At a pre season event attended by Deputy Mayor Sarah Miller, councillor Stefan Gawrysiak, and AFC Henley volunteers the club celebrated some of its original and longest serving volunteers. John Hooper was Chair for 33 years, growing the club into the significant part of Henley life that it is today with over 500 children as members. Toni Aitken volunteered and fundraised for a large part of that time. Gilly Lea is just stepping down as Club Secretary after 8 years of amazing contribution and Trevor Howell is still involved as Treasurer having been Chair and many other roles over the last 25 years.

We also heard Dan Sadler explaining the value of strong safeguarding practises, not just to protect children and indeed adults, but to improve the experience of the children. This thinking is the foundation of the club.

AFC Henley Chair Steve Wright was delighted with the connections made within and outside the club. "Without volunteers like those mentioned above the club can’t run. I’d also like to note the work of Sam Tomkins and Spencer Sheppard who keep matches coming with tireless effort. It’s important to note and celebrate the contributions of people who have created the long history of a club that has now been the place for youth football in Henley for well over half a century.