Issue46 / £6.95 / WWW.FOOTBALLFOCUS.BIZEnfield 1893 SUNDERLANDA great example of a The Foundation of Lightcommunity establishment RedheughWinterton Rangers Doing great work developing young playersCompeting in the ToolstationNorthern Counties East League WALKER CENTRAL With Club Stalwart Brian ClarkJune 12- July 13FIFA World CupBRAZIL 2014
CONTENTSPUBLISHED BY PROCESS PUBLISHING LLP 04 Rotherham United 44 WitheridgeSUITE 1, SAVILLE EXCHANGE,HOWARD STREET, NORTH SHIELDS, 08 Winterton Rangers 45 Luton TownNORTH TYNESIDE NE30 1SEWWW.FOOTBALLFOCUS.BIZ 10 Falkirk 46 Littlehampton TownCOMMERCIAL 12 Enfield 48 Oldham AthleticCOMPANY MANAGERANGELA THORNTON 14 Inverurie Loco Works 50 Brantham AthleticT: 0191 477 2376E: [email protected] 16 AFC Mansfield 52 AshingtonMEDIA DIRECTORST: 0191 17 Bashley 55 Horley TownE: 19 Bedlington Terriers 57 ChesterfieldT: 0191E: [email protected] 22 Redheugh 58 Burton AlbionEDITORIAL 26 Sunderland 60 Burgess Hill TownEDITOR IN CHIEF 31 Poole Town 63 Chichester CityJAMIE SEYMOURT: 0191 447 2512 32 Whickham 65 Ramsbottom UnitedE: [email protected] GOLDSMITHT: 0191 447 3718E: [email protected] 34 Brazil 2014 68 Gateshead 38 Walker Central 71 Wallsend BoysFOLLOW US ONLINE 46 Littlehampton Town
Rotherham UnitedRotherhamUnitedRotherham United FC plays their home They did not waste this opportunity either asgames at The New York Stadium on they went on to win a place in theNew York Way and they will be Championship thanks to a thrilling penaltycompeting in the Championship next shoot-out victory in the final by 4 to 3. Playingseason.They are led by Chairman Tony against Leyton Orient the game finished 2-2Stewart who is supported by Vice after normal time and no winner could beChairman Richard Stewart and the club found in extra time.has made a considerable amount ofprogress under their guidance. The early signs were not good for Rotherham as they fell behind 2-0 in the first half.This gaveTheir league form was generally very good this the team the opportunity to show the superbseason as the team managed to put together a spirit that they have to haul themselves backrecord of having won 24, drawn 14 and lost 8 into the game before going on to claim theirof their 46 matches.This saw them finish in a 2nd consecutive promotion.play-off position in the league giving them ashot at gaining promotion. The team will now be turning their attentions towards making sure that they are able to
Roterham
Rotherham Unitedestablish themselves in the Championship. It will young players from the local area with anbe tough to step up to the higher standard of opportunity to play the game in a safe andleague but so long as they are able to show the enjoyable environment.same character as they have recently they shouldhave nothing to fear. It is important for any club to be able to produce their own talent, particularly in theOne of the main reasons for the team current economic climate. Having a well-runperforming so well this season was the fantastic academy should mean that Rotherham havegoal-scoring form of Kieran Agard who led their this area covered and it will be exciting to seescoring charts with 26 goals. He formed a how their youngsters are able to develop overprolific partnership with Alex Revell who scored the coming years.13 himself, including two in the play-off final. To help young players successfully make theThey did not rely solely upon their front men transition into the senior game they also have ahowever as Lee Freckleton showed a keen eye reserve team in place.This allows them tofor goal from midfield. Having a variety of provide their young players with anscoring options is important for any side as it opportunity to experience adult level footballcan help to relieve the pressure on strikers. even If they are not yet considered ready for first team action.This is not a club that focuses solely upon seniorlevel football however and this is reflected by Another benefit of having more than one sidethe fact that they also have an Academy up and is that it allows the first team to benefit fromrunning.This part of the set-up looks to provide far greater strength in depth. If they are ever left short on numbers through injury or suspension they have the option of calling players up with a limited amount of disruption. The last couple of seasons have been something to remember for everyone associated with Rotherham United FC and their success is thanks to all of the hard work that has been put into the club. Football Focus Magazine would like to congratulate them on a terrific season and wish them the best of luck for the future.
Rotherham United
Winterton RangersWintertonRangersWinterton Rangers are based at 54 I offered to stand in for a couple of gamesWest Street in North Lincolnshire and but really started to enjoy the job and thetheir first team currently competes in board asked me to carry on for the season asthe Toolstation Northern Counties East we had steadied the ship and I was the 3rdLeague Premier Division. Football Focus manager in the current season.”Magazine caught up with the club’sFirst Team Manager Darren Waring to The Rolefind out more about the club. “The most challenging aspects was actuallyInvolvement trying to field a team.There are 5 teams very close together this side of the Humber that“I came to be involved with Winterton are at the same sort of playing level but notRangers following the departure of the then the largest player base to call on and wecurrent manager Paul Frisk. Paul decided to couldn’t afford to pay our players.We wereresign in late November and I had been realistically fourth choice in the peckingwatching from the side-lines for most the order.season as my son actually was playing in goal. What was really good though was that as we started to rebuild the squad that we started to get buy in from lads who had played at a good level whilst they were kids and then had fallen out with the game.They came in with us and bought into what we are trying to do and we suddenly started to have a squad and were competing with teams with massive budgets and squads that had been together for years.” Player Development “On top of this we decided to try and introduce youth to the team and ended up playing two sixteen year olds at the end of the season and bringing the squad down to nearly all under twenty one. We have introduced a coaching staff that are all minimum UEFA B qualified, who also understand local football and have ambition to learn.We have had to introduce fresh ethics to the players which upset some but attracted others.
