Football Focus 048

Issue 48 / £6.95 WWW.FOOTBALLFOCUS.BIZSTAMFORD WOKINGPLAYING A VITAL ROLE IN A TEAM RECEIVING TERRIFICTHE LOCAL COMMUNITY BACKING FROM THEIR SUPPORTERSBOLTON WANDERERS WALDRIDGE PARKLOOKING TO PROGRESS CLAIMED A LEAGUEDURING THE OFF SEASON CHAMPIONSHIP IN 2013/14 TRAFFORD CELEBRATING THEIR 25TH ANNIVERSARYDERBY COUNTYPUSHING FOR PROMOTION TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE

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ISSUE 48 CONTENTS PUBLISHED BY FOOTBALLFOCUS PROCESS PUBLISHING LLP SUITE 1, SAVILLE EXTCHANGE, 4 derby county 47 BROMLEY GREEN HOWARD STREET, NORTH 10 DUNBAR UNITED 49 ERITH & BELVEDERE SHIELDS, NORTH 12 POLESWORTH 50 LUMLEY TYNESIDE, NE30 1SE 13 NEWCASTLE UNITED 51 NOTTS COUNTY 15 BRENTFORD 54 SHORTWOOD UNITED WWW.FOOTBALLFOCUS.BIZ 18 HALIFAX TOWN 55 CRAMLINGTON JUNIORS 19 TRAFFORD 57 STAMFORDCOMMERCIAL 22 WALDRIDGE PARK 59 ELMORE 26 WALKER CENTRAL 60 CRAWLEY GREENCOMPANY MANAGER 28 WOODSON PARK 61 BRISTOL CITY 30 ST. PETERS 63 WOKINGANGELA THORNTON 32 BOLTON WANDERERS 68 CARSHALTON ATHLETICT: 0191 447 2376 37 BISHOP SUTTON 71 CORPORATION CLUBE: [email protected] 39 BRIDGEWATER TOWN 73 WORSBROUGH BRIDGE ATHLETIC 40 HELSBY 75 CHESTER NOMADSMEDIA DIRECTORS 43 SILSDEN 77 HARBOROUGH TOWN 44 COVE RANGERS 79 GATESHEAD SUPPORTERSJordan Beresford 45 KINCARDINET: 0191 340 5587E: [email protected] HoosanT: 0191 447 6767E: [email protected] BogieT: 0191 447 4135E: [email protected] OlusogaT: 0191 447 6107E: [email protected] HutchisonT: 0191 597 8944E: [email protected] LeachT: 0191 447 6363E: [email protected] IN CHIEFJamie SeymourT: 0191 447 2512E: [email protected] GoldsmithT: 0191 447 3718E: [email protected] RobinsonE: [email protected] US ONLINETWITTER.COM/MAGFOOTBALL©PROCESS PUBLISHING ALL RIGHTSRESERVEDNo part of this publication may bereproduced or transmitted in any format byany means, or stored in a retrieval systemwithout prior written premission, exceptas permitted under the copyright designsand permissions act 1998. Applications forpermission for use of copyright materialshall be made to the publishers. 32 BOLTON WANDERERS www.footballfocus.biz 3

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DERBY COUNTYSince March 2014 Cinos have been games. This area will formally be knownthe proud Audio Visual partner of Derby as the Cinos Suite. In order to meet aCounty Football Club. The relationship variety of business needs (ranging fromstarted with Cinos demonstrating their conference and banqueting to match daycapabilities at management level and hospitality) and to showcase a numbercrucially being able to deliver professional of technologies, Cinos have been givenservices and enhanced service level permission to totally renovate this area.agreements that met with the football  clubs’ modus operandi. The contract is Due to the multi-functional nature of themanaged from their Midlands offices conference spaces, executive suites andlocated in Derby. As the largest and best hospitality areas, Cinos need to meetsupported club in the region Cinos are both the requirements of business asincredibly proud of their association and well as delivering an excellent match daylook forward to it flourishing over the experience.coming years. During a normal working day the suiteIn addition to being the largest football has to deliver all the benefits that clientsclub in the County with over 20,000 would expect to find in a corporateseason ticket holders and 500,000 fans environment such as presentation media,annually supporting the team it is also the video conferencing facilities and state ofMidlands largest conferencing facilities; the art peripherals.capable of hosting 2000+ delegates perday and over 500,000 per year. On a match day the environment needs  to deliver a luxurious surrounding forAll of the available facilities require corporate guests and football fans alikeIT technologies on a daily basis and who will benefit from the bespoke furniturethe Audio Visual element is a crucial and chairs, the large screen technologycomponent of the IT infrastructure. Each delivering an exceptional viewingexecutive box has IPTV feeds for match experience and the room managementday viewing, screen technology for system which allows them to orderpresentations and a support agreement beverages and a wide range of productswith Cinos that ensures the integrity without leaving the suite.and smooth running of the operations.Distributed throughout the stadium there In order to deliver on these requirements,is a 100+ screen digital signage solution ensure quality and still deliver a ‘wow’utilised for match day marketing and factor, Cinos have worked closely withsponsorship promotion, a powerful PA the leading Audio Visual manufacturerssystem and a state of the art broadcast including AMX, Barco, NEC, Polycom andsuite that Cinos support on a daily basis Revolabs as well as engaging with localin conjunction with Derby County’s own IT flooring specialists, electrical contractorssupport team. and bespoke furniture manufacturers for the interior design. The end result willAs part of the agreement Cinos will be be a visually stunning suite that deliversrefurbishing the two executive suites world class technology suitable for everycurrently used by Sky to broadcast live guest that uses the facility. www.footballfocus.biz 5

DERBY COUNTYDERBY COUNTYDerby County FC plays their home games at the iPro Stadium, Pride Park and their first teamcurrently competes in the SkyBet Championship. They are led by Chairman Andy Applebywhilst Steve McClaren is the team’s head coach and the team has made good progress underhis leadership.They enjoyed a strong campaign last time around Despite this set-back Derby County should beas they put together a superb league campaign, pleased with their performances last season andwinning 25, drawing 10 and losing 11 of their 46 were unlucky not to win promotion. Losing atmatches. This saw them narrowly miss out on the Wembley will not have been easy for the teamautomatic promotion positions as they ended up in but hopefully they will be able to come back3rd place. stronger from the experience.This meant that they entered the play-offs and A particular highlight of the team’s play lastsuccessfully made it through to the final at season was the attacking brand of football thatWembley by coming through the two legged semi. they managed to produce. This was reflected byUnfortunately, despite a strong performance, they the fact that they managed to net 84 times in thewere unable to find the crucial goal they needed league alone at a rate of nearly two per match.against QPR before their opponents won it and aplace in the Premier League late.“A particularhighlight of theteam’s play lastseason was theattacking brandof football thatthey managed toproduce.”6 Issue 48

