This afternoon, we were thrilled to recognise the dedication that our constituent, Jon Lister, has given to many of our local grassroots football clubs. Jon was presented with his award by the Mayor of Wigan, Cllr Kevin Anderson.For over 20 years now, Jon has coached both children and adults, male and female. In his own words, Jon's main reason for this unwavering commitment to grassroots football is to give back to the community. He has a strong belief that the longer people are playing football, the better people they turn out to be.
Beginning at Hawkley Bridge Juniors, Jon coached the team to win trophies in three seasons. After that, he joined Winstanley, and in the decade he was there, Jon's teams won the "Fair Play" Award for ten years running. In addition, Jon picked up the "Coach of the Year" Award whilst the team played in the Warrington League.
Whilst at Winstanley, Jon also coached an adult team, which he took from a struggling team that was losing every week to a winning team. But more importantly, he brought together a group of young men to a form strong bond that still holds together to the present day! During the season that Jon left Winstanley, both of his teams won trophies and in doing so, created great memories for the players on both teams.
After leaving Winstanley, Jon took a team of young lads to Ashton Town to test them at a higher level. Again, after a slow start, the team playing in the then-Lancashire league (Thursday Nights) finished the season as a winning team, along with John Eastham.
The next stop was Garswood United, who play in the Cheshire League, and onto a very different challenge, where Jon and John Eastham, brought together a club that had been struggling on and off the field. In the eight short months that followed, Jon led the team to 5th in the table; secured new kits for the players; had subs collected; and players were back in the bar after each game, leading to a club in a healthy position.
Jon then left with John Eastham to form AFC Wigan, with the aim of giving players of all abilities the chance to play football on Scot Lane pitches. After a lot of hard work, the club secured a license for the pitches. Jon's ultimate aim is to give the wider community pitches that players can be proud to be a part of: for now and for the future.
This is just a brief overview of Jon's involvement in local grassroots football over the last two decades: coaching hundreds of children and adults in our town; missing only a handful of training sessions; and never missing a league or friendly that his team has taken part in. And that is without mentioning Jon's two best qualities: his management skills, and the pure passion he has for all the players, coaches and parents that he meets.
So, to Jon, for putting your life and soul into grassroots football, we cannot thank you enough. Now as Chairman of AFC Wigan, and through your love of sport and football, you inspire and support people from all walks of life in our community, to bring out the very best in them.
The word "legend" is often used but in your case, there is no doubt that it is true. You are a true inspiration to many, and we applaud you!
- Cllr Draper & Cllr Dawber
Comments
Post a Comment