They never win and most weeks lose by 9 or more goals but they always leave with a smile and a laugh.
Rich started the team because his partners 2 deaf sons had nowhere to play. Not a week goes by when the mental health and happiness of the team isn’t at the forefront of his mind. We have boys that have been turned down by other teams because they had never played. We have boys who have additional needs, my son especially who ASD affected his every day. He started 2 years ago with Rich and would cry every single training day and match, now he couldn’t be any different, he looks forward to football, he loves the friends he has made and the football family.
Let’s hear what the parents and players think of him below.
We think Rich is an amazing person and has always put the kids needs first. When Lelan first started this team a year ago he told us to him it isn’t about winning and is only it in for the kids and has definitely shown that, he doesn’t care if a child has disabilities or any difficulties all he want is the kids to have fun playing football and to come away with a smile on their face and that is what it is all about. He always encourages the lads to try their best and cheers them along the way. He has made every child feel so welcome from the start . We really can not thank Rich enough for what he has done for our son , even when he had broken his ankle he always wanted to know how he was doing and for us to keep him informed about him. This is why we think Rich really deserves this award as a big thank you for everything he does for our kids ???? Leony Booker
We think rich deserves the award because not only does he have the patience of a Saint but many managers would just put their head down and give up but he never does. The amount Freddie has developed since joining is massive and made him love the game not winning. Sean Lockwood
Couldn’t think of anyone better. Jayden had zero confidence due to his ADHD and anxiety. He’s been “labelled” all his life due to this. Some parents have purposely kept their children away from him due to him being portrayed as the “naughty kid”. However since playing for Rich he’s really shone and come out of his shell. Making me very proud. He really likes Rich especially because he loves WWE just as much as Jayden lol. Natasha
Definitely deserves it. He absolutely doesn’t care about winning or anything as long as the kids are happy. An amazing quality to have.❤❤ Marc Askew
I think rich should be rewarded because he’s firm but extremely fair and gentle with all boys he gives everyone a chance play a game they love never puts them down and also tests their talents and strengths in different positions giving everyone the chance to play in every match couldn’t think of a more fitting coach to win this award xx Tamara
All the times we could have given up. Especially me after our 1st 2 seasons. But Rich was right there saying “Baby I will sort it, I always do, I wont let you down” and true to his word he has never let me down or the kids. Yes it’s a tough game but it has its rewards. The, smiles and laughs in the hard times and the thanks we get from most. He truly in my heart deserves it. Julie Stansfield
Rich has supported Joey through some of his darkest days, he supported him when he lost his uncle and ensured he kept his passion, he gave Joey a place to feel like he was apart of a team despite his feet. Samara Pickering
Rich whole heartedly deserves this award. He came into mine and my twins boys life just 3 weeks before deciding he would be their football manager and take on the huge task and responsibility that comes with it, after my boys were left with no team to play for. Rich dedicates so much time and effort to the children with an insane amount of passion. Rich recognises that football is a game and there should be no boundaries for anyone to play and it is an inclusive sport for all to enjoy regardless of ability or disability. Both my children were born deaf and already had so many barriers to overcome but thanks to him football isnt one of them. He is supporting of every child and adapts to their personal needs and makes it look easy. 5 seasons on the team is going strong and we all feel like a family thanks to his determination and strength. Seeing the man you love take children with little to no confidence and self esteem thrive and grow not just in football but in all aspects of life is so special and I will forever be eternally grateful to him. Xx Julie Stansfield.
I nominated Rich as he started to coach and manage the team because his partner Julie’s twins were born with congenital deafness, and they had nowhere to play. There isn’t a week that goes by when the mental health and happiness of the team isn’t at the forefront of Rich’s mind. For a few years he managed the team training and Julie covered all the paperwork side as they built a team. We have boys that have been turned down by other teams because they had never played for a team before. We have boys who have additional needs and learning delays, and this includes my son who is affected everyday due to ASD. When we moved I couldn’t find a team willing to accept him despite him having trained since he was 3 years old because as soon as I mentioned ASD they had no spaces. Oliver started 2 years ago with Rich and would cry every single training day and match and not just once, now he couldn’t be any different, he looks forward to football, he loves the friends he has made and the football family. Not one of these boys are judgemental and they support each other with everything.
They don’t win and most weeks lose by 9 or more goals but they always leave with a smile and a laugh. They then come back together to go again. This is all down to the way Rich has always reinforced that it’s not about winning, it’s about going out there and having some fun and enjoying.
The most used phrase from Rich is keep your heads up boys, your’e doing fantastic.
