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CONTENTS

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ISSUE 51

HEAD OF PRODUCTION

Gary HoosanT: 0191 597 6078E: [email protected]

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

Ian FinlayT: 0191 447 2512E: [email protected]

MEDIA DIRECTORS

Dave LockerT: 0191 447 3737E: [email protected]

Brent AnthonyT: 0191 447 2376E: [email protected]

Anthony GillenT: 0191 447 3718E: [email protected]

Chris LawlorT: 0191 597 8080E: [email protected]

Paul LennonT: 0191 340 0622E: [email protected]

Ben SmithT: 0191 447 6363E: [email protected]

Mark GreenT: 0191 340 5587E: [email protected]

OFFICE MANAGER

Marie LengT: 0191 447 6161E: [email protected]

EDITORIAL

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Jamie SeymourT: 0191 435 7878E: [email protected]

DESIGN

Catherine GoldsmithT: 0191 597 6078E:[email protected]

Matthew MurphyT: 0191 597 6078E: [email protected]

WITH THANKS - Ashleigh Goldthorpe, Derek Cheung, Josh Guthrie, Paul Mckellar.

04 REDHOUSE FARM JUNIORS FC

06 BEDLINGTON JUNIORS FC

08 HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC

12 ORKNEY FC

15 WHITTON UNITED FC

16 BRADFORD CITY WOMEN’S FC

18 FULWELL FC

20 BRISTOL ROVERS FC

22 PHOENIX SPORTS FC

29 EAST THURROCK UNITED FC

32 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN LADIES FC

34 TADLEY CALLEVA FC

36 AYR UNITED FC

38 MANGOTSFIELD UNITED FC

40 NORTH FERRIBY UNITED A.F.C

42 LINGFIELD FC

44 MOSSLEY FC

46 LONDON COLNEY FC

48 DERBY COUNTY FC

52 COLNE FC

54 BANGOR CITY FC

56 SILEBY TOWN FC

58 STOTFOLD FC

60 NEEDHAM MARKET FC

64 MAGHULL FC

66 WHICKHAM FC

68 HONLEY FC

71 COUNDON COURT FC

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4 Issue 51

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Atmosphere

“The mood at the club is very good at the moment; we’ve got nice pitches and a lovely clubhouse. There are plans in place to fence our pitches off and also to get a 4G pitch with floodlights so it is very progressive here at present. We’re coming up to our 25th year and we’re planning a dinner, a fun day and a golf day to celebrate so there is a lot going on at the club.”

Approach

“At the start of every year we have trials for each age group and we try to place players in a team that will be useful for their development. What we don’t want is players playing in teams that aren’t suited to them because that won’t help their progression.

We want to help these players to get into academies and we’ve been quite successful in this regard over the years and are confident we’ve got some quality in the

Redhouse Farm Juniors FC does a fantastic job of providing young people from their local community with an opportunity to play the game. Their Chairman Barry Mann took the time to tell us more about the good work that they have been doing.



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ranks at the moment. We’re always willing for the boys to leave us to go into Academy Football because that’s progression for them.”

Community

“We are a community club and have a lot of people coming to play for us. We want to keep the club developing this year; at the moment we have 34 teams within the club and every year we want to give as many young people a game of football as we can to help them develop.

We’re a charity and we’ve fortunate to have a great set of volunteers here that give up a lot of time to help out. They don’t get any money for what they do and we’re very grateful for what they put in.”

Ambitions

“We want to keep as many players as possible involved with the football club. Hopefully 5 years from now we’ll have completed the work we’ve planned on our facilities so that we can give our players the best possible experience. At the moment we have to use another facility during the winter and we would like to reach the point where everything is done at one site.

Really, what we want is for everyone to continue enjoying playing for the club and for them to continue progressing and moving forwards.” There is much to admire about the set-up that Redhouse Farm Juniors has in place and hopefully they will be able to keep up the good work that they have been doing for many years to come. Everyone at Football Focus Magazine would like to wish them the best of luck.

6 Issue 51

BEDLINGTON JUNIORS FC

BEDLINGTON JUNIORS FCBedlington Juniors FC were formed in 1984, initially consisting of two teams. The club’s founders were a small group of individuals who were determined to see youth football in their area develop and prosper. Over the last thirty years, the club has grown substantially and they now have teams ranging from Under-7s all the way up to Under-18s, represented by both boys and girls. Football Focus Magazine caught up with the club’s Chairperson Claire Gordon to find out how they are getting along at present.

Involvement

She told us, “I’ve been involved since 2012. My son joined the club in Aug 2011 playing for the under 7’s and I already knew some of the committee through Bedlington Terriers as I was on the committee there. After chatting with the committee. I was asked if I would be interested in taking on the role when the chairman stepped down.”

The Role

“The most challenging part of my role is that costs to run the club continue to go up year by year but it’s difficult to increase the subs which the parents pay and we see

less and less sponsorship coming in. The rewarding part is watching the presentation of the awards at the end of the season and seeing the smile on the player’s faces when they received their award voted by the parents, players and managers.”

Atmosphere

The mood here is very good, we have just been awarded a grant to buy all the players training kit for the season, we have a great relationship with Meadowdale Academy and our main focus is for the children to enjoy themselves.

We have plans to build a club house for our club and community to use, the plans have been drawn up and we are now looking for funding to start the project, the overall cost is £250,000. Meadowdale Academy is currently looking to convert one of their hard court areas into a 3G multi sports complex. They are hoping to raise £136,000 towards the cost of the project. It is the schools intention to open up the facility so that it will benefit the wider community.”


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Youth

“Youth development s is the main reason we run the club and this year we have started a senior team which is playing in the North Tyneside amateur league and some of our under 17’s have and will progress to this team, we even have some of the coaches playing.

As a club we develop a player’s self-esteem and confidence through making them feel valued. During their time at the club we develop the ability to work as part of a team, enhance communication skills and of course develop football capability. All these attributes are essential in life and important for the transition to senior football from junior/mini soccer. Players can also play a year above their age, so we integrate some players on occasions with the team above so they gain experience at a higher level.”

Community

“We are definitely a community club, the majority of our players live in the Bedlington community and we put on fund raising events which are open to the community. This season we have a fundraising night at Netherton Social Club, in February we are holding a Valentines ball and we are looking at holding a tournament next summer.

We would love to have a club house to benefit the club and community and enable us to grow, we don’t believe in being cash rich - it’s about the players.”

A warm community spirit and positive approach to instilling belief in their young players is the order of every day at Bedlington Juniors; they are well respected within their teams’ respective leagues, regardless of what position in the table each team is placed. The correct attitude and mentality towards football is being made the primary concern, and in a modern game where such things are often said to be lacking in professional leagues, this is very welcome indeed.

8 Issue 51

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC


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Haverfordwest County AFC is building for the future around a superb youth section. Football Focus Magazine caught up with the Club’s Chairman David Hughes to find out more.

Involvement

“I was taken to my first game at The Old Bridge Meadow by my father as a 5 year old and I have supported the Club ever since. During the 50s, 60s and 70s HCAFC were considered one of the strongest clubs in South Wales and probably the best west of Swansea. During that period several Welsh greats finished their career at our club. Ivor Allchurch, Mel Charles, Derek Tapscott, Ronnie Rees and Stan Richards just to mention a few.”

Atmosphere

“Presently, the spirit at the club is at a high level. We have excellent ground facilities, a strong Academy and a very useful squad of U19s which should augur well for the future. We only run one senior side and they play in Welsh League Division 1. Currently we top that league but it is early days yet and there are lots of difficult games ahead of us.

We have got off to a good start and we have a pair of strikers who are scoring regularly. At the moment the Youth team are unbeaten and a few are knocking on the door of the first team.”

10 Issue 51


This Season

“With our facilities, we hope to get a domestic licence once again and that would allow us to play in the Welsh Premier League again – we were relegated four seasons ago. Our ambition is to get back into the top league but there are 15 sides that will be trying hard to stop us! It would also be good to have a long run in the Welsh Cup and it would be good to see all Academy age groups flourish in their age group competitions.”

Youth

“Youth football and our Academy are vitally important to us. We try to attract the best talent in Pembrokeshire to our club in the hope that soon the majority of our 1st team players will be locals. It has not worked quite like that yet but we are getting much closer certainly with the present crop of players who are coming through.

Youngsters these days do not seem to have the patience in order that they are given their chance which makes integration into the senior side difficult. Not many youngsters are strong enough to play week in week out in a league that is hard and physical so we have to dip them in and out of the squad depending on the fixture – horses for courses. More often than not these lads disappear back to their local village side for regular football with their pals so it is a real problem.”

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Community

“At this time it would be wrong to really call ourselves a club in the heart of the community but we would like to make it so. Match attendances are disappointing bearing in mind we play at the highest level of any club in our county. The junior section of the club is as strong as it has ever been so we are hopeful that families will enjoy their experience with us and eventually become the future pillars of the club.”

Challenges/Ambitions

“At the top of our game money does appear to be no object but none of that money filters down to our level. Running a semi-professional club and making ends meet is a massive task so the main challenge for most clubs like ours is to make sure that they can afford what they are doing. We would like to get back into the Welsh Premier League and even better, with a group of home produced players. That would be good.

One other thing I hope is that someone in the not too distant future can come in and replace me and my directors as we are all aging at a rate of knots! There does not seem to be any interest from the younger generations to get involved in the management of our particular club but we would welcome anyone who is keen.”

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ORKNEY FC

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Orkney FC is a relatively new club having first been established in 2012 and they have made a storming start to their current league campaign. Football Focus Magazine caught up with their Chairman Robert Learmonth to find out more about the set up they have in place.

Beginnings

He told us, “I was involved in the working group that set up OFC. The work started in 2010/11 with the club being formally constituted in 2012. We now have a hardworking committee and a squad of some 40 to 50 players who turn up for training. The whole idea of OFC has been talked about for decades and I am very proud to have been part of the group who actually made it happen.”


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The Role

“For a young club, I guess the thorny issue of fund-raising is probably the most challenging. Being located on a remote group of Scottish Islands, about 17 miles off the northern tip of Scotland means our travelling costs are of a scale many similar clubs would find insurmountable. The most rewarding aspect has certainly been the way the different people, and domestic club representatives, involved in football in Orkney have come together to make this vision a reality. Seeing the team run out in the red shirts and blue shorts is always a great moment for me.”

Atmosphere

“We are very confident and positive about our future. Despite the major challenges we face in terms of logistics and associated costs - we have an enthusiastic committee, management and squad who are all willing to do whatever is necessary for the club to go forward.”

This Season

“Our start has been better than any of us could ever have hoped. We entered some cups in the two previous years and did quite well - but the decision to enter the league this year was a big one and we would have been

happy with a mid-table position at this point. Being at the top of the league is above and beyond. However, we are realistic and know there are tough games to come. We also acknowledge we have had a lot of home games so far - so our away form is not really known yet.”

