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Local author, Hetty Waite, interviewed Director of FATBALL, Terry Sutcliffe.
When my husband announced he was going to play FATBALL, I said, ‘You’re doing what? Going to play with a fat ball? Aren’t those what we give the birds in winter?’ Turns out, FATBALL is actually a not-for-profit organisation that gives adults the opportunity to play football with like-minded people on a weekly basis.
Organised by Terry Sutcliffe and a large group of volunteers, FATBALL began when they decided to arrange weekly events, giving players more game time for less money on a ‘pay as you play’ subscription basis. FATBALL is also about making the sport accessible. ‘We are open to all players, of any age above 18, and any gender, religion, ability or size,’ says Terry. ‘We are an all-inclusive organisation and play football in an all-inclusive way too.’
FATBALL is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who enjoys playing football, but perhaps feels they are a bit long in the tooth for the sport, or no longer fit enough. As Terry says, ‘For me, aged 50, it’s about still being able to play football and compete in the later stages of life. For others it may be the exercise, the socialisation, or even for some, that one hour they get away from their day-to-day grind, where they can relax and forget about their troubles. It could be a lifesaver.’
FATBALL gives back to the community in other ways, too. In their six years of operation, they have donated over £35,000 to charitable organisations. Terry’s proudest achievement has been making the final stages of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. They also plan to bring FATBALL to the junior world, using the same values which underpin the adult games. ‘Our first junior sessions are scheduled for the summer,’ says Terry. ‘It has become a passion to get as many children into football as possible, aiming to ensure those less advantaged children have a safe space to play and enjoy themselves at minimal or no cost.’
Finally, I asked Terry what has been his personal highlight during his involvement with FATBALL. ‘Being invited to take a squad to play at Pride Park in a competition organised by Derby County Community Trust, and to stand in the same spot that Jim Smith, Steve McLaren, and all DCFC managers did to lead their teams. We also made the final, giving 16 Derby County fans the opportunity to play at their much-loved club’s home ground.’
So there you have it: it’s never too late to live out your footballing dreams.
How you can get involved
FATBALL run events every week at Derby Racecourse, Monday and Wednesday (£6), and at Long Eaton United, Monday and Tuesday (£5). Each event starts at 8pm and is organised football where members register using an app. Teams are released within 24 hours of kick-off and always selected to be as even and fair as possible with the varying levels of fitness and ability. All welcome.
FATBALL welcome any potential funders or sponsors to get in touch:
Fatball on Facebook
@OneFatball on X
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