About

New for this season is the formation of Churwell Lions Girl’s Section, a longtime goal of club Deputy Secretary Sandra Maryniak, initially with a single team at the Under 12’s age group. However the club along with its school partners will be endeavouring to launch a number of additional teams for next season. If there are any players or coaches interested in becoming involved in this exciting development please contact Sandra, e-mail girls@churwell-lions.co.uk.

Over the last twelve months the Lions have been working towards Charter Standard status. We now have over 20 quaulified coaches all with First Aid and Child Protection certification and they along with all our helpers are C.R.B. checked. The clubs Open Age section became Charter Standard last summer and the Junior section is awaiting official confirmation that it too has been awarded the mark. Next season we will be pushing for Development status as Churwell Lions is a strong believe in the FA’s quest for excellence in Junior Football.

Over the years the club’s been very proud to represented Churwell and Morley when it has traveled to Siegen in Germany or hosted their visits to play friendly football matches. More recently we have forged links with Rockmount FC, Roy Keene’s former club. The connection has developed through Sonny Sweeny’s friendships made while playing for Cork Town in the 70’s and last Easter two teams made the trip from Ireland to play two Lions teams. Sonny also arranged for Rockmount to play academy teams from Leeds United and Oldham Athletic as well as a visit to Elland Road to watch that Saturdays match. Two Churwell teams are now finalising plans for their trip to Cork this coming Easter, as you can imagine the trip to the Emerald Isle is as eagerly anticipated by the parents as much as it is by the players.

The club works hard at its community relationships and responsibilities. It has strong links with our local schools where the teams play their home matches. Over the past two years we have worked very closely with Richard Elstub, Headteacher of Morley Victoria Primary School, developing the school’s Nepshaw Lane playingfield. More recently our long relationship with Bruntcliffe High School has lead to an exciting opportunity to come together and develop additional sports facilities. A big thank you to Lynda Johnson, Headteacher of the school for her tremendous support and encouragement in working towards the goals we all have for our club.

Churwell Lions prides its self on being and inclusive football club. While it’s great to see ex-players succeeding in the sport, the main thrust of the club is to provide a venue for eager footballers of varying abilities to come together and have a great time, learn some valuable life lessons and make friends that could last a life-time.

If you are a local footballer, coach or manager and are interested in joining Churwell Lions, E-mail our secretary Phill Saxton at secretary@churwell-lions.co.uk.

The start of next years football season will mark the 25th anniversary of Churwell Lions Junior Football Club, and founder and President Sonny Sweeny is looking forward to celebrating the occasion. Sonny an ex-professional footballer with Leeds United and Cork City formed the club in 1982 hoping to encourage local Churwell kids to play and enjoy football. The clubs footballing success and longevity is testament to the founder’s hard work and foresight. Over the past 25 years, thanks to the clubs many managers and coaches, thousands of local children have enjoyed the camaraderie of team sport, excellent football coaching and importantly these day’s lots of outdoor exercise. As well as being great fun many of the clubs players go on to play football to a high standard, either with local amateur or even professional clubs. Currently Leeds United has two ex-Lions on their books, Gavin Rothery and Jonathan Howson who have been on the fringes of the first team, although as you will all know Jonathan has caught the eye of the new manager Denis Wise. Success stories like theirs gives hope to the many young players we currently have associated with professional teams like Leeds United, Manchester United, Bradford City and Huddersfield Town