Our Committee

The people behind the club

Our committee is made up of volunteers who are all passionate about supporting our club to provide access to football to all.  We all have different backgrounds and skills but are brought together by our dedication to Gregson Lane JFC.

Paul Bolton – Chairman

I have been involved with GLJFC since 2011 and with grassroots football since 2008. Firstly, as a coach for my son’s team from U7 to U16 and then as vice-chairman for the club.
I am passionate about football, the area of Gregson Lane and providing an opportunity for all to play the game in a safe and fun environment.
My proudest moment was coaching a team throughout their Junior footballing journey (U7-U16) whilst picking up the Central Lancs Manager of the Year award in 2018.  My coaching journey and involvement with GLJFC has provided lots of laughs, some life lessons, an unfathomable amount of memories for all and unexpectedly, some lifelong friends.

John Eastham –  Secretary & Welfare Officer

Since being young, I have always taken part in sport. I am passionate about sport. I played for cubs, my school, Preston schoolboys as a teenager and until my late twenties in the Sunday League. I studied sports science at college. I am a season ticket holder at Preston North End FC so I’m used to the highs and lows associated with football !! I am now an FA qualified coach loving my time as the youth team manager as well as one of the clubs fully qualified welfare officers, upholding the values of the club.

I got involved in coaching as my son joined the club when he was five years old and as I love football it was a natural progression to offer my support to the club and my local community. I want the players to know that they matter, grow in confidence, to believe in themselves, express themselves, playing freely on the pitch, be the best that they can be, developing their talent, representing their club and community and I care passionately that they enjoy their football experience, making friends for life and gaining valuable life experiences. Grassroots football is a chance for all who take part to feel part of something amazing making memories for life!
For success, a positive attitude is equally important as ability. If you love football, results don’t change your passion because the aim is always to improve and develop your understanding of the game.
I have made some great friends through Gregson Lane Football Club, meeting some amazing people who give their time freely and I have come to realise that people participating in grassroots football have different motivations but what’s important is that they enjoy the experience. I certainly do.

Paul "Jacko" Jackson - Treasurer

I have been with the club since my eldest son James started playing with the club in the 21/22 season. My youngest Robert is also now playing and both lads are already better players than their Dad ever was! Accepting I have little to offer in footballing ability I am focusing on contributing to the longer term success of the club in my role as Treasurer.

Mark kershaw - Facilities and registration officer

Mark Kershaw, 43, lives in Walton-le-Dale, having previously lived in Hoghton. A lifelong football enthusiast, Mark played junior football for Walton-le-Dale from Under-10s through to Under-15s and has enjoyed over 20 years of playing five-a-side football.

Mark is a proud dad of two children, aged 5 and 10. His son currently plays for Gregson Lane U10 Whites, continuing the family’s love of the game.

In 2025, Mark joined the Gregson Lane committee as Registration Officer, where he also provides valuable support to the Facilities Manager, assisting with pitch management and maintenance. Passionate about grassroots football, Mark is dedicated to helping the club thrive both on and off the pitch.

Ryan McManus - Club Fundraiser

I have been with the club since 2023, and I decided to get involved with the coaching because my son is part of the team. The club had a large number of U7’s available and needed to enter two teams into the league so I thought it would be good to take over the second team and put my football knowledge back into the community by helping the youngest players learn the game and develop into the best players they can be. A highlight of my time with the club was seeing how happy all the boys were when they managed to get their first victory after a tough first couple of months, but every week is a highlight seeing the lads improve each week in training and in their matches but most of all seeing how happy they are to be playing the game with their friends and having a great time doing so.

Any Fundraising Queries Email - [email protected]

Interested in Supporting the Club?

There are so many ways that you could help while supporting our club and local community.  If you are interested in getting more involved in the club please get in touch.