Winterton RangersI couldn’t believe that players at this level coaches and staff to help coach and encouragewouldn’t train, weren’t fit enough and weren’t the kids. I believe this is the most importanthungry enough for the game.This has slowly and major link we could do for ensuringchanged now and behaving like semi pro player Winterton Rangers has a strong future.”is becoming the norm. In fact players seem tobe extremely keen for pre-season which starts Communityon the first Tuesday in June.” “We try to be a community club as we try toAtmosphere involve the town.We would love to see more of them come down and watch us and possibly“Unfortunately, we ended up getting relegated with a bit more success on the pitch that willthis season into the NCEL Division 1 but you happen.As already explained we havewouldn’t believe it during the close season as introduced a junior section as well.Without thethe lads that finished the season with us want sponsorship from local business we wouldto correct the wrongs and we have had an really struggle to keep going and the backing isunbelievable amount of interest from young so appreciated.”and a few older players this summer. Next SeasonAlso though there is real belief in the club thatwe are getting on track as we have a Ladies “We have decided to come in pre-season earlyteam that won their League Cup final 2-1 v to have 6 weeks of fitness, technique andLincoln Moorlands, came runners up in their tactical work ready for our pre-season gamesleague and also came runners up in the against Hull City U21, Scunthorpe United andLincolnshire County Cup and we have now Lincoln City U18 as well as other teams fromadded five junior teams to our club.We will be the league above us. I want us competitive andcompeting with three girls’ teams at U8, 12 & ready so when we have finished these games15 and two boys’ teams at U11 & 13.This is a we are ready for what promises to be a bigmassive step forward as we try to build up and season for us.”introduce a progression plan to ensure thefuture of our club.”Youth“Youth football is our future and the onlyguaranteed way of making sure you have afuture is with progression of players.We areworking very hard to integrate our new juniorsection in with our first team using our
FalkirkFalkirkBased at 4 Stadium Way, Falkirk FC they are able to do this then there shouldwas first established in 1876 and they not be any reason why they will not enjoycurrently compete in the Scottish another successful effort next time out.Championship.They are One of the major plus points of the seasonaffectionately known by their was the prolific goal scoring form of Rorysupporters as ‘The Bairns’ and are a Loy who finished the season as theirclub that is committed to playing a leading scorer. He led the way with 22vital role in their local community. goals and will be hoping to continue in theThey enjoyed a strong campaign in the same manner when the action starts again.season that has just gone by, putting A number of other players showed thattogether a record of having won 19, drawn they have an eye for goal with Blair Alston,9 and lost 8 of their 36 league matches. Phil Roberts and Mark Millar all chipping inThis saw them them finish in 3rd place in with some important strikes. Having athe league with 66 points on the board. variety of goal scoring options allows theHaving now finished the season they will team to have confidence entering matchesbe keen to ensure that they retain their knowing that they have the firepowercurrent group of players and perhaps make necessary to emerge victorious.one or two quality additions. So long as
FalkirkFalkirk is a club that is committed to thedevelopment of young players and it iswith this in mind that they have an Under20 squad.This team looks to provideyoung players with a clear pathway intothe senior game whilst helping them toreach their full potential.It is important for any club to be able toproduce their own talent, particularly inthe current financial climate and this is anarea that Falkirk appears to have covered.Coaching staff overseeing the developmentsquad are confident that they have anumber of players on their books with thepotential to go on and represent the clubat senior level.There is much to admire about the set-upthat Falkirk currently has in place.Thegood work that they are doing in relationto training young players should enablethem to look forwards to a bright andsuccessful future.
EnfieldEnfieldEnfield FC’s Southbury Road Stadium In February 2010 a twist of fate occurred.was controversially sold for development Brimsdown Rovers FC who were struggling asin 1999 and decline set in from that time a club contacted Enfield 1893 FC inviting themuntil 2003, unfortunately with two to return to play in the Borough of Enfield atsuccessive relegations. their Goldsdown Road Stadium.This was accepted and from that time until the end ofFrom November 2003 Enfield FC was being run the 2013/14 season there was a goodby a new committee, who are all still present at partnership with the parent companythe current time and started the long hard Goldsdown Sports Ltd.journey to remove the Club from the previousowners failed business.That first season we Unfortunately there have recently beenwon Ryman Division 2 and were promoted to concerns over the standard of the ground andthe Southern League East Division 1. over the last two months we have received a letter from Enfield Council and the groundsDuring this time the fight to remove the Club owners stating that due to ongoing legalfrom the former owner’s debt was disputes with Enfield Council regarding theunfortunately lost and Enfield 1893 FC was works which are being carried out atformed and we were moved to the Essex Goldsdown Road I think it would be beneficialSenior League. In the first season we finished for your club to find an alternative playingjoint top but lost out on promotion on goal facility for the next one/two seasons.difference. During these times we were‘nomadic’ playing at Ware FC and thenBroxbourne Borough FC.