DERBY COUNTY Unite the Union Ticket Office Proud partners with DCFCUnite the Union is the largest trade union in the UK and Ireland and represents workers in all industrialsectors. Unite's Community membership also allows those not in employment to become part of the unionfamily including students, carers, volunteers and retired people. All members of Unite are entitled to a widerange of legal and member services covering a range of issues, both inside and outside the workplace.Unite’s partnership with Derby County creates a fantastic opportunity for two winning teams workingtogether for the benefit of our community and strengthens the work being done by both organisations.Visitors to the Ticket Office will be able to pick up literature andMembership Forms for both Unite and Unite Community or for moredetailed information on Unite the Union and how to join, visitwww.unitetheunion.orgUnite the UnionCollectively trade unions are the largest voluntary organisations not in employment into the union family to share these benefitsin the UK - with some seven million members and over 200,000 whether you are unemployed, volunteering, family carers, retired, atworkplace representatives and activists. Union members are present school/college or university or raising children.in every sector of the economy: they include computer programmersand shop assistants; factory workers and footballers; bus drivers and The county of Derbyshire is already well represented by Unite withairline pilots, teachers and soap stars; musicians and motor me- some 30,000 members, part of the 107,000 members Unite has inchanics. Representing over a quarter of the UK’s workforce, unions the East Midlands in the public and private sectors covering everyare the only workplace organisation able to present a cohesive voice kind of job and at every level. Successful and profitable companieson the concerns of working people and their families to employers, locally have developed strong links with Unite – such names asgovernment and society in general. Rolls Royce, Toyota, Bombardier and Eon are amongst those who recognise the importance of an organised workforce.As a result of collective bargaining union members receive higherpay (on average 12.5% more per hour) together with better sickness Unite have strengthened their previous partnership with Derbyand pension benefits and more holiday and flexible working than non County with Ticket Office naming rights for the coming 2 years inmembers. There is also a significant reduction in pay inequality for recognition of the synergy between the two organisations; bothwomen and black & Asian workers. working hard for the benefit of the local communities. As part of the deal Unite the Union, whose Regional Office is based on Pride Park,Unite the Union are the largest trade union in the UK and Ireland will also sponsor Derby’s Group Tickets scheme. In particular Uniteand represent workers in all industrial sectors. Being part of a trade Community are looking forward to working alongside DCFC withunion is not just about having a voice in the workplace, it’s about their involvement in the local schools projects across Derbyshire.being part of a movement to create a better society. This is a clear indication of the shared aims and values that have strengthened the working relationship over the last year.Members of Unite are also entitled to a range of legal and memberservices covering a range of issues, both inside and outside the Visitors to the Unite the Union Ticket Office throughout the period ofworkplace. They can get help with personal injury claims, employ- the partnership will be able to pick up literature on Unite and Unitement matters, wills, conveyancing and many other legal issues. Community, as well as Membership Forms.Unite’s Community membership now welcomes those For more detailed information on Unite the Union and how to join, visit www.unitetheunion.org www.footballfocus.biz 7

DERBY This certainly meant that any supporters COUNTY attending their fixtures were well entertained and should ensure that moreAs well as being successful on the pitch, of the local community get behind the clubDerby County also have a superb community in the future. Playing with such style willsection in place and Chief Operating Officer also help to get the best out of some of theJohn Vicars provides the following statement talented young players that Derby has suchabout the trusts work on the club’s official as Will Hughes.website. The club’s attentions will now have turned“Derby County Football Club has the ability towards ensuring that they are wellto engage people, raising hopes and prepared for the new campaign and lastaspirations, improving the lives of the people year’s performances should provide themof Derbyshire. with a good platform upon which to build. As long as they are able to retain their currentAs a Club we are committed to ensuring that group of players and perhaps make onewe respond to local needs whilst working or two quality additions they are sure to bestrategically in line with regional and national pressing for promotion once again.agendas. We all recognise that sport can playa prominent role in addressing major issuessuch as rising obesity levels, communitycohesion, health inequalities, un-employmentand educational attainment.Through the diverse range of programmesdelivered by our Derby County CommunityTrust (DCCT), we aim to get people healthierand more active, raise attainment in schools,develop talent pathways and improve our localcommunity.Our partnership work strengthens the entirescheme delivery programme and enables usto work strategically within Derbyshire. We8 Issue 48

DERBY COUNTY“Derby County Football are very aware of the culturalClub has the ability diversity that exists in ourto engage people… local community and we areimproving the lives committed to embracing it andof the people of providing equitable access.”Derbyshire.” Derby County are clearly a club that is doing a lot of good work both on and off the field and they appear well positioned to make a return to the Premier League. Hopefully they will be able to keep up the good work that they have been doing for many years to come and everyone at Football Focus Magazine would like to wish them the best of luck. www.footballfocus.biz 9

DUNBAR UNITEDDUNBAR UNITED First established in 1925 Dunbar United FC is affectionately known by their supporters as the Seasiders. They play their home games at New Countess Park on Kellie Road in East Lothian and do a tremendous amount of good work in their local community. They are a club with a history of which they have every right to be proud and perhaps their greatest achievement to date came when they won the Scottish Junior Cup in 1960-61. This is not the only Cup competition they have been successful in however as they have also triumphed in the East of Scotland Junior Cup, the Brown Cup and the East Lothian Cup. The team’s success has not been solely limited to cup competitions however as they’ve claimed the Edinburgh and Dis- trict League twice and the East Region Division Two 3 times. The current group of players will be keen to add to these successes over the coming years. Last time out their side enjoyed a solid campaign as they put together a record of having won 12, drawn 1 and lost 12 of their matches. This saw them finish in the top half of the table with 40 points on the board. This should give them a solid platform upon which to build as they look ahead to their 2014/15 campaign. As long as they are able to retain their current group of players and perhaps make one or two quality additions they should be in with a good chance of pushing on further up the table.10 Issue 48

DUNBAR UNITEDA particular highlight of the team’s playhas been the attacking brand of footballthat they have been able to play. Thishas been reflected by the fact that theyscored an impressive 56 goals in theleague alone at a rate of more than 2per match.This will certainly have meant that anysupporters attending their matches willhave been well entertained and shouldensure that more of the community getsbehind the side in the future. Playingwith such style will also help their play-ers to produce their best form.There is much to admire about the Dun-bar United set-up and this is thanks tothe hard work that their Committee hasput into the club. Hopefully they will beable to continue in the same manner formany years to come and everyone atFootball Focus Magazine would like towish them the best of luck for the future. www.footballfocus.biz 11

POLESWORTHPOLESWORTH Polesworth FC enjoyed a solid It is good news that the club will continue campaign last time around as they put to run a youth side, showing their together a record of having won 12, commitment to developing young players drawn 6 and lost 12 of their 30 matches. in the local community. This team looks to This saw them finish in 9th position provide young players from the local area with 42 points on the board which was a with an opportunity to play the game in solid mid-table position. a safe and enjoyable environment whilst helping them to reach their full potential. During the season they managed to score 59 times whilst conceding on 90 occasions It is important for any club to be able to and they had a stronger record at home produce their own talent particularly in than they did away. The team should be the current financial climate and this is an content with their performances on the area they appear to have covered. It will whole as they generally played to their certainly be exciting to watch to see how potential. these players are able to progress over the coming years. In a recent announcement on the club’s website Polesworth have confirmed that PROUD TO SUPPORT they will not be entering a team in any of the local Saturday Football League’s for the POFLECSWORTH coming season, and will be using this year as a rebuilding platform. They stated, “Several factors have contributed to this decision being taken, some of which we could control but others are well outside of the club’s control, however with a possible ground move or upgrade to the existing facility in the pipe line in the coming years, we have decided to build towards that. This decision has not been taken lightly and this is very much the last resort. However the committee reached this decision unanimously as we strongly believe it is the right decision for the club at this time. But with the Polesworth FC name living on with the under 16s team which ply their trade in the Midland Junior Premier League, Football will still continue at Hermitage hill be it on a Saturday morning. We would like to thank each and every person who has contributed to the success of the club during our five year stay in the Midland Combination and would like to wish everyone all the success for the future.”12 Issue 48

NEWCASTLE UNITEDNEWCASTLE UNITEDNewcastle United hasa history of beingrepresented by somesuperb strikers over theyears. Football FocusMagazine looks at some ofthose to have shone in thePremier League era.Andy ColeThe first was Andy Cole who setthe league alight after signing fromBristol City for £1.75m towards theend of the 1992-93 season. Hewasted no time establishing himselfas a fan favourite, going on to net43 goals in 58 games in the famousblack and white shirt.Les FerdinandLes Ferdinand was the next to bebrought in in a £6m move from QPRand his ability in the air markedhim out as one of the best centreforwards in the country. Suppliedby flamboyant Frenchman, DavidGinola, Ferdinand was virtuallyimpossible to deal with as defencesacross the league discovered.Alan ShearerThe greatest goalscorer of thePremier League era followedFerdinand to Tyneside in a thenworld record transfer of 15.6m.Turning down Manchester Unitedand Sir Alex Ferguson to join hishome town club cemented hispopularity with the crowd before aball had been kicked. www.footballfocus.biz 13

