34-year-old’s 30-mile overnight mission to help his young team
A grassroots football coach is set to take on a 30-mile overnight walk to ensure his young team can celebrate a season to remember.
Joe Huyton, 34, will set off from his home in Filey in the early hours of May 2 and walk all the way to Longcroft School in Beverley - home of Tickton Dynamos FC - in time to help run his Under-7s’ 10am training session.
The challenge will see Joe leave at around 1am, walking nine hours through the night and into the early morning light before swapping his walking boots for a whistle.
“I’m basically going to walk the same route I drive to training,” said Joe, who works as a courier delivering parcels around the Pocklington area. “Across the Wold tops towards Driffield and then down into Beverley. It’ll still be dark when I set off – it should start getting light about four or five in the morning – but I’m hoping to get there for ten and take training as normal.”
While the distance might daunt some, Joe is no stranger to long days on his feet. He averages around 15,000 steps a day in his job, often making between 100 and 120 deliveries.
“It surprises people, but you’re in and out of the van constantly,” he said. “In built-up areas you’re out every minute. So I’m used to being on my feet.”
Even so, 30 miles will be his longest solo walk to date. He previously completed a 25-mile sponsored walk with his partner, Cristina, as a practice run for a charity challenge she undertook for the NHS.
“We did that in about eight and a half to nine hours, but we stopped for lunch and things,” he said. “On my own I’ll probably just keep going. I reckon about nine hours and I’ll get it done.”
The fundraiser marks the end of Joe’s first season in football coaching. He and fellow manager Tom Youngman stepped forward last year when it looked as though there would be no team due to a lack of volunteers. Both have sons in the squad - Joe’s son Oliver and Tom’s son James, who first met at pre-school.
“There wasn’t going to be a team because there was no coach or manager, so we said we’d do it,” Joe explained. “We didn’t really realise how much was involved at first, but we’ve got a brilliant group of parents and the kids are amazing. I absolutely love it.”
He said the boys, some of whom attend different schools, have quickly formed close friendships.
“It’s like they’ve known each other their whole lives,” he said. “At this age it’s not really about results. It’s about confidence, teamwork and just enjoying being part of something.”
Money raised from the walk will go towards an end-of-season presentation and party, as well as trophies so every child feels recognised for their effort. Joe also hopes to put funds towards future kits and equipment, helping to keep grassroots football affordable for families.
“At the start of the season the kits were massive on them, and now they fit perfectly,” he said. “They’re growing so quickly and it’s expensive. It’s about making it more affordable and keeping it going for years to come.”
Joe originally set a fundraising target of £200, expecting small donations from parents. However, support has far exceeded expectations, with nearly £800 already raised and the online target automatically increasing as milestones are reached.
“It’s taken me back a little bit, to be honest,” he said. “I thought parents might send £5 or £10 at the most, but everyone’s been really generous. It shows how much this team means to people.”
After completing the walk and helping to run training, Joe will finally head home – tired but, he hopes, proud of what he has achieved for his son and his teammates.
“The kids turn up every week with smiles on their faces,” he said. “If I can do this to give them a great end to the season and help for the future, it’s worth every step.”
Donations can be made via Joe’s GoFundMe page, with all proceeds supporting Tickton Dynamos Under-7s: https://www.
