INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN IN THE GAME

Over the next week we will be covering some of the most inspirational women in the game as Durham FA come together to celebrate International Women's Day 2023. Next up is Lucy Martin from Bishop Auckland St Mary's.

Find her interview below! 

What is your role within Bishop Auckland St Marys?

Clue Secretary and Club Welfare officer. I am also team Secretary for the U12’s and U8’S

Tell us about how you got involved with Bishop Auckland St Marys?  

Seven Years ago my oldest son decided he wanted to play football, so he joined St Marys at the age of 6 and I volunteered to be the team secretary.  He is now 12 and my youngest son who is 8 also joined the Under 6’s which is when I became the team secretary for them as well.  Around Three years ago the position of Club Welfare officer became available. I was told the club can’t run without one, I had no idea what I was letting myself into but I decided to give it a go.   Just over a year ago the Club Secretary position became available and I was nominated by the other 3 officials in the club to do it. The rest is history.

What do you enjoy about being involved with your role at Bishop Auckland St Marys?

We have around 20 teams in the club, all the managers, coaches and team secretaries are all very close and its nice how we all know each other and work so well as a club.  Everyone is happy to help each other out.   On a Sunday when you see all the teams playing on the fields and seeing the kids happy makes it all worth while and you remember why you do this.

What is your best memory you have faced in this role?

I wouldn’t really say I have a best memory at the moment I would just saying seeing the children start at the age of six and work their way through the age groups and become great team mates and players makes it all worth while.

What are the biggest obstacles you have faced in this role? 

I find the biggest obstacle is trying to keep everyone happy.  This included Parents and coaches.

What advice would you give to females wishing to get involved in roles within the game of football? 

The unknow can be scary but it really is worth just giving it a go and getting involved.  It’s not as hard as it looks and the support you have from the local FA is amazing.  Nothing is ever too much trouble and there is never a silly question.