Discover the local legends behind the sport

05 May 2023 , 10:49

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The UK’s No.1 Betting App is on the hunt for the people behind the scenes who deserve to be shouted about for their unrivalled contribution to the beautiful game.

Here’s a hat-trick of candidates whose commitment has earned them deserved nominations for the coveted title.

Jack Northover

Discover the local legends behind the sport eiddixhiduinv

There’s not many people in football who would turn their nose up at the chance of swapping the Football League for the bright lights of Old Trafford.

But that’s exactly what Rochdale kitman Jack Northover did when Manchester United came calling.

Lifelong fan Jack, 70, attended his first game at the age of nine and has spent more than 20 years at Spotland among the backroom staff, with his dedication to the club gaining him legendary status with fans who chant his name from the terraces.

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Jack, who once took part in a naked skydive to raise money for charity after a mid-season promotion pledge, insists he has no plans to call time on his career anytime soon.

He said: “It’s a joy to get up every morning and come to work. It’s not like a job - I love it.

“My wife says to me they will carry me out of this place in a box. She’s right, they probably will!”

Watch Jack's video here

Raj and Chipie

What started out as a dream is now becoming a reality for Punjab United.

Meet Chipie, the chairman of the Kent-based side, whose hard work and dedication with Raj and the team of volunteers have seen the club go from a Sunday league outfit to step 5 of the non-league ladder.

“It was more of a laugh with a group of friends,” recalls Chipie. “We got a bit more serious over the years. I found out how to get into the league and we started to build.”

Fast forward and they now have a ground in Gravesend and are playing at their highest level ever after back-to-back promotions.

But their rise up the football pyramid wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of Chipie and his helpers, whose matchday duties vary from taking bins out, cleaning toilets to setting up pitches.

He added: “Nobody moans, everybody just gets on with it. Everyone sacrifices something to be here because they love football.”

Raj oversees the youth section and they plan to launch an academy for girls next.

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Watch Raj and Chipie's video here

Sara Catorina

When Sara Catorina got injured, she fell out of love with the ‘beautiful game’.

After spending time at West Ham and then Tottenham ’s academy, Sara was dealt a devastating blow and spent a year on the sidelines.

She lost her passion for football, but used her time out wisely, and started her coaching career in a bid to help the next generation of talent.

Now 25, Sara has started playing football, launched her own strength and conditioning business and introduced a free app to provide access to all sections of the community.

“I wanted to help footballers on such a big scale,” she said. “Understanding how I felt when I was injured, I never wanted a player feeling like that."

“Having an impact on others is my primary focus and helping to inspire them positively in every single way I can.”