EnfieldThis is due to there being no repairs or (on goal difference ) and one point off the top.Thismaintenance work being done to the ground and success is a credit to the Manager and his team andsurrounding areas until the dispute is settled and at the players who have give 100% throughout thethe present time there is no timescale as to how season, the last month being congested with threelong this will take. Goldsdown Sports Ltd. will be matches a week to make up for the time lost duringhappy to honour the groundshare agreement that the very wet winter.is currently in place to play at this facility and tohave you playing at Goldsdown road again as soon The vision of the Club over the coming yearas the dispute has been settled. Enfield Council remains the same with promotion as the numberwould be very keen to see us operate in the one aim.We will continue to expand our work withBorough and if they can be of any further the youth in the borough of Enfield with football inassistance please do not hesitate to contact them. the community running day centres and incorporating our feeder club, Ryan FC who alsoDue to the above we unfortunately will have to run three men’s teams, one veteran’s team andmove out of the Borough of Enfield again, hopefully twenty nine youth teams from the ages of seven tofor a minimum amount of time and we can confirm eighteen.we will be playing our ‘home’ matches at HarlowTown FC (Ryman League North) on their 4G We still aim to be the biggest and most successfulpitch. club in Enfield.Although the mood of the Club has been down All committee members, player management andduring these concerns we are now all upbeat and players will interact with the supporters, youthlooking forward to next season. team and any other persons visiting the ground to harbour a real family atmosphere.This season on the pitch the team have had a verysuccessful season.We finished 3rd in the league
Inverurie Loco WorksInverurie LocoWorksFirst established in 1903, Inverurie Loco The club has every right to be proud of theWorks FC plays their home games at performances that they have put in and shouldHarlaw Park in Aberdeenshire and be able to use this as a platform to push on incurrently compete in the Aberdeenshire the future. So long as they are able to keep theirPress and Journal Highland League.They current group of players there is not any reasonare led by Chairman Eddie Innes who is why they will not continue to be successful andsupported by Secretary Billy Thomson. it will be exciting to watch how they get on.They have enjoyed a strong campaign this time A particular highlight of the team’s good formaround, managing to put together a league has been the attacking brand of football thatrecord of having won 12, drawn 3 and lost 2 of they have been able to produce.This has beentheir 17 matches.This has seen them competing reflected by the fact that they have scored 53near the top of the table with 39 points on the goals in the league alone at a rate of more thanboard. 3 per match. \"Proud to have been the clubcaterers for the last 5 seasons\"
This has certainly meant that any supporters Inverurie Loco Worksattending their matches have been wellentertained and this should help encourage more Off the field they are able to boast some highof the community to get behind the team. Having quality facilities with the versatile Colony Loungea growing reputation for playing the right way which they make available for private hire. It canshould also help to retain and attract playing be used for Training days, Meetings and Familypersonnel as well. Celebrations among other things.Inverurie Loco Works are a club that is also This is important because it has the potential tocommitted to the development of young players provide the club with a valuable source ofin the local area and it is with this in mind that additional income.This can be particularlythey have a youth team in place.This team looks valuable during the off season when they are notto provide youngsters from the local area with able to rely upon match day revenue.an opportunity to play the game in a safe andenjoyable environment. There is much to admire about the set up that Inverurie Loco Works currently have in place andIt is important for any team to be able to their league results have reflected the well-runproduce their own talent, particularly in the nature of the club. Hopefully they will be able tocurrent financial climate and this is an area that continue in the same manner for many years tothey appear to have covered. Coaching staff come and everyone at Football Focus Magazineoverseeing their U20 side are confident that they would like to wish them the best of luck.have a number of players involved with thepotential to go on and play senior football at theclub.
AFC MansfieldAFC MansfieldFirst established in 2012,AFC Mansfield So long as they are able to retain their currentplays their home games at The Forest group of players they should be able to achieveTown Stadium on Clipstone Road and further success in the coming years.they currently compete in the Central Preparations have already begun to ensure thatMidlands Football League.The club prides they can continue to perform to a high levelitself on providing,“Grass Roots Football again next time around.for the Community of Mansfield,” asstated on their website. The team has not just been winning this season but winning with style.This is reflected by theTheir first team has put together a terrific fact that they have managed to score anseason this time around, finishing with a league incredible 145 goals in the league alone at a raterecord of having won 28, drawn 2 and lost 2 of of more than 4 per game.their 32 matches. Unsurprisingly, this saw themfinish top of the table with 86 points on the This certainly meant that any supportersboard and the club has every right to be proud attending their matches were well entertainedof this tremendous achievement. which should in turn help to encourage more people from the local community to get behind the team.The attacking brand of football that the team plays should also help them to retain their players, who are sure to be enjoying being a part of what they are doing. AFC Mansfield are not a club that focuses solely upon their senior section however as they also have a youth section which they are looking to grow.This part of the set-up looks to provide young players from the local area with an opportunity to play the game in a safe and enjoyable environment. It is important for any side to be able to produce their own talent, particularly in the current financial climate. Coaching staff overseeing the younger teams are confident that they have a number of players with the potential to go on and represent the first team. AFC Mansfield has certainly come a long way since first being formed and their league victory this season was a just reward for all of the hard work that has been put in. Hopefully they will be able to continue in the same manner for many years to come.
BashleyBashleyWhy I Love Bash By Tim Allan daughter combining a visit to my home townAfter many years away from football while with my mother.Another enjoyable day out hadworking as presenter and press officer in me looking through the Puritans fixtures in thethe sport of speedway I was searching one car park before the drive back to Christchurch!day in everyone’s favourite search engine It was pointed out to me by my mother - sheGoogle for something connected with my lives 5 minutes away from our ground - thathome town Banbury when I came across Banbury were playing Bashley.“Who?” I asked.the Banbury United website.The curiousside of me kicked in so I ended up having a Yes you may laugh, but after living ingood look around to see what Banbury Christchurch since 1999 I am a mere fifteenUnited was all about after all these years. minute drive away! The last eight years myTo my surprise I saw that the Puritans were due mother has lived five minutes away and I had noto play at our near neighbours AFC Totton on idea that there was a football club right on herSaturday 23rd February last year. I ventured out doorstep where she has attended several eventsto watch the game not really expecting much but in the village hall at the entrance to the ground!after five goals and my home town club winning I It just goes to show that grass roots sports don’twas hooked by the football bug once again after have enough publicity in the media and it is anjust ninety minutes! area that needs a great deal of time and workI took the opportunity to watch the Banbury vs put into.Chesham United match on Saturday 6th Aprilwhich the visitors won 2-1 with my eldest Roll back to Saturday 27th April last year, I arrived at Bashley on crutches, paid my entrance Image courtesy of www.upthebash.co.uk money and straight away I noticed how everyone was so friendly, chatty and helpful which ticked the right boxes in my book. I purchased a programme and a cuppa and parked myself down in my vantage spot to watch my first match at Bashley. I fell in love with the place straight away, with the rustle of the trees in the light breeze, no traffic sounds, it was very relaxing and the most pleasant place to watch a game of football. I’ve never been a fan of huge stadiums, for me it’s the smaller grass roots end of the scale that I prefer. I was disappointed on the day as Bashley won 2-0 with goals from Mark Gamble three minutes into the second half and in the sixth minute of stoppage time he also converted a penalty to send the Puritans home pointless! That slight disappointment that day remained for a while, in fact until the start of this season when