NEWCASTLE UNITED When he begun to play he quickly showed why he was the world’s most expensive footballer as Newcastle developed a reputation for being the most entertaining side in the country. When Shearer finally called time on his Newcastle career he had netted an incredible 148 goals in 303 Premier League games ensuring that he will always be a crowd favourite at St James’ Park. Recent Times Since then the club has brought in a number of centre forwards to fill the gap left by these great players with the likes of Andy Carroll, Obafemi Martins and Loic Remy enjoying various levels of success in front of goal. This summer they have added Emmanuel Rivière at a relatively low price in the modern game of £6m and are confident that he has the quality required to make an impact in the coming campaign. Speaking of his excitement after the move recently he said, “I’m very happy to be here at Newcastle. When the club spoke to me I said yes immediately. It was an easy decision because Newcastle is a big club with great fans and a good stadium.” Leading the line at Newcastle is a great honour and if you can score goals you will be adored by their supporters who will be hoping that they can look forwards to many more years of being entertained by terrific strikers.14 Issue 48

BRENTFORDBRENTFORDFirst established in 1889, The side certainly enjoyed a the game for playing football theBrentford FC plays their season to remember last time right way. This is reflected by theirhome games at Griffin around as they managed to gain free scoring nature as evidencedPark on Braemer Road promotion which was a superb by the fact that they found theand their first team will achievement. In the league they back of the net on 72 occasions.compete in the SkyBet finished with a record of havingChampionship next won 28, drawn 10 and lost just Playing in this style certainlyseason. They are led by 8 of their 46 matches which saw meant that any supportersChairman Cliff Crown them end up in the 2nd automatic attending their matches werewhilst Mark Warburton promotion position with 94 points well entertained and this shouldmanages the first team. on the board. encourage more of the local community to get behind the Although some way behind team. It will also help the club to eventual winners Wolves, they attract quality players capable of can be proud of their efforts and improving the side further. enjoy a growing reputation within www.footballfocus.biz 15

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BRENTFORDBrentford is not a club to stand stilland they will now have turned theirattentions towards making sure thatthey are fully prepared for the newcampaign. As long as they are ableto continue to perform to the samelevel that they did last year then theyshould be in with a good chance offurther success.The early signs in pre-season havebeen positive as they managed todefeat OGC Nice 3-2 at the weekend.Speaking to the club’s official websiteafter the fixture, Mark Warburtonsaid, “I thought it was a really goodtest.They showed us how well theymoved the ball, the quality wasoutstanding. They punished us whenwe were sloppy and in the last 15minutes we saw if you give the ballaway you pay the price. We learneda lot, there were many positives.They were a good side and I hopewe surprised them with our quality,certainly in the first 70 minutes. Itwas an interesting challenge, I ampleased it went well and I think theplayers benefitted enormously.”As well as being successful on thepitch Brentford also have a Trust inplace that does some outstandingwork in the community. One exampleof this was when coaches JoshHinkson and Ryan Peters madethe trip to Palestine to complete aplacement in May. Their CommunitySports Trust does a lot of othergood work, particularly in relationto helping young people in the localarea.There is much to admire about theset-up that Brentford currently hasin place and this has been rewardedwith some superb results on the fieldof play. Hopefully they will be ableto keep up the good work that theyhave been doing and Football FocusMagazine would like to wish them thebest of luck for the new season. www.footballfocus.biz 17

HALIFAX TOWNHALIFAX TOWNHalifax Town FC plays their with 77 points on the board, certainly ensured that anyhome games at The Shay scoring 85 times and conceding supporters attending theirStadium and their first team on 58 occasions. matches were well entertained.currently competes in the Skrill This should help to encourageConference Premier League. The team were unable to claim more of the local community toThey are led by the team of promotion through the play- get behind the side in the future.Chairman David Bosomworth offs but their performances thisand President Robert Holmes year should provide them with a Playing with such an attackingand the club has made a superb platform ahead of next style should also help the clubconsiderable amount of year. So long as they are able to attract the quality of playersprogress under their guidance. to retain their current group of necessary to help them to players they should be in for a progress. It will also ensureThey put together a superb successful campaign. that the current group enjoyleague campaign last time representing the club and arearound, compiling a record of The team gained plenty of able to produce their best form.having won 22, drawn 11 and lost plaudits as well for the attacking As well as being successful on13 of their 46 matches. This saw brand of football that they the field of play, Halifax Town alsothem finish in a play-off position managed to produce which do a tremendous amount of good work in the local area through C O R P O R AT E their Community group. It is led AN INTEGRO COMPANY by Pam Burton and has seen the club out and about in different Proud places over the past couple of sponsors and years. insurance advisors Some of the work that they have to FC Halifix Town carried out includes visits to the Children’s Ward at Calderdale` Royal to provide presents for children at Christmas, Halifaxj Exceptional Insurance Solutions for Charity Gala, Elland Gala as well as hosting events such as meetv the players, holiday courses and football tournaments.`j Sport Corporate Halifax Town clearly enjoyedjv a superb season last time around and appear to have`v Clubs & teams Insurance broking for all everything in place to continue to be successful over the coming Associations, governing businesses years. As important as their work on the field is that which they do`jv bodies & leagues Risk Management in the local community and they deserve a tremendous amounth Participants & individuals Healthcare & Financial of credit for this. Everyone at Football Focus Magazine would Stadia and pitches like to wish them the best of luck for the future. Entertainment Private Client Concerts, Tours & Festivals Property, estates Artists & bands & overseas property Event production Art, antiques & collections Venues High value vehicle Recording Studios Marine & aviation To speak to us about your insurance please contact us using the details below Doodson Broking Group | Suite B | Salt Warehouse | Canal Basin | Sowerby Bridge | HX6 2AG T 0161 419 3000 | F 0161 419 3030 | WWW.DOODSONBG.COM Doodson Corporate & Doodson Broking Group are trading names of Arthur Doodson (Brokers) Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Company Registration Number 790401.18 Issue 48

TRAFFORDTRAFFORDTrafford FC is celebrating their 25th anniversary and has been making some superbprogress both on and off the field recently. Football Focus Magazine caught up with theirMatch Secretary Dave Murray to find out more.Atmosphere larger clubhouse as our present facilities are not really big enough to hold decent size functions.”He told us, “The mood all around the club is‘buzzing’ after such a good campaign in our debut Commercialseason in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division,a level we’ve never played in before. As well as “The club has a new Commercial Manager in Keithfinishing in a creditable 10th place Trafford won McKerracher who joined the club committee lastthe Manchester Premier Cup beating Football season and has been out to the local businessesConference side Hyde FC in the final.” every day doing a fantastic job securing programme adverts, advertising boards for around the pitch plusCommunity many other sponsorship package deals.“We have always been known as a family club Our main sponsor who has just agreed his thirdwhere we welcome all ages to Shawe View and with season with the Trafford is Phil Rigney of KMDour management team of Manager Garry Vaughan Recycling Ltd in Stockport. As well as sponsoringand his Assistant Wayne Goodison have set up the club he and his young family attend most of ourthe GV Soccer School for young local players with home games.”regular Soccer Camps in school holidays. Also atthe start of last season our followers set up a very Challengessuccessful Trafford FC Supporters Club with anumber of their own fund-raising functions to help “The main challenge for Trafford Football Clubthe clubs coffers.” is hopefully to maintain a high level of football inFacilities“Trafford may be one of the smaller clubs in thePremier Division but when visiting clubs come toShawe View they all comment about the conditionof our fabulous pitch which our Football Secretary/Groundsman Graham Foxall has been nominatedfor the Northern Premier League Groundsman ofthe Year for the past number of seasons, winningthe award in season 2010-11.The ground is surrounded by trees and situatednext to a Golf Course so as you can imagine it’sa very picturesque setting. Each close seasoncommittee members & supporters come to theground to paint, repair and generally tidy the groundup ready for the start of the next season. At thepresent time the club have put forward plans for a19 Issue 48 www.footballfocus.biz 19

