SO often as a publication, we are primarily focused on results and reactions when it comes to Jersey Bulls.
Informing the public of their successes and struggles, highs and lows.
All are documented and all are a crucial part of growth in sport.
What is seldom acknowledged however, is the deeper importance of the club.
Saturday’s clash against league leaders AFC Whyteleafe was a gentle reminder that sometimes the bigger picture can be lost on me also.
A total of 1,033 supporters descended on Springfield Stadium to cheer on Elliot Powell’s men, who were narrowly beaten [0-1] for their first league defeat of the CCFL Premier Division South campaign.
The figure was the largest league attendance in Jersey Bulls history and shows that the impact of the side extends far beyond the painted rectangle those in red treat as a stage.
Fathers, sons, mothers, daughters, young and old.
There was a melting pot of people from various eras in the ground, all with one common interest – they wanted to watch a great football match.
It was the community feel of the club that struck me most, as it so often is during the time I spend up at Jersey Rugby Club, watching their respective men’s and women’s sides welcome mainland opposition.
The truth is, it can be quite easy to take that for granted living in Jersey.
There is not a single mainland club at the level that Jersey Bulls or Jersey RFC occupy that attract close to the audience for home games that they do.
The proof is in the pudding, sport offers so much more to our Island than just a platform for our stars to compete.
I often make an effort to chat to away coaches after matches to see what they thought of their visit to Jersey.
It is a rare occasion in which they have to fly for a match and therefore offers a unique away day.
My conversation with Kelly Waters and Ennio Gonnella, Whyteleafe’s co-managers, left me taken aback and genuinely proud to be a Jerseyman.
“The people here have been incredible,” proclaimed Gonnella.
“Since we got off the plane to arriving at the stadium to now, the hospitality has been incredible.
“It [Springfield Stadium] is a wonderful ground and a great place to come and play.
“Whatever happens, whatever the fortunes are for these two teams, I think one day we [and Waters] will be back to watch and experience being a fan.”
The exposure of our island’s teams to mainland opposition helps put Jersey on the map for many.
Bulls, Team Jets netball, Jersey RFC and Royals RFC to name a few, all welcome English sides to our shores over the course of the year and, in turn, thousands of visitors who would probably have never come to Jersey otherwise.
To say Whyteleafe’s coaching staff were blown away by the support would be a drastic understatement.
“1,033 people to watch a step 5 football match is unbelievable,” added Waters.
“We have to credit Jersey for that and their incredible support for their club.
“We usually get a few hundred coming to our home games, which is one of the better attendances in this division, but here is unmatched.
“Especially in a tight game, with two good teams really going for it. Hearing north of a thousand people cheering on, it’s brilliant. Those are the occasions that you want as a player and as a manager.”
What is also rarely touched upon, is the commitment the players and coaching staff of our local clubs have, in order to take time off to travel regularly for fixtures.
Gonnella continued: “I’m not sure how they do it [fly] for every away game.
“It’s tiring. Coming over and with a slightly delayed kick-off is not easy and Jersey have to do that all the time.
“I have a lot of respect for their commitment to their club.
“They’re all amateurs and you can see the pride they have in playing for Jersey.
“Wouldn’t it be great if we could both be the teams promoted at the end of the season?”