Youth

“Youth football is very important in Orkney and a separate organisation, ‘Orkney Youth Development Group,’ do lots of good work to make the game

14 Issue 51

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accessible to youngsters. This starts at Primary School level with a very well-supported indoor league that is played throughout the winter months. There are many other events organised by OYDG - both coaching and competitive in nature.”

Integration

“This is possibly one of the bigger challenges we face - bridging that gap between primary school age boys playing the game for fun - and the teenagers with the other, sometimes conflicting, elements of life and associated peer pressure. At the moment we lose too many of that original pool and need to work harder at what we call our “Junior” game - aged 14 to 18 or so. However, some of the senior domestic clubs do have a good youth setup.”

Community

“I would say that we are a community club. We try to run the club in a professional manner - but at our heart we are all Orcadians with an interest in football in these islands. The fact that the players contribute to the club financially says a lot in this regard. When you live on an island you inherently have a very acute sense of community and a strong social fabric.”

Facility

“We are in a transitional phase just now. The grass pitches that were historically available have been put temporarily out of use. This is due to a Council investment programme which included the establishment of two new 3G pitches in Orkney - one in each of the two main towns.

These are very much welcomed and give us a much needed all-weather surface. However, we are awaiting the re-establishment of the grass pitches we lost in this process and hope this will give us all the options we would desire. So, at the moment, visiting clubs are impressed with what is happening - but do miss the temporary unavailability of grass pitches.”

Challenges

“Our biggest challenge is to keep our financial position strong. We are lucky to have great sponsorship from various businesses and this, combined with our own-fund-raising efforts, as well as the players actually PAYING towards travel costs (yes, not GETTING paid!)

means we are financially secure now - but this will require continued efforts. The actual enthusiasm from the players and others in Orkney will not be hard to maintain as it is very strong.”

Ambitions

“We want to be a top team in the North Caledonian Football League setup and to win the league. In the longer term there has been a vision to play in the Highland League. This would be a massive commitment and feat - but there is no point in not having ambitious goals. Also, a spot for Orkney FC in the Scottish Cup early rounds would be a dream come true!”


WHITTON UNITED FC

WHITTON UNITED FC

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Whitton United have had a rollercoaster of a ride through the Ipswich and Eastern Counties football leagues. After a spell away from the higher tiers of the counties leagues in the 1970s the club took its place back in the then named Jewson League and established themselves as a competitive team at this level. With many changes of management and playing staff the club look to consolidate as a Premier Division side following promotion last season as champions of the first division under the stewardship of first team manager Paul Bugg.

Mark Richards is the club chairman and Ruel Fox, the ex Norwich City player is the director of football for their senior set up. Only good things can come from this association with such a familiar ex professional footballer at the club, and hopefully will help to keep pushing the club forward and up the football pyramid. Also new proposals for a new ground and clubhouse are on the horizon showing greater ambition from the club to continue competing for honours and hopefully league titles.

Whitton United have entered the FA Cup and FA Vase this season so have plenty of fresh challenges to look forward to. Unfortunately their FA Cup run has come to a premature end losing to Haverhill Borough 2-0 in the preliminary round; following an extra preliminary tie versus Eton Manor which was won 2-0. Their FA vase dream is still alive though with a convincing 5-1 win against FC Romania. After a poor start to their league campaign some wins have followed and Whitton United are currently looking more towards mid table, than they are looking over their shoulder at the relegation places. Unfortunately the club also crashed out of the League Challenge Cup to Felixstowe & Walton United losing 3-2 under the floodlights at King George V Playing Field. The club can hopefully now focus all their attention on their league campaign and continue their solid start.

The first team colours are green and white stripes with green shorts and green socks, with current away colours of all over orange. They have a fantastic setup and as well as a first team, boast a reserve and veteran sides. The club also runs teams from Under 18s level

all the way down to Under 8s. Age groups of Under 14s and 13s have such good numbers that 2 teams currently run at each age group. With the club having such an abundance of youth teams in place the future can only be bright for Whitton United with a constant influx of young talent at their disposal.

Whitton United Football Club has achieved a superb level of longevity with their present history dating back to 1926. Based in Ipswich, playing their home games at King George V Playing Fields, the team currently ply their trade in the Eastern Counties Premier Division. Now named the Thurlow Nunn League, the club is playing at level 9 of the English football league pyramid, which is a feeder league to the Isthmian League (Ryman league).

16 Issue 51

BRADFORD CITY WOMEN’S FC

BRADFORD CITY WOMEN’S FCBradford City Women’s FC has enjoyed a steady start to their current campaign and appears to be an establishment that is progressing well. Football Focus Magazine caught up with their Head Coach Stephen Winterburn who provided us with an insight into the way that they operate.

Involvement

He told us, “I have been involved at Bradford City WFC since September 2006. After an informal interview, one practical training session and then a one month trial I was awarded the reserve managers/coaches before moving up to be Head Coach and Manager of the 1st XI in 2009.

The attraction was the Clubs name and it’s status but above all it was an opportunity for me to challenge myself to climb the coaching ladder in something I hadn’t done before which was to coach Women’s football which was just starting to gain recognition.”

The Role

“The most challenging aspect of being the Head Coach and Manager of the 1st XI is the pressures of trying to run the team like a professional club where I need all 7 days of the week and money to achieve my goals and ambitions. Unfortunately our club is not yet in a position to start employing full time coaches and therefore as well as holding down a full time job almost all my other time is dedicated to the club which can at times be very stressful.

On the other side of the coin, the rewards are priceless. Since taking over the first team in 2009 I am pleased to say that each season has seen improvement in the Clubs status, its junior section and strength in our senior section. As our senior teams (3 now) have been improving over the last few seasons and our silverware collection has grown we now attract better players, which helps us enormously. We aim to improve our standing each season which makes every start to a new campaign a tougher challenge, but we thrive on that.”


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Atmosphere

“The mood in the camp is very good. The teams in our league have definitely strengthened this season and after achieving third place last season in the Premier League we find ourselves having to dig really deep to try and equal or better that this time round. With that said, expectations and adrenalin are running high as we have achieved good results thus far without firing on all cylinders.”

Challenge

“Our main challenge is the same as for every other club, funding. Women’s football gets a drop in the ocean compared to the men’s game and as pitch hire and officials fees climb the cost of running a club becomes harder and harder.”

Ambitions

“Our ambitions are high. It would be great to forge a stronger relationship with the men’s club and hopefully start to play our matches at Valley Parade. It is also our ambition to build a very strong and successful junior section and forge our own academy to automatically feed our senior teams.

We would also like to achieve Super League status but would very much like to see the leagues merged together to come in line with the men’s games to get away from the two separate forms of leagues i.e. the WSL and the WPL as this has unfortunately driven leagues and teams apart over the last few years and has confused the public as to where teams stand when it comes to their genuine status/ranking of a team. Our plans for the season are to train hard, play hard and try to improve on last season.”

18 Issue 51

FULWELL FC

FULWELL FC

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Fulwell FC is a club that does a fantastic job of developing young players in their local area. Football Focus Magazine caught up with the Club’s Chairman Dave Johnson to find out more about the good work that they have been doing.

He told us, “I first became involved in 2008. I had to do a coaching badge as part of a degree course I was doing at the time. I met a few of the other coaches on the child welfare part of the course. I was asked if I wanted to get involved and now 6 yrs on I am chairman of the club.

The most challenging part of the role is dealing with parents who think they know best. Whereas the most rewarding aspects of my role is seeing the young players full of smiles and enjoyment after having gave their all on the pitch.

The mood within Fulwell at the moment is of optimism, with our new ground the managers have a sense of freedom. Freedom of when they can train and freedom of when to have home games kick off.

The start of the season has been fantastic throughout all age groups. They are all in the top half of their respective divisions. Under 9 Blues have finished 7 pts clear at the top of their respective summer league and our Under 13’s still have a 100% record.

Our plans for the season are to enjoy the freedom we have within our new ground, to potentially gain a club sponsor and, as always, do what we do best, and that is to develop our young footballers.


FULWELL FC

Youth football is our club. However of late we have developed a new strategy to encourage more U7 teams to come through. The benefits of this will be for all to see in the years to come. We at Fulwell FC see our club as a community club in the sense that the majority of our players are from the neighbouring estates. We have no formal links with other teams, however, we do have a very healthy relationships with our local professional clubs whom we are in regular talks with regards our higher ability players.

One of the biggest challenges is always the recruitment of good quality coaches who are willing to give up a proportion of their free time and to take on and develop a team of aspiring footballers.

Another big problem we have at our ground is dog mess on our pitches despite having a dog order in place. However, we are working hard with the local council to hopefully one day overcome this problem.

The clubs ambition over the next 5 years is to see a lot more new teams come through the ranks stemming from U7’s. With that, we aim to see a few more players picked up by professional clubs.”

20 Issue 51

BRISTOL ROVERS FC

BRISTOL ROVERS FC

Rovers are certainly making their intentions of promotion clear to the other 23 teams in the Vanarama Conference by winning 9 of those 18 games and currently sit in 5th place, just one point behind second placed Grimsby.

A busy summer was a requirement for Rovers in close season this year as they saw 16 players leave the club and 10 new faces arrive ahead of the 2014-15 campaign, including experienced winger, Andy Monkhouse, a free agent who currently stands as the club’s joint top scorer alongside striker, Ellis Harrison.

Daniel Leadbitter was brought in at right back, adding much needed pace, and a newly bolstered midfield with Salisbury old boy, Stuart Sinclair, and new vice-captain Lee Mansell showing their influential qualities in the heart of the Rovers’ midfield and helping to drive the club forward.

Bristol Rovers, otherwise known as ‘The Gas’, entertain their fans at their 12,011 capacity Memorial Stadium, situated within the city of Bristol. Rovers have spent the majority of their history fluctuating between the 3rd and 4th tier of English football and this season find themselves in the 5th tier for the very first time but, after 18 games played so far this term,

“Rovers have also announced a new link with the University of South Wales to deliver a foundation degree in Community Football Coaching and Development”“

“


BRISTOL ROVERS FC

Wishing Bristol Rovers all the best for the 2014/15 Season

Having played 3 of the other 4 teams who occupy the top 5 positions, Rovers have only failed to come away with a victory against Barnet, who sit comfortably at the top of the league with a 9 point lead over their closest rival. Home form will also be a major factor for Rovers this season with 6 wins in 9 games so far and only one ending in defeat, proving ‘The Gas’ to be tough opposition at the Memorial Stadium.

Rovers have also announced a new link with the University of South Wales to deliver a foundation degree in Community Football Coaching and Development, which offers the students the opportunities of undertaking industry recognised qualifications and an opportunity to work for Bristol Rovers Community Trust and study at Bristol Rovers FC.

In addition, Rovers have a two-year project underway to assist the development of disability football in the region. This project offers new opportunities to young disabled people after statistics showed less than 18% of disabled people participate in sports once a week, prompting the staff at Bristol Rovers Community Trust to help change that disappointing statistic and build relationships within the community.

