Future Voices: Building Community Through Football: A Conversation with Stu Russ of Emersons Green JFC

Football isn’t just a sport in Emersons Green – it’s a way of life, a space for friendship, resilience, and community. At the heart of this movement is Stuart (Stu) Russ, co-chairman and long-standing coach at Emersons Green Junior Football Club (JFC). We sat down with Stu to talk about his ten-year journey with the club, the rise of girls’ football, the impact of the Lionesses’ back-to-back victories, and his hopes for the future.

Check out some of our Everything Emersons interview with Stu below. The full interview is linked at the bottom of this blog post.

Emersons Green Junior Football Club – Building a Community Through Football

From its humble beginnings to becoming one of the region’s most inclusive football clubs, Emersons Green JFC has grown into a grassroots football hub in Bristol. With over 250 young players across boys’ and girls’ teams, the club plays a vital role in South Gloucestershire.

Stu Russ – From Parent on the Sidelines to Football Coach

Coaching beginnings with Mini Kickers

Stu’s journey started ten years ago with his son in the mini kickers football group for ages four to six. Not content to just watch, he got involved with setting up nets and fetching balls.

Taking on leadership at Emersons Green JFC

As his daughters joined the girls’ teams, Stu earned his FA Level One coaching badge and stepped into management roles. Later, when the club faced closure, Stu and fellow volunteer Darren became co-chairmen, steering the club into a thriving new chapter.

How Girls’ Football is Growing in Emersons Green

The impact of the Lionesses’ Euro victories

The success of the Lionesses – from Euro 2022 to Euro 2025 – has had a massive ripple effect locally. “We saw our mini kickers group double overnight,” Stu recalls. “Young girls are inspired to join after seeing the Lionesses achieve greatness.”

One of the biggest girls’ football clubs in South Gloucestershire

Today, Emersons Green JFC is proud to be one of the area’s largest girls’ football clubs, standing alongside long-established names like Longwell Green and Mangotsfield.

Why Grassroots Football is More Than Just a Game

Building friendships and resilience through football

For Stu, the benefits of grassroots football go far beyond the scoreboard. “The friendships, the confidence, the resilience – that’s the real win,” he says.

Football and mental health for young people

The game gives children structure, boosts mental health, and helps those who struggle to make friends find a sense of belonging and teamwork. “Effort and attitude matter more than results,” Stu insists.

Inclusion and Neurodiversity in Sport at Emersons Green JFC

Supporting neurodivergent players with effort and attitude

Stu believes every child should be treated as a player first. Sessions are tailored so children progress at their own pace. For anxious or neurodivergent players, the emphasis is on consistency, encouragement, and celebrating small steps forward.

The importance of inclusive grassroots coaching

Grassroots football isn’t about a “win-at-all-costs” mentality – it’s about providing equal opportunities. Stu notes the need for better FA coaching resources on neurodiversity, so coaches have practical tools to support all players.

Dreams for the Future of Emersons Green JFC

Ambitions for an all-weather pitch in Emersons Green

Stu’s dream is for an all-weather pitch in Emersons Green – a facility that would allow year-round training, expand community use, and support disability football programmes.

Expanding opportunities for disability and community sport

Such a facility would open the door to inclusive grassroots sport, offering routine and accessible opportunities for neurodivergent and disabled young people across South Gloucestershire.

How to Join Emersons Green Junior Football Club

Training times at Walker’s Playing Field

Training takes place during the week at Walker’s Playing Field, across from Blackhorse Primary School. Matches are held on weekends, with players welcome from school year age groups.

Connecting through the Emersons Green JFC Facebook page

For parents or players keen to get involved, the easiest way is to message the club via the Emersons Green JFC Facebook page and arrange to attend a training session.

Final Thoughts

From mini kickers to under-18s, from nervous first steps to academy-level success, Emersons Green JFC is much more than a football club. It’s a place where confidence grows, friendships form, and inclusion thrives.

As Stu puts it: “It’s not about the money. It’s about the memories we’re making for these kids – and the community we’re building together.”

Future Voices is a youth-led interview and blog series from Everything Emersons, supported by Emersons Green Town Council. We celebrate the voices, stories, and experiences of young people in South Gloucestershire.