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TRAFFORDthe Evo Stik League Premier Division. This isgoing to be very difficult with the limited financialresources a small club like ourselves has at themoment, but the management have been doinga fantastic job with the team over the last fewseasons. This situation could be boosted if wecould get our new clubhouse.The Club’s First Team Manager GarryVaughan also took the time to speak with usLast SeasonHe started by telling us about their last campaignsaying, “Overall we are happy with our firstseason at Premier Division level. Most ofour Players had never been at this level sothe season was one for us all tolearn and to have a top 10 finish year of a link with Wellacre College sessions in the area to not only provide an outlet for kids but towas testament to their ability and where the Boys who are studying a promote Trafford FC in our local community.”approach. Like every team we aim BTEC Sport related course are also Integrationto do as well as possible I guess! our Academy team. “We have had 16 to 18 year oldsWe as a club have come a long play in our team recently and we try to ensure that they are integratedway in just 25 years so if we can Last season we saw 4 boys make into our squad by training with us regularly and coming along oncontinue the progress of the last 3 appearances in our 1st team and match days prior to actually getting on the pitch. We are lucky to haveseasons then we will be happy with there are others who will do so this a settled squad and so that helps with continuity and the creation of athat. year. We will never be a club that good atmosphere.”Youth spends big on attracting players and our philosophy will always be to“For us as a club, myself and my develop our own. That is why thatstaff it is vital that we not only particular link is crucial to us.develop players for our first teambut now also forge links with In addition we now also run Socceryounger children. We are in the 2nd schools and Primary school www.footballfocus.biz 21

WALDRIDGE PARK WALDRIDGE PARK Waldridge Park FC was founded in 2010 as an affiliate of Waldridge Park Junior Football Club in Chester le Street. The majority of Players and Team officials worked together since the late 1990s progressing through the age groups including Under 18 and 21 Russell Foster Youth Leagues proving to be an excellent grounding prior to starting Adult Football in the 2010/11 season. The first season in the Tyne and Wear Saturday Morning league proved the teams capability to compete but when that league folded due to lack of teams our application to the Gateshead Sunday morning league was accepted for the 2011/12 season. An excellent season followed building confidence and a top 3 finish saw promotion a real possibility. However the players and management were keen to enter the Durham and District Sunday League with so many local teams and Derby matches of course to look forward to. The 12/13 season saw yet more success gaining promotion to the Third Division and making a name for ourselves playing some quality football with a young team and showing a sporting and outstanding attitude throughout. Club Chairman Steve Days took the time to tell Football Focus Magazine more about the club. Atmosphere He told us, “The general mood at the club is very upbeat having just had a great season. We have some new young players coming in who will further complement those that we already have and everyone can’t wait for the new season to start. Last season was our most successful and shows we are going in the right direction. In our Leagues cup competitions we reached a quarter final, semi-final and a final in which we were defeated. More importantly we won our League losing only once to runners up Whitehills FC. We were rewarded with a League trophy for being the highest scorers in all divisions with 147 goals notched.”22 Issue 48

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WALDRIDGE PARKYouth Ambitions“As the club’s foundations are built from “The club is ambitious in respect ofyouth football this still remains very increasing the status of the club in ourimportant to our club. We remain affiliated local community by challenging moreto the junior club and continue to provide established local teams for League andopportunities for players ending their youth Cup honours. The club this last season hascareers to come to the senior team. already proved their ability against teams from higher divisions and have won manyYoung players who come to the senior plaudits for their style of football. In the nextgame through our club are made to feel 5 years the club wants to continue its policyextremely welcome by officials and players to give the opportunity to young players toalike. They are able to integrate quickly progress into senior football from the youthas they can see other young players who team.”have made the same transition and who arebeing successful at the club.”Challenges“One of the biggest challenges will continueto be the finding of opportunities for fundingwhich alleviates the cost of running theclub from the players and officials. Theclub has been extremely fortunate to havefound generous sponsors keen to assist butwith more clubs being created in the localarea also vying for sponsors the searchbecomes harder. A further issue that maybe presented by the creation of furtherclubs in the area will be the lack of availableand affordable playing fields.” www.footballfocus.biz 25

WALKER CENTRALWALKER CENTRAL Walker Central FC is a club with a terrific Next season, I’ll continue to develop our history of producing talented young U12’s and see if we can continue were players. Football Focus Magazine caught we left off last season after 1 defeat in 17 up with their U12 Team Manager to find games, playing some smashing football at out how their current youngsters are times. Personally my aim is to complete my coming along. level 2 coaching badge and enrol on the final stage of the youth award (if I can find another He told us, “I have been with Walker £355 to pay for it!) Central for almost 6 years, initially just helping out along the way at first as my I think our biggest challenge is to look after lad attended the Saturday morning soccer the early age groups, football is massive camp for 5 year olds, held in the gym of at year 1 and 2 and we have to provide old walker comprehensive school, a great quality coaches and venues for the kids little introduction to football for any young to enjoy themselves, funding is always kid with the coach having a big emphasis a challenge and we rely on the kindness on techniques, the A.B.C’s and the of the local community and business’s to ‘fundamentals’. help us out with kits although we do have a diamond in Brian Clark the club founder I currently look after the U12 age group which who recently celebrated 25 years since the play in the pinpoint recruitment junior league clubs establishment. Our ultimate goal is to in the Prem 2 Division, a very challenging become self-sufficient. league where most teams are capable of beating each other on any given Sunday. The clubs ambition is to give the local kids the best coaches, I love to attend courses and have completed venues and facilities for them to showcase my level 1 coaching award and youth their talents and simply develop at a rate modules 1&2, I’m currently attending my that suits the individual. Enjoyment, feeling level 2 coaching award, the challenge of valued and providing a safe and welcoming teaching the kids new techniques, skills and environment is key in ensuring they keep giving them an understanding of how to play coming back improving and who knows Brian the game is very rewarding. There has been might get another walker lad into Newcastle a massive improvement in their development united first team. in the last 12 months. Check out his video on our website www. There’s a really positive mood at the club walkercentralfc.co.uk right now, where we’ve had a big drive towards recruitment of year one and two children and the introduction of a girls’ team at U13 level which looks like it will lead to other girls teams being founded at Walker Central. The season has been mixed to be honest, a couple of age groups didn’t do as well as we thought they would yet we’ve put lads in to the academy at Newcastle United and last season’s U12’s won 8 trophies across the season and a couple of our U7 and 8’s have done excellently with one side under Mark Rookes guidance going the season unbeaten and winning their national age group tournament at Warwick last week.26 Issue 48

WALKERCENRTRALwww.footballfocus.biz 27

WOODSON PARKWOODSON PARK Woodson Park is a club that clearly plays a vital role in the local community. Football Focus Magazine caught up with their Chairman Lee Cook to find out more about the good work that they have been doing lately. Involvement He told us, “I have been involved with the club since it was founded in 2001 by my colleague Neil and I. As the club chairman of 13 thirteen years the role is now a bit like second nature. With a club of this size there are many challenges including finances, people management and looking at how to ensure the club moves forward. Having coached for over 15 years as well it is always a great leveller to be involved with our development squad of 4, 5 and 6 year olds where there is no pressure and the beautiful game can be enjoyed in its rawest form.”28 Issue 48

Can you help a child WOODSON PARKto achieve their goals?Hertfordshire has over 1,000 children who need to Atmosphere be looked after by the Local Authority, children of local area, their school, all different ages and backgrounds who cannot live their friends and to “As a club we are in a good with their own families. continue with their 0800Call us on situation with teams from U5 to our Over the last year Hertfordshire’s Fostering service has made activities. We are 917 0925 senior team playing at step 6 of the much progress in finding homes for many of these children, short of foster National League pyramid. Whilst however we still need your help. carers in Hertfordshire we have lost a couple of teams We are very short of foster carers who can care for brothers and the surrounding this year for all sorts of reasons and sisters together, ideally foster carers who have more areas. the general mood is a good one than one spare room. and everything is already in place It is so important that children can maintain links with their If you have the time and to find out more. for the new season. We are very space to make a difference to much a community club. Our childrens lives, please do call the players are all from the local area Fostering Recruitment Team. and we are very proud of that.” Last Season “The 2013/144 season was ok. The weather didn’t help us and a massive fixture pileup meant that the last quarter was rather hectic especially for the senior teams. We had 4 teams that reached cup finals (2 winners and 2 losers), 2 divisional runners up and some team’s had a generally good all round season.” Youth “Youth football is incredibly important to the club. We started with the youth section and they are the life blood of the club. Having teams right through the club we start introducing senior football to youth players once they reach 16. We ease them in gently with training sessions and then the odd reserve team game starting from the bench.” Challenges/Ambitions “Football is now not a cheap sport. When I look at what it costs to run our club it’s like a small business and everything is getting more expensive. The red tape that we have to contend with turns a lot of volunteers off and trying to encourage parents or just keen individuals is becoming harder and harder. Kids want to play football and one of my biggest concerns is that it will soon be too expensive to be available to everyone. Our ambitions revolve around consolidation and gradual progression to enhance our facilities and coaching.”Hertfordshire County CouncilCall 0800 917 0925www.hertsdirect.org/fostering www.footballfocus.biz 29

