As a small child I knew little about football, but I was aware of the Football League and my local team, Aston Villa. I was born in Sutton Coldfield but lived in Great Barr and I visited my Nan and Granddad on a weekly basis in neighbouring Ebrook Road. I saw the big light stanchions and often wondered who played there. I remember being 8 and asking my mom (who had lived in Sutton until her 30's), “was it a real football team?” My mom replied “well I think so, I have never been, but they do play football”. Those words stayed with me.

As a teenager and into adulthood I got into football in a big way supporting Aston Villa. I went to matches regularly and made sure I watched Saint and Greavesy (remember them!) and match of the day. I was a season ticket holder at Villa until 2012 when I started to fall out of love with the game. Money, the buying of massively expensive foreign players, and the demise of the national game; not to mention the amazing acting of the players diving and rolling around on the floor faking injury will continue to convince me that relinquishing my season ticket was the right decision for me.

Several years later my son turned 8 and asked me the same question I asked my mom all of those years ago....”Is it a real football team?” Well, it was time to find out for myself if it was a 'real football club! I was now 43 so it had taken some time, but I have to say it was well worth the wait. The first impression of the Club was a good one, it was welcoming and we had a great day out. Our first game was against Skelmersdale United and we walked down the path quite nervous not knowing what to expect...But, ongoing through the gates...... we saw the football pitch, lights and stands. Result! It was a real football club! (I phoned my mom that night to tell her).

The day was really enjoyable with the supporters and staff really friendly and welcoming. The view of the pitch was fantastic, good refreshments and the football was great with us winning 3-1 that day, with Luke Rodgers scoring one of the goals. My son was already aware of Luke from when he played at New York Red Bulls, so he was really impressed that Sutton had him on their team.

My son and I have continued to support Sutton Coldfield Town, and regularly enjoy the back to basics grass roots football where the stars of the future will start to shine.
Thank you Sutton Coldfield Town F.C. for reigniting my love of football, and long live Sutton Coldfield Town Football Club.

COME ON YOU ROYALS!