When Shaun Fletcher and his son Ethan found out that the Southport and Ainsdale Amateurs Under 18 team was to fold as the longstanding manager was giving it up, they decided to take on the role, for the last two years of junior football. Shaun with no previous football managerial experience took on the role of manager, with Ethan assisting him, as well as playing for the team.
The team that was brought together as Under 7’s, but had never excelled, finishing bottom of the league most years. Ethan had played for the team several years ago but had moved on to other teams, as had several of the other players.
It started off as a bit of a joke, to basically bring back as many players that had previously played for the team, some which had played for the team since they were 7 years old and give it one last shot at winning the league.
Last year unfortunately the team again finished bottom of the league, as although the season got off to a good start, they were plagued with injury, including Ethan himself who suffered a broken ankle during a game.
This season they did however turn things around and not only achieved their dream of winning the Craven Minor League Under 18 Championship but were also the winners of the Gordon Hyde Price Cup.
Shaun and his players are made up to have done the double in their final year of junior football. To achieve this for the team after winning nothing for the last 10 years, the boys can be proud.
Shaun wants to personally thank all his players for their continued commitment, drive and belief, without them this would not have been possible.
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