Sir Geoff Hurst pays surprise visit to BSYFC

The Bradley Stoke Youth FC U7 squad with Sir Geoff Hurst and Mike Guerin (McDonald’s).

Bradley Stoke Youth FC’s (BSYFC’s) grassroots football teams were joined by a special guest on Sunday 16th November, as ex-England football player and McDonald’s Director of Football, Sir Geoff Hurst, made a surprise appearance at their training session. He joined players and coaches at an event to celebrate the success of the McDonald’s FA Charter Standard Kit Scheme which has seen over 48,000 kits distributed across England this year – and over 1,100 in the region alone.

After dishing out the new kits, Sir Geoff Hurst joined the youngsters at their training session and shared his own tips and techniques to help them to shine on the pitch.

Over 97 grassroots clubs across the region have received new Nike team kits as part of the McDonald’s FA Charter Standard Kit Scheme. Run in partnership with The FA and their official kit supplier Nike, the community programme aims to raise the standards of grassroots football for young aspiring footballers by giving over 4,600 FA Charter Standard clubs with a junior team in England the chance to order a new strip every year for the next four seasons.

Sir Geoff Hurst said:

“We cannot underestimate the importance of grassroots football, and the hard work that volunteers at clubs such as Bradley Stoke Youth FC put in each week so that players have access to the game in a safe environment. To be able to provide this great coaching, grassroots clubs need financial support in other areas, which is why the McDonald’s FA Charter Standard Kit Scheme is so important. I can certainly remember what it was like putting on a new team shirt for the first time – you get a real feeling of unity and team spirit, which gives you more confidence on the pitch. I’m proud to be part of a programme which helps make young people feel the same way.”

Mike Guerin, whose local McDonald’s restaurant in Cribbs Causeway has supported Bradley Stoke Youth football club for the last ten years, said:

“Bradley Stoke Youth is a great example of a grassroots football club which provides young people in the local community with the opportunity to feel part of a successful team. These clubs make great efforts to provide high quality training, which is so crucial in developing talent for the future. It’s important that businesses like McDonald’s support them and help to create the best possible experience for young aspiring players. I have worked with this club for many years and am proud to be involved with such a well organised and inclusive club which continues to go from strength to strength.”

Martin Lee, BSYFC Coach and Community Officer, said:

“It was great for Sir Geoff Hurst to take the time to come and meet the U7 and U8 squads. He participated in the coaching sessions, chatted to the young players and showed a real interest in the community work the club provides to the local area.”

To find out more about Bradley Stoke Youth FC, visit their website www.bsyfc.co.uk or email Martin Lee at mlee1@btopenworld.com

Photo (top): The BSYFC U7 squad with Sir Geoff Hurst and Mike Guerin (McDonald’s).

Sir Geoff Hurst watches Bradley Stoke Youth FC coach Jim Murdoch working with the U8 squad.

Photo: Sir Geoff Hurst watches BSYFC coach Jim Murdoch working with the U8 squad.

This article originally appeared in the December 2014 edition of the Bradley Stoke Journal news magazine, delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to 9,450 homes in Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke and Stoke Lodge. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.

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