I’m not sure on exact dates, but what I do I am sure of is the role Whitley Juniors has played in many of our upbringing and the upbringings of many people’s children. The role this club has played in surrounding areas such as Whitley, Wilenhall and Cheylesmore has taken children off the streets and onto football pitches. As well as playing a role in the development of young footballers from further areas in the city.

My story with Whitley Juniors began around 20 years ago, a 5/6 year old desperate to play football. I was lucky/unlucky enough (you decide) to be managed by Tony Woan, a guy who has serious levels of commitment as a volunteer for over 30 years at the club and is still there to this day. I was with the club until 15 years of age. Turning down opportunities to play for some of Coventry’s other well established clubs. Looking back, what kept me there was not exactly the success on the pitch, but the community feel to the club. The friendships that were made with people from all walks of life and all different backgrounds. Many of whom I remain friends with today. When we bump into each other we always reminisce about our time playing for Whitley Juniors FC.

The club, which has long been based on Chace Avenue, Wilenhall and the Binley Re is now seeking some support to keep their facilities to a standard. There are much better funded clubs around the city namely; Christ the King, Coventry Sphinx etc who hold Whitley Juniors in high regard. If anybody can contribute time to help renovate the facility it would be much appreciated. If not, any donations of goods or monetary would go so far.

WJFC surely have a large enough community to reach this target when we put into context the sheer amount of former players, parents, coaches and opponents, as well as current.

Thank you for taking your time to read this and I hope, together, we can give something back to a club that has provided us and others an opportunity as an individual or a community.

(I apologise if spelling/grammar isn’t the best on this post, the app is awfully jumpy)