BashleyTruro City visited on Tuesday 20th July, my first with no financial reward, all involved trying to make aevening game at Bashley.After a 2-2 draw and small club survive in this big world in which we live.joining the supporters club Bash47, I was well and It’s a thankless, stressful task behind the scenes buttruly hooked and haven’t missed a game at Bashley when that whistle goes for the start of the match wesince. My eldest daughter has also watched a few are all as one for ninety minutes before we all go offgames both home and away but my youngest to continue our tasks not forgetting a quick drink indaughter attends regularly with me home or away the clubhouse!on the weekends she stays. Travelling on the coach with the team and a fewLast October I was asked if I would take on the supporters is good fun at this level, I’m sure that if aannouncing as the job had become vacant, I agreed. few more supporters’ tried a trip for a cracking priceWednesday 16th October should have been my of £15 they too would see the other side of thefootball announcing debut with Weymouth the players and staff and how much playing, winning andvisitors, the floodlights had something to say about unfortunately losing means to everyone.This is a clubthat! I had to wait until Tuesday 22nd at the for the local community and we need this communityCuthbury,Wimborne against Weymouth to make to embrace and support the club through the gatemy debut as our floodlights were out of action just as much as support with sponsorship if we arebeing repaired, although my ‘proper’ home debut to survive.didn’t come until Saturday 7th December (our onlyhome game in December) with Poole Town the Bashley has become my second home these days, I’llvisitors. do whatever I can to help the club survive and with my eldest daughter due to give birth to my firstThere is a raw roughness at this level with the grandson in a few weeks (another Bashley supportervenue, no state of the art surroundings and the on the way), I just hope and pray that there is a clubhype that goes with them, just pure basics and here that I can bring him to and introduce him to thedown to earth people devoting countless hours game at the friendliest level. Long live Bashley FC.
Bedlington TerriersBedlingtonTerriersFirst established in 1949, possible with an opportunity toBedlington Terriers are based play the game and this isat Doctor Pit Welfare Park in reflected by the fact that theyNorthumberland and their also have a reserve team.Thisfirst team currently enables them to provide twice ascompetes in the Ebac many players a game each week.Northern League Division 1.They are a club that is Another benefit of having morecommitted to playing an than one senior side in place isimportant role in their local that it allows the first team tocommunity and they have a benefit from far greater strengthproud history. in depth. If they are ever left short on numbers through injuryThis season, it would be fair to or suspension they have thesay that their first team did not option of calling players up with aperhaps enjoy the campaign that limited amount of disruption.they would have liked, putting A major part of the history thattogether a record of having won Bedlington Terriers have built up11, drawn 10 and lost 23 of their in recent times is the stellar44 matches.This saw them finish work done by Keith Perry overjust outside the relegation places. the past 20 years. During his time with the club he has helped withAvoiding relegation may well everything he can from buildingprove crucial for the club as it the clubhouse, painting standsgives them the opportunity to and fixing floodlights.rebuild over the summer months.So long as they are able to retaintheir current group of players andperhaps make one or two qualityadditions they will be in with agood chance of finishing higher upthe table.As mentioned, this is a club that iscommitted to being part of thelocal community and they try toprovide as many players as
Bedlington Terriers As Manager of the team he has achieved some tremendous success including reaching the 2nd round of the FA Cup and making it to the final of the FA Vase. His teams claimed plenty of silverware as well with 5 Northern League Titles, 3 Cleator Cups, 2 League Cups and 3 Northumberland Senior Cups. All in all Keith Perry has provided the club with 20 years of fantastic service and he has now retired from his role following the completion of his latest campaign. He is sure to be a big miss for the club who will have to find a way to cover for the passion, commitment and expertise that Perry brought to the role. One thing seems certain, he is sure to be welcomed back with open arms whenever he returns having helped to achieve so much. Although the season did not perhaps turn out the way Bedlington Terriers would have liked this season now is the time to reflect on the terrific work done by Keith Perry during his time there. Football Focus Magazine would like to wish both Parry and the club the best of luck for the future.
Bedlington Terriers
RedheughRedheughRedheugh FC is a club that have a club, where I still coach the U7 and U17history of producing high quality sides. My involvement has changed slightlyfootballers with big names such as over the past couple of years where I havePaul Gascoigne and Don Hutchinson taken a role as Youth Development Officerhaving played for the club. Football and oversee the mini-soccer teams that weFocus Magazine caught up with Youth currently have at Redheugh.Development Officer Adam Herczegto find out more about the good work Over the time, I have been lucky enough tothat they have been doing. have been involved with Durham FA Football Futures programme where a lot ofInvolvement my opportunities within football have come from and as well as Redheugh, this is whereHe started by telling us about his I owe a lot of appreciation. Currently, I haveinvolvement with the club, saying,“I started a Head of Projects role on The FA Nationalat the club when I was 9 years old playing Youth Council and I am a Level 4 referee.there in the famous Redheugh jersey until Iwas U15. I then went onto start helpingcoach some of the younger teams at the
Travel Redheugh“Last year, I was lucky enough to travel to with such high spirits with a real desireRwanda with The FA Changing Lives and passion for the game of football.”programme working with the RwandanFA. Late last year, I was lucky enough to Life Changinghave been invited to Buckingham Palaceto receive one of The FA’s Grassroots 150 “Sport is key in Zambia and is used as aHeroes Award from Prince William. tool to be able to send out key messages with regards to highly important subjectsRecently, I have just returned from a trip such as HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, theto Zambia which was organised with experience was a lot more than coaching,Northumbria Sport Foundation where we it was a real life changing experience asworked with children at 3 different we stayed with the peer leaders out thereplacements over a 6 week period.We and it was hugely beneficial in dealing withwere based at the Olympic Youth circumstances where back at home weDevelopment Centre, Kalingalinga – a would struggle to cope.local community and Fountain of Hopewhich is an orphanage based in Lusaka, The club were fantastic in supporting methe capital. on getting to Zambia, donating playingEach day we would undertake coaching shirts and contributing with fundraisingsessions and life-skills sessions with the activities prior to the event.”groups in the respective communities. Itwas fantastic to work with individuals Community “Gateshead Redheugh are continuing to move in the right direction, not only with
Redheughcreation of fantastic facilities in the The club is a social hub for manyform of new 3G pitch and young people in the local communityclubhouse, but the club continues to which is focused around educatingbe a strong base for everyone who young people to a life further afieldpasses through the famous doors. than football, preparing them to beNot everyone at the club goes on well disciplined members of theto be the Paul Gascoigne or the community, and we aim to do that,Don Hutchison of the club, but for as we have done since 1957.”me, Gateshead Redheugh is morethan a club that has 20 teams thatplay wearing the club colours everyweek.
