The boys have battled hard this season and deservedly secured the privilege of playing in the final for “The President’s Cup” from the Jack Kalson Junior League.
Most of the team, all originally from different schools across the Isle have played together since eight-years-old for Colts and all but two of them are now together in year 7 at South Axholme School.
Managed by Steve Brewer, whose passion has always been rugby league, growing up in Warrington, his own dreams could have come true as he was offered trials at St Helens when in his 20’s. However, a bad tackle seriously damaged his knee and his rugby days were over. Little did he know that years later he would be walking his team out onto the football pitch at Glanford Park.
His role from parent watching his son, Dan Brewer each week changed to assistant coach at the request of Andy Gillis who was originally manager of this great team. Steve was delighted but worried that he may not live up to the position, as his sporting knowledge was rugby more than football, despite being an avid Liverpool supporter.
Steve took his Level 1 FA coaching course to help him build more confidence and understanding of the game. This along with the knowledge and experience from Andy has helped bring the team on successfully each season they have played.
After a difficult but successful season last year, Andy Gillis decided to step down from role as manager, leaving Steve in rather a quandary as who would manage the team. After sleepless nights and many phone calls but with no volunteers for the position he had no choice and made the
brave decision to give it a go.
Steve’s first training session was a complete disaster.
It was a howling gale and pouring with rain and the whole session was in disarray he wondered what he had let himself in for.
After a few weeks of persistence and determination the team, and Steve, have gone from strength to strength.
Steve then asked another parent, Steve Young to be coach and assist him on match days, which he agreed.
Steve Young is his right hand man and the pair can’t wait for Saturday mornings, planning and plotting their teams moves against their opponents.
Then re-living the match together over the weekend.
The parents, and grandparents brave all weathers to watch the team, planning their holidays and social life around the matches.
Their commitment is second to none.
Also the commitment of the manager and coaching staff, which is all voluntary, the hard work and dedication of this great team and the support of the parents has paid off with the achievement of this wonderful event.
A coach will take the team to the grounds and they will get changed in Scunthorpe United changing rooms and will walk through the tunnel onto the pitch with an official referee and linesman.
Steve Brewer and Steve Young will sit in the dug out and coach the team.
There will be an official programme with a write up of all the players and the match will be recorded and available to purchase as a keepsake for the children.
They really will experience being a football star for the day and who knows they could well be bringing the Presidents Cup back with them.
It is the first time a team from Epworth Town Colts AFC has reached the final so hopefully they will be coming home with the winning trophy.
A great experience for all.
A trophy cabinet may well be in the pipeline.
The team are also through to the divisional cup final this season.
Best of luck to Steve Brewer, Steve Young, Wayne Norton - who recently became assistant coach - and the team.
“A winning trophy would well and truly make up for our lounge being used as a mini football pitch for the last nine years,” said Sue Brewer, Steve’s wife of almost 20 years.
Sue, Dan, Michael and all the family are proud of Steve’s success and wish all the boys a fabulous day to remember- whatever the outcome. SB