"We became involved in the club because of our big pal, Karl Kruger Williams. He runs the clubhouse these days and it was while we were having a drink with him in the bar that he asked us whether we would be interested in helping-out with the Junior Blue & Blacks. We said 'Yes' and the rest is history!

We haven't regretted our offer one little bit. We look forward to every match day and there's nothing like seeing the pride and joy in the children's faces when their name is drawn out of the competition winners bag. In the front of their parents they come forward to receive their prize from their players - they, of course, are the kids' heroes.

All of this is something we can identify with because our own parents and families were an inspiration with because our own parents and families were an inspiration. We were brought up in a poor working class environment and our parents had to provide for five children. That wasn't easy but as a close-knit family we never went without the basic needs of life. We were used to making our own entertainment. We were also taught to help people from whatever background they came so as well as our family our home was always full of friends and Mum was forever cooking.

There are no prizes for guessing that these days the junior Blue & Blacks are 'our family' of sorts and that's why it's always great to see new faces joining us every week. Everyone realises that the Family Lounge is a place to meet friends old and new in a safe and welcoming are and where there is something for fans of all ages.

We also get a big buzz when we're out shopping or waiting for a bus or just walking down the street and Junior Blue & blacks or their parents say 'hello' and chatting about the last game or the activities we organised for them."