The partnership of Manager, Darrell Clarke, and Premier League Golden Boot runner up (2000-2001), Marcus Stewart, as his assistant is certainly proving to be an effective one as the squad continue to play with a definite ‘never say die’ attitude. Rovers certainly look a threat going forward at this level, scoring great goals and when things go against them they never stop battling. This attitude might just be the key for a swift return to the Football League and everybody involved with Football Focus Magazine wish them the best of luck in their promotion push for the remainder of the campaign.

22 Issue 51

PHOENIX SPORTS FC

PHOENIX SPORTS FC

Phoenix Sports FC is an English Football Club located in Barnehurst in Greater London and their 1st team currently compete in the Southern Counties East Football League. Club Representative Stephen House gave us an insight into a number of different aspects of their set-up.


PHOENIX SPORTS FC

He told us, “The mood at the club at present is very good; there is a real buzz around the place from the Junior section right up to the 1st Team and on to the Vets! I recently met up with some of our Junior managers and they are really enjoying their time at the club.

It really is a fantastic club to be a part of and the fact that we have 40 teams or so representing us is testament to this. We have fantastic support and some of our members have been members for many years.. it’s great to see fella’s, Dads that have played for the club in years gone by coming back with their families to watch their own kids play and enjoy the whole atmosphere of being a family member at Phoenix Sports.

The 1st Team have had a cracking start to the season they really have; we were a bit low the week that we took a very early bath from the preliminary round of the FA Cup and to lose a home replay on pens was a bit of a heart breaker!

One of the joint 1st team managers Tony Beckingham resigned around the same time as well which was a shame but Steve O’ Boyle and his coaching team as well as the squad have really got the bit between their teeth and hit the ground running since that

24 Issue 51

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As a company we are committed to supporting the community and sponsoring Phoenix Sports gives us the opportunity to do so. It’s great to see the club doing well at the moment and we are proud to be associated

with the work that they carry out. We hope to be able to continue our partnership with them for many years to come and would like to take this opportunity to wish them the best of luck for the rest of the season.

26 Issue 51

PHOENIX SPORTS FC

time. We have had a fantastic unbeaten run and at the time of writing we remain unbeaten in the allotted 90 minutes of play!

We have played some good football and scored some great goals and on a run like this even when we have not been perhaps at our best we’ve managed to get a decent result from the game. We are also very pleased with our U21s and 18s; they are being coached and managed really well and have also started the season well. We are back on the road on Saturday 1st November as we are going down to the very picturesque Arundel for a FA Vase fixture and we are all very excited about that game too.

Youth Football is without question essential to the survival of Phoenix Sports and it is the blood that runs through the clubs veins. We have always been, and always will be, huge providers and promoters of youth and grass roots football.

Without question we are a community club as we are providing quality Saturday morning soccer sessions that are open and accessible to one and all, starting from the age of 4 and 5 years old. There is also a Saturday morning Goal Keeper coaching session which is very popular. We are represented from U7s right through the age groups with more than one team in each particular age group.

Our stance is that we provide football for all abilities, although it is important we are absolutely not just focussing on Kent Youth sides and/or Division A type teams. We are very proud of the fact that we have a good healthy membership where lots and lots of players can enjoy football at their own particular level.

The biggest challenge for us is sustainability! The challenge that is always there is the financial one, keeping your head above water from a financial point of view is always going to be very difficult. Operating costs are always an issue. Although there are some benefits, CASC and the rate relief attached to it is a bonus but there is still in my opinion of course, nowhere near enough help for grass roots community type football clubs such as ours.

The local councils do not do enough to help or take enough interest. It is great now that the FA, the London FA and Kent are definitely doing more and trying to help but there is still a long way to go in my eyes. For most clubs keeping up with ground grading issues, health & safety issues, insurance, rent and or lease costs, kit, general upkeep of facilities and equipment are always going to be a challenge, all these crocodiles are never far from the boat…”

28 Issue 51

““PHOENIX SPORTS FC

Over the next 5 years, we have several issues that we want to address; so far as the football side is concerned it is without doubt to continue to improve the 18s and 21s set up and work on the relationships between them and senior football.

From a grounds and facilities perspective we will continue with our plan to get our ground up to a Ryman standard grading. We are also working on affiliations and building relationships with the local schools and also trying to offer more of our facilities up to the local community. We have also been working with AllStar Coaching to improve our standards and the opportunities that we can create and offer at grass roots level, this is going particularly well. We would also like to improve upon our Girls football section.

It will be a busy time at Phoenix that’s for sure!”

“Youth Football is without question essential to the survival of Phoenix Sports and it is the blood that runs through the clubs veins.”


EAST THURROCK UNITED FC

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EAST Thurrock United is the epitome of a small club at the heart of its community.It is run by a small core of dedicated enthusiasts and if ever there is a club that consistently punches above its weight, it is the Rocks.

Manager John Coventry has been involved at Rookery Hill since 2004, initially as a youth coach the assistant to then manager Lee Patterson.

When Patterson left to join Braintree Town in 2005 Coventry stayed on and he has been at the helm since and the club have gone through a succession of eventful seasons.

The highlight for the club, only formed as a pub side in 1969, was in reaching the FA Cup first round proper three seasons ago.

“We played Macclesfield and though we lost, it was everything that you imagine the FA Cup will be,” said Coventry. “It was a huge day and we all mucked in. My wife runs the tea bar and my daughter and her then

ROTARY AND “THE ROCKS”

The Rotary Club of Corringham Thameside is a proud supporter of East Thurrock United Football Club. Our local club, whose work in the community sits comfortably alongside that of the Rotary Club. In sponsoring East Thurrock’s under six team, we are able to observe the youngsters enjoying their football, learn about teamwork and discipline which will hold them in good stead in the years to come.

Rotarians are regular visitors to all of “The Rocks” home games and occasionally an away fixture too. We enjoy the friendly community spirit that is evident at our local club. It is our intention to organise a “Sports Quiz” to raise funds for the under six team in the near future.

This is just one small aspect of the Rotary Club’s activities within our community, which includes our annual fishing day for “special needs” children, the Corringham Junior School Choir Competition and our “Give-A-Can” appeal for the homeless. If you have an interest in your community and would like to become active and at the same time make new friends and have fun, why not become a Rotarian – Make friends and make a difference.

Visit us on www.corringhamrotary.org we would love to hear from you.


30 Issue 51


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fiancée, now husband, helped with the organisation. Our groundsman Mick Stephen and his wife Margaret, chairman Brian Mansbridge and our secretary Neil Speight and his wife all joined in. It really was a family affair and together with characters like Sam Cox, a real stalwart at the club, we have something very special.”Coventry has acquired a reputation as someone with a real eye for local talent and in his work as a coach in youth football and as a sports teacher at local schools he has helped nurture many young players, including several who have gone on to play in the Football league.

At East Thurrock the average age of the squad is kept very low as Coventry brings young players in. “We don’t have a big budget and so we have to grow our own,” says Coventry, whose enthusiasm for the game belies his years. So much so, at 60 he still turns out for a local Sunday League side and plays veterans and charity games.

Among the current squad are highly-rated young players Mitchell Gilbey, David Hughes, Conor Witherspoon and club captain Tom Stephen. “They are all good footballers who have very bright futures. Hopefully that will be with us but if the time comes that it is right for them to move on, then it will be with the blessing of everyone at the club.

“We take great pride in the way we have helped footballers come on and make a name for themselves in the game. Max Cornhill, currently playing with Dartford in the Conference Premier, is one such example.

And like many others, he still comes back to watch games at Rookery Hill from time to time. “We’re like a family,” says Coventry,” and we like to keep in touch with our family as they grow and prosper.”

Those youngsters are welded together with some experienced players in the current squad and that, says Covo is the perfect blend.

“We take great pride in the way we have helped footballers come on and make a name for themselves in the game.”

“ “


“We have one or two ‘old hands’ like Ben Wood who has ‘retired’ at least a couple of times but we keep going back to him to help us out and he’s an absolute gem of a player for us. It says a lot for the club and the atmosphere we have that people like Ben are very happy here. He is a model ‘professional’ in every sense of the word and I know that if we didn’t do things the right way, he – and a number of others, wouldn’t be here, “We may be a small club but we do things properly, with integrity and respect and I think it’s true to say that we have a good name as a club.”

At the moment plans are being made for the club to leave its current ground at Rookery Hill and move to a new Greenfield site a couple of miles away.

“We are talking to the local council about planning and when we do move we hope to incorporate even more community activities into our set up. We have youth sides from as young as Under sevens all the way through but when we set up the new ground we hope also to have a 3G pitch which will enable us to bring more players into the fold but also work with other local clubs. It’s not about East Thurrock taking over, it’s


about helping other clubs. Also, we are talking to the local hockey club and there’s a possibility that rugby will come into the equation too.

“We want to create a real community sports hub.

The new ground is a little nearer more chimney pots too. We don’t get the biggest crowds where we are and moving a bit nearer the bigger residential areas can only help.”

On the pitch the club is hoping to make this season’s play-offs.

“Some might thing that’s a bit ambitious, given that we flirted with relegation right up to the last day of last season, but this league is one in which any team can beat each other on any given day. Put a run of results together and you can go up a few places very quickly. If we are in touch with a few games to go I wouldn’t put it beyond us to make it into the play offs again.

“One things for sure, we won’t be standing still. Things are never dull at this club.”

32 Issue 51

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN LADIES FC

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN LADIES FCHuddersfield Town Ladies FC has made a strong start to their current league campaign and they’ve been playing some superb football. Football Focus Magazine caught up with their Chairman David Mallin to find out more about the set up they have in place.

Involvement

He told us, “I’ve been involved with the club for about 14 years, ever since my daughter Kate joined the club as an 11 year old and started to play for the girls under 12’s team. She’s currently captain of the first team. I was initially invited to join the committee but have been club Chairman for the last 6 or 7 years.”

The Role

“I’m involved on a day to day basis. With each promotion there’s a little more work to do. This summer, after our promotion from the Northern Women’s Combination league there’s been a lot of work on-going at our home ground at Storthes Hall. We applied for a grant from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund in order to install new floodlights as well as covered seating for our spectators.

In addition, there’s also extra work behind the scenes this season with the publication of a match day programme for each home game. The most challenging aspect for us is fundraising, whether it be through ‘bag packing’, raffles or trying to obtain sponsorship. Obviously the most rewarding aspect is the success on the field, whether it is at open age or junior level.”

This Season

“The general mood is very good, with all our teams playing well. We couldn’t really have hoped for a better start with the first team winning their first five league games. We’ve lost the last three to tough opponents but we are still only four points from the top and cannot be unhappy with that.

