KPFC makes overseas headlines
Alan Greenwood said "We can learn so much from the way the South African parents and children conduct themselves,"
KEMPTON Park Football Club has made the headlines on an overseas news web site, The Lancashire Telegraph.
In an article by Tony Dewhurst published on November 19, he writes about Alan Greenwood’s visit to the country. Greenwood is the Accrington and District Junior Football League’s long-serving secretary.
Greenwood has just returned from South Africa, where he has forged links with Kempton Park Football Club.
Dewhurst wrote: “Mr Greenwood has visited South Africa, where his sister Joan lives, several times in the past and during last month’s journey to the province of Gauteng he made arrangements with the club’s junior coach, Olajide Arigbabu, to watch the junior squad train.
“He also studied the player development programmes and how the World Cup – staged in South Africa in 2010 – has impacted on the country.
“We can learn so much from the way the South African parents and children conduct themselves,” said Greenwood. “Unlike some parents here, who put far too much pressure on their children in junior football, the South African way is for the youngsters to respect their elders, not the opposite.
“There’s no malice or ill-feeling on the field, and the parents are there to offer help and encouragement, not to say that my little Jimmy is going to be the best thing since sliced bread and that he is going to play for Manchester United. Also, they seem to enjoy more success in preparing the youngsters from grassroots football for life in the senior ranks.”
“Kempton Park’s coach was so impressed with Greenwood’s commitment and enthusiasm, he invited him to conduct a special question and and answer session in front of the parents and junior players.
“I also told them about the development of the Accrington and District League too and they were very interested.”
“Mr Greenwood also made a presentation of polo shirts to Kempton Park’s junior squad and he added: “There was a beautiful smile on all their faces, which showed their appreciation. The trip was a fascinating experience and I hope to return soon.”
