The Club are devastated to learn of the death of John "JJ" James. One of the original group of volunteers that helped set Rovers Youth up at Acres Corner, JJ was still involved in coaching right up until the end of last season with our current under 13's.

JJ's influence at the club was far greater than just a single age group however. In the era of the club being based at The Grove and on KWS Hill, he was invaluable in helping us set up and coach many of our youngest age groups, helping new coaches come on board, showing volunteers that coaching children wasn't too scary although as a teacher by trade he had a way of controlling the younger children that some put down to a form of wizardry.

A keen golfer, cricketer and active local sports coach (some of you may have come across him at Redbourn CC or Harpenden RFC ) as well as a lovely warm generous person, JJ leaves behind a wife and two sons as well as a huge hole in the wider Rovers community.

The Club will announce in due course its plans to commemorate JJ's contribution to Harpenden Rovers Youth FC.

There is a celebration of John's life taking place at St Johns Church, Harpenden at 2pm on Friday 7th November.