LOCAL FOOTBALL LEGEND, JEFF SCOTT, IS SET TO ENTER THE HISTORY BOOKS WHEN HE LOOKS TO CARRY ON PLAYING FOOTBALL IN THE WAKEFIELD SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE.
Jeff Scott, who plays for King George FC in the Wakefield & District Sunday Football League will enter the history books as a stalwart in the local football scene - with Season 2022-2023 marking his 52nd consecutive season.
With September 2022 seeing him celebrate his milestone 70th birthday, this dedicated individual is a picture of health and maintains his fitness with healthy eating and regular exercise. His zest for football is remarkable but he is realistic that he cannot carry on playing football forever and does not wish to block the path of any young aspiring player.
Last season, Jeff remained active and was able to help his team from the bench or a start until half time to maximise his physical level of ability. He is seen as an asset to the team.
Jeff Scott started playing football in the 70's at the age of 18 at Eastmoor Youth Club, managed by Bob Hirst, the founder member of the team. He recalls his first open-age game in the league was away at Wakefield HMC at the Stanley Royd playing fields in his teams 2-1 loss.
At the age of 21, over aged for the Youth Club's team, Jeff went on to play for Jacob Well Tavern FC in the then Tetley League. His popularity with his level of ability grew locally which saw him play for Primrose Tavern FC, Albion FC (Alverthorpe) and Peacock FC.
Jeff recalls that playing both on Saturday's and Sundays was a social norm but playing for Butchers Arma FC in the 80's was most rewarding as the Butchers Arms FC went on to become one of the most successful team in the Wakefield League era.
When the Butcher's Arms folded after an unchallenged successful period, Jeff focused on playing Sunday football with Rocking Horse and now King George FC with him investing time in supporting his son Paul Scott who progressed hitting the limelight playing for St John's Junior School and Outwood Grange school to go on to play professionally for Huddersfield Town, Bury Town FC and Morecambe FC before a knee injury curtailed his career.
Jeff Scott had his sporting dream fulfilled which he thought would never happen but it happened - both father and son Paul Scott turned out to play side by side for King George FC in a Sunday League QF League Cup fixture on Wednesday 29th March 2018 against Horbury Slazenger's FC. With controlled emotion, Jeff vividly recalled his team coming away with a 3-1 win at Carr Lodge Park playing fields and how dark it got during the game.
Jeff spoke highly of his long-suffering wife Colleen, without her support, his longevity in local football would not have happened. Retirement from playing football actively is not far away from his mind but he claimed that he will listen to his body when to call it a day but he has more mileage in his tank at yet.
He intends to continue to support King George FC and football in his local footballing community. Jeff is well thought of in the local football scene and highly respected by his peers.