AN INTERVIEW WITH THE REFORMED GLAPWELL FC'S CHAIRMAN, JAMIE WAJS...

How did you first become involved with Glapwell and what were your goals at the time?

“My initial involvement came from an enquiry into the availability and renting of the football pitch at Hall Corner, which then evolved over a few weeks into the proposition of reforming Glapwell FC. 

The first goal was to form a senior team capable of competing in the Central Midlands League, which wasn’t easy during the current pandemic and the ever changing restrictions this had brought to football.” 

How have you been involved in football through the years? Playing, coaching, administration?

“I have been involved in football for many years now, as a player, manager, coach and scout, including grassroots, semi-pro and academy soccer, in which I still coach part-time. So, you could say that I have picked up a variety of football experience and also some useful contacts on my journey in the game.”

Have the villagers supported you fully since work has started?

“We have had a positive response from the village and surrounding area since reforming. Our social media has received many supportive messages of late and also good wishes, with people glad to see Glapwell FC back in business. The home games have been well supported too from folks in the surrounding area, as well as by ground-hoppers from further afield.” 

MY MOUTH WATERS AT THE SIGHT OF A GANTRY...

How bad a state was the stadium in when you became involved? 

“The stadium required a little TLC but there was nothing too major to do, as the pitch had been in use prior to the reforming of the club. Therefore the groundsman had continued to maintain and cut the grass on the playing surface. It was really just a case of putting the grandstands and surrounding areas into better fettle, with minor repairs, a lick of paint here and there and basically preparing the ground for the visit of spectators again. 

The major work though has been to reinstate the clubhouse, which, due to the roof coverings disappearing, has caused water ingress and damage to the interior of the building. 

We are currently running a JustGiving page to help with funds to repair/improve thew clubhouse and hopefully bring it back into use…” 

GODS, THIS CLUBROOM NEEDS HELP...

Was the 2020-21 season always going to be the one in which you wanted to complete the re-emergence of Glapwell FC?

“The main target this season was to re-establish the club by fielding a competitive first-team, with the objective of winning promotion to the Central Midlands League North and building from this foundation to progress up the FA’s step system."

You have started well enough, so what ambitions for the club do you harbour, as Chairman? 

“As the Chairman, as well as wanting on-field success for the first-team, I would like to see the club continue to grow within the community, establish itself as the hub for the village and grow a healthy junior section for local children and those from the surrounding areas to be part of the club and thus be proud of it.” 

Are you secure financially for the foreseeable future?

“This year has been a tough one for most clubs, financially and like others we have lost a few sponsors due to the current climate. However, we continue to pick up smaller sponsorships, hold regular fundraising events and, as mentioned above, we have a JustGiving page to help with the required maintenance and clubhouse improvements.”

I THINK THE THUMB  MEANS 'THE ONLY WAY IS UP'...

How did you settle on Dave Turner and Lee Fletcher as the guys to coach the first team? 

“I have known Dave Turner through football for a good number of years now, mostly having played against him (and usually winning…) From talking to him about the vacancy, it became evident that he had an extensive knowledge of good, local players and also a passion for football and being successful. This made him the ideal man to get what some people have called a ‘massive’ project off the ground. 

Dave has also brought Lee Fletcher on board, who himself played locally, down at Doe Lea and has the apt coaching experience to assist Dave, someone he works well with.”

This will surely be a community club, so what are your plans for kids’ teams and are you planning to involve the community in future decisions made?

“The community side of things is big for the club and is very much the way of the future for Glapwell FC. We currently have an U14 team and also run a regular Sunday morning children’s football session for 4-6 year olds. This is already proving to be popular, which is growing weekly and we now have an U7 team ready for the 2021-22 season.

So, we are building the club up from the bottom and I have had enquiries and interest shown in offering further junior age group teams. I like to say: ‘The stronger the roots, the bigger the tree!’

I am very excited about our future, as we will look to grow Glapwell FC further, as a club for all, which welcomes everyone…”

BLUE SKIES AHEAD FOR GLAPWELL FC...

Jamie Wajs, Chairman, Glapwell FC...