Two local football stalwarts are doing their bit to keep a junior team going in Distington.
There was a serious threat that Grass Road Sharks would fold when two long-serving coaches decided to finish.
Keith Scott, whose grandson had joined the club a few months earlier, volunteered to take it on – but he needed help.
He said: “I was down the walking football at St Joseph’s one night and I just happened to say to one of them playing if anybody would be interested in running a kids team.
“I don’t know why I asked this particular chap but it was Kenny Wallace and he said instantly that he would help.
“We have only one team for Under-10s and because there was a possibility that the team was going to fold we only have nine players at the moment.
“But there is a good group of parents at the club and they have put out fliers and messages on social media and we hope to have around 16 for starting next season.
“We train on a Monday night and I really look forward to the sessions. The kids are all keen and we just want to keep the club going.”
Scott, 55, used to play for Solway FC in Silloth, Distington and was captain of a Brewery House team which won a promotion in the Workington Sunday League.
His new co-coach Kenny Wallace, 69, played seven times for Workington Reds in the Football League and played locally with the likes of Coronation, Moorclose, Cumberland Star and Bluebell.
He said: “When Keith (known as Vinny to everyone) came across and mentioned the kids needing someone I agreed to help. We can’t have junior teams folding because there aren’t enough people to run them.
“The kids are very keen and if we can just get a few more to join us I’m sure we will have a nice little squad.
“At that age what the kids need to do is enjoy their football.”
Grass Road Sharks aim to be playing Under-10s next season in the West Cumbria Youth League.
