With the start of the 2018/19 season fast approaching, one grassroots club in North Yorkshire and Teesside benefited from the time and resources of each member of staff at the North Riding County Football Association, who dedicated a full day to aid the club’s preparation for the new campaign.

Thirsk Falcons Football Club, based at Thirsk Leisure Centre, were named the winners of an open competition for all clubs affiliated to the North Riding FA, who would benefit from volunteer support from the County FA staff.

As a result, on Tuesday 24 July, the team from North Riding County FA downed tools for the day, so as to allow them to make a difference in the local community.

Over the course of the day, North Riding FA staff provided a fresh lick of paint throughout Thirsk Falcons’ clubhouse, with some members of the team turning their hands to some landscaping work outside the facility.

Andy Clay, Football Development Manager at North Riding FA, said: ‘‘It was a big task that we faced, but everyone rolled their sleeves up and got stuck in.

“Thirsk Falcons Football Club were fantastic hosts, keeping us well hydrated and making us feel very welcome.

“As well as helping clubs and the communities they support, we know volunteering is good for our team members and consequently strengthens us as an organisation. Our staff gain tremendous personal satisfaction and, in many cases, are able to build their own skills in terms of communication and team-work, as well as gaining a really good understanding of how our local clubs operate. For North Riding FA, that means better-rounded people.”

Thirsk Falcons field a number of junior teams and a veterans’ team, in addition to the senior men’s team, who will be competing in the North Riding Football League this season.