AFC Leyton Newsletter – February 2023
Message from the Chief Welfare Officer
Mental well-being- what’s it got to do with football?
Physical exercise is a great way to support children’s well-being. Encouraging your child to take part in something they love whilst getting the physical and mental health benefits is a great place to start with supporting them.
Research shows that’s 99% of children ‘do better’ when adults consistently praise and use positive encouragement (Blumfield et al 2006). Positive encouragement increases children’s interest and engagement and therefore will contribute to their skill set overall. More importantly, when children are encouraged for their effort, it naturally boosts their self esteem, empowerment and confidence. It’s great to be part of a football club that upholds empowerment of female footballers by positive language and encouragement from supporters.
After a successful ‘Silent Sidelines’ campaign by The FA that AFC Leyton supported, we will be observing this again on 25th and 26th February. It would be great if parents and players could support Mental Health Week too.
New Players & New Coach
We would like to give a warm welcome to Billie who has joined the Under 11 Wyverns. Welcome Billie!
We would also like to announce the new U8’s Coach – Karl Howson. Welcome Karl!
Car Registration - Exemption List
As you may know, Sainsbury’s have a 3 hour parking limit. We are able to exempt your car by providing your registration number. Please log into your LoveAdmin account and enter your registration number. Management will receive an email and add you to the exemption list.
If you also receive a fine, please also make us aware so we are able to cancel this for you.
Advertise Here
Do you run a business? You can advertise on our newsletter.
Get in touch – comms@afcleyton.co.uk
Newsletter Submissions
Like to submit something to our newsletter?
Send your ideas to info@afcleyton.co.uk
General Updates
Upcoming Events
- Wellbeing Week ‘Express Yourself’: 6th-12th February
- Silent Sidelines: 25th-26th February
- International Womens Day: Wednesday 8th March
- Ramadan: 22nd March-21 April
- Butlins: Friday 12th to Monday 15th May
- Parents vs Coaches Match: Friday 9th June
- New Home Kit: September 2023
Vacancies: We are looking to fill the following vacancies
- Development Coach
- Club Physio
Meet the Coach
Jemma Stroud - Under 12s Wyverns Manager
What team do you support?
I support Spurs.
Who is your favourite player?
My fav female player is Ella Toone, I think her technique is amazing.
When did you start your football journey? And what position did/do you play?
I started playing football with my dad and brother when I was around 5 years of age. Me and brother used to go to a Saturday morning football session, it was all boys so I was the only girl. However that never stopped me getting involved! I fell in love with the game and that love has continued. I started off playing in midfield, I played centre and right wing. Playing at right back is where I ended my time of playing.
Did you face any barriers when playing football?
I wouldn’t necessarily say it was a barrier, however I was playing with and against boys up until I entered secondary school and found a girls team to join. Playing with boys made me have to battle hard in training and games.
My real barrier would have been my knee injury. The injury is what led me into becoming a coach.
What is/are your favourite memory/ies at AFC Leyton?
My fav memory is when I took half my team to a super league tournament and we won on penalties. The atmosphere from the girls and parents was amazing. Seeing their facial expressions when we won was great.
When did you start coaching and why?
I started my coaching in 2019, I was in my second year at uni. I had just had a knee operation so wasn’t able to play football, was going along to my uni teams training to help out and came to the realisation that coaching is something I really enjoy. I qualified as a futsal coach as well, so at uni I started to run the futsal sessions on Saturday mornings and used to deliver football after school clubs to primary school kids. I then went on to coach at Leyton when I left uni.
What do you enjoy the most about being a coach?
I enjoy that coaching is a way for me to still be involved in the game. I love it when my team put into play on a Sunday what we practised in training. Also seeing smiles and having fun.
What song would you sing at Karaoke?
I would sing wannabe by the Spice Girls.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pasta in a smoked bacon and tomato sauce.
Comments from Harry:
Jemma has a fantastic level of detail when coaching, she is always willing to help and her friendliness makes her a brilliant coach. Jemma can relate to her players and her ability to build excellent an rapport with players is admirable. I am super grateful to have Jemma with us at AFC Leyton! Keep up the great work, Jem.
Jemma with her team
First Team News
Brogan Brooks announced as AFC Leyton’s new First Team captain!!!
Introducing Naomi Jackson who has successfully signed to our first team last week, transferring from Watford Ladies.
Scoring on her her debut game on Sunday against Wimbledon, Naomi was delighted to have joined the club.
Naomi tells us “AFC Leyton represents everything I love about football. I’m so happy to have signed with this club”
From 1st Team Manager – Harry: “Naomi is a fantastic addition to the team. Her pace, energy and technical ability is frightening and I’m thrilled to have her at the club!”
In other news...
Premier League donates to AFC Leyton
Press Release: Premier League Donates to AFC Leyton
Leadership Contacts
- Harry Cuthbert, Chair (chair@afcleyton.co.uk)
- Nicola Gallagher, Club Secretary (secretary@afcleyton.co.uk)
- Chloe Connell, Chief Welfare Officer (welfare@afcleyton.co.uk)
Operations Contacts
- Nicola Gallagher, Registrations Officer (registrations@afcleyton.co.uk)
- Nicola Cuthbert, Treasurer (accounts@afcleyton.co.uk)
- Louise McGing, Press & Comms (comms@afcleyton.co.uk)