ST. PETERSST. PETERSSt Peters FC is a club All the inspiration I needed to the week’s activity supported bythat plays a vital role in be part of the progress and Managers and Committee memberstheir local community development of St Peter in future of the St Peter’s Academy.and do a lot of good years, a club which I am verywork in relation to the proud to have the honour of being We stage functions in our clubhousedevelopment of young President/Chairman for what will ranging from fundraising for ‘Holidaysplayers. Football Focus be 30 years at the end of 2014/15 for Heroes’, which helps disabledMagazine caught up with season. Along with the pleasure servicemen and women, flowerPresident Tom Du Feu to of playing 454 matches and arranging functions for our St Peter’sfind out more. occupying just about every position Parish Church, charity fetes to assist in administrative level in the Club, Autism sufferers.”Involvement and when I call it a day, YES I would do it all again.” EventsHe told us, “My first involvementwith St Peter started in 1955 Atmosphere “We provide training facilities for thewhen I was asked to play in Jersey Primary School football squadthe Parish Inter-Vingtaine “There is a good feeling and prior to their matches. We stagecompetition for the junior boys’ optimistic mood as respective Mini-football tournaments at the endsection (this is inter-parish managers strive to attract of the season. Family, supportersdistrict). At the ground I used players to add to our developing and members often hold BBQs &to help with all sorts of jobs in squads of our Senior, Junior and birthday parties. Earlier this month wepreparation for the matches, Ladies’ teams. We have had a catered for a wedding reception foralong with a gentleman called good season, with our first team over 160 people. All this is possibleFrank Surcouf who, with his finishing in mid-table with a blend through the dedicated hard work ofbrother Peter, was an example to of experience and young boys our ladies catering team, bar staff andany young boy. coming through from our Academy Committee members.” teams.”We used to mark the pitch by Commercialhand with a bucket of lime, after Youththe pitch lines had been burnt “We do our utmost to maximize andout with creosote prior to the “Youth football is the lifeblood encourage all opportunities availableseason, spread mole hills that of Island football in general and to our Club at all times being veryused to come up all over the at St Peter’s we place great proud of our very good relationshippitch, sweep out dressing rooms emphasis on this route as a with all our current sponsors. Wethat were in an old wartime means of building future senior are always willing to listen to anyprefab galvanised shed. teams through the efforts of many proposal from any company, business coaches who organise football for or individual. We are supportedExciting over 300 players throughout the by our principal Club sponsor, season at all age levels.” Malborough Fund Managers who are“The whole experience used to about to enter their fourteenth seasonexcite me and came at a time Community in that position.when I was reading Matt Busby’sbook titled “My Story” in which “St Peter’s FC is a Standard The Academy is sponsored by thehe detailed how he built Old Charter Community Club with Sanne Group who has just completedTrafford into the fortress it was to community involvement in the their first season. A local legal firm Lebecome after the carnage of the local primary school. Each year we Gallais & Luce sponsor our LadiesWorld War. stage an Everton F. C. coaching section. In addition we have another week for 150 boys with eight of the Everton Academy coaches running30 Issue 48

ST. PETERStwenty much valued support www.footballfocus.biz 3311sponsors. We do our utmost atevery opportunity to publicise theirsupport of St Peter’s FC be it in ormatch programmes or in the localmedia.”Challenge“One of the biggest challengeswe face is to maintain the cultureand strength of our Club that hasbeen built on a strong family link,brought about by hard work whichis getting harder to maintain asyears go by, when faced by somany outside interests for bothadults and youths, along with theever increasing financial costsrising every year.”Ambitions“As we are heading towards ourcentenary in 2019, we aim tohave the top championship backat St Peter’s, along with successin League and Competition at alllevels.We wish to provide enhancedfacilities for players, supportersand persons visiting our Club inpreparation particularly for theIsland Games Tournament in2015when we will be staging topmatches during the week whichsees islands from around the worldcompeting .We will continue to foster links withpremier and league football clubsat all times, making all our playersaware that they could be the nextPeter Vincenti (Rochdale FC) whowe are all very proud of as he wasone of St Peter’s star players inour last Championship winningteam five years ago.Give us the dedication and loyaltyand St Peter’s will give you thepathway to succeed!” Issue 47

BOLTON WANDERERSBOLTONWANDERERSBolton Wanderers FC plays their home games They have also enjoyed plenty of success in the FAat the Macron Stadium in Greater Manchester Cup, particularly in the 1920s when they managed toand their first team currently competes in the win the famous competition on 3 occasions. They wonChampionship. They are led by Chairman Phil it for a 4th time in 1958. The current group of playersGartside whilst Dougie Freedman manages will be keen to add to the club’s illustrious past over thethe team. coming years.The club has a history of which they have every right to Last time around the first team put together a steadybe proud and enjoyed a fine run in the Premiership after record as they managed to win 14, draw 17 and lose 15winning promotion in 1997. They have also won the English of their 46 matches. This saw them finish in a safe mid2nd tier on two other occasions in the 1908/09 and 1977-78 table position with 59 points on the board.campaigns. This should provide them with a good platform upon which to build as they look ahead towards the new season. If they can get off to a good start to gain some momentum they should be in with a good chance of pushing for a return to the Premier League.32 Issue 48

BOLTON WANDERERSMiller Metcalfe is a long-established, well- We offer a completely professional and effectiverespected, independent estate agency based in marketing service ensuring maximum exposurethe North-West region. We’re proud to say we of your property to potential buyers or tenants.have 123 years of experience in the property At Miller Metcalfe, we challenge traditionalindustry, something not many independent estate agency to suit the ever-evolving propertyestate agents can claim. As independent as market, giving you the advantage. Once youever, we thrive on our dynamic approach and instruct us to sell or let your property, you canour ability to “think different,” taking traditional expect to find details of your property on industryestate agency to a whole new level of unrivalled leading websites such as Rightmove and Zooplaservice, trust and commitment. along with local newspaper advertisements andIt is our ability to guide you from start to finish other innovative marketing particulars. Throughthrough your property journey that makes our extensive advertising, we can ensure thatus a key choice in the North-West area. We the sale or let of your property is completed asspecialise in residential sales and lettings, quickly as possible, for the best possible price.commercial, auctions and property surveys, Throughout your property experience our teamoffering the whole package for buyers, sellers, of specialists are on call Monday to Saturday totenants and landlords. Alongside our first- offer you a helping hand and answer any queriesrate level of service, are our mortgage and you might have. So whether you’re buying,conveyancing services along with the provision selling or letting, we’re your kind of propertyof EPCs to ensure you have everything covered. people. www.footballfocus.biz 33

