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AFC TELFORD UNITED – NOT JUST A FOOTBALL CLUB
AFC Telford United has become synonymous in its reputation as a football club and has enjoyed considerable success over recent years.
But there is more to AFC Telford United that goes well beyond football and like an octopuses tentacles, reaches out further and into many if not all communities throughout Telford.
The area I refer to is the area of youth support and education. The club does not blow its own trumpet with regards the success it has in youth support and to some extent that is understandable.
When working with or supporting young people, there is a very fine line in letting people know what you do and being seen to gain some notoriety or publicity for doing it.
I believe it is this fine line that causes AFC Telford United to remain quiet about its achievements and many other organisations who do similar positive work to also remain silent.
Chairman Lee Carter wears many different hats, from grounds man to safety to youth worker, many if not all of the players do similar, they are not just footballers, but also full fill a role as role models to young people, both directly and indirectly.
Over the past few years I have had the pleasure of meeting many young people, many of whom have experienced various difficulties in their short lives. Some have lost direction through no fault of their own only to be given a fresh outlook on life when having become involved with AFC Telford United.
Some of these young people have received football coaching from various players and many have received educational support from the players and staff at the club.
I know all to well what a positive influence a successful sports person can have on a young person and know that as a role model and mentor they can have a positive effect. Often, they can reach a young person in ways family, teachers, social workers and other professional bodies cannot.
AFC Telford United is giving many young people support. The support given is the club thinking out of the box and assisting many who do not work too well in the traditional arena of a school or classroom environment.
There is something very special about being taught something by a star you admire, whether that be football, boxing, hockey or even mathematics. The young person listens, acts differently, but most of all listens and learns.
Having recently visited the club, I saw at first hand the passion and tenacity the club has with helping young people. I have also come to the feeling that the club has or had become an accidental political pawn, when you work with many partners and like minded bodies, politics will always creep in there somewhere, politicians who aim their frustration towards the club, need to think outside the box, some would benefit from seeing what the club does at first hand.
Apart from the passion and the tenacity the club shows to its youth support, I was struck by something new.
All too often, we hear statements like
“If our work only helps one, or stops one, then it has all been worth it”
AFC Telford had a different train of thought,
“We want to positively impact on every young person that walks in our doors”
A view I’ve shared myself and still share today.
I can honestly say that AFC Telford United is positively influencing many young people in new and positive ways. This positive influence is far reaching in a way that cannot be measured and this positive influence will last long after we have gone, but also influences those that are not only the future of the Borough, but those that are our decision makers of tomorrow.
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MP David Wright
Your in a Pickle David Wright
A RAFT OF LIES
