Joe will walk for nine hours to raise funds for Tickton Dynamos Under-7s’ end-of-season celebration
Joe Huyton, with his son Oliver(Image: Submitted)
A grassroots football coach is preparing to undertake a 30-mile overnight trek to ensure his young squad can mark a memorable season. Joe Huyton, 34, will depart from his Filey home in the early hours of May 2 and make his way to Longcroft School in Beverley – the base of Tickton Dynamos FC – arriving in time to lead his Under-7s’ 10am training session.
The challenge will see Joe leave at approximately 1am, walking for nine hours through darkness and into dawn before exchanging 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 intimidate some, Joe is accustomed to lengthy days on his feet. He clocks up around 15,000 steps daily in his role, frequently 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.”
Nevertheless, 30 miles will mark his longest individual walk to date. He previously completed a 25-mile sponsored walk with his partner, Cristina, as preparation 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 fundraising effort comes at the conclusion of Joe’s debut season as a football coach. He and co-manager Tom Youngman volunteered last year when the team faced collapse due to a shortage of helpers. Both have lads in the squad – Joe’s son Oliver and Tom’s son James, who initially became friends 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.”
The youngsters, some of whom go to different schools, have rapidly built strong bonds. “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.”
Funds generated from the walk will contribute towards an end-of-season awards ceremony and celebration, along with trophies ensuring every youngster receives recognition for their commitment. Joe also aims to allocate money towards future strips and gear, helping to maintain grassroots football as accessible for local 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 initially set a fundraising target of £200. However, the response has vastly surpassed expectations, with almost £800 already collected and the online target automatically rising as milestones are met.
“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.”
Following the completion of the walk and assisting with training sessions, Joe will eventually head home – exhausted but, he hopes, satisfied with what he has accomplished for his son and the rest of the squad.
“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.”
Contributions can be made through Joe’s GoFundMe page, with all funds supporting the Tickton Dynamos Under-7s: https://www.gofundme.com/f/tickton-dynamos-fc-under-7s
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