From ball boy to chairman: Ben Metcalfe’s Colne FC journey

Ben has described his appointment as chairman as an “enormous privilege”, saying the club is much more than a football team to him – it is part of his life, his family and his memories.

His journey with Colne began in the early 2000s after he started playing junior football for Foulridge Minors. When Foulridge and Colne FC came together in a move designed to strengthen the club’s junior section, Ben’s connection with Colne began. His father, Kelvin Metcalfe, was his manager.

As Ben progressed through the age groups, football became a major part of family life, with his dad continuing to manage him. By Under-18 level, Ben was playing in the Floodlit League alongside players including Liam Blades, Marc Young, Jon Brooks, Ben Mousley and Stephen Hall – all of whom would go on to make senior appearances for Colne.

Ben later progressed into the reserves, but his playing career came to an abrupt end after an away game at Silsden, where, as a goalkeeper, he conceded seven goals in the second half.

“After the game, Dad gave me the sort of assessment that only your own father could get away with. I wasn’t anywhere near good enough. My time was up. Looking back, he was probably right!”

While his playing days ended, Ben’s relationship with the club continued. He became a supporter, watching Colne from the other side of the barrier and experiencing some of the club’s memorable occasions.

He was also a ball boy for the 2004 FA Vase semi-final, played during a period of bad weather when games across the area had been called off – including Burnley’s home match.

His father continued volunteering at Colne and spent time on the committee, with the club becoming a major part of his life. Ben said his mum used to complain about the amount of time his dad spent at the club – something he now understands only too well.

“And in a nice bit of symmetry, my wife now shares exactly the same pain my mum did. The meetings, the phone calls, the messages and those famous words, ‘I’m just nipping to the club, I won’t be long.’”

Sadly, Kelvin died in 2013. After his death, Ben was asked to take on an honorary role at the club.

“At the time, I thought it was simply a nice gesture. Looking back, it was probably a very calculated attempt to get me involved. It worked. Completely.”

Since then, Ben has taken on a host of roles at Colne. He has been a ball boy, worked behind the bar, looked after the club website, managed social media, served as secretary and officially been treasurer. Now he is chairman.

During his time with the club, Ben says he has experienced just about everything football can throw at a supporter. He has seen Colne win trophies, suffered play-off heartbreak and watched the club be relegated twice. He has celebrated cup-final victories, watched Colne beat AFC Wimbledon in the FA Vase and seen the Reds take Tamworth to penalties in the FA Trophy.

He has also followed the club across the country, from Bacup to Bodmin, standing on terraces in freezing conditions, travelling home after defeats and questioning why he puts himself through it, before enjoying those special days when everything seems worthwhile.

“I’ve seen managers come and go, players come and go, volunteers come and go. I’ve seen the ground change, the club change, the badge change and football change. But Colne FC has always been there.”

Ben believes that is why becoming chairman means so much to him.

“When I look around the ground, I don’t just see a football club. I see memories. I see my dad. I see that young lad who just wanted to play football. I see the Under-18 goalkeeper who apparently wasn’t good enough. I see the ball boy at the Vase semi-final. I see the supporter on the terrace. I see the volunteer behind the bar. I see all the people who have given their time to keep this club going.”

He said football at this level could not exist without volunteers and the people who give their time to their local club.

“It exists because somebody unlocks the gates, somebody marks the pitch, somebody sells the raffle tickets, somebody pours the pints and somebody updates our socials. Somebody drives halfway across the country for a game to be called off halfway through and has to do it all again on a wet and miserable Tuesday evening to concede a 95th-minute winner.

“And somebody always cares enough to come back the following Saturday.”

For Ben, that is what Colne FC is ultimately about.

“It isn’t simply about results. It’s about people, families, friendships, generations, memories and belonging.”

Ben said being asked to lead the football club from his home town was a special responsibility.

“I know what this club means to people because I’m one of them. I’ve stood where our supporters stand. I’ve worn the shirt (almost). I’ve volunteered behind the scenes. I’ve celebrated the great days and hurt through the bad ones.

“And now I have the enormous privilege of helping to look after it.”

While he does not know what the next chapter will bring, Ben says he is proud to be chairman of a club which has been part of his life for more than 20 years.

“From player to supporter, to volunteer, to chairman.

“And after everything this club has given me, hopefully I can now give something back.

“My town. My memories. My family. My club. Colne FC.”