Pictured – Gary Devenney, Head of Football Development
An Open Letter to Parents, Coaches, and Players of Hillsborough Boys JFC
From the Head of Football Development
As we approach the end of another incredible year, I want to take a moment to reflect on everything we’ve achieved together at Hillsborough Boys JFC and to express my deepest gratitude to the many people who make this club the thriving community that it is.
Our club simply could not function without the countless hours of dedication from our volunteers. My very rough calculations tell me that our coaches alone have collectively contributed approximately 21,000 volunteer hours this year just from coaching sessions and match day management. When we factor in the additional hours spent arranging fixtures, planning sessions, and countless behind-the-scenes tasks, that number soars beyond 25,000 hours. Add to that the contributions of non-coaching volunteers—organising age groups, seeking sponsorships, cleaning the facility, and much more—and we easily exceed 30,000 hours of unpaid work.
To put that into perspective, if we were to value those hours at the current living wage, it would equate to nearly £350,000 worth of work. When we say that the work of our volunteers is invaluable, we truly mean it. Whether you’ve picked up a cone, organised a game, sought out sponsorship, or given your time in any way—you are the lifeblood of this club. Your efforts allow us to provide opportunities for so many to experience the beautiful game.
To all our volunteers, I urge you to take some well-deserved time over the holiday season to rest and recharge. You’ve earned it.
It’s been a remarkable year on the pitch as well. Some highlights include:
- 2010 Juniors winning the Foyle Cup,
- Back-to-back Verona Cup victories for our U18s (competing a year young),
- Players selected for local league representative squads,
- Former players making Irish League debuts,
- Squads winning in National League finals. Our current U18 Knights won the National League shield in May 2024
- Teams competing in local league cup finals
- And countless other achievements, big and small.
As we celebrate these successes, I want to emphasise the importance of acknowledging the smaller wins, too. Football, and sport in general, is about so much more than the trophies or league tables—it’s about socialising and the friendships formed on the field. Those are the real wins. Some of the connections made during training sessions or match days will last a lifetime, creating bonds that extend far beyond football.
In youth football, we are mindful of the lasting impact that creating memories has on players. To that end, we work tirelessly to ensure that every player leaves our club with moments they’ll treasure forever—whether it’s a goal scored, a shared laugh in training, or a camaraderie built during tough matches. These are the foundations of a great club, and we take immense pride in fostering them.
For years, our club motto has been “The Original Football for All”, and it continues to guide everything we do. We are immensely proud of our 46 junior squads, over 500 playing members, and 100 senior members across LD football, walking football, over-35s, and our senior men’s side. None of this would be possible without our 109 registered volunteers. Our mission remains to provide football opportunities to all who wish to play, regardless of age or ability.
To the parents, let me offer my heartfelt thanks for entrusting us with your player’s development. Your loyalty, support, and encouragement mean the world to us and do wonders for your child’s confidence. I know that being a parent of a young sportsperson comes with its challenges, but your presence in their journey is invaluable. On behalf of every player, thank you.
As we look to 2025, we acknowledge that challenges lie ahead. Change is essential for progress, and as a club, we are committed to evolving in ways that enhance the experience for our players. This may involve new approaches to coaching and development, but our focus will remain firmly on doing what’s best for the players.
Finally, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Let’s celebrate the successes of 2024 and look forward to another fantastic year of growth, teamwork, and love for the game.
Thank you all for being part of this amazing journey.
Warm regards,
Gary Devenney
Head of Football Development
Hillsborough Boys JFC
