EAST RIDING FA CLUB OF THE MONTH - NOVEMBER 2022

The East Riding FA Club of the Month award recognizes the clubs in our county who are going above and beyond to create a fun, safe and inclusive environment for people to play and enjoy football.

These clubs are doing extraordinary things to support their community and are supported by volunteers who work tirelessly for the benefit of others.

The winner of this month’s award is Malet Lambert YC who are credited with playing an integral role in the development of female football in East Riding.

 Formed over 20 years ago Malet Lambert are an England Accredited Two Star club based in East Hull and one of only six in our county to offer a full female pathway.

The modern day Malet Lambert YC club has a rich heritage with it being born out of the embers of the men’s side of the same name back in 1978. Back then it was Alf Warvill leading the club but fast forward to now and the family connections are still strong. Ian Warvill is the club Treasurer and Secretary, Andrew Warvill is the club chairman and Samantha Warvill is a club player and coach as is Georgie Warvill.

It’s the family like atmosphere that makes this club stand out with a number of the players who started their playing days with Malet Lambert YC going on to coach sides at the club.

Club Chairman Ian Warvill explained; “We still have two of the original girls team involved in the club as coaches and have two playing for the ladies side. The whole family ethos is evident as Paul Darvell who is safeguarding officer and U12 coach has seen both his daughters play for the club and now they both coach the U9’s. Simon Field also has seen his daughter play for Malet and they both coach the U11’s. We have other coaches who have coached a team through the various ages and are now back coaching new age groups. This closeness helps breed a family atmosphere within the club.”

The success of the Lionesses in the European Championships has also seen more girls wanting to join the club. Ian Warvill said, “As it stands, we have a lot of girls who train but do not necessarily currently play on a Saturday. The club’s whole ethos from day one was to allow girls of any ability to play football and that still remains today. To be fair we have seen the interest in girls football grow massively on the back of Women’s Super League and the recent success of the England football team. The interest is unprecedented, and we have more enquiries and interest from girls wanting to try football. This interest coupled with providing a fun and safe environment has ensured we continue to grow.”

When asked how it feels to be named East Riding FA Club of the Month Club Chairman Ian Warvill said, “The managers and coaches are delighted to receive the accolade as it helps to reinforce the belief that what we are trying to offer to girls of all ages and ability is a warm and friendly atmosphere. The success in the numbers of teams and players registered and the reintroduction of the ladies team that has six different generations of players is only proof and something everyone involved with Malet is proud of.

Malet Lambert YC will now receive a nomination for Club of the Year at the 2023 FA Grassroots Football Awards.

If your club deserves recognition for the work, it does then please click here and make your nomination for next month’s award.