Ep.42 Lessons from Caversham AFC: The Value of Local Action
With Jeroen Verheggen
Episode Description:
In this episode, Jeroen Verheggen, Chair of Caversham AFC, shares how the club has grown into the largest grassroots football organisation in Reading, supporting over 800 players across all age groups.
Jeroen talks about his journey from parent volunteer to Chair and the club’s mission to provide inclusive, community-driven football. He highlights the challenges they face with outdated facilities and the ongoing efforts to secure investment and council support for vital improvements.
The episode also touches on the importance of volunteer support, the club’s approach to communication, and how they are working to strengthen ties with the wider community.
Jeroen leaves listeners with a powerful message about the value of getting involved in local causes and the difference that community-led action can make.
Caversham AFC website: https://www.cavershamafc.co.uk/
Caversham AFC Social Channels:
Can You Spare a Couple of Hours to Help Out?
Contact: [email protected]
Listen to the episode
Episode Time Codes
TIME CODES
00:00 Greeting
00:39 Introduction to Jeroen
02:57 The structure of Caversham AFC
04:09 Caversham AFC is run by volunteers
05:03 The problem with Caversham AFC’s Premises
08:19 Funding for new premises
11:01 Help needed to support development of Caversham AFC
12:03 It’s not all about winning
13:28 Caversham AFC’s role in the community
15:18 How internal communication works at Caversham AFC
17:38 The distribution of Caversham AFC’s newsletter
18:10 How people can help Caversham AFC
19:38 Final thoughts
Videos
The Problem with Caversham AFC's Premises
Plans for Caversham AFC's Grounds
Caversham AFC's Role in the Community
Setting Up Effective Internal Comms
The Club's Newsletter & Impact
How You Can Make a Difference
Key takeaways
The Power of Local Involvement: Jeroen emphasises the importance of contributing to one’s local community. He suggests that while global issues are important, tangible and rewarding impact can be achieved by focusing on local needs, whether it’s supporting community groups, businesses, or sports clubs. This lesson encourages listeners to seek out opportunities to make a difference in their immediate surroundings.
Volunteering is Valuable and Rewarding: The episode highlights the significant contribution of volunteers to Caversham AFC. Jeroen underscores that even a few hours of help can make a big difference and encourages listeners to consider volunteering their time.
Community-Driven Initiatives Face Systemic Challenges: The difficulties Caversham AFC has encountered in securing improved facilities illustrate a broader issue of systemic resistance to change. This offers a lesson in perseverance and highlights the need for communities to advocate strongly for their needs, even when faced with bureaucratic obstacles and a lack of support from authorities.
Episode references
Find out More About Caversham AFC:
Read the Caversham AFC Newsletter
