Jane Dyson: Secretary of Chasetown Youth FC on Making a Difference in Football
Jane Dyson's journey into football began when her two sons started playing the game.
Her youngest son participated in the soccer school and played in a couple of tournaments before being selected to join a team.
It was during this time that Jane first got involved with Chasetown Youth FC. The club was in need of volunteers, and Jane saw an opportunity to contribute by taking on the role of Parent Rep.
From there, Jane's involvement with Chasetown Youth FC only grew. She was asked to take on the position of Welfare Officer, which involved ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the young players, before eventually becoming the General Secretary. When the current General Secretary announced that they would not continue in the role, Jane was asked to step up and take on the position, which she has held for the past six years.
Jane's dedication to football extends beyond her role as Secretary of Chasetown Youth FC. In 2021, she became a Staffordshire FA Council member, which allows her to have a voice in the governing body of football in her region. She also applied for a board member position and saw it as an opportunity to make a difference.
One of Jane's goals is to grow the girls' section and establish a disability team at Chasetown Youth FC. She believes that football should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their gender or abilities. Jane's passion for football goes beyond administrative tasks. She loves seeing the joy on the faces of young players when they receive their end-of-year awards and their match kits. She is also a fan of women's football and is encouraged by the recent growth in the sport.
As a woman in a male-dominated environment, Jane understands the importance of female representation in football. She believes that more women should get involved in the sport and bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Chasetown, there are currently four females on the committee, three coaches, and a new recruit, acting as football liaison between the youth section and the main club to arrange match day mascots.
Jane's commitment to football is rooted in her love for the game and her desire to support her children's involvement. She advises anyone, especially females, looking to get involved in football to embrace it and make a change. With 39 kids' teams and 550 players at Chasetown Youth FC, there are plenty of opportunities for people to get involved and make a difference.