This Saturday saw Suffolk County Councillor Gordon Jones, Cabinet Member for Children Services, Education & Skills and his partner, Babergh Councillor Jennie Jenkins, being joint guest of honour at the biggest outdoor sporting gathering ever in the village history of Capel St Mary, South Suffolk.

The local football club, Capel Plough had its biggest ever Junior Presentation Day with numerous free-to-use bouncy castles and stalls for the hundreds of its young players and siblings; plus a barbeque and cafe. Many parent verses player matches were played with particularly the dads being reminded that their playing days are truly over.

Capel Plough FC has been persistently featured in the media including press and television this year regarding the phenomenal success that in just 18 months, the club has gone from zero girls’ teams to six and now has an official FA Girls’ Wildcat Centre that was recently opened by the local MP. The club’s success is chiefly due to the selfless mum, dad and grandparent volunteers and the very supportive Capel St Mary village community and beyond. Additionally, the involvement of local business woman, Carol Rogerson who is the owner of the Ranelagh Road, Ipswich McDonalds’ restaurant has been vital to the rapid expansion of the girls’ club section. Carol and her dedicated team were present throughout the Junior Presentation Day, handing out free bottles of water and healthy snacks to the hundreds of young players.

Cllr Gordon Jones and Cllr Jennie Jenkins presented a plethora of medals and trophies to many of the young players there. The day was an outstanding example of a local community coming together and supporting its young people in the pursuit of healthy, fun and competitive grassroots sport - which is not always easy in today’s climate of smartphone apps and computer games.

Cllr Gordon Jones commented, ‘It was great to see so many local youngsters enjoying and playing football on the community pitches, and I’m sure the Capel Plough FC will go from strength to strength, especially now the Girls teams are so well established.'

Cllr Jennie Jenkins said, ‘It was a privilege to be invited to the Junior Presentation Day at Capel and witness so many enthusiastic young people playing football, being cheered on by their siblings and their parents.'

 A fine example of a family day out.

One of Capel Plough FC Kraken U15s girls, Aimee Collins commented, ‘It’s the only time of year when my team has the opportunity to play a football match against our parents. I just love winning against my dad. It’s also great to meet again Carol from McDonald's who sponsors my team. I am now thinking about being a business woman like her as a career if I don’t become a professional footballer. Today has been great day!’