Here at the Riviera Guesthouse, we follow ‘the Beautiful Game’ by way of grassroots football.
This is such an important part of our local community.
Blog by Emma Khan
And, let’s face it, many of the world’s top players start their journey by kicking a ball about at junior clubs.
So, it goes without saying we are so very, very proud to be sponsors of Sleights FC U11’s.
Sleights Sponsorship
We knew they were looking for sponsors, and as our son Zak played his first match during the 2023-4 season for the U10’s, it was definitely a ‘no brainer’ that we should sponsor this super local team.
Zak now plays for Sleights FC U11’s, managed by Annabel Beaver, coached by Lee Beaver and the team play in the Teesside Junior Football Alliance League.
This is a newly formed team and is only their third season together.
Yet bonds are already strong. Zak plays with a few of his school friends and friends from other local schools.
Many a parent, grandparent, guardian or friend will be involved by default by attending matches.
This is usually ferrying the footballers to and from training sessions, while generally supporting the brilliant work the management team and players do.
We’ve never felt prouder than when Zak runs onto the pitch in his kit!
We always get a lump in our throats when we see our purple logo emblazoned on the front of player’s shirts.
We’ve noticed amazing improvements both in Zak’s skills and in those of his teammates, and their bonds are already strong.
They work together as a team, the young football players also learn about sportsmanship, and develop a work ethic.
They experience improved health, and develop social skills.
Yet there is more to this story than our current involvement with a local football team.
Football and Family
My late father, Richard Ward, ran the Riviera Guesthouse from 2007 up until his sad passing in 2010.
While he wasn’t a football fanatic, he loved supporting the local team and events.
He firmly believed in the positive effects of grassroots sports and its ability to bring a community together with a joint ‘goal’ in mind.
Many of our guests will remember my dad: his wit, his generosity, and his incredible personality.
He would have been so proud of Zak and his footballing exploits.
We still miss him every day and with Zak’s football skills, our love for Zak’s grandfather transcends time and is very real to us.
Zak’s grandfather firmly believed in local, grassroots sport, its importance overall within the local community
He also believed in its positive impact on players.
Therefore, sponsoring a local team is somewhat of a family tradition.
My parents owned a property management company called Property Management Services.
This was later renamed WardHorne (an amalgamation of Emma’s mum, Judy Ward’s married and maiden names).
Back then, they sponsored Richmond Town FC and you can see a photo here.
With dad’s passing, my sister, Lucy, looked after the guesthouse before we took over in early 2011, and we have never looked back.
Teamwork is Dreamwork
Running a busy guesthouse in one of Yorkshire’s most popular seaside towns has its challenges yet is similar to managing a footie team!
It takes committed teamwork; it takes a great deal of organising.
It’s definitely a game of two halves (the team and the guests) and we ‘hit the back of the net’ with most of our lovely ‘staycationers’!
Being ‘football parents’ does have its commitments: games take place each Sunday and training is held weekly on a Monday.
Yet it seems a small price to pay when we see the benefits in Zak and his fellow players.
The Riviera Guesthouse has sponsored the kits.
We also enjoy taking part in other sponsored events during the sporting calendar to raise money for other kit bits and pitch fees.
For those who are not familiar with the local terrain Sleights is about four miles from Whitby and you can get the train there too.
Let’s not forget my husband Zed, is about as football mad as you can get!
When our football-fan guests arrive for their stay with us, they chat to Zed about the football games and where to watch them.
And it is even better is our guests support Manchester United, as Zed is an avid supporter!
There is many a footie joke bandied about if our visitors dare to support different teams!
Of course, that means, by curious coincidence, that Zak, and our daughter Aniya, also support Manchester United.
Yet, I can’t blow the full-time whistle as I come to the end of my blog.
I must mention our daughter, Aniya attends a girl’s football session too.
We are equally as proud of Aniya.
We always look forward watching the England women’s national football team, the Lionesses, on TV when they play a match.
Of course, my role, as with many a parent, is to cart Zak and Aniya around to training sessions.
We also take them to matches and of course, along with one of the most important jobs … washing their kits!
So if you see a local junior football team in action, you just might see our Riviera Guesthouse logo on the front of their shirts.
It is our honour to support grassroots sport in our local area.
About the Riviera Guesthouse
We have 15 en-suite bedrooms at the Riviera.
Each bedroom unique in its design and furnishing and most enjoy spectacular sea views.
Whether you are coming as a solo traveller, couple, a family with children or friends sharing, we have a bedroom to match your requirements.
Choose from King-size, Double, Family/Twin (double bed and single bed) and Single rooms.
We’re on hand to make sure you want for nothing and each morning we’ll prepare a breakfast of champions to keep you going during a day’s adventure.
See what there is to do in the area here.
Our breakfasts are home-cooked with love and served in our sea-facing dining rooms with their floor-to-ceiling bay windows.
Choose from a wide selection of cooked breakfast options. One of the biggest compliments for us is an empty plate and a contented smile after breakfast!
