As part of the Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust’s 30-year anniversary celebrations, a series of accounts from staff, volunteers, partners and participants have been compiled in the ‘30 Stories for 30 Years’ publication, that also includes the annual Impact Report for 2022.
All of the stories, and the Impact Report, can be viewed online HERE. Should you wish to request a hard copy, please email kristian.hitchins@watfordfc.com.
Next up is the story of young Watford goalkeeper and 2023 Trust Football Champion Alfie Marriott...
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Part of Watford Football Club’s Academy from the age of seven, Alfie is now a goalkeeper in the Hornets’ Under-21 set-up and he has regularly trained with the first-team in recent times.
He may be a shot-stopping sensation while representing the club, but away from professional football, the Trust and their Premier League Kicks sessions bring much-needed respite and a chance to score some goals instead of saving them.
“I had some free time on a Monday and my friends were telling me to come down after school. I used to be a central midfielder and got noticed by a few academies.
“When I went on trial to Watford, I went in goal for one game because there wasn’t a goalkeeper available and I have stayed there ever since! Kicks was a chance to get away from the intense work and just chill. We have so much freedom to play!
“As a goalkeeper, we have to be good with our feet so coming down here and playing outfield has helped with that.
“There always needs to be opportunities like Kicks around. You see so many young people going the wrong way in life.”
PL Kicks is the Premier League’s flagship community programme which is designed to engage young people aged 8-18 years old - of all backgrounds and abilities - with football, sport and personal development activities across Watford, Harrow and Hillingdon. Click HERE for more information.
