Phil Hicks

Lead Early Youth Development Phase coach (U12-14s) at Reading FC | Views are my own

[Grassroots @Teamgrassroots_]

⚠️ A statement from the the Fox Engravers Huddersfield Junior Football League

It genuinely saddens me that I have to write this, but enough is enough. 😢

This is junior football, and what we are currently witnessing is absolutely unacceptable. The behaviour being reported—some of it at U9 matches—is a disgrace. There is no excuse for it, and it must stop immediately. 🛑

Let me be clear: without the volunteers on the league committee, there would be
⚽️ No League
⚽️ No Matches
⚽️ No Opportunity For Your Children To Play

Yet, in just the first four weeks of the season, we've already received 17 welfare reports. 📈

That’s not a typo—17 reports of unacceptable behaviour, and we’re only just getting started.🤯

The impact has already been felt: one of our age group reps, a dedicated volunteer, has stepped down due to the abuse and negativity. 😢

To those responsible — Well Done, you've driven away someone who gave up their own time to support your clubs, coaches, and players. And predictably, no one has come forward to fill their place. 😢

Here’s an excerpt from their message to me, which frankly, is heartbreaking:💔

“Four weeks in, and this has been the worst season I’ve experienced in five years. The moaning, complaining, and the abuse at matches is relentless. I’m exhausted. I’ve lost the enthusiasm to continue. My own kids are no longer involved in football, and I can see why. Other sports don’t have these issues.”

This cannot continue.❗️

❌If things do not improve—and quickly—we will begin removing teams from the league.

❌This isn’t a threat; it’s a necessary step to protect the integrity of junior football and the wellbeing of the volunteers who run it.

To the clubs, coaches, and parents who continue to do things the right way—thank you. 🤝👏🫶

This message isn’t aimed at you, and we appreciate your continued support and respect.🙌

But for those who see themselves in this message: it's time to take a long, hard look in the mirror. Speak to your coaches, players, and parents. Set the standards. Lead by example. Because the current situation is not sustainable.‼️

I’m struggling to keep going with this. The abuse and negativity is wearing down the very people keeping the league alive.😢

Junior football should be a place of enjoyment, learning, and respect. Let’s bring it back to that.🤞

Sincerely

Jon Rayner
Secretary
Huddersfield Junior Football League

#ImportantAnnouncement #hjfl #huddersfield #grassrootsfootball

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🟣 0-2 🟡 || 74' #AVLCRY

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[Brighton & Hove Albion Academy @BHAFC_Academy]

We're pleased to confirm the signing of 18-year-old midfielder Kofi Shaw from Bristol Rovers. 🤝

[Phil Hicks @PhilHicks80]

@LucasVaughan19 Best of luck bud 💪🏻⚽️

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Congratulations to Will Larvin, who was voted the September Player of the Month, sponsored by The Boundary.

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🔢 Age is just a number.

Just how good was Garcia last night? 🤯

#ReadingFC

[Nicholas de-Long @dingdongdelong]

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Thank you, and congratulations Mattijs Korswagen
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We are sending you all love and support as Lucas continues his recovery. 💙

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Andy Murray’s career explained in a single point. Oh my goodness!

[Bristol Rovers @Official_BRFC]

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[Phil Hicks @PhilHicks80]

💪🏻⚽️

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#BristolRovers @roversacademy #UTG

[Phil Hicks @PhilHicks80]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 amazing news. Very proud. Well done Jezza ⚽️ 💪🏻

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💬 "It's a huge privilege to have signed professional terms at the club I've grown up with."

👏 Congratulations on your first professional contract, Jerry!

#BristolRovers

[Phil Hicks @PhilHicks80]

👌🏻

[Bristol Rovers @Official_BRFC]

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#BristolRovers @roversacademy

[Bristol Rovers @Official_BRFC]

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⬅️ Hoole
➡️ Greenslade

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📋 This evening's @PapaJohnsTrophy starting XI!

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[Phil Hicks @PhilHicks80]

🙌🏻👌🏻

[Bristol Rovers @Official_BRFC]

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#BAFC 0-4 #BRFC

[Bristol Rovers @Official_BRFC]

📋 Today's #BristolRovers XI to take on @burtonalbionfc!

⚡️ Gordon starts!