28/07/2022
2 years ago we had our first ever training session. 🫶
I can’t believe what a rollercoaster it’s been since then and the lead up to it. When me Ewan made the plunge and reached out to the community to start an informal kick-about, we had no idea what was going to unfold.
Although the community sessions are on a hiatus, the club is still going strong and our competitive team Waterloo United F.C are almost ready to embark on their second season in the Norwich & District Sunday League, which just in itself is mad typing. From such humble and innocent beginnings, we’ve felt the whole spectrum of emotions.
So much work, time and effort was put in during those first few months (and a good while before our first session) and I, in weird twisted way, thank lock-down. Obviously, so many horrible and devastating things happened during that time, so I am so thankful to have gotten through and my family and friends haven’t been afflicted. We’ll never have that kind of time again, but it gave us the opportunity to spend time growing the club, time we never would have had in “normal” times.
In those early days, I’d love to put a shout out to all that helped and came along every week, putting so much heart and soul into the community sessions. Mark Finbow, Todd Kerry, Matt Le Tissier Bailey, Leon Frere-Smith, Tony Lloyd, Ell Mullers and more. Also the weekly regulars: JJ, Murphy, Cain, Barden, Josh C, Jack C, Callum etc etc - the list goes on and we grew each week into such an amazing community club.
I’d also love to put a big shout out to Catton Grove Big Local, who’s initial and continued support has been incredible - thanks guys! You have been so willing and easy to work with and I’m so glad I took the time to apply for that first grant 🙌
Deciding to form a competitive team was a no-brainer, but also a completely new world that I know, I didn’t know ANYTHING about. But with the likes of the infamous Chris Bloor joining, we felt as a management team, we could stand a chance of making it work. Chris, without metaphorically blowing your trumpet too much - I owe a lot to you and your absolute dedication and the experience you’ve brought to such a fledgling club.
People have come and gone, some will be missed more than others unfortunately but as we head into year 3, I hope this club continues to build and thrive. Hopefully we can get to a place where we can continue some sort of regular session back at Waterloo Park too.
The last 6 months haven’t been ideal for me on a personal level and I wish I could have stayed more prominent in the club in the latter half of the season, but I’m so proud of all the players for pushing themselves to such a great finish. Hopefully I can get more involved again and celebrate all the wins with you!
Let’s not forget where we came from but we push on, all the way to the top - the sky’s the limit!
Joe
💙💛💗🐧
