Trevor Saunders’ dedication to grassroots football has shaped the sporting lives of thousands across Wycombe. For over 30 years he has organised children’s football and, for an incredible 46 years, he has overseen adult football.
If you or your children have ever played for a local team, chances are your matches were organised by Trevor. He serves as secretary for three major leagues:
• South Bucks Mini Soccer Conference (ages 7–12)
• Wycombe & South Bucks Minor Football League (ages 12–18)
• Wycombe Sunday Combination (adults 18+)
Trevor has called Wycombe home since 1970. He worked at Harrison and Sons, the local postage stamp and security printing company, for 43 years, as Worldwide Logistics Manager before retiring in 2013.
A lifetime in football
Trevor’s journey began in 1972 as secretary of an under-12 team in the Risborough Boys Weekend League. By 1976, he was running the Young Adult Centre Football Club in the High Wycombe Sunday Combination. Four years later, he joined the league committee, eventually becoming Secretary, Treasurer and Chairman - roles he still holds today.
In 1996, he managed a team for his youngest son in the newly formed South Bucks Mini Soccer Conference. What began with just nine teams grew to 125 in the following season. Today, more than 500 teams take part, with Trevor continuing as both Secretary and Treasurer. He also holds the same positions in the Wycombe & South Bucks Minor Football League, where he has served since 2008.
Trevor’s motivation and passion are simple: a lifelong love of football. “I used to play with jumpers as goalposts,” he recalls. “That’s the beauty of the game; you can play it anywhere. I want children and adults to enjoy football in a safe, friendly environment.”
Over the decades, Trevor estimates he has helped organise football for more than 261,000 players: 120,000 through mini soccer; 72,000 in the minor league; and 69,000 in adult football
Among them was Ellen White, who went on to star for Manchester City and England.
I am one of the former players from 30 years ago and now I am the secretary for Beaconsfield Town Youth with over 700 players all playing under Trevor’s organisations!