At junior level our under 18’s and under 13’s have both won their three opening games and our under 15’s have won four out of five. The junior teams are really about developing players and giving them the skills to come through to the open age, but if we can do that and at the same time win trophies, then why not?”

Debbie Hastings

“Debbie is in her third season with us. She’s an important member of the squad and she’s been the one who has been slotting in the goals up to now. Obviously we have to have players ready to play her in but her form so far has been terrific. Debbie has tremendous pace and will frighten any defence at any level. This season I think that her finishing has been fantastic, she’s been much calmer when in front of goal.”


HUDDERSFIELD TOWN LADIES FC

Challenges

“Obviously for all Women’s clubs, money is a major issue. Despite the rise in the Women’s game generally, we don’t get the support that men’s teams do and therefore, having the ability to keep the club moving forward is always an issue.

However, up to now we’ve somehow managed it. We are a fully self-financed club, and all club members are volunteers, nobody is paid. We’re lucky enough to have an enthusiastic and hard working committee, fantastic coaches and a good bunch of girls who have the desire to win.”

Ambitions

“We would like to maintain our current status and hopefully have a decent run in one of the cup competitions. At junior level I’d hope to win a couple of trophies.

Naturally, we’d like to progress to the WSL, but that will take significant additional funding plus further upgrades to our home ground. Every club at our level should aim for that but if that’s achievable, I’m not sure. At the moment we are delighted to be holding our own at the highest level of Women’s winter football.”

34 Issue 51

TADLEY CALLEVA FC

TADLEY CALLEVA FCI have been involved with Tadley Calleva FC for twenty years, taking on several roles over that period. My very first role in 1994 was as the Assistant Reserve Team Manager. My playing career had come to an end since moving south from Scotland and the then reserve team manager, Don Campbell, asked me to help him out running the reserve team who were competing in the North Hants League.

After Don left, I then went on to be the manager of the reserve team for a few years and subsequently progressed to be assistant manager and then Manager of the first team when they were competing in the Hampshire League.

In my time at the club, I also managed one of the youth teams for a couple of seasons – so I have a few years of managing teams on my CV, albeit within the same club.

I was appointed Chairman of the club at the start of the 2011/12 season after the previous Chairman, Goff White, decided to step down for personal reasons.

The club was still going through some difficult times after winning the Wessex League Division 1 title in 2007/08. The then main sponsor pulled out and we also failed to gain promotion to the Premier League due to ground grading issues; both of which resulted in

several of our better players moving on to other clubs. The Committee had to rally round to put us back on a solid footing and our initial focus was on the necessary ground improvements which thankfully were quickly resolved.

When I took on the Chairmanship I believed that we needed to adopt a different strategy for running the club; I felt we had to be self-sustaining as opposed to being solely dependent on sponsorship monies for running the club. The turning point, and the most rewarding from a personal perspective, was the opening of our social clubhouse.

We managed and financed the project ourselves, with a bit of additional financial assistance from the Wessex League Committee, and we opened the clubhouse in June 2012. Unfortunately there are too many individuals who I would need to thank to be able to start naming names in this brief, but needless to say this success has seen us make significant progress both on and off the field over the past few seasons – finishing higher up the league table year-on-year and we are also the current holders of the Basingstoke Senior Cup. We won this trophy at the end of last season defeating local rivals AFC Aldermaston in the final 3-2.

We are now also eligible to compete in the FA Cup and FA Vase respectively and we made our inaugural appearance in the FA Cup in 2013 against Ascot United before being knocked out of the competition in the following round by Chalfont St Peter from the Southern League.

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The mood at the club is very positive at the moment. We are undefeated in our league campaign so far and September was a particularly successful month for us. We defeated Alton Town in the FA Vase, defeated Alresford Town and Conference South side Basingstoke Town in the Hampshire Senior Cup and the next round takes us on our travels to last season’s FA Vase winners Sholing FC in early December.

However, this positivity has been tempered slightly by a Hampshire FA charge that the club is currently contesting. This charge relates to alleged misconduct by spectators purporting to be followers of our club at the match against Basingstoke Town. I am unable to go into the details of this any further until after the hearing has concluded, but needless to say the shine of this historic victory and the plaudits the player should be receiving have not been forthcoming at all – which in my opinion is grossly unfair.

We consider ourselves to be a community minded club and we have run (and will continue to run) local community events. We are also strengthening our approach in promoting youth and part of our future plan is to look to achieving FA Chartered Standard.

Our reserve side compete in the Wyvern League and our Under 18 side competes in the Allied Counties Youth League – both these sides have a considerable amount of young talent coming through. In fact our Under 18 side won the London International Soccer Festival in August this year. I must also mention that we run an ‘A’ side that competes in the Basingstoke Premier League; this is a mixture of youth and experience and predominantly made up of lads from the local area. We also run a junior and girls section (from Under 8 to Under 17) which is run by a separate management committee.

With the start our 1st team has made to the current season we are hoping to challenge for promotion to the next level. This should help us to retain our current crop of players and hopefully attract other good players from the surrounding area to come and join us.

The biggest challenge we face in the next few years is to obtain the additional pitches needed to cover the number of teams (Senior & Junior) that we have. In fact, we are currently looking into obtaining funding support for a 3G or 4G pitch as this would also help us with mid-week training. Winter training is a particular problem for us as there are no suitable facilities available locally which turns out to be extremely expensive for us.

36 Issue 51

AYR UNITED FC

AYR UNITED FC

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They were first established in 1910 following a merger between Ayr Parkhouse and Ayr. Their nickname is “The Honest Men,” which is taken from a line in the poem “Tam O’Shanter” by Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns.

In total they have spent 34 seasons in Scotland’s top division altogether but have not been there since the 1977-78 season. They’ve managed to win the second tier of Scottish football 6 times and the 3rd tier twice and their most successful manager has been Ally Macleod who went on to manage the Scottish National Football Team.

This season their first team have made a steady start to their league campaign having put together a record of 5 wins, 1 draw and 6 defeats from their first 12 matches. This sees them sitting in a mid-table position with 16 points on the board.

They will now be looking to put together a good run of form in order to ensure that they can improve their league position. So long as they are able to retain their

Ayr United Football Club is a Scottish association football team that currently competes in the Scottish League One which is the 3rd tier of the Scottish Professional Football League. They play their home games at Somerset Park and are led by Chairman Lachlan Cameron and Secretary Graham Peterkin. The club has made a considerable amount of progress under their guidance.

“Ayr United is a club that has put together a proud history since being first established and it is great to see them continuing to play a vital role in their community to this day.”“ “


AYR UNITED FC

current group of players and perhaps make one or two quality additions they should be in with a good chance of doing just that.

Ayr United is not a club to focus solely upon their senior section however and they also have a high quality academy in place. This part of the club looks to provide young players from the local area with an opportunity to play the game in a safe and enjoyable environment whilst helping them to reach their full potential.

It is important for any team to be able to produce their own talent if they want to be successful and this is an area that they appear to have covered. It will certainly be exciting to see how their juniors can develop over the coming years.

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The Ayr United Football Academy does a considerable amount of work with local schools as part of their Community Programme and they also support the SFA School of Football which is funded by the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities initiative. The AUFA has been involved in this since August 2008 at Cumnock Academy which was one of the initial 6 schools chosen in Scotland.

Ayr United is a club that has put together a proud history since being first established and it is great to see them continuing to play a vital role in their community to this day. Hopefully they can keep up the good work that they have been doing both on and off the field for many years to come and everyone at Football Focus Magazine would like to wish them the best of luck.

38 Issue 51

MANGOTSFIELD UNITED FC


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Mangotsfield United is a great example of a club that plays an important role in their local community. Their Finance Director Martin Preedy took the time to tell us more about the good work that they’ve been doing.

He started by telling us about his involvement with the club, saying, “I’m into my third season as Financial Director of the club having previously been involved about 9 years ago for a short time. I knew the Chairman on a work basis and as we both shared a love of football, one thing led to another. The most important thing is that I’m enjoying myself immensely.”

As Financial Director the challenge and reward is the same – keeping everyone within budget. Apart from that role, I have an overseeing eye on all parts of the business, including the media side. I’m lucky to have some excellent volunteers to help, and for that, I’m very thankful.

October has been a challenging month to say the least. On the playing side, we had our keeper and central defender both suffer dislocated shoulders on successive Saturday’s. As we run a small squad, the manager was permanently on the phone to his contacts to resolve the mini crisis.

Also, we have a very successful clubhouse and after 17 years of being at the helm, our bar manager decided to move to pastures new. So overall, lots of changes going on this month, but with the new people in place, everyone seems upbeat and in positive mood. I’m really looking forward to what the future holds.

On the football side, we would like to finish in a play-off position this season and see what happens then. Looking at the business side, it is important to keep the clubhouse busy and with a new bar manager in place, we shall be trying new things over the next few months.

We have a long standing link with Bristol Rovers; we played them in a pre-season friendly and this led to them loaning us one of their up and coming 18 year olds. After playing for us for a couple of months, he was recalled and is now training with the Rovers first team. Over the years, I think we have had about 11 players



who have gone on and signed professional forms. The last one was Liam Monelle who signed for Bristol City in 2013.

We are very much a community club. Apart from an extensive juniors section, our clubhouse is busy six days a week with skittles, parties and all sorts of functions for the local people.

We recently had a local U14’s girls team come to a match as they wanted to see our warm up procedures and game tactics. Also, our local cub and scout troop pop round for the odd evening match. I hope what we do rubs off and inspire the next generation as they move through life.

As with any business, you cannot stand still. We try to offer different sponsorship options most seasons and increasing our clubhouse turnover is top priority at the moment. These are all things that need constant work and attention and let’s face it; the Directors of a club get no credit for this side of things.

All the supporters want is a successful team playing attractive football. Easy to say, darned difficult to achieve in practice! We have one aim: to be in the Conference South division (that’s two promotions). This is something the club has never achieved and is what we are working towards.”

40 Issue 51

NORTH FERRIBY UNITED A.F.C.


Promotion to the Conference North came in 2013, and the club is looking to establish itself in this division before dreaming of promotion to the Conference proper. The feeling amongst the fans and around the local area is that the club are on the up, and should they continue their upwards trajectory, could be dreaming of a chance to enter the Football League within a few years. The club has ties with Premier League side Hull City, and often uses the loan market in order to give their young players some competitive match experience.

Current squad and staff

There is a sprinkling of Football League pedigree amongst the North Ferriby ranks, which is always welcome for a non-league squad. Nathan Jarman, Jonathan D’Laryea and former Queen’s Park Rangers captain Adam Bolder provide that crucial league experience which should serve the club well.

Manager Billy Heath joined North Ferriby in 2011 after successful spells at Frickley and Bridlington Town. A former North Ferriby player himself, he understands the club and its fanbase better than many, and used all of his experience and nous in order to mastermind promotion to the Conference North.

This season

North Ferriby has started the 2014/2015 campaign with some solid, if not spectacular form. With fourteen games played and just four defeats, they look as though they will be able to mount a play-off challenge if results can steadily improve as the season progresses.

