Antony Woan - March
Since 1988 Antony has been a Manager of Whitley Juniors Football Club and with 29 years of service, he is the longest continually serving manager in the Coventry & Warwickshire Youth League. Over the years with Whitley Juniors FC Antony has worked with hundreds of children from all walks of life, many of whom have found themselves facing them down the wrong path. Through the game of football Antony has been able to connect with the children and has helped to guide them with the vast majority of these children going on to be law abiding citizens with great careers and families. It is a testament to his success that many have brought their own children back to the club to play football and to benefit from the positive, safe fun and friendly environment which is provided.
Antony has essentially kept the club running for 30 years, during this time he has faced many struggles, from run down facilities to loss of players; these hardships have only encouraged Antony to work harder. He is currently he is in the process of turning a rundown hut on the grounds into something the club can be proud of and a place for the children to go and enjoy. On a daily basis Antony is constantly making arrangements for the club; ordering or picking up kit, arranging for pitches to be marked and all manner of other jobs. Without Antony’s care and devotion the club would struggle and the children would not have a football club in their local area.
To Antony it has never been about recognition, but the joy that the football club gives to children; his actions truly reflect his character and he is a worthy recipient of this Good Citizen Award.