History of East One YCS
How it all began?
"What do you want to do? I don't know, what do you want to do? I don't know, what do you want to do?"
An all too familiar phrase that every group has probably asked each other at some point or another after all other activities have been explored.
The fact of the matter is, when you have passed the good old 30 mark you start to wonder what time the last train leaves, when you will fit in your fitness training and how you will stop binging on those curries, kebabs and late night bagels! In truth how do you stop your self from looking and becoming like the previous generation, whose trademarks were potbellies, diabetes and heart disease?
Another premiership season had come to an end. The local guys all got together and gathered around theTurner Street, E1 area with nothing to do. The good weather and the hype of the premiership took its toll; the guys took a ball to the local park in an attempt to show off their unconvincing football skills. As the group of guys deluded themselves by convincing each other that they still had the speed and agility of their youth! To the young kids in the park it would have seemed like dad's army had arrived for their daily exercise regime. This spell in the park sparked a chain reaction. The guys started attending regular indoor football sessions at the valance Road gym. The gym reunited some more old school friends and along came the interest of others, who were still trying to hold onto their football skills but could not perform to the same standards as in their hay-day, due to what they would claim as being good living; as they guzzled down birianys, kebabs and chicken and chips every night Some of the new recruits were highly motivated and their enthusiasm and motivation eventually engulfed the whole group. Spring/Summer 2005 The group entered their first competitive 7 a side tournament, which took place at the famous Sand -pitch, E1. The group had decided to enter for the sake of it and see how far a group of unfit has-been's could progress! We needed a team name and lord behold as usual all the funny names were put forward but no good ones. We eventually decided to go by the postal area that the majority of players were from, and so East One was born. Little did we know at this stage that we were laying the foundations for the organisation, which we would come to know as 'East One Youth & Community Services’? The team ventured onto the sand-pitch on a cold and rainy Sunday morning at
- something the players had not done for over 15 years! We took part in the tournament and as expected we were knocked out after our first game, losing 5 - 1. Winter 2005 This experience prompted us to try another league and in the winter of 2005 East One FC had entered the ELMS 5 a side league at the new Mile End stadium. As more players joined our ranks and the football really began to take off we decided that it was time to appoint our first manager from amongst the group of friends, forcefully, as no one wanted to take on this responsibility. At the end of the league we finished 3rd place and runners up in the cup competition. Spring 2006 The winter league further encouraged East One to continue playing football - the energy levels had increased and we soon found that we had managed to encourage the majority of our unfit friends to participate in our revolution. We played at the 7 a side pitch at Mile End stadium for 8 weeks and managed to get another team to plays with us. This started a weekly battle in which East One won 6 out of the 8 games played, before our funds were depleted. With the enthusiasm displayed whilst playing competitive football and a high level of commitment shown by the participants, a unanimous decision was taken to formalise the committee for East One. The committee appointed a Chairperson who formally presented his vision for a new era, one, which would encompass the old whilst allowing us to advance into a new community, based organisation. Other appointed members of the committee included a Treasurer, Secretary and three other members totalling six committee members in all. From here on our organisation would be known as East One Youth and Community Services with football being one of the major aspects of our activity.
East One Youth and Community Services were formed to serve the community, promoting collaboration between old and young, encouraging multiculturalism, education, sports and health. Our Aims & Objectives East One will establish, develop and maintain innovative mechanisms with key players across the city of
East One will aim towards delivering activities and achieving outcomes for young people as laid out in the Every Child Matters document – Stay safe, Be healthy, Enjoy and achieve, achieve economic well-being and make a positive contribution.
East One will aim to ensure that young people and adults are encouraged, supported and recognised as valuable members of society; whilst challenging any negative perceptions held about young people or adults.
East One will seek to operate in a way, which ensures that young people are actively involved in the management and direction of projects. East One will work with young people and adults from a range of backgrounds - especially those who are disaffected, disadvantaged or at risk of social exclusion. East One will recognise and build on partnerships with local providers to further the quality and delivery of its services.
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