A notable 4-3 win over Oxford City, during which the team trailed 3-1 at half time, shows that there is plenty of determination and fight in the squad. Speaking to the

North Ferriby United A.F.C. is based near Kingston upon Hull, in Yorkshire. Having been in the non-leagues for the entirety of their 80-year existence, the club reached the Northern Premier League in 2005 and continued to thrive in the highest division they had yet reached.



club’s official website after the match, Manager Billy Heath said, “The players were outstanding. We conceded two poor goals in the first half but the players responded magnificently after the break.” It is precisely this kind of never-say-die attitude that Heath will be hoping North Ferriby can carry with them into the heavy Christmas fixture pile-up.

The future

The club not only has a reserve side and an under-19 side, but also prides itself upon a strong youth and development scheme. The idea is to reach out into the local community and make football accessible to all young people, with the hope that some stars of the future can be unearthed and potentially fast-tracked into the North Ferriby team through the under-19’s and reserves.

They state on their website that the scheme is, “very much a part of everyday life at the football club, yet it remains separate financially. As a not for profit organisation it relies on subscription fees, sponsorship and fundraising activities.” This admirable approach to youth development has earned the club many plaudits in the local area.

Knowing that their club is trying to achieve sustainable success from the bottom up, the North Ferriby fans can concentrate on supporting their heroes and try to inspire them into reaching the Conference proper.

42 Issue 51

LINGFIELD FC

LINGFIELD FC

It would be fair to say that their first team has not perhaps enjoyed the start to the current campaign that they would have liked, having compiled a record of 5 wins and 11 defeats from their first 16 matches. This has left them sitting in the bottom half of the table with 15 points on the board.

There have been positives to take from the team’s play however and one of these has been the attacking brand of football that they have been able to produce. This has been reflected by the fact that they have already found the back of the net 34 times at a rate of more than 2 per game.

This will certainly ensure that any supporters attending their matches have been well entertained and should encourage more of the local community to get behind

Based at The Pavilion on Godstone Road in Surrey, Lingfield FC currently competes in the Premier Division of the Southern Counties East Football League. They are led by the team of Chairman Bill Blenkin and President Pam Tonsett and the club has made a considerable amount of progress under their guidance.

“Although Lingfield FC has not won as many games as they would have liked so far this season this should not take away from the good work that has been done at the club.”“ “


the team in the future. This in turn has the potential to provide them with a valuable source of additional revenue.

It will be interesting to see how the team is able to progress over the coming months. So long as they can continue with their potency in front of goal and tighten up defensively then they will have a good chance of climbing the table.

This is not a club to focus solely upon their senior section however and they also have a number of youth sides in place. These teams look to provide youngsters from the local area with an opportunity to play the game in a safe and enjoyable environment whilst helping them to reach their full potential.

It is important for any team to be able to produce their own talent, particularly in the current financial climate and this is an area that they appear to have covered. Their coaching staff are confident they’ve a number of juniors currently involved with the potential for a bright future in the game.

Although Lingfield FC has not won as many games as they would have liked so far this season this should not take away from the good work that has been done at the club. Football Focus Magazine wishes them the best of luck for the future.

LINGFIELD FC

44 Issue 51

MOSSLEY FC

MOSSLEY FC

Involvement

He told us, “I started watching the club when I was 11 and I’m 57 now so I’ve been involved a long time. It’s been a gradual progression into my current role – I joined the Management Committee when I was 16 after getting injured. At that point I started going to watch every game and my involvement has spiralled from there.

One of the most challenging aspects of my role is meeting deadlines, particularly for the programme. We’ve just had 3 home games in a week and producing three 36 page programmes in a week can mean a few later nights that I would have had otherwise but it is something I enjoy doing. The best part is definitely the match on a Saturday afternoon though – that is what makes it all worthwhile.”

Mossley FC has enjoyed a positive start to their current league campaign and are also doing well in the County Cup. Football Focus Magazine caught up with their Press Officer John Corthorn to find out how things are going at the club.

Atmosphere

“The mood down at the club is good at the moment, we’ve had a couple of disappointing results lately but on the whole we’re a happy bunch that just gets on with it. We’ve got a great management team that are great people as well as good managers. We’ve got hardworking directors, a Committee that backs it up and everybody turns up on a matchday and slots into their role. It all seems to run smoothly and we do alright.”

Community

“It’s very much a family club in the modern era. We’ve got a very picturesque ground with a fantastic view of the Pennines in the background; it is quite spectacular really and it is just a lovely place to watch football. I’ve just always loved the place, the people, the football and the idea of the club.”

Images courtesy of Mossley Smiffy.


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This Season

“As a whole we’re really happy with how we have started because nobody fancied us at all this season. It’s a very strong league with some big money clubs that have far better resources than us. We’ve been pleasantly surprised to find ourselves sitting in the top half of the league just outside of the play-offs having played most of the top teams.

We feel that if we can stay in touch over the coming months we can have a proper go at making the play-offs. We’ve got some very good players, there’s no doubt about that. It’s a young side with a couple of older lads and we’re happy with how they are gelling together now and it is a happy dressing room.”

Ambitions

Our first goal over the next 5 years is to make sure that we are still in existence. I’d like to see us in the Premier Division of the Evo-Stik but I don’t see anything above that being an option, maybe Conference North, if the financial structure was in place to be able to do that but as it stands the club is debt free which is a nice thing. We’re a community and club and we want to maintain that first and foremost.”

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“It’s very much a family club in the modern era. We’ve got a very picturesque ground with a fantastic view of the Pennines in the background”

46 Issue 51

LONDON COLNEY FC

LONDON COLNEY FCThe mood here at London Colney is one of change. We have new first and reserve team managers and coaches this year. The club has had a good run in the FA Cup getting through all the preliminary rounds against tough opposition from leagues above to get to the first round of the FA Cup qualifying.

These changes have been positive for the club both on the pitch and off of it. We are getting a younger committee with new members (again promoted from within the club) that we hope will take the club to the next level. We have a new website that I created, the fact it is not a free club website sets us apart from a lot of clubs at this level.

This is so we can make it more user friendly and helpful for the people in the community who come to watch. There is also a new leisure centre being built on the field next to us by the council which we hope will attract more fans, particularly younger fans, who can watch on match days.

The season has generally gone very well; the Reserves were unbeaten in the league until last week. The first team had a very good cup run as mentioned and are around mid table with some games in hand. The third team has made a very good start, losing only one game. We even have a fourth team that are doing well. That fourth team was introduced this year to get the young players (especially from the youth teams) to start playing adult football at a lower level. This helps the player’s progress and make the step up from our youth teams. They can then rise through the different teams to get to their maximum level. This I think highlights the smooth transition into adult football that we are trying to achieve.

It is not just players that progress. This year, the reserve team manager has moved up to firs team duties and the reserve team manager is a former player. So this highlights the clubs philosophy of progressing and promoting from within.

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LONDON COLNEY FC

We are hoping to build on recent successes (third team won a cup last year and the first team finished high up the league), and to see if we can push on to the next level across all teams.

Youth football is very important to us. I have just set up a proper website for the youth teams (London Colney Colts FC) so that the families can stay up to date with the latest information and can see fixtures and stats for the youth teams. We currently have eight youth teams spanning across different age levels. Many of the first and reserve team squads have played for the club as a youth in some capacity and that is the aim of the club.

I think all of these factors show how important the community is to us and with the leisure centre getting the go ahead next to the pitch it allows us to become more involved in the community as well. We were fully involved in the progress of this leisure centre with the local council.

We are known for having one of the friendliest teams (bar and food etc) and creating a pleasant atmosphere for visiting teams and fans. The bar area is quite large and is comfortable while the changing room and shower facilities are among some of the best in the league. Full credit must go to our team who regularly host charity nights and fundraising events that are held at the club to raise money for different causes. Some of the upcoming challenges could be the continuation of moving the committee to a younger generation as we have a few members who would like to stand down after many years of service but we are still in transition in that respect.

Over the coming years we would like to progress both off the field and on it. We believe our first team are not far off making that step towards promotion, we have a young team. The other teams are progressing well. As I said, we have a fourth team this year due to the volume of players we have and the youth team is really coming together with the amount of teams and players we now have and the new websites etc.

48 Issue 51

DERBY COUNTY FC

DERBY COUNTY FC

Since the inception of the Premier League in 1992 they have spent most of their time in the top half of the Championship with the occasional sojourn into the top flight. Since being relegated from the Premier League in 2008 with 11 points, a record seasonal low for the division, The Rams have been rebuilding for another stab at the big time; an agonising play-off defeat in May 2014 saw Bobby Zamora’s late strike deny Derby a return to the top division.

Staff

The appointment of former England manager Steve McClaren in September 2013 seemed an unusual step for Derby County to take. Since his infamous spell as national team boss, McClaren’s disastrous short-term spell in charge of local rivals Nottingham Forest had done little to rebuild his previously distinguished reputation.

However, the move has so far appeared to be a very good one. McClaren’s side were unfortunate to lose the 2013/14 playoff final and have begun this season strongly; one point off top spot and in 3rd place at the time of writing. Ably assisted by former Derby County winger Paul Simpson and experienced goalkeeping coach Eric Steele, McClaren has restored the optimism amongst The Rams fans and will be looking to go one better than last season this time around.

The Future

Exciting youngster Will Hughes has been setting the Championship alight with a string of impressive performances. Only 19 years of age and already capped by England under 21’s, the starlet has been linked with moves to the Premier League but recently committed himself to The Rams by signing a new long-term contract.

Steve McClaren said of Hughes, “Will is playing well. What pleases me is he’s getting some end product to his play. He can always keep the ball and deal with

Founded in 1884, originally as a sub-team of Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Derby County Football Club (known colloquially as ‘The Rams’) have played in the top two tiers of English football for all but four seasons of their 130-year history.

“Derby County Football Club has the feel of a club who are headed back to the Premier League at some point soon; the question is surely not “if?” but rather “when?”

“


“it, but that killer pass to unlock packed defences or scoring a goal; that is what he has added to his game.”

With other exciting talents such as pacy forward Mason Bennett and talented central-midfielder George Thorne beginning to shine in a Derby shirt, their fans can look forwards to the next few years in the knowledge that there is some serious young talent beginning to emerge at the club.

Facilities

Having left their old Baseball Ground in 1997 after a 102-year stay, Derby County moved to the purpose-built 33,597-capacity Pride Park Stadium for the beginning of the 1997/1998 season. Hosting its first England international in 2001, the stadium was then renamed the ‘iPro Stadium’ as part of a lucrative sponsorship deal as of December 2013.

The stadium boasts excellent corporate facilities, which have been utilised for events and celebrations by local schools and companies, and has played host to world-famous musical acts such as Rod Stewart and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Derby County Football Club has the feel of a club who are headed back to the Premier League at some point soon; the question is surely not “if?” but rather “when?”

