Raring2go! 5 In 1968 - Norman French who was living in Bryon Way, Harold Hill launched Byron Red Star Football Club to give the local children from his road a chance to access all the benefits which being part of a football team had to offer. Norman’s passion for football dates right back from his own childhood, all the way through to his own playing days alongside Jimmy Greaves in the 1960’s. Norman then carried this passion for the next 50 years while concentrating his efforts on spotting the young football talent which Havering had to offer. Fun Fact – Did you know that ‘Bryon Red Star Football Club’ took its name from the combination of where Norman was living (Byron Way) and his Dad’s team (Plaistow Red Star). The logo was then created by one of the original team members living in Bryon Way. Thousands of children have played within Norman’s teams at Byron Red Star but some professional footballers you may have heard of include Clive Allen, Paul McKenzie & Bobby Robson. Norman was rewarded for his outstanding contribution to grassroots football by the BBC Unsung Hero’s Programme and was asked to carry the 2012 Olympic Torch through Havering before later being awarded an Order of Merit by the FA for 50 years’ service to youth football. Sadly, Norman passed away in 2019 but he will be proud that Bryon Red Star is still going strong in the Havering community with teams ranging from Under 6 to Under 18 alongside a newly launched Men’s Team. The club is FA Accredited as a communitybased youth football club and is always welcoming to new players looking to join. Byron Red Star’s Norman French Pictured: Steve Potts ex-West Ham captain, Norman & Craig French
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