The Cold End recently spoke to Neil Hunwicks who, with his son, looks after the media side of things at newly formed (in 2019) Chadwell Heath Spartans - many of the team refer to him as the Chairman.
The Spartans have had a excellent season so far in the Essex Alliance League Division Three - they are top of the table winning thirteen and losing just one of their fourteen league games played. They are also through to the Division Three Cup Semi-Final. Jeffrey Nketia has scored 22 goals and 8 assists in the 16 games he has played.
FOOTBALLING HISTORY?
I was with Hullbridge Sports FC as Head of Media for 6 years before leaving at the end of last season. They had just won the Essex Senior League and been promoted in to the Isthmian League (North) for the first time in their history. I don’t think I would have ever left if it hadn’t been for setting up the Spartans, as they are a fantastic family club and I loved it there.
HOW AND WHY WERE CHADWELL HEATH SPARTANS FORMED?
Chadwell Heath Spartans FC was an idea I had with my three sons and it went from a blank sheet of paper to now coming to the end of our first season. Aaron (Manager) had been at Hullbridge as a player and he went on to be the player / coach under Rob Hodgson who was the manager.
When Aaron left Hullbridge he found it difficult to settle at another club and had tasted the coaching side of things and wanted to call the shots himself but it was difficult to get a break.
Ray (right back and media wizard) is the organiser and was keen to get involved, so he became the Spartans Secretary and Niru wanted to play, but he is the numbers man, so we made him the Treasurer. Niru still plays a bit, but he is the old man of the side and he mostly supports Aaron on the Coaching front now.
So we sat with our blank sheet of paper with no players, no kit and no ground. We went to the Essex Alliance League to see if we could get in to their league. After a huge amount of hard work behind the scenes and some support from our sponsors we got to where they we are now being top of the League and in the Semi Final of the cup.
Beating St Francis FC 4-1 at home in the Cup. They had already beaten us in the League 3-1 away at their place and we knew we had a battle on our hands. We still have to play them again in the league which we hope to do so when football resumes.
WORST RESULTS OF THE SEASON?
Losing to Newham Wanderers FC who knocked us out of the Fenton Cup.
BEST THING ABOUT FOOTBALL AT NON-LEAGUE/GRASS ROOTS LEVEL?
Money hasn’t spoilt the game and players still play for the ethics of the team and the manager. Loyalty is still there in the lower leagues and it’s not about jumping ship for an extra tenner!
WORST THING ABOUT FOOTBALL AT NON-LEAGUE/GRASS ROOTS LEVEL?
Games getting called off due to the poor quality of pitches. Maintenance is lacking on pitches at this level as budgets have been cut by local authorities.
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'VE EVER BEEN GIVEN IN FOOTBALL?
You get out what you put in! In the Spartans case it is ‘best never stops’ and we try to make sure that is about every bit of the club.
PLEASE GIVE THE CLUB A FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA
@CH_SpartansFC and Chadwell Heath Spartans You Tube
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