GRASSROOTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE #1: GODFREY BERKO
TEAMS: PADDY’S FC, FC BOCA, NEW BARNET
LEAGUE: BARNET SUNDAY LEAGUE
One thing we don’t quite do well enough in the UK is to make a song and dance about those who have given great service to the game, at all levels. In the US, every high school, college, university and amateur team will have previous players, coaches, managers and volunteers enshrined on the walls. People who left their mark. Through longevity, consistency and achievements. But there is no glamour in grassroots football. There just has to be a desire to turn up in all weather conditions and give your best. We feel it’s about time we started making a record of some of the UK’s finest servants of the grassroots game and rewarding them for their efforts.
First up, Godfrey Berko.
The Barnet Sunday League Records team did some sterling work and found out that Godfrey, thirty-five, had scored 132 goals in 161 games in the last ten years. And probably a lot more if records went back further. But more importantly, beyond the goals, a lot of people had a lot of nice things to say about him. Starting with the manager who gave him his debut in the league:
“I can’t speak highly enough of Godfrey as a person and a player. A manager’s dream, Godfrey was a top player for me at Paddy’s. He had all the attributes you’d want in a striker: strong, blistering pace and an eye for goal. He put fear into opposition defenders. Despite his stature on the pitch, he’s also a gentleman, a quiet man, but one of class and respect who was well-liked by the squad. Godfrey would never let you down. When we “retired” the Paddy’s, deciding to move on, Godfrey was one of the few players we wanted to join us at Boca. They of course were delighted to have him and I know he went on to bang in bundles of goals for them. I’m so happy to see what he’s gone on to achieve, setting scoring records and receiving the plaudits and respect his game deserves. Godfrey, you’re a class act, and I wish you every success for the coming seasons. Keep raising the bar and setting new goalscoring heights!”
Daniel Sandford, Manager of Paddy’s FC
Even his opponents don’t have a bad word to say about him!
“Godfrey always scored against us. Most of the time out of nowhere. One game we were cruising 3-1 in the Cup and in the last couple of mins he scored two, dragging us to extra time! He’s a quality player. I tried to sign him a few times but he’s one of these players who’s more than a player, he [i]is[i] his football team – plus he’s a really nice guy.”
Alex Clayton, Manager of Zenit St Whetstone
Teammates were just as complimentary…
“To play alongside Godfrey is not only to witness his uncanny agility and ability to go past a player like a man half his size, but also to know of his great personal qualities too. He is a true gentleman, listening to everyone within his team to help lead and drive them on, and he is always positive with his views towards how the game should be won. To put it short, like all great players of this game, Godfrey serves to elevate those around him, and for me personally, I enjoyed finding one of his many line-breaking runs with a well-timed pass. He is a great advocate for why we love this sport, and will continue to lift it and those within it for many years. Thank you Godfrey!”
Adam Stapleton
Teammate at FC Boca and New Barnet
GODFREY BERKO:
Tell us about when you fell in love with playing football?
I fell in love with the game as soon as I played at the age of five. I remember being one of the last players to be picked for teams during my early primary school years and I vowed to change that. I practised at home any opportunity I got, and as I got better, my passion grew. For the rest of primary school, I was always one of the first to be picked.
Tell us about your grassroots career? Any highlights?
My career in the Barnet Sunday League started in a strange way. I turned up at Summers Lane in Finchley in 2011 expecting to try out for Alexandra Palace after responding to an ad looking for players. They didn’t turn up, so I asked to join in with another group playing there. This was Paddy’s FC and I went on to play for them for three seasons before they unfortunately folded.
My highlight from a team perspective was getting to a cup semi-final with New Barnet a few years ago. Unfortunately we couldn’t get over the line and win the trophy.
On a personal level, finishing as top goalscorer in Division One of the 2016/17 season has to be my proudest moment. But I’d trade that accolade for a league or cup win!
What do you love about grassroots football?
I’ve been involved in grassroots football for most of my life and what stands out for me are the lasting friendships I’ve formed with some of my teammates and opponents. For me, that feeling on a Sunday morning, come rain or shine, knowing I’ve got ninety minutes of game time, coupled with playing and competing against so many wonderful individuals, can’t be beaten. Celebrating a good win in the pub with my team is something I took for granted, but with what we’ve all lived through this past year, it is something I sorely miss and can’t wait to do again.
What does it mean to be inducted into The Grassroots Hall of Fame?
I am extremely honoured to be recognised for my achievements. When I played my first game in the league, I had no idea I’d still be active ten years later. I’d like to thank all my teammates over the years, because without them I couldn’t have achieved what I have done. It is a privilege to even be considered, so to be inducted fills me with immense pride. Thank you!