Dunkerley puts fun into football

KEVIN Dunkerley’s footballing philosophy has captured the imagination.

TIRELESS football coach Kevin Dunkerley has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award in the sports administrator category.

Springhead-based Dunkerley founded the non-profit Junior Soccer League (JSL) last year and has overseen a rapid rise which culminated in an innovative four-a-side format earning FA Charter Standard League status.

Leagues, cups and soccer schools fill his time and have given hundreds of youngsters easier access to the beautiful game.

Dunkerley’s footballing philosophy has captured the imagination of many a participant — his slogan is ‘let’s play’, expressing the belief that budding stars must be able to play without fear and truly enjoy the experience if they are to stay in the sport.

As one of the people who nominated him for the award put it: “I asked Kevin why he works every hour God sends, setting up websites, tournaments, attending courses, answering emails while raising a family.

“His answer was ‘the joy I get from seeing the young players’ faces at the end of the day is all the payback I need’.

“The results of his hard work, and what he has done for the children of Oldham, are a joy to see.”

Dunkerley cut his coaching teeth at Heyside and enjoyed the experience so much, he decided to start his own league.

Spreading the word about his ideas and methods, he soon generated enough interest to run sessions at Failsworth Soccer Centre and Tara Leisure Centre before establishing the league schedule.

By the turn of the year, and with the FA Charter Standard League award in the bag, the buzz about JSL reached fever pitch and hundreds of young people flocked to Curzon Ashton for the inaugural four-a-side tournament.

Soon afterwards Dunkerley (35) was able to expand the project thanks to a grant of more than £6,000 from Sport England.

The cash went towards facility hire, equipment, coach education and refereeing courses.

He took on six more trainers and two extra officials — and it’s just as well, with more action in the pipeline.

Next month Dunkerley introduces a short season indoor winter league at Soccer Village in Milnrow.

Under-sixes will play four-a-side, with an extra player on each under-sevens, eights and nines team, with two matches played every Sunday on four pitches.

Dunkerley said: “It is a great chance for teams to get involved and beat the winter weather, which can hamper football development and children’s enjoyment.”

The indoor league is likely to run from November 6 to January 29, although he is awaiting confirmation of the start date. For more information, call Dunkerley on 07973 814675.




Nominations for pride in Olswdham 2011 are now closed