DERBY COUNTY FC

50 Issue 51

As proud partners of Derby County Football Club we are delighted to have officially opened the Cinos Suite within the iPro Stadium. Cinos have made a long term commitment, along with a significant investment into the club by refurbishing two of the existing suites and combining them into one large executive suite, seating up to 20 people.

Cinos have worked alongside the clubs’ internal IT teams to create a breath-taking venue which we are all very proud of.

Working with some of the leading audio visual manufacturers with a proven track record of delivering world class solutions, we have integrated an array of products designed to enhance the capabilities for corporate guests as well as delivering an exceptional match day experience.

Within the suite we have deployed an 80” NEC high definition professional grade display which not only delivers functional excellence but produces a high impact statement as you enter the room. The slimline display utilises the latest LED technology to deliver crystal clear content whether used in presentation mode, during match day entertainment or in video conferencing mode.

At the opposite end of the room we have installed the latest 65” NEC touch screen display. The 4-camera optical-imaging technology allows for up to six simultaneous touches; enhancing the user experience by providing business delegates with a means to annotate documents and

THE CINOS SUITE ATDERBY COUNTYFOOTBALL CLUB

The Cinos Suite

www.cinos.co.uk 54 www.cinos.co.uk

The Cinos suiTe aT Derby CounTy FooTball Club

As proud partners of Derby County Football Club we are delighted to have officially opened the Cinos Suite within the iPro Stadium. Cinos have made a long term commitment, along with a significant investment into the club by refurbishing two of the existing suites and combining them into one large executive suite, seating up to 20 people.

Cinos have worked alongside the clubs’ internal IT teams to create a breath-taking venue which we are all very proud of.

Working with some of the leading audio visual manufacturers with a proven track record of delivering world class solutions, we have integrated an array of products designed to enhance the capabilities for corporate guests as well as delivering an exceptional match day experience.

Within the suite we have deployed an 80” NEC high definition professional grade display which not only delivers functional excellence but produces a high impact statement as you enter the room. The slimline display utilises the latest LED technology to deliver crystal clear content whether used in presentation mode, during match day entertainment or in video conferencing mode.

At the opposite end of the room we have installed the latest 65” NEC touch screen display. The 4-camera optical-imaging technology allows for up to six simultaneous touches; enhancing the user experience by providing business delegates with a means to annotate documents and collaborate in a more effective manner. A double-sided and anti-reflective glass layer protects the panel and prevents mirror imaging.

To further enhance the collaborative capabilities for business delegates we have deployed a wireless presentation system from Barco. At the click of a button participants can wirelessly share their content from a laptop, tablet or smartphone. This solution provides an unmatched user experience and allows for a smoother transition between multiple presenters.

Take ConTrol oF your eXPerienCe

At the touch of a button our fully supported video conferencing service allows users to make and receive face to face calls with their clients, staff or suppliers either locally or anywhere around the globe. Through integrating the Polycom RealPresence platform with the Polycom SoundStructure system we have provided a high definition video conferencing solution that delivers exceptional interoperability, scalability and reliability.

By deploying this technology into the iPro Stadium we are confident that the club, its partners and its customers will all benefit operationally and financially as well as reducing their carbon footprint wherever possible.

To ensure high definition audio into the presentation space we have utilised Revolabs’ wireless microphone technology. The Executive HD 4 Channel system with onmi-directional microphones allows presenters to move freely around the suite without compromising the audio quality.

The external wall mounted AMX touch panel allows the Derby County Football Club management and their conferencing and banqueting partner Delaware North Companies to switch seamlessly between the various room scenarios.

Each scenario delivers a different selection of pre-set levels such as audio volume, IPTV activity and display sources. These scenarios include the ‘Sky Mode’, utilised when Sky Sports are presenting from the suite during televised matches. This mode activates the 65” NEC touchscreen but deactivates audio sources and video conferencing during transmission times.

The control system has also been designed to enable the ordering of food, drinks and club merchandise without the users having to leave the room. This innovative solution enhances the customer experience, reduces operational running costs and increases the revenue opportunities during conferencing and match day attendance.

For further information about our projects at DCFC please scan the QR code or visit www.cinos.co.uk/dcfc

If you’d like to speak to one of our team please feel free to contact us directly on +44 (0)207 127 4543.

The Cinos Suite

“The match day experience is enhanced through the seamless and aesthetically enjoyable technology introduced by Cinos. It has also made the Cinos Suite the ‘in demand’ conference facility at the iPro Stadium and we look forward to developing our Partnership with them throughout other areas of the iPro Stadium.”

Brandon FurseHead of Ticketing, Analytics and Technology

The Cinos Suite

52 Issue 51

COLNE FC

COLNE FC

Colne FC has seen a revolution in its playing fortune, profile and town awareness since we appointed the current management team of Steve Cunningham and Ted Cockett.

Over the last few years the management team and committee, with the resources available, had been content to see the club established as a top 10 club within the NWCFL Premier Division, with only a limited ambition to progress up the football pyramid.

Steve’s presentation at his interview showed a club in stagnation and the changes he wanted to make.

HIS MISSION STATEMENT WAS TO MAKE COLNE FC THE BEST FAMILY ORIANTATED SPORTS CLUB IN NORTH EAST LANCASHIRE.

Steve and Ted’s commitment and ambition has rubbed off on everyone at the Club. The ground, whilst old and in need of some tender loving care, has seen a total makeover in the close season. All the perimeter fencing has been painted as has the main stand, with its white and red seating.

All this work has been appreciated and on the annual ground grading visit the NWCFL officials remarked how well the ground was looking and the effort that had been put in.

The hard work of our commercial team of Dave Craig and Peter Shaw has paid huge dividends with an unprecedented level of board adverts and match day sponsors.

Another of our main aims was to forge closer links with our Saturday morning academy and youth teams. Senior management, coaching staff and players give up their time to put on coaching sessions for these youngsters, in addition all junior players and managers are given free passes to attend all home league fixtures. This together with a greater profile and awareness has seen the resurrection of the Colne Red Army. Attendances for the current season are approx. double the previous year and recent weeks have seen an away following of over 50 fans.

AFC Liverpool, Stockport Sports and the extremely well supported Runcorn Linnets have all voiced the opinion that the Colne fans are the best and most vocal in the league. Testament to this was the attendance of 198 for our FA Vase game (the second highest of all the Saturday fixtures).

Whilst we have had a steady start of won 6 drawn 2 lost 4, the football we have been playing merits better statistics. We have been dominating teams without being quite able to get the end result our approach play merits.

THE PAST / THE PRESENT / THE FUTURE


COLNE FC

Steve has said on a number of occasions that once our forwards get in the groove then we will put a series of results together. The committee’s aim for the season was a top 6 league finish and a cup victory, Steve and his management team are aiming higher.

In the 2014-15 season we have resurrected an Under 18 team, recognising that we need to see a planned progression from our successful youth team set up through the Under 18 and Lancashire League (reserves) side ultimately to our first team squad. The first team train with both the reserves and Under 18’s in order that all the senior players are used to a common system of playing.

All at the club firmly believe that with the current management team we can challenge for promotion to the Evo Stick league and see no reason why we could not establish ourselves in its Premier Division. This in its self-possess challenges in terms of the ground. Some improvements would be required to meet the Evo Stick standards.

We would like to be in the position where all out teams from juniors to seniors could use the same facilities. We are at the early stages of developing a business

plan to look at all the alternatives open to us with a view to giving the public of Colne the best facilities we can offer. This would enable us to hire out facilities and become even more community orientated.

With the appointment of Shaun O’Neill as Chairman and Lee Duerden as President, both partners in our main sponsors XLCR Vehicle Management, this has added the commercial awareness that we require to make our ambitions a reality and not a pipe dream.

Both are Colne’rs born and breed and up for the challenge of changing the profile of the club and town. They have committed greater resource and sponsorship to the club, enabling both senior teams to have their own training kit, tracksuits and holdall bag.

We as a club maybe well down the Non-League pyramid system but the aim of all involved with the club is to be as PROFESSIONAL as we can and see where the adventure takes us.

54 Issue 51

BANGOR CITY FC

BANGOR CITY FC

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Atmosphere

He told us, “As you can imagine the mood at the club is a bit downcast at the moment as we are currently bottom of the league with only 5 points from 12 games, a position we are not accustomed to being in following the success of the last 7 years, with European qualification in 6 of the last 7 seasons.”

This Season

“We are looking to build on the appointment of our ex player Derek Goulding as a member of our management team; Derek played in the same team

as our current manager Neville Powell in the mid 80’s; Derek has a vast amount of experience at this level having managed FC Liverpool and Burscough.

We are now resigned to being in the bottom 6 at the league split, but we are optimistic we will climb away from the relegation positions and possibly qualify for the Europa League Play Offs by the end of the season.”

Youth

“Youth football is very important and we have a successful academy with over 100 players registered between the ages of 7 and 19. Our Under 19’s team finished 2nd in their league last season, and we currently have 5 regular 1st team squad players having come through the academy system at the club.”

Bangor City FC plays their home games at The Book People Stadium and they currently compete in the Welsh Premier League. Football Focus Magazine caught up with the club’s General Manager Gwynfor Jones to find out more about the good work that they’ve been doing.


BANGOR CITY FC

Community

“We have a Community Officer employed by the club, who runs after school clubs and soccer camps for boys and girls; we have recently started a girls U12’s side and now have a disability team who train and play on our newly installed full size 3G pitch.

In order to strengthen our community links we have recently employed another member of staff, who will build community links in new areas. The 3G funding was based on a vast investment by the University which allowed us to work with them and build links which will benefit both parties in the future.”

Commercial

“We have recently appointed a new commercial manager who is working on bringing the commercial community closer to the club; we have a function room at the club, which is regularly used by the community for functions during the day and especially at weekends.”

Challenges

“Since we moved to our new ground in 2012, the challenges have increased as we have moved outside of the City Centre; off the field this has brought considerable strain on the club as it’s overheads have increased considerably; on the field the Welsh Premier League is improving and the challenge is to stay ahead of other clubs and be challenging for the top 2 positions on a regular basis.”

Ambitions

“Off the field the ambition is to become self-funding and a sustainable business, this in turn will support our on the field activities and challenges, with the ultimate aim to produce local talent through the academy which will allow the players to become full time, by working with the local University on scholarships.”

56 Issue 51

SILEBY TOWN FC

SILEBY TOWN FC

Having won the Loughborough Charity Cup for the first time in the previous season they currently sit third in the league, and if their recent run of blistering form is anything to go by they will surely be contenders for promotion. Going from ‘avoiding relegation’ as the club’s target back in Hendey’s first season in charge, to finishing in the top half of the table in the last 3 seasons shows the the level of determination from the players and the managerial prowess of the club’s manager.

