Enabling Our Players
by Colin Woods
Many thanks for taking the time to learn about our club. My name is Colin Woods, and I was honoured to be appointed Club Chair in May 2022. I became Chair because I love the club ethos, which enables players to enjoy the game and is based on three fundamental principles:
- Everyone is welcome at the club, subject to player capacity, regardless of ability or background
- Being competitive at the right level for the players
- Providing the foundation for the players to continue to enjoy playing later in life
My daughter and son play for the club, and my wife is an active volunteer (Kit guru and provider of the best Saturday morning bacon sandwich, no less).
To provide the most enjoyable playing experience possible, our club relies on many volunteers, all playing vital roles in maintaining the culture and ethos that makes our club unique. I, as Chair, value the role everyone plays, I listen to what they say, and their input enables the following people to build our future.
Running the Club
Every successful club requires a robust governance structure and safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. Our Welfare Officer, Anna Yates, works closely with myself and the coaches to proactively review and consider any potential safeguarding issues in how we work as a club. This robust approach enables us to provide a safe and enabling environment for all players.
Prudent financial management is vital and our treasurer, Joe Greenaway, provides the foundations that enable us to offer a very competitive annual subscription fully supported by ongoing investment in kit, equipment, and facilities.
Enabling boys and girls teams to play regularly across several leagues requires strong rigour and full oversight of the club. Our club secretaries, Paul Devine (boys/mixed) and James Felton (Girls), oversee our governance and compliance with great effectiveness, building trust and respect across the club.
We seek to communicate as simply as possible both through this website and other platforms. Parent liaison is crucial and through our newsletters, briefing notes and social media updates, everyone is kept up to speed with relevant events.
Playing the Game
Boys/Mixed Lead Coach: Chad Heuston
Chad is the under 9s boys coach and has been the lead coach for boys/mixed teams at Walton Warriors Football Club for the last two seasons.
Having spent his playing career in semi-professional football for over 15 years, his passion is now in coaching and developing young local players.
Chad is looking to continue his coaching qualifications to ensure he is able to continue helping young players with their individual development. He also wants to build an enjoyable and competitive environment where players feel confident expressing themselves.
Girls Lead Coach: Geoff Wootton
Geoff is the under-11s girls’ coach and took on the role of lead coach for girls at Walton Warriors at the beginning of the 2024/25 season (with girls’ teams ranging from under-8s to under-15s).
His approach encourages every player to bring the best version of themself to every training session or match by providing a nurturing yet competitive environment.
Chad Heuston
