Express & Star

Bushbury boys doing their bit for the local community

Bushbury Hill FC may not be cheering on the pitch, but they have raised plenty of smiles off it amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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The newly-formed Beacon League team are yet to taste competitive action, however, when it comes to lending a hand to the community, they are blowing their rivals away.

Last Friday, first-team manager Scott Queeney, several players and staff volunteered their time to deliver food packages to vulnerable families in the Bushbury area.

After seeing an advert posted by Bushbury Hill Action Group, Queeney called on his charges to respond and show that his side acknowledged there is more to life than football.

“We wanted to do our bit for people in and around the area who have fallen on hard times during this difficult period,” said Queeney. “We wanted to represent Bushbury. It was a chance to show that we are not just a football club for ourselves, but we plan to be here for the community.

“When I saw that the group needed drivers to volunteer, I wanted to get behind it. A lot of our lads work, but we still managed to get two cars together.

“It was about giving them what they need. It helps the families massively. A weekly shop can be expensive, so it gives them the basics, cheese, eggs, sausages.

“We delivered to 20 different families, but the work doesn’t stop there. We plan to do it fortnightly, get as many of our players involved as possible.”

Queeney admitted it was an initiative close to his heart, having been subjected to similar hardships when he was a child and praised the work of the area’s action group.

“I know what these people are going through,” he said. “When I was a bit younger, my mum and dad struggled financially. Bills and food were a problem and we couldn’t afford any luxuries in life. We weren’t the only family suffering, but there was very little support for people like us.

“There weren’t any schemes that could give us the push we needed. Back then there was nothing in place like there is now.

“Groups like Bushbury Hill Action Group are brilliant. They are all volunteers who dedicate their time to supporting the community and the work they do is incredible.”

Aside from his upbringing, Queeney’s willingness to help the charity perfectly complements his desire to create a team of which Bushbury residents can be proud.

“When I started this team, before we even looked for players, it was about ensuring we made ourselves know to the community,” he said. “It was about creating a doorway into the Bushbury community – there have been Bushbury teams in the past, but we are here to stay.

“We don’t just want to use the name Bushbury, we want to be a team for the actual community, all the other areas in Wolverhampton have teams, so why not Bushbury?”

Wearing the Bushbury badge with pride is a sentiment embroidered into the players, and vice-captain James Cooper is well on board with Queeney’s message.

Cooper was one of the players who stepped up to the plate and donned the PPE last week, a choice which was a no-brainer for the central midfielder.

“It was such an easy decision to make,” said Cooper. “A chance to introduce ourselves as Bushbury Hill and show we are very much part of the community.

“That’s what football should be about, that’s how football teams should be. We are part of a community, we’re not just a club, we are so much more than that.

“The two work together, community and football, it’s two sides of the coin. A lot of the players come from the area, so it’s only right they give back to the area.

“Friday was exactly that. When we were delivering the packages, the relief on people’s faces, seeing them come to the door, smiling.

“It was fantastic to see. I am in a position where I can go out and do things. Some people aren’t so fortunate, but to pass a little something on to them was great. In these difficult times, it really is a case of every little helps.”

With regards to the playing side of things, Cooper, 39, is full of admiration for Queeney who he sees a coach constantly striving to get the best out of every single player.

“I’ve known Scott for years,” he said. “He is one of those people who really respects the football side of things and gives everyone an opportunity to play.

“He won’t side-line people or push them to the side because they have lesser ability. He wants everyone to get involved and that’s why I have always wanted to play for him.

“I just want to get back out there. It’s been a long time coming. We have such a great bunch of lads here and I can’t wait to get back playing with them again.”