Redheugh
SunderlandSunderlandAt the forefront of a community from three staff to more than 200, with aorganisation that the Financial Times once portfolio of more than 40 education and sportsreferred to as ‘a model for the Premier programmes, and I still see huge potential for usLeague,’ Lesley Spuhler heads up the being able to do more.”Foundation of Light – the registered charityof Sunderland AFC. She talks to Football The RoleFocus Magazine about the ground-breakingwork they have pioneered as well as an “Every year we hold our ‘Top Scorer’ awardsupcoming ‘Italian Job’. which are like supporters’ clubs ‘Player of the Year’ awards except ours are for people whoInvolvement have taken part in our programmes and either overcome a severe obstacle or achieved“I’ve been Chief Executive Officer of the excellence in their area.That event is hugelyFoundation of Light for a decade now.What first rewarding for me because we are able to shareattracted me was the huge potential that I saw in these people’s achievements with the world. Ithe organisation and the opportunity to use also love the fast paced and creative environmentsomething I love (football) to help people. in which we work.The biggest challenge is yearThrough working with partners like the local on year fundraising – the cost of ourcouncils, police, schools and more we’ve expanded programmes is about £3.5m every year which we raise ourselves.” Community “We are without a doubt a community club! Even though we’re structurally and financially independent of the football club we’re well supported with first team player appearances, tickets for course participants and much more. All of our staff deliver programmes wearing SAFC training kit and fans recognise the efforts that we make to ensure everybody in the local community has the chance to benefit from our work. In the time I’ve been here the football club has had three owners who have all been different but at the same time all very supportive.” Opportunities “We offer opportunities for people from 18 months old through to grandparents so it’s quite a range of programmes. Our mission is: to use football as a means of helping others realise their individual potential, become more skilled and
SunderlandTaxi! Out of the Relegation Zone
Sunderland
Sunderlandmore valued members of their families andcommunity, and to lead happier and morefulfilled lives.Winners at this year’s ‘Top Scorer’ awardsinclude; a man who lost more than threestone in five months on our Men’s Healthprogramme; an eight year old who signedwith SAFC’s academy after starting coachingwith us at the age of three; a family whoused our ‘Family Learning through Football’programme as a chance to support eachother after their daughter was diagnosedwith Leukaemia; two teenagers who hadbeen excluded from school but successfullyreturned after taking part in our ‘Pitstop’programme.This is just the tip of the icebergand if people want to find out more aboutthe range of our work they can find a copyof our annual yearbook online at:http://issuu.com/foundationoflight/docs/fol_yearbookThe Italian Cycle Challenge“The Italian Cycle Challenge is a fundraisingevent where a team of currently 40 riderswill cycle from from the Mediterraneancoastline of Italy to the Adriatic over fourdays (4-8th June). Every year we hold acycling challenge – previously we’ve doneDublin to Sunderland – and the team spiritand atmosphere is fantastic.We’ve received fantastic support this yearfrom Grafton Group plc, who are overallsponsors, and local firm OSE European whoare our logistics sponsor.We arrange flights,hotels, meals and support, riders just needto fundraise and bring their bikes.There’sstill a chance for riders and sponsors to signup so I’d encourage your readers to give ourteam a call on 0191 551 5191 or [email protected] to find outmore and get involved.
Poole TownPoole TownFirst established in 1880, Poole Town FC is them to give youngsters experience of the adultbased at Tatnam Farm on School Road game even if they are not yet considered readyand they currently compete in the Calour for first team action.League Premier Division.They are led byChairman Clive Robbins who is Another benefit of having more than one teamsupported by Vice-Chairman Chris running is that it allows the first team to benefitReeves and the club has made a from far greater strength in depth. If they areconsiderable amount of progress under ever left short on numbers through injury ortheir guidance. suspension then they have the option of calling players up with a limited amount of disruption.This season they have enjoyed a strong Poole Town can certainly be proud of theircampaign, putting together a record of having efforts this season and a few small tweaks couldwon 25, drawn 10 and lost 9 of their 44 lead to a genuine Championship challenge nextmatches.This saw them finish near the top of time around. Everyone at Football Focus Magazinethe table with 82 points on the board. would like to wish them the best of luck next season and hopes that they continue their goodThey will be hoping to use their good record as work.a platform upon which to build as they lookahead to the 2014-15 season. So long as theyare able to retain their current group of playersand perhaps make one or two quality additionsthey should be in with a good chance ofmounting a title challenge.Poole Town is not a club that focuses solelyupon their senior section however as they alsohave a number of youth teams in place.Theseteams look to provide young players from thelocal area with an opportunity to play the gamein a safe and enjoyable environment.It is important for any club to be able toproduce their own talent, particularly in thecurrent financial climate and this is an area thatPoole Town appears to have covered. It willcertainly be exciting to watch to see how theiryoung players are able to develop over thecoming years.In order to help their players successfully makethe transition into senior level football the clubalso has a reserve side in place.This allows
WhickhamWhickhamEstablished in 1944,Whickham FC is Our biggest challenge is to stay solvent andbased at The Glebe Sports Club on thereby continue to provide the facilitiesRose Avenue and their first team which allow the team to function and flourish.currently competes in the Ebac My personal rewards come each week when INorthern League Division 2.They can enjoy the dressing room banter, which isenjoyed a solid campaign this time what most ex players miss most.around finishing in 8th position. The mood at the club is upbeat after a seasonFootball Focus Magazine caught up with Club in which we finished in the top 8 in ourChairman Brian McCartney to find out division. In addition we made it to the last 32more about the good work that they have in the FA Vase where we took finalists Westbeen doing he recent times. Auckland to the wire before losing in extraHe started by telling us about how he got time.involved with the club, saying,“I first went tothe Glebe Ground in 1984 to watch my We have a limited youth section with teams infuture son-in-law play for Whickham. I have U12, U16 and U18 age groups but we arebeen involved ever since especially during always looking to increase our involvement inthe last 16 years, 8 as Chairman.