BOLTONWANDERERS£10 off They have worked hard during the off-season and everyone at When you purchase 2 main the club is now looking forwards courses from the main menu to the new campaign with plenty of optimism. It will certainly be £10 off interesting to see how they get When you purchase 2 main along in the new season. courses from the main menu Jay Spearing has been appointed Voucher entitles bearer to £10 off their food bill when ordering two or more main meals from the main menu. Offer is as the club’s new Captain valid Monday - Thursday until 30th September 2014, excluding bank holidays. One voucher per table/bill transaction. with Matt Mills being named Not valid in conjunction with any other offer or set menu, including the lunch, specials, breakfast and kids menus. vice captain. Speaking of the Subject to availability, no substitute available, no cash alternative. Valid at Chiquito Bolton Middlebrook only. Voucher appointments to the club’s official website Dougie Freedman said, must be surrendered upon redemption. “We’ve built up many leaders in our current group, and Jay and chiQuito BoLton - finD us BehinD the staDium! Matt are two of the players who are at the forefront of what we’remiDDLeBrooK retaiL parK, the LinKWay, horWich, BoLton BL6 6Ja | teL:01204 474030 trying to do here. They both have a very good feeling for this club and know what is required to step up and lead from the front.” Spearing has made 85 appearances for Bolton, scoring on 2 occasions since his move from Liverpool. He told bwfc. co.uk, “It’s a massive honour to have been named as club captain. Having seen the great players who have previously had this honour, it is a very proud moment in my career. We’ve got a great group of players and staff here, and we’re now all looking forward to the new season.” Bolton Wanderers is also a club that is committed to playing a vital role in their local community and this is highlighted by the work that they do with their Community Trust. One example of this is the Bolton School’s Football Festival that is run for Primary Schools. The competition has been growing every year with over 120 teams competing this time around. The first day saw teams made up of Year 3 and 4 pupils taking part with the aim of helping the youngsters to develop their skills and enjoy the game. The tournament as a whole was a great success and the people taking part certainly enjoyed the day.chiQuito.co.uK @Chiquito.restaurant @TheChiquito @The_Chiquito 5443-FB-Bolton-£10 Off Football Ad-A4-0714.indd 1 10/07/2014 11:2934 Issue 48

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BOLTONWANDERERS Bolton Wanderers are a club 140.0mm 200.0mm with a proud history and they Email: [email protected] appear to have everything Website: www.hultonphotography.co.uk in place to enable them to Telephone: 01204 491233 look forwards to a bright and Fax: 01204 844609 successful future. It would be Mobile: 07901 522380 fantastic for them to secure a return to the top tier of English Greenmount Studios, 199 Greenmount Lane, Football and they should be in Heaton, BoltonBL1 5JE with a good chance of doing so. Running alongside the playing Capturing your precious moments in time aspect of the club is the superb Community Trust which will Hulton Photography Bolton offers expert photography services for Family Portraits, Weddings, continue to help people in the Events, Bump and Baby, Model Portfolios and Commercial Photography local area. Reference: KH724836 Issue 48 This is suggested artwork only. Please feel free to supply or amend the artwork to your satisfaction. If you are sending artwork we can accept the following formats: PDF, JPG, TIF, BMP, EPS, PNG. If you are posting artwork for us to scan please make sure the quality is high and has no folds or staples. PLEASE NOTE: All artwork or changes to be received within 14 days from invoice date. Please select one of the following

BISHOP SUTTONBISHOP SUTTONBishop Sutton AFC was first established in the 1900’s and after a time out of existencewas reformed for the 1977/78 season. Football Focus Magazine caught up with the club’sSecretary Malcolm Hunt to find out how they have been getting along recently.He started by telling us abouthow he got involved with the club,saying, “I’ve been here since 1977when a group of village residentsidentified the need for a local villageclub, the previous club having beendisbanded in the 1950s. Two of theoriginal founders, George Williamsand myself are still much involved,George as chairman and myself assecretary.One of the biggest challenges forus is keeping the club solvent andmaintaining playing standards. It wasvery rewarding in season 2012-2013when we won the Premier Division ofThe Western League, (Step 5).The mood here is Optimistic aseveryone is looking forward to a goodseason in 2014-2015 after a difficult2013-2014. After winning the leaguebut being unable to progress to theSouthern League due to groundgrading we had a complete exodusof the management team and everyplayer last summer requiring acomplete rebuild of the playing sideof the club. This was achieved andwe avoided relegation.We have put together a newmanagement team of Lee Smith,Head of Football at Bath Universityand Billy Clark of Bath City U21s andare confident of fielding a young highquality team, capable of challengingfor honours.Until last season, when we had alast minute management withdrawalwe had a junior team every seasonsince 1977. In recent seasonswe’ve had an U18s team playing www.footballfocus.biz 37

BISHOP SUTTON in the Somerset County Floodlit Youth League. We consider that youth football is very important and our intention is to re-enter the league for season 2015- 2016. We are a traditional village community club and our facilities are made available and are used by a number of local organisations. During the last season it became the home of Chew Valley U15s who will continue this coming season as U16s before becoming the nucleus of our U18s for the following season. Our clubroom is used for weekly skittles competitions and is popular for local parties and functions. We want to continue to generate income to sustain the ever increasing costs involved, particularly in the area of official’s fees and expenses, insurances and utilities.Our aim is to further develop our ground to bring the grading up to step 4 standards and to produce a team capable of promotion to the SouthernLeague.38 Issue 48

bridgewater townBRIDGEWATER TOWNBridgewater Town FC plays their home games position in the league with 43 points.at Fairfax Park on College Way in Somerset They will now have turned their attentionsand their first team currently competes in the towards the 2014/15 season and will be keen forCalor Southern League Division 1 South and some improved performances. As long as theyWest. They are led by Chairman Pat Parker are able to retain their current group of playerswhilst Richard Fey manages their first team. and perhaps bring in one or two quality additions they should have a good chance of a higherThe club was re-established in 1984 when they league finish.joined the Somerset County League. They madeit to the Premier Division before establishing This is a club that is committed to providing asthemselves as one of the best sides in the many players as possible from the local area withcompetition with 6 straight seasons where they an opportunity to play the game and it is withfinished in the top 3 between 1988 and 94. They this in mind that they also have a reserve sidewon promotion back into the Southern League in place. This allows them to give twice as manyafter a 23 year absence in 2006-07. players each week a game.Perhaps the club’s most successful season to Another benefit of having more than one seniordate came in 2009-10 when they made it into side is that it allows the first XI to benefit fromthe Play-offs of the league competition and were far greater strength in depth. If they are ever leftalso runners up in the Somerset Premier Cup. short on numbers through injury or suspensionTheir current players will be keen to build on their they have the option of calling players up with aillustrious history over the coming years. limited amount of disruption.It would be fair to say that their first team did There is clearly much to admire about the set upnot perhaps enjoy the campaign that they would that Bridgewater Town has in place. Hopefullyhave liked last time around as they put together they will be able to keep up the good work thata record of having won 13, drawn 4 and lost 23 they have been doing for many years to come.of their 40 matches. This saw them finish in 15thwww.bridgwater.ac.uk Bridgwater College and Bridgwater Town FC have announced an exciting new partnership which will seeWant to combine your passion Bridgwater College manage the Bridgwater Town reserveWith a top class education? team.Become part of Team BC Football and you’ll benefit from: The team will remain in the Somerset County Premier• access to a comprehensive football programme with Division and operate under the name of Bridgwater Town Reserves, playing home games at Fairfax Park. It will be over 8 hours of training per week. managed by Bridgwater College Sports Development• The opportunity to study a wide range of qualifications. Manager and former Bridgwater Town first team goalkeeper,• studying at an ofsted outstanding college. Luke Buckingham together with former Bridgwater College• Receiving coaching from UEFA qualified coaches student and former Bridgwater Town under 18’s Assistant Manager, Dan Wright. The players will predominately be with a wealth of experience. current Bridgwater College students, although older, non-• Free membership to our health & Fitness suite. students will be involved to add some experience.• access to sports massage, Video analysis, strength & This new partnership demonstrates the commitment of conditioning and sports psychology support. both the Club and the College to providing a platform forTo find out more visit www.bridgwater.ac.uk or call young players to develop and progress into senior football,01278 441322. and builds on the previous partnership work between them which has seen Bridgwater Town under 18s finish third in the Somerset under 18 Floodlight Youth League Premier Division and Bridgwater Town Ability Counts team reach Division 1 in the Somerset FA league. It also provides a direct link to the newly-established Club and College Football Development Centre which provides weekly training for under 14, under 15 and under 16 boys. www.footballfocus.biz 39

