A dedicated grassroots football coach is going the extra mile—literally—to make sure his young team ends their season on a high.
Joe Huyton, 34, of Filey, will set off at 1am on May 2 for a 30-mile overnight trek to Longcroft School in Beverley, home of Tickton Dynamos FC, arriving in time to lead his Under-7s’ 10am training session. Nine hours of walking through the dark, cold early morning? All for the kids.
“I’m basically walking the route I normally drive,” Joe said, describing the journey across the Wolds toward Driffield and down into Beverley. “It’ll still be dark when I set off, but I’m hoping to get there by ten and take training as normal.”
Used to long days on his feet as a courier making 100–120 deliveries, Joe averages 15,000 steps a day, but 30 miles solo is his longest walk yet. He’s already done a 25-mile sponsored walk with his partner as prep, but this challenge is all on his own.
Joe and fellow manager Tom Youngman stepped in last year when the Under-7s faced disbanding due to a lack of volunteers. Both have sons in the squad, and their mission is about more than trophies—it’s about confidence, teamwork, and fun.
Money raised from Joe’s overnight march will fund an end-of-season party, trophies for every child, and future kits and equipment to keep grassroots football affordable and thriving.
Originally aiming to raise £200, Joe has been blown away by support: nearly £800 raised already. “It’s taken me back,” he said. “Everyone’s been really generous. It shows how much this team means to people.”
After the grueling walk and leading training, Joe will finally head home—tired but proud, knowing he’s gone the distance for his son and teammates.
“The kids turn up every week with smiles on their faces,” he said. “If I can do this to give them a great end to the season and help for the future, it’s worth every step.”
Support Joe and the Tickton Dynamos Under-7s here: GoFundMe