Whickhamthe junior game. Several of the U18 playersare registered to play in the Northern Leagueand indeed 5 of them have been involved inthe first team squad during the season.Whickham FC is part of the largerWhickham Glebe Sports Club and as such weare right in the heart of the community. Infact the ground is almost in the centre of thevillage. Our facilities are very good and as aclub we have an excellent reputation forfriendliness, even towards referees andlinesmen.As for the next 5 years who knows? Ouraims are to be promoted to the EbacNorthern League first division and toconsolidate our place there.This ambition willrequire us to raise considerable amounts ofmoney because even at this level of the gamemoney matters.We operate without thebenefit of a major sponsor but we remainvery grateful to local businesses for theirhelp. These include the local butcher, fruitand veg merchant, greetings card shop andthe undertaker.
Brazil 2014Brazil 2014The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil is World Cup and their group draw gives them adrawing close and will run from June good chance of getting through.12th to July 13th. It is the first to bestaged in South America since 1978 Like the Ivory Coast, Belgium’s draw appearswith a total of 64 matches to be played favourable and many people are predictingacross 12 cities. them to do well.Their side is relatively inexperienced at this level however and thisContenders campaign may prove to be a learning process ahead of future successes.As hosts Brazil enter the tournament as oneof the favourites to emerge victorious and Of the other South American teams Uruguaytheir optimism was increased by some are the strongest and have an abundance ofencouraging displays in last summer’s forward talent including Luis Suarez andConfederations Cup where they overcame Edison Cavani.The injury to Suarez will haveJapan, Mexico, Italy, Uruguay and Spain. been a real set back to their plans and for them to go deep in the tournament EnglandSpain themselves travel to South America will probably have to go home early.looking to retain their title and still possessa wealth of quality particularly in theirmidfield.There are question marks overtheir forwards and defence however whichwill have to be answered if they are to go allthe way.The tournament is sure to favour the SouthAmericans and Argentina certainly has thefire power necessary to cause anyoneproblems. Germany also demonstrated theirstrength in depth when their second teamtook on England and it will take a very goodteam to knock them out.OutsidersOf the African teams, the Ivory Coast appearto have the talent to make a real impactespecially if Yaya Toure is able to replicatethe sparkling form he has produced thisseason for Man City.This looks like beingDidier Drogba’s last chance to shine at a
Brazil 2014EnglandEngland’s squad has plenty of talented youngplayers with the quality to make an impactbut they’ve been handed a tough group and,as in previous tournaments, being able toretain possession may prove a real problemmade worse by the Brazilian climate.With only one holding midfielder (do wereally need 3 goalkeepers?) selected in thesquad Steven Gerrard’s presence is going tobe absolutely crucial. His leadership for theyoung players and ability to shield the backfour will go a long way to determiningwhether England can make it out of thegroup.If they are able to make it do this theyshould be rewarded with a winnable 2ndround game and making it to the quarterfinals would be a good achievement for thecurrent group of players.The mostimportant thing for the team is for some oftheir young players to step-up to theinternational stage and show that they canbe relied upon in the years to come.Whatever results occur in Brazil it is sure tobe a festival of football that will becelebrated by fans of the Beautiful Gameacross the world and that is exactly as itshould be.
Brazil 2014Football Focus Magazine spoke with Paul playing alongside him gave me the freedom to showGascoigne, Steve Guppy and Michael people what I could do.”O’Neill ahead of this summer’stournament. How do you think England will do?Paul Gascoigne – one of the most “Dealing with the heat over in Brazil will be a realtalented players ever to represent problem. I remember playing a game against ItalyEngland, Gazza represented England 57 where Gary Lineker lost almost a stone in weight andtimes, scoring 10 goals it will be similar over there.With Gerrard in front of the back four we should have a solid base. I’d like toWhat were your favourite memories from see Rooney playing further up the pitch than he hasyour time with England? done recently and if he does and we utilise the pace“My debut against Denmark was a special of players like Sterling and Sturridge we could domoment. It was under Sir Bobby Robson and I well.”came on as a substitute in a game that we won1-0.The best player I ever played with was Players to watch: Neymar, Ronaldo, MessiBryan Robson. He was a great competitor and Tip for the Tournament: Brazil or for an outside bet Uruguay
Steve Guppy – the former Leicester Brazil 2014City and Celtic man was capped onceby England in a friendly against How do you think England will do?Belgium.They won by 2 goals to 1 with They’ve got a chance of getting out ofAlan Shearer and Jamie Redknapp on the group. I think they will have to beattarget. Uruguay in order to progress which won’t be an easy task.How do you think England will do? Players to watch:“I fancy Neymar toI think it’s going to be very tough for us finish as the tournament’s top scorer”over there with such a hot climate. It’sbound to favour the South American Tip for the tournament: Brazilsides but we should be well set up to playon the counter if Sterling can carry hisform for Liverpool onto the internationalstage.Players to watch: Jack Wilshere and RossBarkley for England.Aguero will be agood bet to finish as top scorer.Tip for the tournament: Brazil orArgentina to win it. Belgium should dowell and are one of the most excitingteams in Europe.Michael O’Neill – The currentManager of Northern Ireland cameup against Russia and Portugal inthe qualifiers and gave his verdict onthemRussia – “They are a strong side withplenty of experience.A number of theirplayers play together at ZenitSt.Petersburg and that helps them to be acohesive unit. I think they may be lackingthe firepower to go a long way but theyshould be good enough to get out thegroup.”Portugal – “They rely heavily on Ronaldobut are a good side that are very strongat set pieces.All 3 of their goals against uscame from dead ball situations. Moutinhois a top quality midfielder but like RussiaI’m not sure they will do much betterthan getting out of their group.”