Part of this success is down to how the club is run, both on and off the field. Of course both teams will have that desire to win, but Hendey notes that there isn’t that fierce rivalry that is dominant in the higher leagues in English football. He goes on to say that “the lads from both teams all get on, never more evident than after the match in the bar. Lads from both teams get together carding with a great deal of banter while they sup their fruit juice.”

We can see that this reciprocal merry nature allows both teams to perform in a way that lets them truly enjoy the sport whenever they go out to compete. This is obviously a major positive aspect as it sees the club sit in a comfortable spot in the table at this stage of the season.

While Hendey tells us the start of the 2014/2015 season “got off to a flyer” it hasn’t always been an easy start, particularly in the beginning stages when he first took on the role as club manager.

Before taking the job, the club was in a difficult place; with various players leaving and the resignation of the former manager. This left a lot of work for Hendey to do as he admits “it wasn’t the ideal time to take over” due to not knowing the players at all. However despite the challenging start as manager, Hendey has managed to mould a squad together and accomplish a team that is regarded as such a good footballing and disciplined side.

Silesby Town FC are one of the top performers in the Leicestershire Senior Football League who have achieved unprecedented success under their current manager of five years; Steve Hendey.


SILEBY TOWN FC

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Because of the success of not only the first team but the reserve team as well, the atmosphere surrounding the club is ecstatic. That said, Hendey is aware of the pressure that comes with success and is determined to not be overwhelmed by the expectations. The season is admittedly still in its early stages and a lot can happen over the duration, so Hendey is adamant that they “simply have to keep winning games”.

The key focus is to take each game as it comes, and to make sure they come out of each game with the best possible result. This mentality that prioritises the short term goals as a means to reach the end will hopefully be the foundation that helps the lads carry the momentum that they have developed in the early season and ultimately secure promotion.

Despite this mentality, the club hasn’t completely abandoned all thought for the future as they still have the groundwork for nurturing young and local talent, with

a potential new footballing ground also in the pipeline. Hendey is a big believer in homegrown players and likes to see these players grow to fulfill their potential.

What distinguishes Silesby Town FC from perhaps other clubs in the league is their confidence in fielding younger players once they’ve developed through the youth level, as Hendey goes on to say “too many clubs who run these sides [...] aren’t brave enough to give these lads a fair chance”.

The talk of promotion is obviously on the back of everybody’s minds; the club and the fans. However, as previously mentioned, Hendey means to put the focus on the match ahead with the simple aim of “[continuing] to improve season on season”. This leaves a lot of questions with regards to the club’s direction to be answered at the end of the season following their position in the league and whether they achieve promotion. Football Focus Magazine wishes them the best of luck.

58 Issue 51

STOTFOLD FC

STOTFOLD FCStotfold is a small ancient market town nestled on the border of leafy Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. As far as attractions go, they have a famous, fully functional Mill in the town, a few shops and businesses and a population that has grown from 6,000 to 12,000 over the past thirty years.

However, in our opinion, the town’s biggest boast is the youth football set up. The people of Stotfold are proud of their club and they in turn are very proud of who they are and where they have come from. Stotfold Junior Football Club has provided football to the youth of Stotfold and the surrounding area since 1976.

As did most clubs, it started with just a couple of teams and has steadily grown to the club we honour today. With an impressive total of twenty three teams Stotfold Junior FC is amongst the largest youth clubs in Bedfordshire. The club provides football for boys and girls of all ages and diversities and boasts a proportionately large number of qualified coaches, both

male and female, providing suitable coaches for all teams ensuring that the children’s skills improve year on year.

Like so many, this club has evolved over a long history consequently, they have to play their football at no less than six venues around the town every week. However they have taken a major step forward this season with the long awaited opening of their own home ground. The new facility has been provided by Central Bedfordshire Council and initially offers the club three additional pitches and some storage facilities. The club has plans to build changing rooms and a clubhouse in due course when finance is available.

Stotfold Juniors is considered to be a Community club and has always endeavoured to operate an inclusive policy providing football for the young people in the area regardless of their family circumstances or their personal footballing ability. They are one of the few clubs in the local leagues that provides teams from under 6 all the way through to Under 18 and their immediate goal is to increase this to under 21.


At the same time, they strive to provide at least two teams at each age group to enable the players to compete at a level that challenges their individual abilities. This policy and their professional administration and management structure earned them the FA accolade of “Best Development Club Eastern England 2004-2005”.

With more than 230 players and a committee numbering almost 40 volunteers, the morale in the club is high and the hard work of the coaches is starting to reap rewards. Last season, Stotfold Juniors Under 11 side managed to secure the league championship and league cup double. All of the teams are improving year on year and most of them currently maintain higher league positions than last season. Early days, but as a club there is plenty of optimism around and much more to achieve.

Few clubs have more pride in their history and they hold an utterly unique achievement in their association with a youth club called EBOH. They are based in Dordrecht on the banks of the Rhine in Holland and the Easter fixture between the clubs has become the highlight of the season for the players involved.

Since Stotfold first began as a club they have played matches against EBOH every year, home one year and away the next. Each club has triumphed an equal number of times and over the years more than 1,200 Stotfold Junior players have taken part. All of

STOTFOLD FC

these young people benefited hugely from the cultural exchange experience and many still retain friends in Dordrecht today. Although the club is only 38 years old, thanks to a loose association they have played EBOH every year since 1974 and celebrated their 40th anniversary match with much aplomb in Stotfold last season.

The future of this magnificent club is a going to be a challenge to match their ambitions for the quality of the club combined with the increasing local demand to provide more teams, playing at more levels, in more leagues and on more grass.

However, their main obstacle is that Stotfold has grown over the last few years from a sleepy village to one of the fastest growing dormitory towns in either county. Our ambition is to have to a proper home ground with enough pitches to meet the growing demand and a good clubhouse where the families and the players can socialise together on Saturday and Sunday match days.

We know that the management of the club will continue to donate their valuable time with their only reward being the satisfaction every Saturday and Sunday of seeing every blade of grass in the town filled by youngsters proudly wearing their recognisable Amber shirts and enjoying football in a safe and structured environment.

60 Issue 51

NEEDHAM MARKET FC

NEEDHAM MARKET FC

Needham Market Football Club has been part of my family for nearly thirty years when I first moved into the area my son played for the youth section Needham Phoenix. Later when spotted by the club’s Life President Mr Derrick Bloomfield playing for a local pub side he joined the main section of the club and became an overnight scoring success. I became involved as a committee member of the club about eight years ago and I took on the roles of Commercial Manager, Press Officer and Programme Editor when I retired in 2012.

My roles keep me fully occupied meeting production deadlines for programmes; writing match reports for first team games; creating press releases when we have something to tell the outside world; and trying to get extra funds into the club for advertising and sponsorship. I do enjoy the regular contact with press and supporters alike plus meeting officials from other clubs and comparing notes.

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The club is enjoying a great time at the moment with the first team sitting top of the Ryman Division 1 North table plus being in the 3rd Qualifying round of the FA Cup and the FA Trophy starts next week. Our reserves, where most of our apprentices get their competitive football are holding their own in the Thurlow Nunn Division 1 but with many of their best players called upon by the first team results are variable.

Our Under 18 side, again filled with our Academy lads, are going great guns in the Thurlow Nunn Youth League and in the FA Youth Cup. Crowds at Bloomfields are now regularly over 200 and we look forward to increases in this if our winning streak continues. The facilities at Bloomfields are being improved all of the time with the recent addition of a new stand being the major change.

When Mark Morsley joined Needham Market at the end of the 2012/13 season he took time to look at what he had at his disposal and in conjunction with the club management made plans for the next season. He recruited almost a full squad and working with Academy Head Coach, Kevin Horlock, he agreed the path into the first team squad for the Academy scholars. Last season a number of the older scholars played first team football and this has continued this season with scholars signing contracts to play first team football.

62 Issue 51

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Each year the Needham Market Academy has over thirty lads from 16 to 19 that are undertaking formal education plus receiving coaching and playing football for the club. This does require good trainers and coaches which Needham Market has, with our links to West Suffolk College for the education elements and ex professionals Kevin Horlock and Kemal Izzet providing the coaching. This season we have also included a former Academy Scholar Keiran Morphew on the coaching staff as he undertakes his UEFA coaching course.

“The club is enjoying a great time at the moment with the first team sitting top of the Ryman Division 1 North table”


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When it comes to our patients, in every single case, every member of the team will ask themselves, “What would I do if this was MY pet?” This philosophy, along with excellent professional expertise and our state of the art equipment means we can truly and honestly state that in good times or bad, we are “Your Best Friends’ Best Friends”.

The Academy is a major element for Needham Market as we are now are seeing the results of our investment in this from 2009/2010 to today when we have five or six ex-Academy lads in the first team squad and the successes alluded to earlier of our Under 18s indicates that more will follow. Our Academy Director, Andy Gould, is building upon the solid foundations laid and getting links with the junior sections e.g. Needham Phoenix aligned with the club and endeavouring to build a production line of lads who will be a credit to their parents, themselves and the club.

The club’s Management Committee has a vision, To be acknowledged by the local community as the premier local football club that constantly strives to improve the facilities at Bloomfields and provides the opportunity for local youngsters to develop their personal and sporting capabilities. Finance will always be a challenge for clubs such as Needham Market; we are constantly looking for new revenue streams and sponsors to help us achieve the ideals that we have set. We have experienced professional clubs cherry picking lads at a very young age and then releasing them without any support, we offer an alternative route for these to develop themselves using football as the main attraction.

Like many other clubs we wish to install a 3G pitch and research into this is underway but the funding of this requires a lot of careful thought and contribution by a number of organisations. On the playing front we aim for promotion to the Ryman Premier Division and our manager is planning for this and even a tilt at the Conference level. With the foundations established the signs for the club to achieve its ambitions both on and off the field of play are there for all to see.

Come on the Market Men

64 Issue 51

MAGHULL FC

MAGHULL FCMaghull Football Club is based in the town of the same name situated on the outskirts of Merseyside and has been in existence since 1921. Having played in a number of local leagues throughout their early years they became founder members of the Bass North West Counties League in 1982.

Although they won the second division title in season 1983/1984, sadly the club had to leave that level of football in 1999 as they could not meet the changing ground regulations imposed upon them, a restriction that cannot be overcome on their present Old Hall Field home.

Since then the club has played in the Carlsberg West Cheshire League and presently is running two senior teams in the first and second division respectively, with an U18’s team in the youth division.

Although not up to the requirements for Maghull to move to the next level their picturesque ground is the envy of many clubs. In fact they are inundated with requests for pre-season matches, including those from a higher level and no wonder. The pitch is always in immaculate condition with very few games called off even in the harshest of winters.

The ground is partly surrounded by the Liverpool to Leeds canal on the other side of which is the imposing St Andrews church. The whole area is shared with the local cricket club making it an idyllic setting in the early part of the season, giving spectators a choice of which sport to watch, although the football club has the greater attraction.

