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THURS 30 26 MAR APR 2026 2026 www.looklocal.org.uk news@looklocal.org.uk Tel: 0114 283 11 00
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ISSUE : 1423 1418
A lifetime devoted to local football Community champion remembered
Stocksbridge is mourning the loss of one of its most respected community figures after the death of Allen Bethel at the age of 85. Mr Bethel, founder of Stocksbridge Juniors and long-serving chairman of Stocksbridge Park Steels, passed away last week after dedicating decades of his life to giving local boys and young men the chance to play football, develop confidence and build lifelong friendships. Widely regarded as a true community champion, Allen’s influence on grassroots sport in the town stretched back nearly 50 years. What began with a handful of youngsters from a Stocksbridge street grew into one of the area’s best-known football clubs. In the early days, Allen helped establish Stocksbridge Juniors with just six local children and a determination to create opportunities for young people through sport. That commitment would go on to shape generations. Stocksbridge Park Steels was later formed following a merger between Oxley Park and Stocksbridge Works in 1986, with the junior section becoming Stocksbridge Park Steels Juniors. Allen would go on to serve as chairman for more than three decades, stepping down from the role in 2018.
During that time, countless young players came through the club, many benefiting not only from football coaching but from Allen’s guidance, encouragement and belief in giving everyone a chance. One of the most famous names to emerge from the club was Jamie Vardy, who spent seven years at Stocksbridge progressing from the under-18s into the first team before going on to win the Premier League and play for England. Speaking in 2018, Allen fondly remembered first spotting a determined young Vardy training hard. “He would always be first to training and last off, even carrying the kit on and off the training pitch,” he said. But for many in Stocksbridge, Allen’s greatest legacy was not producing famous footballers — it was the hundreds of local youngsters whose lives were enriched through the club he helped build. Tributes have been paid across the town to a man whose dedication, generosity and tireless work left a lasting mark on the community. Allen Bethel will be remembered not only as a football man, but as someone who gave so much to others.
Remembering Allen Bethel
Re-elect JANET RIDLER Stocksbridge & Upper Don Ward Thursday 7 May Over the last four years, I have worked hard to support people and improve local services across the Upper Don Valley. I am proud to be someone local people know they can talk to. I do my best to be present, to listen, and to stand up for our community. For me, being a councillor means putting local people first. I care about this area, I care about the people in it, and I work hard to support the groups, activities and services that help our communities thrive.
A proven track record of getting things done and a strong and influential voice in the Council for our area.
1982: Stocksbridge Juniors first ever team
Promoted by & on behalf of Janet Ridler, Trades & Labour Club, S2 2TG