As we all know, the club is only ever as strong as it’s volunteers, and the matchday stewards are integral to the successful functioning of the club. Husband and wife team Helen and Antony Collis are big supporters and steward volunteers. Helen can usually be found helping outside the FA building controlling access, and Antony helps to prepare the matchday pitch, moving goals, putting out the advertising banners, and during the game monitoring the Bowl perimeter ensuring cheeky youngsters aren’t jumping over fences they shouldn’t be. We caught up with them both recently and asked them a few questions
What persuaded you to get involved with FC Isle of Man, and how long have you been volunteering for?
“We first met Paul Jones when our son, Archie, was part of the Sport Aid Academy and when I read in the media that he was part of the Group setting up FC Isle of Man and they were asking for volunteers I decided to go along to find out more, it was a way to say thank you for the support Paul had given us over the years. I have been a volunteer since the first Skipton Cup game in August 2020, however on the day of our first league match against Brockton FC on 30th October 2021 I mentioned to Antony that they still needed more stewards and he said he would come down and help.”
You’ve been kind enough to sponsor Jacob Crook this season, so thank you for that, why did you choose Jacob?
“Early on we had made the decision to sponsor a player as a way to help the Club. It was a very cold October day in 2021 and we had taken the morning boat to Heysham and driven across to watch the team play Billingham Synthonia in the FA Vase. After the match we were sat in their clubhouse marking time as we were driving back for the 2am boat and took a look at who was still available for sponsorship. We then sent these names to Archie, who is at Sheffield Hallam, and he told us to choose Jacob. We signed up there and then and have had the pleasure of being Jacob’s sponsor each year since. He is an absolute star both on and off the pitch and we are very fortunate to be in a position to support him.”
With your duties, do you get a much of a chance to watch the home games?
“I personally see about 10 minutes of each Home Game as I am with Janet on the dressing room doors and these need to be covered the entire time that the gates are open, but Antony will see most of the match from the Pully Bridge End, unless there are any problems that need to be sorted.”
Are there any moments that particularly stand out for during your time volunteering for FC Isle of Man?
“For me it would be the first season and the success of the Team, it was more than we could have imagined. I think my favourite game was the First Division Cup Quarter Final game away against AFC Darwen, it was May bank holiday Monday, the sun was shining and there were loads of our fans in full voice – to come away with a win and ultimately the cup was brilliant.
Antony prefers the big home games, in particular Bury FC and West Didsbury & Chorlton, when they bring plenty of away supporters and the bowl becomes electric with atmosphere.”
Have there ever been any problems with home or away fans at the game?
“Being by the dressing rooms I see or hear very little in the way of problems, we always get a couple of people trying to blag their way into hospitality, both home and away fans, but you usually have a laugh with them and they go off happy. Antony on the other hand has more to deal with on occasions.”
Have you attended any away fixtures? And if so, how do you find that experience?
“I am a poor sailor so a fair weather away supporter! I manage around 6 to 8 away games per season, however Antony goes to as many as he can. This season he will go to every away game except one, he has missed Litherland, but I think he is slightly addicted to away games. He enjoys meeting the UK Ravens both before and at the Games and he has some good banter with Andrew, the UK Coach Driver for Unicorn Travel.”
What keeps you occupied when you’re not volunteering for FC Isle of Man?
“When we aren’t working, Antony has his own business, Antony Collis Flooring Limited and I have two part time admin jobs in Douglas, I will probably be found in my sewing room where I make items to sell in aid of MNDA Isle of Man along with a small group of my friends. Antony will be found at a FCIoM away game or sitting in a waterfall in a Manx Glen, he is an avid Cold Water dipper, going as far as installing an ice bath in our back garden.”
And final question, what would constitute a successful season for FC Isle of Man this season and how do you see the future of the club?
“For us FCIOM is about the players being able to play the sport they love at the highest level available to them, a successful season is one where they can look back and have pride in what they have achieved, whether that is winning a cup, gaining promotion or just staying in the league avoiding relegation. For the future, we would love to see our younger players identified by clubs at a higher level and be given the opportunity to follow their dreams and this goes for the youngsters that come to watch now and dream of playing for FCIoM, it is a Club for the future of our young footballers Island wide.”