The club made a major step forward in 2010 when it began the development of junior football which now provides the club with nineteen boys teams, the U18’s team and the recently added U21’s team. On the female side they now have four junior girl teams along with the senior side. The club also operates a ‘mini-kickers’ coaching program that runs throughout the summer months for younger children.

The effect on this transition to become a community club had an immediate effect on the senior team’s success, winning the West Cheshire Pyke Challenge Cup in both the 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 seasons. This last season the same side won the West Cheshire League title, whilst the reserves won the Haworth and Gallagher Bowl Challenge Cup.


MAGHULL FC

This was supplemented by the club being awarded the George Law Trophy in recognition of being the best run club for that season in the Carlsberg West Cheshire League. As league winners the club entered this season’s four team pre-season competition for the Bill Weight Memorial Trophy, winning the final comfortably over Rainhill Town by three goals to nil.

The move to being a club more closely connected to the local community in Maghull and the surrounding area has brought about a substantial number of sponsors, many of whom provide advertising banners that now adorn the pitch surroundings on match days.

The club also provides their facilities to end of season schoolboy cup finals, charity matches involving former players and an annual cup match against the Merseyside Police team in remembrance of their chairman and loyal supporter of Maghull FC.

The club prefers not to name individuals who have brought about the development of the club over the years as the list is endless. Suffice to say that they

have a number who have been with the club for many years and that five were recognised by the Football Association for having been involved in the game for over fifty years.

The restrictions on the development of their present ground means that promotion to the next level is not possible, however the club consistently seeks ways of finding a resolution to this problem. In the meantime they continue to add quality players to their squad, striving along the path to dominate the Carlsberg West Cheshire League whilst continuing to develop players from the junior ranks.

So far this season the team has had some mixed results and are not as yet at the level they attained in order to win the league last time out. However with the Bill Weight Cup already under their belt and the newly introduced younger players in the squad developing in the right direction, the feeling at Maghull Football Club is that we will still be a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses.

66 Issue 51

WHICKHAM FC

WHICKHAM FC

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First established in 1944, Whickham FC play their home games at The Glebe Sports Club on Rose Avenue in Tyne and Wear and their first team currently competes in Northern League Division 2. They are led by Chairman Brian McCartney who is supported by Secretary Les Dixon and they have made a considerable amount of progress under their guidance.

Since being formed they have created a history of which they have every right to be proud and their finest hour to date came in 1981 when they managed to go all the way to the Final of the FA Vase after defeating Windsor and Eton in the semi-final to set up a clash with Willenhall in the final at Wembley.

They took 5,000 fans with them for the biggest game in their history and fought back from two goals down to level through Alan Scott and Ronnie Williamson to force extra time. Billy Cawthra then netted the winning goal to ensure that the Vase headed back to Tyneside. The current group of players will be keen to add to their history over the coming years and they have again shown their cup pedigree this season.

They were recently drawn against Bishop Auckland who are from the league above. Whickham rose to the occasion however and thanks to a strong defensive display managed to come away with a 1-0 victory with Steven Aiston netting the winner.


WHICKHAM FC

Their league form has also been solid in the first half of the season as they have managed to put together a record of 9 wins, 4 draws and 7 defeats from their 20 matches. This has left them sitting in the top half of the table with 31 points on the board.

They will now be keen to push on in the second half of the campaign and so long as they can retain their current group of players and perhaps make one or two quality additions they will be in with a good chance of doing so. They have already shown they have the ability to beat anyone on their day and a strong run of form could see them mount a push for promotion.

Their good results have been built on their tight defence but this should not take away from the good football that they have managed to play. This is reflected by the fact that they have notched 40 goals at a rate of 2 per game.

This will certainly have ensured that any supporters attending their fixtures have been well entertained and should encourage more of the community to get behind them in the future. This in turn has the potential to provide the club with some valuable additional revenue.

There is much to admire about the set up that Whickham currently has in place and they appear well positioned for a successful campaign. It will certainly be exciting to see how their season develops and everyone at Football Focus Magazine would like to wish them the best of luck.

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68 Issue 51

HONLEY FC

HONLEY FC

Involvement

He told us, “As a senior club I personally progressed from our junior setup when I was 17 (20 years), starting in our third team and working my way through to the first team. They were my village club and it was always an aspiration of mine and my twin brother to play in the first team.

I did move away from the club to play higher level football, however always remained signed and played occasionally when possible. I passed my Uefa B coaching qualification 4 years ago and was approached to become player manager of the first team. I jumped at the chance and am now in my third season.”

Honley FC has been making some superb progress over recent years and this resulted in positive results on the field. Football Focus Magazine caught up with their First Team Manager Richard Bray to find out more.

“Every season we have progressed as a club, with all teams gaining more success.”“ “


The Role

“Every season we have progressed as a club, with all teams gaining more success. As we have moved up divisions and now into an entirely new level (county amateur) one of the biggest challenges has been in ensuring we achieved the required criteria for entering the league status, in terms of facilities, charter standard, committee re-shaping/focus and educating the players as to the vision of the club and the expectations of them as we’ve moved the club forward. Having attained the league status we have this season for our first team, through the tremendous support of our committee and within three seasons has been the most rewarding aspect for myself.”

HONLEY FC

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Atmosphere

“The mood here is very positive. One of our key aims at the club is to promote a positive attitude for players regardless of which of the three teams they play in. It is actually part of our constitution that players are positive and encouraging, respecting their team mates and our management teams work hard to keep on top of this. Obviously results have an impact on mood and this does swing, but as a rule of thumb we do have good club spirit.”

This Season

“Our first team have had success in the last two seasons after relegation three seasons ago and have started well this campaign also. Our second team were

70 Issue 51

narrowly beaten to their league last season but have this season replaced our first team so have jumped up three leagues, although struggling for points they are still upbeat and playing the style of football that is pleasing their players and management.

Likewise our third team are also making nice progress after a slow start, but seem to have a positive outlook on their success for the rest of the season. We’ve had an influx of new players due to our first team entering the County level of football and we’ve had some of our ex-junior players return which has brought a fresh new look to our teams.”

Youth

“Youth football is essential to the club. As a village club that doesn’t pay players, we rely on players progressing through our youth teams and wanting to remain playing for Honley when they enter open-age football. Our junior setup is very professionally run and they have a number of teams spread across the age ranges.

My father started the juniors 28 years ago with one U12 team, to allow my older brother and his mates the opportunity to play football not just in the park. I played in that first ever game where we wore our own white t-shirts, shorts and socks, so to see the junior setup grow from that one team, with no kit or sponsors, to the setup we now have is incredible.”

Integration

“This is an area that we acknowledge we really need to focus on this season and going forward. Our junior teams have had some very successful teams, with some of their teenage players having won their schools cup competition before the FA cup Final at Wembley two seasons ago, so we are very keen to ensure that these players remain in the Honley football setup.

HONLEY FC

This was another reason for our senior club pushing so hard the last three seasons to get our first team into County football. To give our junior players something to work towards, watch and hopefully enjoy, then aspire to one day play themselves.

We do have a small number of our open-age players currently involved as managers/coaches of our junior sides, so as we progress, we see it as key to grow the number of players/coaches/committee members involved at both clubs to make this more of a Community club.”

Challenges/Ambitions

“Our medium term challenge is maintaining county standard football and potentially moving our reserve team into the league. Creating or finding appropriate facilities and funding will be paramount to ensure continued success.

Our ambitions include having a community club and a smooth transition from junior to open age football in a facility that can be used by all for the freedom of members. Depending on what is in place, we may then look at the requirements for higher level football once more.”


COUNDON COURT FC

COUNDON COURT FC

Coundon Court FC is a fantastic example of a club that plays a vital role in the community, providing a vast array of opportunities for people to get involved in the game. Their success has been recognised this year with them winning the Birmingham County FA Community Club of the Year, Regional FA Community Club of the Year and the CSW Sports Award for Community Club of the Year.

They are great example of what a club can achieve with the right set-up in place and we caught up with their Chairman Richard Seedhouse to find out more about the outstanding work that they have been doing.

Foundations

He told us, “The progress we’ve made since being established is absolutely phenomenal. We were lucky when we set up in 2002 as this was when the FA started the Charter scheme and so we formed the club through the guidelines that they had in place. This ensured that we ticked all the boxes of being a Charter Standard club from the very beginning; the first in Coventry.”

Approach

“We’ve definitely got a proven record of getting the best out of the young players that start with us. You can’t argue with the way we coach the kids. We’ll take any player that wants to kick a ball and we develop them to the highest ability we possibly can.

They all get the same opportunities; they all get the same coach at the youngest age groups to help them develop. Some will play for us, some will go to other sides, some will play for the disability teams and some will go to the professional academies.

We believe we can improve all of the players we have, they just have to be set different targets to help them to progress. We’re a club that is committed to putting the best practices in place, we’ve been involved with the County FA to improve football development and coaching and want to continue to do so.”

Coundon Court FC is a fantastic example of a club that plays a vital role in the community, providing a vast array of opportunities for people to get involved in the game. Their success has been recognised this year with them winning the Birmingham County FA Community Club of the Year, Regional FA Community Club of the Year and the CSW Sports Award for Community Club of the Year.

“We have over 100 girls / women playing, over 50 disabled players and impressively we have had 17 kids signed by academies in 7 years”“

“

72 Issue 51

COUNDON COURT FC

Participation

“At the moment starting the disability teams can be a challenge for us. I’m really new to this area but what we’re finding is that a lot of the disability football seems to be based on mental disabilities rather than physical. There aren’t as many physically disabled players around and so with us starting the game with the help of CP Sport we found that we weren’t generating enough numbers so we opened it up to everyone.

We already had players at the club playing in our community Saturday sessions that had learning disabilities and so they’ve come into that part of the club and have really boosted numbers. It is quite a challenge to keep the guys with the physical disabilities involved and we really want more players to come down and join in so that our current group have others to play against and compete with.”

Women

“Our women’s team has been enjoying plenty of success. We have a clear pathway for them to progress in the game, all done within our club. We have girl’s

teams running through every single age group and then we have a youth team which trains with the adult women’s team.

The manager of the senior side is involved with the youth team as well so he oversees everything and a lot of the girls have experience of being involved with the senior side before making the step up from the youth team. The vast majority of the adult team have come through our ranks and it is great to be able to provide them with that clear pathway.”

Development

“We’ve come to the size where we’re a real community club now, we’ve started to develop links with a Cricket Club and there’s a chance that we can get some extra fields and our own pitches. It is very much a brand new project but we’ve a set of pitches earmarked which we think will allow us to go forward and it’s going to be a case of gaining the necessary funding. The school have been fantastic and have been a great base for us but we need a bit more than that now.

We need to gain our own ground, with changing rooms, a clubhouse and a couple of pitches to enable us to continue providing for the people involved with the club.”

74 Issue 5166 ISSUE 39

football focus issue 36

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