TESTWAY YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE - Founded in 1988

Christmas & New Year message

Wishing all players, parents, volunteers, teams, clubs and officials in the league a well earned break over the festive season and a Happy New year in 2025.

We look forward to a great second half of the Season in all our ages/divisions.

ALLAN MITCHENER OBITUARY

It was very sad that we advised the League of the passing of Allan Mitchener on 5th November 2024. His family were by his side. His sudden loss has been deeply felt by his loved ones and the many communities he supported.

Allan's dedication to youth football began in 1989, when he joined the Testway Youth Football League (then known as the 120 League) just a year after its inception. Over the next 35 years, Allan became a cornerstone of the league, volunteering his time and expertise to ensure its success. He joined the small Management Committee right away and took on the role of Registrations Secretary. A year later, he became the Competitions Secretary, a position he held for many years, where he was responsible for organizing the league’s cup competitions, most notably the Gills Tournament, now known as the Jock McClorey Tournament.

Allan’s work for the tournament was legendary and his efforts ensured many players enjoyed football at any level they achieved. These competitions involved in excess of 100 teams. The task for these tournaments was monumental. It required Alan to arrange pitches, set fixtures, and meticulously plan for. His attention to detail and the countless hours he spent ensuring these tournaments ran smoothly were nothing short of remarkable. His accurate planning allowed less experienced teams to have a fairer chance of achieving which earned him the admiration of all.

In addition to the Tournaments Allan played a key role in managing the Challenge Cup Competitions, adding his own unique touch by using a bag of golf balls with numbers on them to start the cup draw. His sense of humour and ability to bring people together was an integral part of the league’s success.

Allan’s presence was felt at every cup final and presentation day, where he was known for his reliability, willingness to help, and infectious laugh. He made lasting friendships with players, coaches, and committee members alike, always going above and beyond for the benefit of the league and its participants. His warmth and dedication will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

To honour Allan’s legacy, the league has decided to rename the Under 7's Jock McClorey Tournament to the Allan Mitchener Tournament, starting this season. This tribute reflects his enduring impact on the league and his commitment to the players and families he served so selflessly.

Allan leaves behind a legacy of kindness, hard work, and a love for youth football that will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Latest Information from The FA

FA update on the future of youth football in England | England Football

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