Last Updated on: 28th January 2022, 05:28 pm
“Whittle Hall JFC was founded in May 1998 by two parents Peter Guy and Gary McLean. Believing that children Under 10 were too young to play in eleven-a-side matches, an opinion later endorsed by the Football Association, they formed the current Whittle Hall Junior Football Club and entered two under 10 teams to play seven-a-side football in an alternative league to the Warrington Junior League. The primary focus of the Club was and still is, to provide a game of football, wherever possible, for all youngsters regardless of ethnicity or ability and playing the game in the right spirit.
The first group of players didn’t pick up a caution until they reached Under 15 level and even then it was only one in the whole of the season. Our motto is “compete and enjoy!” which is still true today? The club continued to evolve adding more teams over the next decade with another founder member, Steve Pennington driving the expansion of the club. From its early beginnings of a few teams we have made great steps in taking the club forward most notably achieving FA Charter Standard Club status and the establishment of our popular Development Group in 2012 which is now the foundation of the club. This coming season, Whittle Hall JFC as well as having a successful development group take forward more teams than ever before from under 7 to under 14. Since 1998 we have been fortunate in that many people/parents have helped and supported us and have given up their time, not only on match days, but also on training nights and in all kinds of weather. Without these dedicated volunteers and support, Grassroots football as we love it would simply not exist.
The reward for all their hard work is the opportunity to see the kids of all ages enjoying themselves and their football. We are delighted to be celebrating our 20th Anniversary this year and to commemorate we held our first tournament, which was a great success and most importantly brought together many of our friends from other clubs in the area as well as making new friends.
We were also, featured on the BBC Victoria Derbyshire programme as part of the recent World Cup celebrations and this showed the togetherness of our club ( all in Pendle kit by the way). We strive to continue the good work of the founders of the club holding onto the same ethos and ensuring that the next generation and generation after that can “compete and enjoy”. Whittle Hall JFC, My club, Our club, Your club, Their club.”
Dave Smith – Chair
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