Champeones!!! Union Jack F.C.

When the news is full of multimillion pound transfers in the English Premier League and players salaries becoming incomprehensible it is difficult to assimilate these to the real game, the grass roots game where all young footballers start.

Whilst a lot of noise is made around the big clubs and community it is actually the small community clubs that play a huge part as the glue in local areas.
Union Jack F.C. is one such club and formed just over 3 years ago by Shaun Williamson (Makers Site Manager) in the previous mining village of Goldthorpe in South Yorkshire.

The team plays in the Mexborough District League and since it’s creation within the Union Jack Memorial Club has gone from strength to strength achieving 2 promotions in 3 years and now entering the Mexborough Premier League after winning the Division One Championship.

The town has seen many challenges since its pit closure in 1994 and it has taken many years for it to attract new industry and with its traditional terrace housing and population of just under 7300 the team represents the true grit and determination of the area.

In footballing terms Union Jack F.C are the sexiest team on the planet. Played 18, Won 14, Drawn 3 and Lost 1, finishing Champions. In this remarkable season they scored 105 goals conceding only 56, that’s scoring a goal every 15 minutes, compared to the Triple Title Winners Manchester City who only managed a goal every 36 minutes.

Union Jack F.C. amassed just under 6 goals per game over twice that of Manchester City, Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain. Their squads average age is 22 with their oldest and winner of the Managers Player of the Year; Ash Townsend a mere 31!

In terms of cost per goal Union Jack F.C. was around £5,000 per goal and with Manchester City Squad valued at just over £860 million costing £9.15 Million per goal.

Simon Lamb, Managing Director of Makers Construction attended the teams Gala Presentation night to present the clubs awards plus the leagues winning medals to the winning squad.

Club winners included Jack Merrick who picked up Top Goal Scorer, scoring 30 goals in 22 games as well as the Players Player Award.
Jacks scoring record has continued since he signed for the club netting 73 goals in 54 appearances as well as capturing the Leagues Golden Boot Award, made even more remarkable given he never takes freekicks or penalties with all his goals coming from open play.

Ash Townsend took the Managers Player Award for his continued contribution, reliability and defying his age at 31. He remains pivotal to the team’s defence and provides that wise head on old shoulders.

“I have been immensely impressed by the team and the work that Sean, Jason Renshaw and Adam Stevenson have done with the team. I’ve been honoured to present their awards and being here has really reinforced what this team means to the community and all the guys, mums, friends and family associated with the team”.

Simon Lamb, Makers Managing Director

“Makers have been fantastic without their help and support the club couldn’t function and it means so much to the guys. We really appreciate Simon being here tonight to present the awards and meet the lads”.

Shaun Williamson, Makers Site Manager

The Union Jack Club have also recognised the demand for places within the first team and so over the past year introduced a development team run by Ian Stevenson, Joe Jordon and Rob McCrevy. Starting in the Second Division of the Mexborough League the team had a very successful first campaign winning over half of their 20 matches and netting over 65 goals.

Mason McCrevy and Callum Thorpe both finished top scorers with 9 goals and Lewis White picked up both the Players Player and Manager Awards on the night.
“Simon has done a fantastic job and been great with the lads, each of them wants to progress to the first team”.

Rob McCrevy

The Union Jack team are a family affair which has also been replicated within the firm with family members joining Sean and working with Makers. The team’s success is a sign of the dedication and hard work put in by all those behind the scenes from the Union Jack Club itself to the famous and much-loved Kit Ladies and to all those who give their time freely so others can continue to participate actively in sport.

“It’s not easy for these clubs and it’s especially important for areas like Goldthorpe to have a winning team and identity… and with that in mind Makers will also be sponsoring the Union Jack Development Team next season and wish both teams every continued success for the future”.

Simon Lamb, Makers Managing Director

Makers would like to offer their congratulations to both Union Jack F.C. and the Union Jack Development and wish them well for the coming season.

At the end of the evening the Union Jack team made a presentation to Makers Managing Director to mark the occasion and thank Makers for the support to both teams. The mirrored presentation was designed by Shaun’s wife Sherrie and will take pride of place in Makers Head Office in Shenstone.