A MAN from the Dale who has founded and runs sports clubs for children and youths in the local area has enjoyed huge success with his latest in Tow Law.
Dean Tinkler, originally from Frosterley, who left Wolsingham School at 16 years old and was immediately employed in the Sports department at Wear Valley DC under the leadership of George Richardson and Kevin ‘Kitten’ Peart, is a man on a mission. Dubbed ‘Golden Balls of Weardale’ many years ago by the local press because of his prowess and all-consuming interest in local football, Dean transferred to the unitary authority and continued his work around the Dale and beyond.
His work as a Community Wellbeing Co-ordinator keeps him busy as well as his voluntary work with the Dale’s only football club left – Stanhope FC – where he is the manager and coach. Dean’s work, which has many aspects to it, is mainly targeted for young people, delivering ‘Ready, Sett , Go’ sessions in primary schools and nurseries, as well as after-school clubs in secondary schools.
His area covers Weardale, Teesdale, Bishop Auckland and Shildon. Then there are the ‘doorstep’ clubs in the community that he and his team have founded, which includes the football sessions being held weekly at Wolsingham Leisure Centre. The latest of these includes the new football sessions in Tow Law Football Club.
Dean explained, “Steve Moralee and Hayley Anderson from Tow Law FC approached us to explore the idea of football sessions for the kids in Tow Law and surrounding areas.”
It was agreed to offer six free taster sessions this year – every Wednesday at Tow Law football ground until December 17th.
“The plan for the New Year is to make the sessions sustainable and if the first one is anything to go by, which was overwhelmingly popular this could well be the case.
” The turnout was mind-blowing, even with the inclement weather, which really doesn’t bother the hardy townsfolk there!”
The aspirations for Tow Law FC would be to have a junior section in the future which Dean would love to see.
“We don’t have anywhere for juniors in the Dale any more and that would be our dream but for now, the focus is to give youngsters a place to have fun and play football. Our other sessions at Wolsingham LC are on Monday nights between 5-7pm and Girls Football on Wednesdays 5-6pm.”
Dean Tinkler is a man on a mission and if anyone can bring the beautiful game back to local youngsters, it is him.
For more information, please contact Dean himself on 07766785264.
