Profiles

Mark Hemingray's always been an active person. When he came out of the army he didn't want a desk job.

The army allowed him to play sports and he wanted a profession where he could pursue his love of football.

Sunday league soccer wasn't for him because players weren't serious enough - too much pre and post match drinking.

He decided the children's game was more professional and joined Mansfield Town's Football in the Community team.

That was 17 years ago.

Gaining confidence

Mark says the role of Football in the Community has changed quite a lot.

In the early 1990s it was just about getting children to kick a ball around. Now there's a greater onus on fitness and nutrition although the basic principles remain.

"We're still trying to get kids involved, so it has to be basic football with the emphasis on fun and enjoyment.

"We're just wanting to introduce Mansfield Town to the community."

Mark Hemingray - Mr Football in the Community

Finding talent

When Mark began there were just two people in the team. Now there are eight. They go to schools, organise trips and training sessions.

Sometimes they unearth talent that can make it in the professional game.

"The one that springs to mind is Nathan Arnold," says Mark.

"He was a smashing lad. We spotted him in Ethel Wainwright school.

"He'd be about 10. We monitored him for a bit then invited him into the club. He went on to the school of excellence, youth team, reserves and then became a first team regular."

Nathan eventually left Field Mill in July 2009.

Like father, like son

Finding future stars is the icing on the cake for someone like Mark Hemingray. What's more satisfying is the legacy he's already left behind.

"I see some of the kids that used to attend our courses and they're young men now.

"I bumped into one not so long back and he's got two little twin boys and I'm thinking 'how long have I been doing this job?'

"His lads are coming to our courses now. That gives me a real buzz."

Uncertain future

Despite all the good Football in the Community does in Mansfield, its future is in doubt.

Unless Mansfield Town are promoted back into the Football League in the 2009/10 season, Mark and his team will lose all their funding.

That could signal the end although Mark's determined to fight on.

"We're going to try our best to keep Football in the Community at this club.

"It's not going to be easy but we have to because it's our jobs, our livelihoods. To me it would be a major loss to the town and the football club if we went."