User:Jsphco/sandbox

Joseph Connolly is a professional footballer who plays as a winger or midfielder for St. Georges FC, in the second division of the Saturday Derby City Football League. He is described as a skillful player who can pick out a good pass or cross and can beat a player with his superb technical skills.

Career
Connolly started his career in late 2010 when he joined Allestree Juniors Colts. His talent was regularly disregarded by the manager Martin Scrivener, who continually failed to start him in games. Connolly has quoted himself that he did not enjoy his time at the club. He scored his only goal for the side in a victory over Chellaston Boys in late 2011, a good volley from the edge of the goal area after he had controlled a rebounded cross on his thigh. He quit the side in 2012.

In late summer 2012, Joseph recieved an offer from the manager of St Georges FC asking him to join the side and despite his starts about not being a regular first eleven member, he decided to join. He played in one friendly in a loss against Boulton Lane at the end of summer 2012, operating as a striker. It wasn't until the new year until he was finally signed on. He started in his first game against former club Allestree and spectacularly scored two goals in a six-three win, with his former manager operating as referee. It was a jubilous moment for him and the team, as he surpassed his overall goals total for Allestree in one game for St. Georges. He played again frequently for the rest of the season, and did score a goal that was disallowed in his second game. Overall, he made 8 appearances.

In the 2013-14 season he was an unused substitute in their first game, a 1-1 draw against league leaders Mickleover All Stars. He contemplated whether to play again but carried on and scored in his second game of the season, a 6-2 victory over West Hallam Juniors. He then scored in his next two games, against Duffield Dynamo and West Hallam again. His best performance of the season came against Wilne FC in a 3-1 victory on the 1st March 2013.

Personal Life
Connolly moved to Allestree in June 2009, and joined an Allestree club with a friend, and after his younger brother had also joined a side. He trains with his brother's former team in Allestree, rather than journeying to Sinfin for practice sessions. He has been an avid football player since he was 6 or 7 years old, playing recreationally all throughout his life with a variety of friends. He supports Chelsea, but occasionally attends Derby County games at Pride Park Stadium.

He attends school in Derby and is in the last year of school. He was in the Year Six football team at Primary School, but failed to make it in to the one at Secondary School after the trials in Year Seven. His lifelong ambition has always been to become a professional footballer, but he is also interested in other media related occupations, such as sports journalism, photography or commentary.