Raider in the Spotlight…Mark Lawlor
Each month we will highlight the contribution of a member of the Raiders team that works behind the scenes to ensure the club continues to offer fantastic coaching and playing opportunities in the community.
This month we interviewed Mark Lawlor to get a better understanding of his role within the club. Mark has been a long serving member of the club, including trustee, and won the Martin Rogers Award at the end of last season for his contribution to the club over many years!
Q1. What do you do within Raiders?
I look after the U7s. Part of the role is to ensure new players, parents and coaches transition into the club smoothly. It also gives me a chance to manage the odd game every now and then, which at U7 is a lot of fun. I also perform the role of Trustee with responsibilities ranging from purchasing kit (which I have been doing for 12 years) and looking after facilities, for which I maintain the relationship with Kitcheners. I do not do all of this on my own, I have a group of volunteers who also help out.
Q2. How long have you been involved?
13 years. I got involved when my son started at U8s. He is now in his second year at Uni.
Q3. What do you most enjoy about your involvement with Raiders?
Making friends with people across the town and having a laugh. For me it is very social and I have made some very good friends over the years.
Q4. Most embarrassing moment in Raiders?
There’s been a few! One in particular was when I was standing in for a manager warming up a set of U7s last year before a match. Andy Mullins happened to be walking past as I was attempting to show the kids how to execute a particular skill. I went to trap the ball under my foot but instead trod on it and went flying. I didn’t look like much of a coach that day.
Q5. What does the future hold for Raiders?
If we can secure support from the local borough/parish councils and Herts CC we could grow the club and eventually establish a home for the club e.g. clubhouse and more facilities. A lot of ifs, buts and maybes but I know the will and effort is on the Raiders side.
Q6. Favourite football team?
Arsenal
Q7. Favourite football player (past or present)?
Not sure I have one. I do like watching good players play. Being a Gooner I would go for a Bergkamp, Henry, Viera, or Adams. To have the latter two in the side now would allow us to compete with the top 2.