HELSBY HELSBY Helsby FC enjoyed a superb campaign last time around, with their first team going on a great run towards the end of the season to secure promotion. Football Focus Magazine caught up with their Secretary Paul Nicholls to find out more about the good work that they have been doing. Involvement He told us, “I have been involved with Helsby FC for the past 30 years, first as a player and then I moved ‘upstairs’, so to speak, to act as Treasurer and now Club Secretary. I grew up in Helsby, so it was the obvious choice for me - Helsby have always been a well-respected club who have competed at a good standard of amateur football in the West Cheshire area. You might say that I’ve got green blood in my veins!” The Role “The most challenging aspects of my secretarial role are probably much the same as those experienced by many in grass roots football – lack of time (football competing with work and family commitments), limited financial resources and a shortage of volunteers to help share the ever-growing administrative burden. I get most reward from on-the-field success, from helping to provide a football facility to the local community and from seeing youngsters enjoy the sport and develop as footballers as they progress through the junior ranks.” Atmosphere “The mood here is very upbeat. Our senior teams enjoyed successful 2013/14 campaigns, while our junior and youth teams are all moving in the right direction thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of their managers and coaches. We are part of a larger multi-sports club and will be moving to a new site – still in Helsby – within the next 2 years which will give us outstanding indoor and outdoor facilities. We are all extremely excited at that prospect as it moves closer to reality.” Last Season “Last season ended on a positive note, our First Team and Reserves both securing promotion to the top divisions of the West Cheshire and Chester & District Leagues respectively. The First Team won 9 out of their last 10 league games to finish in runners- up spot. Our junior teams were yet again a credit to the club, winning plaudits for their40 Issue 48

HELSBYattractive style of play and ‘fair technically, they can initially findplay’ attitude. We want to carry the physical and psychologicalon in the same fashion next year aspects of open aged football– to be competitive and enjoy demanding.success on the field, and keep We seek to ensure that theworking hard to deliver the new transition is gradual fromfacilities off it.” U17s upwards, and that the youngsters are helped by older,Youth more experienced players. The Cheshire FA has recently“Youth football is extremely established an U21s League toimportant – our junior and youth act as a bridge from the junior toteam footballers comprise our senior game, and that could wellsuccession planning for the be an option we pursue in thefuture. Being in a semi-rural future.”village, we have traditionallyfound it difficult to recruit playersfrom the larger towns andcities in the area. So to haveyoungsters who have developedan affinity and allegiance toHelsby FC through our juniorsection will, hopefully, see usretain them as they progressinto open-age football.”Integration“Moving from junior/youthfootball into the senior gamecan be difficult. Whilst manyyoungsters can be excellent41 Issue 47 www.footballfocus.biz 41

HELSBY www.football-focus.biz 42 Challenges “Our challenges are pretty much in line with what we have seen over recent years. Sustaining ourselves financially, while we aspire to progress and expand as a club. There is very limited governing body investment which filters through to our level of grass roots football, and attracting sponsorship from local companies is a struggle in the current economic climate. We need more hands on deck to help us off the field and on match days. And we are working hard to buck the general trend of decreasing participation in amateur competitive sport.” Ambitions “We have ambitions to have a senior team playing in the North West Counties League, and the plans for our new facility are future proofed to meet the Step 6 ground grading criteria. We want to increase the number of junior teams so that we span the full age range from U7s to U18s, supplemented by an U21s Development team as mentioned earlier. We would also like to establish some girls’ teams within our ranks if possible.” D&D Recruit Ltd are proud sponsors of Helsby FC for the 2014/2015 season. We are a independent recruitment company that specialises in the logisticssector covering clients over the North West, we can also caterto any other staffing needs your business may need. Please call 01928 248822 if you have any queries. GOOD LUCK FORTHE SEASON BOYS42 Issue 48

SILSDENSILSDENFirst established in 1904, Silsden FC play their home games at the Asda Foundation Stadiumon Keighley Road and their first team currently competes in the North West Counties PremierDivision. They are led by Chairman Sean McNulty whilst Andy Geary is the First TeamManager.It would be fair to say that the club did promising as well as they managed tonot perhaps enjoy the campaign they win their first match of the season by 4would have liked last time around as goals to 1 against Abbey Hay.they put together a record of havingwon 13, drawn 8 and lost 21 of their 42 Silsden is not a club to focus solely uponmatches. This saw them finish in the senior football however and they alsobottom half of the table with 47 points have a number of youth sides in place.on the board. These teams look to provide young players from the local community withThere were some positives to take from an opportunity to play the game in athe season however and one of these safe and enjoyable environment whilstwas that they had a better defensive helping them to reach their full potential.record than many of the sides aroundthem. They conceded 70 goals in total It is important for any team to be ableat a rate of less than 2 per match. to produce their own talent, particularlyBeing able to rely on a sturdy defence in the current financial climate and thisis crucial to success and knowing that is an area that they appear to havethe backline can be counted upon will covered. It will certainly be exciting tohelp to instil confidence into players see how their young players are able tofurther up the pitch. It also gives the develop over the coming years.side the opportunity to win games evenwhen they are not playing at their best. Silsden is a club that plays a vital role in their local community and this is thanksThe club’s attentions will now have to the hard work that their Committeeturned towards the new season and puts into making them a success.they will be confident of doing better Hopefully they will be able to continuethis time around. The early signs are in the same manner for many years to come and Football Focus Magazine wishes them the best of luck.Bookings Advisable www.footballfocus.biz 43

COVE RANGERSCOVE RANGERS First established in 1922, Cove Cove Rangers attention will now have Rangers FC plays their home games turned towards the 2014/15 campaign at Allan Park in Aberdeen and their and they will be keen to ensure that first team currently competes in the they are well prepared. So long as they Press and Journal Highland League. are able to retain their current group of They are led by Chairman Keith players and perhaps make one or two Moorhouse whilst John Sheeran quality additions they should be in with a manages their first team and the club good chance of claiming a higher league is looking to progress under their finish. guidance. Cove Rangers is a club with a fantastic They joined the Highland League history of success and with the set-up in 1986 and have played there ever that they currently have in place they since, winning the title on four separate seem well positioned to add to that in the occasions in 2000/01, 2007/08, 2008/09 near future. Everyone at Football Focus and 2012/13. The club has also built a Magazine would like to wish them the reputation for doing well in the Scottish best of luck for the coming season. Cup, managing to reach the 3rd round 3 times. WE ARE THE WORLD’S Perhaps their most successful season TWSWETRARXOEAPFARAEIEINLRNTRDIEIYNTN’STSGGHS.EAEXFPEETRYTS. to date came when they managed to TRUUSSTTUUSS. . win a quadruple in 2001 which included the Highland League, Aberdeenshire Falck is the global leader in industrial and offshore Shield, Scottish Qualifying Cup and safety training. People turn to us for the specialist Highland League Cup. The current group skills and knowledge that they need to stay safe of players will be keen to add to their and in control in the most challenging situations. illustrious history over the coming years. In the last year alone over 300,000 people in 19 countries chose to train the Falck Way. Last season they put together a steady campaign, finishing with a league record When training matters, of having won 16, drawn 7 and lost 11 of you can trust us. their 34 matches. This saw them finish in 7th position in the league with 55 points falcksafety.com/uk | 08444 142 142 on the board. A particular highlight of the team’s play last time around was the attacking brand of football that they managed to produce. This was reflected by the fact that they were among the top scorers in the league, notching 91 times at a rate of more than 2 per match. Playing with such style certainly ensured that any supporters attending their matches were well entertained and should encourage more of the local community to get behind the side in the future. Having a reputation for playing football the right way should also help to attract and retain good quality players.44 Issue 48

