It has been a while since competitive football was played on the Charlie Wayman pitches in Chilton, writes Sue Reece.
In fact, its eight years since an adult football team kicked a ball there, but we are getting closer to making it happen.
With the support of Durham FA and the Grounds Maintenance Association (GMA), a long term maintenance programme is underway and last Saturday, thanks to members of Chilton Juniors Football Club (CJFC) and Miners Welfare Trustees, their families and friends, we saw the first pitch marked up ready for the goal posts to be sunk and set later in the week with local groundworks specialist, Jimmy Tyres, kindly volunteering to carry out the work.
There was however one particular star on the day, Jack Clark, who was more than happy to give up his day to help out.
Jack is the first Chilton Juniors player to make the pathway from juniors into the new adult team.
He joined the juniors in 2019 as part of the Umbras under 12’s.
The team had five great seasons coached by Jack’s dad, Ian, who said: “I really enjoyed coaching his team and watch his football development.
“This season he continued playing for another under 17 team, however with the restoration of football to the Charlie Wayman Field he is really looking forward to returning home to play for Chilton Club FC.”
The team’s first training session will be on Sunday 8 June.
We are all looking forward to the time when we can stand on the side-lines and cheer on Jack, his fellow team mates and the other 13 CJFC teams.
Sue Reece
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
