31/07/2026
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND AFC UNITY
Vanessa – AFC Unity Club Secretary & Treasurer
Hi, I’m Vanessa
Along with Scott and Amy, I founded AFC Unity in 2014 after we had been running the club for two years. Before that, I had already been involved with our previous club for around 10 years as a football parent, gradually taking on more volunteering roles such as chasing subscriptions, organising events and helping wherever I could.
So here’s a little bit about me…
I have three grown-up boys who all loved playing sport and, when they were younger, football was their passion. I won’t lie—it was a bit of a shock standing on the side of a football pitch in the freezing cold, often soaking wet, with those early Sunday morning starts! Then we’d get home and they’d still want a roast dinner! I often wondered where our weekends had gone.
But after a while, I caught the football bug—I was completely hooked.
Watching my boys, their teammates and their coaches battle through tough games, learning to win, lose and come back stronger, was incredibly rewarding. Week after week, year after year, I watched young people grow in confidence, resilience and friendship. The enjoyment, enthusiasm and positive development were there for everyone to see. Football became so much more than a game—it became a family and a community.
Of course, football hasn’t always had the best reputation when it comes to behaviour on and off the pitch. There were times when players, parents and even coaches forgot what the game was really about. Thankfully, things have improved over the years. More clubs now promote positive behaviour and respect through strong values and policies, and that’s something I truly believe in. As long as we all play our part, football can be something really special for everyone involved.
As the years passed, along with all the goals, wins and losses, my own confidence grew. I wanted to do more than simply watch from the sidelines. What I didn’t realise was just how much goes on behind the scenes. Registering players, safeguarding, FA and league requirements, organising kits, fundraising, arranging presentation evenings, maintaining equipment, managing insurance, booking facilities, paying bills—the list really does go on.
That’s where my AFC Unity story really began.
For me, AFC Unity has always been about so much more than football. Having three boys myself, I wanted them to have positive interests, healthy friendships and opportunities that would help them make good choices as they grew up. That has always been our aim.
We offer opportunities for all our players and coaches—not just to play football but to develop as people. Whether that’s becoming a referee, gaining coaching experience or simply building confidence, we’re here to help. If anyone needs support, they only have to ask. We have so much knowledge within our AFC Unity family, and it’s wonderful when we can share it and help each other grow.
We’re a relatively small club, and as Scott often says, we’d happily run with just one team as long as they had the right attitude, values and love for the game.
Over the years we’ve seen players come and go. Some have moved to other teams and other clubs, and that’s absolutely fine. Everyone has their own journey. We just hope that while they’re with AFC Unity they leave with more confidence, stronger friendships, greater commitment, wonderful memories and, hopefully, plenty of success along the way.
Life can be challenging for all of us sometimes, so I hope AFC Unity is a welcome escape for our players, coaches and parents alike. If we can create a positive environment where everyone feels supported and valued, then everything else—including the football—will take care of itself.
I won’t pretend it’s always easy. Running a grassroots football club takes an incredible amount of hard work, commitment and time behind the scenes. There are days when it can feel overwhelming, but seeing our players smiling, growing in confidence and enjoying football and winning, makes every minute worthwhile.
We are always looking for more people to get involved. You don’t have to be a football expert—just someone willing to lend a hand, whether that’s helping at events, supporting a team, fundraising, sponsoring or volunteering in any way you can. Every little bit of help makes a huge difference and helps us continue giving our children the opportunities they deserve and grow as a club.
So, why do I do it?
Simply because I love it.
Giving something back to our children, our coaches and our families fills me with hope, happiness and, if I’m honest, a real sense of pride knowing I’ve done the very best I can. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing young people enjoying themselves, making friends, overcoming challenges and growing into confident individuals.
Now this season my grandson and maybe my grand daughter will start training with our Minis, and seeing them begin the same journey that my boys started all those years ago is incredibly special. It reminds me exactly why we started AFC Unity in the first place.
I couldn’t do any of this without our amazing team of helpers, coaches, Scott and Amy, and of course our fantastic players and parents. AFC Unity is only possible because people care enough to give their time, and for that I will always be grateful.
For me, AFC Unity isn’t just a football club.
It’s a family, a community and a place where children can believe in themselves, make lifelong friendships and create memories that will stay with them forever.
