Cod Almighty | Diary

Young, gifted and black and white

30 October 2019

Miss Guest Diary writes: It is a truth universally acknowledged at Cod Almighty Towers that the mid-week diary slot can be a bit of a desert for interesting content. Too long after the last game – which didn't even happen last Saturday – and too early for news of the next. So I did what anyone in my shoes would do, I turned to Google.

Firstly, my eye was caught by a headline about Town's academy players attending a life skills session. My imagination immediately conjured up images of young footballers in full Town kit in a Bake-Off style tent learning how to whip up a cottage pie. But it seems these life skills are more about the physical and emotional toll which being a professional footballer can exert on a young person.

The academy player care programme has workshops on equality, diversity and inclusion, nutrition, concussion awareness, mental and emotional wellbeing, careers advice, psychology, financial management, use of social media, anti-doping, gambling, corruption and integrity. It struck me that it wouldn't hurt for all young people to be taught life skills like these before going out into the world.

I have to confess that I haven't paid much attention to the goings on of the youth team in recent years, except to marvel at the numerous different ways people find to spell what passes for a first name these days. Though the current squad have mostly disappointingly ordinary names. When I lived in Horncastle a few years ago, Neil Woods used to bring his players over for a pre-season game against the town team and I watched them a few of times. That was where I first saw Peter Bore play.

I may also have seen Gio Carchedi there, but that may have been at a pre-season game for the first team. I mention this only so that I can give a plug to the excellent Italian cafe he now runs in Lincoln – Bar Unico. Check it out next time you're in the city.

There is an opportunity to see the current youth team playing Rugby Town in the FA Youth Cup at Blundell Park this coming Friday. A bargain at only £3, and an opportunity to try and spot the next Max Wright or Mattie Pollock. Unfortunately I can't be there. Friday night is film night for me and I will be checking tickets at a screening by the Lincoln Film Society of a film about a man leaving the safety of the familiar to embark on a deadly trek through the unknown. Who knew they'd made a film about the Parslow Point?

I am also pleased to inform you that it's double discount weekend at the club shop; a timely initiative for those who like to start their Christmas shopping early. Don't worry those of you making the long trip to Plymouth, the shop is open on both Saturday and Sunday – assuming you've made it back by then.

Finally, a heads up on a forthcoming attraction. The Hairy Bikers are coming to Grimsby next year "for an epic night of cooking and conversation". Perhaps those youth teamers can get some cookery tips after all.