A Harrogate junior football club has chosen the 70th anniversary of one of the most important days in the Second World War to mark its tenth birthday celebrations.
Beckwithshaw Saints Junior Football Club is staging a dinner and dance in the Cedar Court Hotel, on the evening of Friday, June 6 – 70 years to the day of the Normandy D-Day Landings.
The Club’s committee has deliberately chosen this date – and the centenary of the start of the First World War – as a reminder of the sacrifices made by thousands of young men who gave their lives and thus did not have the opportunities today’s children have.
Founded in 2004, the Club is run on a completely voluntary basis by many enthusiastic parents, who all give their valuable time, to make the club a success.
All age groups are run by qualified FA Coaches who have attended and passed the appropriate FA Qualification requirements.
Club Secretary, Andrew Hansen, said: Over the last ten years Beckwithshaw Saints Junior Football Club has become one of the most popular clubs in the Harrogate area.
“The dinner is taking place to celebrate the achievements of all the young players, the dedication of the parents, the passion of the supporters and helpers, and, at the same time, to reflect on those who sacrificed their lives in both World Wars.
We will be paying tribute to the founders of the club, and to thank them for their hard work and tenacity in establishing the Club a decade ago.
The Club, which two seasons ago, introduced a girls section for U10 and U14 players, has established the necessary infrastructure to ensure continuity through all age groups – from the U7s through to the U18s.
Club Chairman, Colleen Jonsen said: It is almost hard to believe that it has been ten years already since we launched the football club. We, members of the committee and the coaches, are extremely proud to be part of such a great football club.
Tickets for the dinner, which are priced at £35 per head, are available from events@bsjfc.com. Proceeds from the event, which also feature guest speakers, including Leeds United legend Norman Hunter – and a charity auction and DJ, are going to the Poppy Appeal and the Beckwithshaw Saints Junior Football Club.
Part of the money raised will go towards a new football venue.
For further information, please contact Joan Maclean-Burley on 07530 185722.
Main photograph: The Beckwithshaw Saints squad with former England international and Middlesbrough manager, Gareth Southgate
