday 11.00am – 1.00pm with a follow-up seniors’ session coached by Babs 1.00 – 3.00pm.

Credit to the young people. Credit to Babs for nurturing the team spirit. Up the Manor Lodgers!

Jon Bradley

Discovery and Access Manager