Tony Newington is a gentleman who has lived within the city walls for 68 years, it’s a place he loves to call home as “there is so much going on within Canterbury”.
That is indubitably true and one of those many things going on is local football and that’s where Man United and Gillingham fan Tony comes into play. One of Tony’s earliest footballing memories was going to Wembley in 1964 to watch England V Germany in a Schoolboys’ International Football match. The English lads were to lose that game 2-1 but that didn’t take the shine off the experience for Tony. Fast forward 57 years and Tony is still watching schoolboys play football, not as a spectator but manager of Canterbury Eagles Disability teams.
Tony’s been involved with the club for the last eighteen months and he delights in telling CommunityAd “there is so much to enjoy; being part of a Club that is fully inclusive, which allows the coaching team to enable players to develop to their full potential. One particular thing that still brings a lump to my throat is when I was running a under 11 Disability session, the mother of one of the children shed some tears when she thanked me for allowing her child to play football, and it was something she thought would never happen. That is my reward and enjoyment”.
The club seems like a community in itself, an extremely inclusive one as well as a successful one, how do you go about achieving that?
The club is an FA Accredited Community Club, which provides football for all in a safe friendly environment. This has been achieved by all the dedication and hard work, put in by so many people involved with the club. Which in turn brings the benefits of success. Success does not necessary mean winning trophies (which is nice to do) but as mentioned a safe and health environment to play and enjoy football,
How important is it for young people with disabilities to have access to sport? Especially given the last 18 months?
The past 18 months has been difficult period for everyone, when some of the restrictions were lifted, there was a provision for disability teams to train indoors, long before others. This allowed those with disabilities to be able to get out of the isolation environment, to play football and to become active again. They were able to chat to fellow players face to face, ensuring the safe distance rules.
How crucial are volunteering parents? Are the Canterbury Eagles in need of any volunteers?
Parents are vital to the club, without volunteers the club would not be as successful as it is, with so many teams, participating in football. The club is well organised, which attracts players and in turn parents come forward to volunteer to assist the club to further develop to provide inclusive football for all. Yes, the club is always looking for volunteers, with the Disability teams, the club would like to start youth section, so as to enable the younger person to get involved in training and playing football.
Why do you think local football matters and why should readers consider going along to a game and supporting a local side?
In today’s society some young people are lacking direction, needing direction and longing for social connections, that is why football is probably more important than ever. Football gives the opportunity to understand teamwork, the values of each individuals’ role on a team. Not just the players but the volunteers involved with clubs. This is arguably its greatest value, as people long to belong to something that serves a greater good or that is not connected to the internet, people need social interaction and a reliance on others for their success.
One of the main reasons why you should support your local teams is that they are a part of your community. The players will most likely live around you.