Walker CentralWalker CentralWalker Central FC is a club that Walker and has a reputation for beingplays a vital role in their local able to spot talent with the potential tocommunity, providing a large go a long way in the game.number of people from the localarea with an opportunity to play Speaking in the Daily Mails Footballers’the game with teams running Football Column Brian said,“I am asfrom junior senior level that proud of what we have built over 25currently competes in the years at Walker Central Football ClubNorthern Alliance League. as I am of the 20 boys I have seen and recommended to Newcastle UnitedOne of the key reasons the club has who have made the first team.Andbeen so successful over the years is the they’ve played down here in that time –superb work that club stalwart Brian Gazza, Shola, Sammy, Robbie Elliott,Clark has done. He’s been a great Steve Watson – and now we have a 3Gambassador for the community of pitch, a grass pitch and a club house.
Walker CentralIt keeps kids off the streets and out oftrouble in a very tough area. If I couldopen the place all hours, I would.There’s photos and signed shirts on thewall, but the two I always show the kidsare David Beharall and a young ladcalled Wesley Richardson.David did play for Newcastle’s firstteam but didn’t quite have enough tosustain a run in the side and become aregular before he had to be sold. But hewas a clever lad, invested his money andruns a good business. He’s a millionairenow.Young Wesley had a great chance andterrific ability but he went the wrongway and made the wrong choices, didn’tmake it.You wouldn’t recognise the kidnow.I tell the young lads and lasses, even ifyou aren’t going to make it as afootballer, you need a good education,you need to stay out of trouble and
Walker Centralaway from drugs, and you can end up achievingsomething in your life. David Beharall is agreat example of that.Thanks to DUCO, Pearsons Engineering andShephards we have managed to raise£168,000 to build the place and now we arelooking to develop the clubhouse again andbuild an indoor gynamsium, so the fund-raisingnever stops.”Speaking of Lee Clark Brian said,“I had seenthis young seven-year-old boy playing and Ijust knew he had something about him. Sothree days after our daughter Lindsay wasborn, I told Eileen we were going out towatch a game.I told her to make sure Lindsay was wellwrapped up and we headed out. But it wasworth it. He was only seven and he wasplaying against boys aged 10 and 11 andbossing them about. He just wanted the ballall the time, was a great little footballer, butyou could see he had a real determinationabout him.
Walker Central
Walker Central He had this clean black and white strip – the rest of the lads were slightly grey – and his mam had stitched 'Clarky’ in yellow letters on to the back. Before I took him to Wallsend Boys Club, I asked a teacher if I could have a word with him. I couldn’t believe he was so young but I went over to introduce myself. 'I know your name, it’s Lee Clark.’ And he says – remember he’s seven - 'Who are you? What do you want?’ He was cheeky then and he’s the same now. I’ve had a few favourites over the years. Lee Clark is definitely one of them.We decided to form Walker Central Football Club when Lee was still coming through the Youth Training Scheme at Newcastle.We haven't looked back.”
Walker Central
WitheridgeWitheridgeFirst established in 1920,Witheridge FC currently more of the local community to come along and supportcompetes in the South West Peninsula League them in the future.With a developing reputation forwhich is the 6th step of the National League playing football the right way the club should also find itSystem.They play their home matches at Edge far easier to attract and retain players.Down Park and they are affectionately known bytheir supporters as ‘Withy’.Their home colours One of the reasons that Witheridge have been so freeare blue with orange trim. scoring is the potent strikeforce that the team has. Jordan Charran has led the way with an impressive total of 22This season the club put together a strong campaign and goals, whilst fellow forwards Steve Abdy and Kyle Bassettfinished with a record of having won 23, drawn 4 and lost have also contributed 31 times between the two of them.11 of their 38 league matches.This saw them finish nearthe top of the table with 73 points on the board. It is not just their attackers that have shown an eye for goal however with Jack Langford chipping in with 15They will now be looking to use the good form that they strikes from midfield. Having an additional source of goalshave shown as a platform upon which to build in order can be vital as it helps to relieve the pressure on a team’sto mount a title challenge next time out. So long as they strikers.are able to retain their current group of players theyshould be in with a great chance of doing just that. Witheridge have enjoyed a terrific season on the pitch and this is thanks to the hard work that their CommitteeA particular highlight of the team’s play was the attacking have put into the club off the field. Hopefully they will bebrand of football that they managed to produce.This is able to keep up the good work that they have been doingreflected by the fact that netted 83 times in the league for many years to come and everyone at Football Focusalone at a rate of more than two per match. Magazine would like to wish them the best of luck.This certainly meant that any supporters attending theirgames were well entertained and should encourage
Luton TownLuton TownFirst established in 1885, Luton One of the main reasons for the team’sTown have just enjoyed a fabulous free-scoring nature was the form ofseason, managing to gain prolific striker Andre Gray who finishedpromotion back into the Football the season with 30 goals. He was wellLeague.As well as being successful supported by fellow forward Paul Bensonon the pitch they also do some who scored 18 times as the pair formedfantastic work in their local one of the most deadly partnerships incommunity and are very well run the league.off the field of play.They secured promotion in style as It was not just the front men that gotwell, putting together a record of amongst the goals however as Lukehaving won 30, drawn 11 and lost 5 Guttridge proved to have an eye for goalof their 46 matches.This saw them from midfield, notching 13 times. Having afinish the campaign with 101 points number of different goal scoring optionson the board, winning the title with is important for any team as it can helpa gap of 19 points to the next side. to relieve pressure on any one individual.This is not a club that will look to stand Luton Town thoroughly deserve thestill having gained promotion and they success that they have achieved thiswill now be determined to make sure season and it is great to see them back inthat they are well prepared ahead of the the football league. Hopefully they will benew season. So long as they can retain able to continue to produce the sametheir current group of players they high quality football next season and ifshould be in for another successful they do then they should be in forcampaign. another year to remember.A particular highlight of the team’sperformances this season was theattacking brand of football that theymanaged to produce. In their leaguematches alone they found the back ofthe net 102 times at a rate of more than2 per match.This certainly ensured that anysupporters attending their matches werewell entertained and received value formoney.The success that they haveachieved should help to attract more ofthe community to get behind the club inthe future which may have the addedbonus of providing an additional sourceof revenue.
