This year, the Witney and District Youth League, has gained two new members to its team, with Paul Robinson as Registrations Secretary (Under 12-Under 13s) and Eddie Todd as League Welfare Officer.

Both of these volunteers started out in the league as coaches with one of the teams, as well as holding other roles within their clubs, but have now made the step up to the league for different reasons.

Terry Williams, WDYFL Secretary, said: “It’s great to see new volunteers join the league, particularly when they’ve finished coaching like Paul has. New volunteers bring new ideas to league and we’re looking for new ways to progress the league forward. I hope others will see Paul and Eddie’s stories and be encouraged to join our league.”

Having retired from full-time work, Paul Robinson, Development Officer and Charter Standard Coordinator at Banbury Irish Association FC, found he had some spare time on his hands. Paul decided that he wanted to see football from a different perspective and so became part of the league’s volunteer structure this season for a new challenge.
 
“I simply got in touch with the league and offered my services should a suitable role arise.” he said. Paul was soon offered the role of registrations secretary for the 12-13 age groups and found that his past experience of volunteer roles helped him bring a fresh perspective to his new league position, “It’s required some strong organisational skills as there are around 800 players to register in those two age groups alone,” he added.

Encouraging other volunteers to consider taking the next step to join a league, Paul said: “Give it a go! It’s easy to sit back but the leagues always needs more support and it’s a great feeling to get involved and know that you’re helping thousands of players to have weekly football throughout the season!”

Similarly to Paul, Eddie Todd also has experience of club football and has held many roles at Ducklington FC, including being Under 11s Manager, Charter Standard Coordinator, Club Secretary, Club Welfare Officer, and more! Despite his workload, he still wanted to be involved with the league: “I knew the league needed more people to help out, and I felt I could support them as welfare officer because it’s similar to my club role – plus, it helps to keep me busy!”

Still holding several roles at club level, Eddie knows that the key to his volunteering is being able to manage his time; “I love being able to help out at both club and league level and although it is quite busy at times, I find it’s not difficult to find time for both."

When asked if they had any comments for potential league volunteers, both were very enthusiastic; “Just do it and get involved! It’s not hard and you get to decide on new rules. When you finish being a manager you can continue with this so it keeps you involved with the game you love.” commented Eddie.

James Shiplee, Football Development Officer at Oxfordshire FA, added: “It’s great to see that both Eddie and Paul have joined the league recently and are enjoying their time volunteering. We would encourage anyone interested in being part of the league to find out more, and to shadow current members if they want to see how a role works.”

To find out more about the Witney and District Youth League and volunteering with them, or any other league, please contact James Shiplee via email or call on 01993 894403.