Welcome to Garforth Junior Football League…

We all want to win don’t we? No-one wants to be a loser, but this is football and it’s a competitive sport, so one team has to be the team that doesn’t win, so we’d really like all of you to do us a favour this coming season. Finish the match with a handshake and if you are on the losing team, do it with dignity (no one likes a show-off or a cry baby!). Save diving for the swimming pool and tell the team whinger to give it a rest and get on with the game.

And here’s a few tips for success for all budding Guardiolas out there; Recognise that you won’t get all your calls right – just like the referee. Your players look up to you and follow your lead. If you rant and rave, then so will they, so show some humility to those around, you’ll be amazed how much comes back to you. Put yourself in their position and think of how you’d react if some moron started shouting at you. You’re supposed to be a coach, so start coaching!

Finally parents… It is a game, it’s not tribal warfare! Yes football is a contact sport and there may be some ‘physical’ tackles, and it’s good to question if a player was going for the ball, and nine times out of ten, he will be. If he isn’t, leave it to the referee! It’s not the final of the Champions League.

If that doesn’t work, come and join us on the committee of the Garforth League. We’re always looking for proactive volunteers and would love to hear your thoughts and ideas…