Littlehampton TownLittlehamptonTownBased on St Flora’s Road in West YouthSussex, Littlehampton Town haveenjoyed a superb season, finishing in “Youth is very important as we have to3rd place in the league just a year rely on decent players coming up theafter they gained promotion.They ranks in order to fill our teams.This yearalso do a tremendous amount of the Manger Mark Bennett has called threegood work in their local community sixteen year olds into the 1st Team squadand Football Focus Magazine caught with one lad starting a couple of times.up with Club Representative Steve Also these are lads who have grown upBates to find out more. and lived in the town all their lives.We have had three lads who have moved on.This Season One has come back. One went to Brighton one went to Portsmouth and theHe told us,“It has been an excellent all other to Bognor Regis.At this moment weyear and if you take into account that we have two back on loan.”have very little resources to run the clubunlike teams around us with enviable Facilitiesfinancial backing it gives the whole club afeeling of togetherness.” “Our facilities are excellent and always receive good comments from our visiting
Supporters. Our Tea ladies Sandra Littlehampton Townand Diana are renowned for the bestBurgers and Curried chips in the Littlehampton Town are a greatCounty! We rely on local example of what can be achieved onsponsorships from local companies to the pitch if hard work is put intosurvive.Although we have an creating a great set up off it.excellent Bar etc. it is independent Hopefully they will be able to keep upfrom the football club so we receive the good work that they have beenno revenue from the takings.We are doing for many years to come andtotally reliant on local support.” Football Focus Magazine would like to wish them the best of luck.Challenges/Ambitions“Due to us sharing our pitch with thecricket club our biggest challenge isto separate both playing areas andhave our own enclosed ground forgood.The cricket club are in theprocess of getting a Grant to moveacross so both facilities will notinvade each other’s playing surfaces.We hope to be able to move up tothe Ryman League in the comingyears.”
Oldham AthleticOldham AthleticOldham Athletic plays their home games retain the majority of their current playingat Boundary Park on Furtherwood Road squad and perhaps make one or two qualityand their first team currently competes additions they should be in with a good chancein the Sky Bet League 1.They are led by of claiming a higher finish next time out.Chairman Simon Corney who issupported by Secretary Tanya Blakey and Oldham is not a club that focuses solely uponthe club is looking to progress under their senior section however and they also puttheir guidance. a large amount of work into the development of young players. It is with this in mind that theyThey put together a steady league campaign have an academy in place which works to helpthis time around, putting together a record of youngsters to reach their full potential.having won 14, drawn 14 and lost 18 of their 46matches.This saw them finish in a safe mid table It is important for any side to be able toposition with 56 points on the board. produce their own talent particularly in the current financial climate and this is an area thatThis should provide the club with a solid they appear to have covered. It will certainly beplatform upon which to build as they prepare exciting to watch to see how their academyfor the 2414/15 campaign. If they are able to graduates are able to progress over the coming years. In order to help their youngsters to make the sometimes difficult transition into the senior game Oldham also has a reserve side up and running.This allows them to give players experience of adult level football even if they are not yet considered ready for first team action. Another benefit of having a reserve side is that it allows the first team to benefit from far greater strength in depth. If they are ever left short on numbers through injury or suspension they have the option of calling players up with a limited amount of disruption. Another stand out feature of the club’s set up is the superb work that they do in the local community through the Oldham Athletic Community Trust which has been running for over 25 years.The Trust looks to support people regardless of age, gender, race, religion or skill level. It does this by encouraging individuals to take
Oldham Athleticpart in fun-based activities that help todevelop confidence, co-operation andeducation. Some of the areas they coverinclude school provision, holiday provision,inclusion/community projects, volunteering,development centres, birthday parties andmatch day activities.The Trust aims to support the localcommunity regardless of age, gender, race,religion or skill level and promote a healthierlifestyle through sport by encouragingindividuals to take part in fun- basedactivities, which develop confidence, co-operation and education.There is much to admire about the OldhamAthletic set-up and hopefully they will be ableto continue in the same manner for manyyears to come.
Brantham AthleticBranthamAthleticBrantham Athletic FC was first upon which to build as they lookestablished in 1887 when the ahead towards the 2014-15team was drawn up from campaign. If they are able to retainemployees from BXP, a plastics their current group of players andmanufacturing firm from London. perhaps make one or two qualityThey currently compete in the additions there should not be anyEastern Counties Football League reason why they cannot finishand are led by Chairman Peter higher up the league.Crowhurst who is supported bySecretary Dan Allen. Brantham Athletic is not a club that focuses solely upon theirThey put together a solid league senior section as they also put acampaign this time around, finishing lot of effort into the developmentwith a respectable record of having of young players.This side of thewon 15, drawn 8 and lost 15 of their set-up looks to provide young53 matches.This saw them finish in a players from the local area with ansafe mid-table position with 53 points opportunity to play the game in aon the board. safe and enjoyable environment.A particular highlight of the team’s playthis year was their commitment toplaying an attacking brand of football.This was reflected in the fact that theymanaged to score an impressive 71goals in the league alone at a rate ofnearly two per match.This certainly ensured that anysupporters attending their matcheswere well entertained and this shouldencourage more of their localcommunity to get behind the club inthe future.The team’s approach to thegame should also help them to retainand attract quality players and will helpthem to perform at a high level.The team’s performances this yearshould provide them with a good base
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