‘Every child matters here’

For the last 10 years, Steve Bannister has run the Worksop Fun Club for local boys and girls under the age of six.

The Rydal Drive dad said that the club provided a great opportunity for youngsters to get involved with the community and make friends.

“We teach basic core skills but we try to get the kids out and feeling like their involved in something by just enjoying a good game of football,” said Steve.

“Sport is a great way for kids to meet each other, interact and make friends and we provide a really fun and friendly atmosphere.”

“Skill and ability doesn’t matter - it’s just a brilliant experience for them.”

He continued: “Every child matters and they all have something to offer.”

The Worksop Fun Club runs every Saturday morning on the playing fields at the Recreation Ground Valley Road.

“If you’ve got kids aged under the age of six - either boys or girls - then just bring them along,” said Steve.

“If they don’t come along and give it a go then they’ll never know what they can do!”

We took Steve by surprise and presented him with his well-deserved Guardian Rose during a fun club session.

“It’s a heart-warming feeling to think that someone would nominate me,” he said. “I’m so chuffed with it, and it’s nice to know that there are people out there willing to do things like this.”

He continued: “I’d like to thank Dawnya and her kids Josh and Joe for nominating me and everyone else at the fun club.”

“I’m just the tip of the iceberg - all of the committee members and management need thanking as well for putting in so much hard work behind the scenes.”

Steve was nominated by Dawnya Chapman - who said that she couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of our Rose.

“This Rose is for all of the work that he has put into the fun club,” she said.

“He does it all off his own back and expects nothing in return. He doesn’t get paid and he gives them so much.”

Dawnya continued: “Steve originally set it up when his son was going there but he’s just carried on since then because he loves doing it.”

“Steve puts so much into it and he’s great with the kids - they all love him.”

“This is the least we can do to say a huge thank you for all of his amazing effort.”

She added: “He really deserves this for everything that he’s done and will continue to do.”