Mike Taylor

In 1972 my grandad set up New Mills Juniors football club in an attempt to keep the kids of our small town off the street and offer a chance for them to focus their energies into something worthwhile. 39 years later and the club has grown and grown from just one small team to approximately 10 teams and giving children ranging from the ages of 9 to 17 a place to excell at their talents, an escapism and a place to build strong bonds and learn the meaning of team spirit; and this is all thanks to my grandad. To this day, and at the grand age of 72, he shows no sign of slowing down and still coaches the 4-8 year olds team and is considered by many in our community to be a town treasure and inspirational man. Proof of this comes in the 3 community awards my grandad is now the proud owner of and various presentation evenings have been held in his honour. His enthusiasm and caring personality has encouraged the youth of New Mills to do something worthy and New Mills Juniors has flourished and are a top competing team in the High Peak. I feel my grandad has true community spirit and would do anything for the people of our town; from buying under-priviledged children football kit, to doing sponsered fun runs and local disco evenings to raise money for the club, his endless passion for both football and the towns youngsters shines through in everything he does. Carrying the Olympic Torch would be the greatest honour of all for him, and a fitting tribute to an inspirational man!