IN PROFILE: Maltby JFC’s Denise Hicks

Denise is secretary and welfare officer at Maltby Juniors, and her efforts over 14 years have been recognised with a number of FA awards, including the ‘Safeguarding Star’ honour given to her late last year.

In this week’s profile she gives an insight into how she joined the club, why she puts so much hard work in and what she’s looking forward to in 2012.

Name: Denise Hicks.

Club: Maltby Juniors Football Club.

Day job: Nurse practitioner.

How long have you been involved at the club? Fourteen years.

Why did you join? I started helping at the club when my eldest son was playing at Maltby, I just helped with raffles and then ended up on the committee.

What is your role now and what does it entail? I’m the secretary and club welfare officer and I make sure the teams are all affiliated, players all registered and deal with any disciplinary issues.

Why do you do it? The club is great for the kids and I like making sure that everything is in place so they can play football in a safe environment.

Do you have any sporting heroes? Not really no. I have two boys so we’ve always got sport on the television and I watch quite a bit, but I wouldn’t say I had any heroes.

What is your proudest moment at Maltby? In 2009 we were awarded the Charter Standard Community Club of the Year and in 2010 I was given the Outstanding Contribution to Community Football award from the FA. Last year I was awarded the Safeguarding Star award.

Why should anyone come to Maltby Junior Football Club? We take care to make sure all the systems are in place so kids can play in a safe environment, the coaches are trained as they should be to the right standard and it’s great fun.

What are your hopes for 2012? This is our 25th anniversary year so I hope the club continues and grows. We have a ball in March for past and present members and we’re hoping to celebrate in other ways.