KINCARDINEKINCARDINEThere is much to admire about Last season was a bit disappointingKincardine FC and they are as some players discipline on theclearly a very well-run set-up. park let them down and cost usFootball Focus Magazine caught vital points which resulted in usup with club representative Gary finishing 6th in our league. We wereHorne to find out more about the also unfortunate to lose a cup finalgood work that they have been right at the end of the season whichdoing lately. dampened the team’s spirit.”Involvement Next SeasonHe told us, “I have been involved “For the season ahead we arewith the club since it began in changing associations from Welfare2007. First as a player for around to Amateur League, which is4 years, then manager for 3 years, regarded as taking a step upwards.and now currently as the club It will be interesting to see how thesecretary. I was attracted to the players and team cope with this newclub as it is my local team and I challenge. In preparation for this wewanted to represent my village.” have doubled our weekly training sessions and are expecting moreChallenges/Rewards commitment from our players.”“The most challenging aspect is Youthsecuring financial sponsorship andkeeping funds up as the costs of “Youth football is very importantrunning a men’s amateur team to the club as it nurtures the nextare getting higher every year. We generation of players which is vitalare lucky however to have support for years to come in order to keepfrom many local businesses year the club going. Currently we haveon year. an U19 team whose players will hopefully make the step up over theThe most rewarding aspect is next few years.”when the team are performingwell and enjoying playing football Communityfor the club. It’s not always aboutwinning, the team can be winners “Our club is very communityoff the park by uniting and coming orientated with most of the playerstogether and building a proper involved being local boys who areteam which they can be proud of.” eager to represent our club and promote our small community. ManyAtmosphere of the boys on the team have grown up together and played football both“The mood of the club is good at organised and socially for years.”the moment as players are justreturning for pre-season and are Facilitieslooking forward to getting stuckinto training and preparing for the “Our facility is fairly new being onlyseason ahead. We have added a 2 years old, and is a fantastic facilitycouple of new players to the squad with 2 main changing rooms, 3who will hopefully fit in well and smaller changing rooms for officials,raise existing player’s performance a kitchen and meeting room.level. www.footballfocus.biz 45

KINCARDINE Visiting teams are always very complementary Kincardine regarding our facility. We are always open for Saturday 16th August further improvement however, we have a few 13 Djs and 12 Bands, including: good years ahead where we are and are happy with our current home.” Hacienda Cream Challenges “One of the biggest challenges the club will face www.TeaInTheWoods.co.uk over the next 5 years will be the rising cost of hiring facilities for training and games during Domestic, commercial and Facilities management the winter when our own park is unplayable due industrial electrical work to the weather. Grounds maintenance and Also the lack of youths playing organised Lighting design and landscaping football due to the “computer generation” which installation will mean many teams will struggle to find Internal and external players to join their teams once the current crop Testing and inspection painting of players are finished playing.” Ambitions Tel: 07740 647208 “We are hoping to push on with the community Email: [email protected] club which would mean having teams across various age groups to add to the two teams that Web: www.woodselectrical.net our currently part of our club. We also hope to progress through the Amateur leagues over the next 5 years once we have established ourselves as an amateur club.”46 Issue 48

BRGCORLMEUEBLNEYBROMLEY GREENFirst established in 1930, www.footballfocus.biz 47Bromley Green FC plays theirhome games at the WatersideSports and Children’s Centre atTurner Close in Kent and theywill be competing in Division1 East of the Kent CountyFootball League this season.They are led by the team ofPresident Chris Dorsett andChairman Stan Donald and theclub is looking to progressunder their guidance.They have a history of whichthey have every rightto be proud andhold the distinctionof being the onlyclub in thearea tohave won the senior section of the Kent Junior Cup which they took in 1984. The club was also the last ever winner of the old Amateur Kent League.Additionally, they have reachedthe final of the Kent SundayPremier Cup twice whilst theiryouth set-up has representedEngland on a number ofoccasions. Their current groupof players will be keen to add tothe club’s history over the comingyears.It would be fair to say that theydid not perhaps enjoythe campaign that theywould have likedlast time aroundas they puttogether arecord ofhavingwon 6,drawn 3and lost19 of their28 league matches. This sawthem finish near the bottom of thetable with 21 points.

BROMLEY GREENYour to achieve a greater amount ofstacking positive results. As long as theypuzzle solved are able to retain their current group of players and make one sales service hire or two quality additions they will be confident of having aChoosing the right product to fulfil We provide many service for Hire is probably the most more successful season.your application is a complicated all models of fork lift trucks, popular way to acquireproposition, however easy you whether you are a one off equipment, after all why use Bromley Green is not a clubmay view the application to be. user or have a multiple mix your own money when it can that focuses solely upon theirUnless you have the right expert fleet and require on site full be used for more profitable senior section however andadvice you may not achieve time engineers, anywhere purposes. they also run a number ofthe efficiency and possible cost in the UK. Buying any forklift We pride ourselves on youth sides. These teamssavings that can be gained by truck represents a large providing our customer with look to provide young playersselecting the correct product from investment, one which you equipment and contacts from the local area with anamongst the thousands of pieces want to protect. which best suit their opportunity to play the gameof equipment available. individual requirements. in a safe and enjoyable environment whilst helping freephone: 0800 7567588 them to reach their full email: [email protected] potential. website: www.stacatruc.co.uk It is important for any side to Lift it, Shift it, Stack it be able to produce their own talent, particularly in the current There were some positives to financial climate and this is take from the season however an area that they appear to and one of these was the fact that have covered. It will certainly they had the best defence in the be exciting to see how their bottom half of the table. In total youngsters are able to develop they only conceded 54 goals at a over the coming years. rate of less than 2 per match. Although Bromley Green did Having a good defensive record not enjoy the season that is important for any side that is they would have liked last looking to be successful. It gives time around this should not a side the potential to win games take away from the good work even if they do not play to their that is being done at the club. full potential. Football Focus Magazine would like to wish them the The team’s attentions will now best of luck for the new have turned towards the 2014/15 season. campaign and they will be keen48 Issue 48

ERITH & ERITH &BELVADERE BELVADEREERITH & BELVEDEREFirst established in 1922, Erith and Belvedere plays their home games on Park ViewRoad in Kent and their first team will compete in the Premier Division of the SouthernCounties East Football League. They are led by the team of Chairman John McFaddenand President Larry O’Connell and are looking to progress under their guidance.The team had one of their most successful “A particularseasons in 2012/13 as they managed to completea memorable double to create memories that will highlight oflast a lifetime for their supporters. Led by MickyCollins the team played some fantastic football of the Erith andwhich they have every right to be proud. Belvedere setThe league went right down to the wire as wellas they needed to make up 5 goals to emerge as up is the workChampions on the final day. They did so to claimthe title in style as they romped to a 7-1 victory. that they doIt would be fair to say that last season did not go developinghow the team would have planned however as theyput together a record of having won 6, drawn 4 and young players.”lost 36 of their 46 matches. This saw them finishbottom of the league with 22 points. After a disappointing performance last time around now would seem like an idealNow that the dust has settled the team will be keen opportunity to blood some youngsters.to rebuild in order to ensure that they are able to do Coaching staff overseeing this part of thebetter this time around. So long as they are able to club are confident that they have a number ofretain their current group of players and perhaps players on the books with the potential to makemake one or two quality additions they should be an impact at first team level and it will certainlyable to get back on track. be exciting to see how they are able to develop.A particular highlight of the Erith and Belvedere Although Erith and Belvedere did not perhapsset up is the work that they do developing young enjoy the season that they would have wishedplayers. Their youth section looks to provide people for last time around this should not take awayfrom the local area with an opportunity to play the from the good work that they have been doinggame in a safe and enjoyable environment whilst as a club. If this continues they should be ablehelping them to reach their full potential. to look forwards to a bright future. www.footballfocus.biz 49

LUMLEYLUMLEYLumley F.C. was formed in July 1991 by Ritchie Tiffin and was originally known as LumleyMoor Snooker Club; and their first game was a friendly against The Fleece, Pelton. Theteam then joined ‘The Stanley & District Sunday League’ and although people wereenjoying the games, it was over a month before the first win!As with many clubs, the team Great Lumley Community Centre great achievement for the Clubcontinued to evolve through the to give back and do our bit to help and just reward for the effort andyears with the customary changes sustain local amenities within the commitment of all associated within management and secretaries. village. If you are ever passing the club.This saw a number of high points, through, call in for a cuppa and aincluding a league and cup double bite to eat at the in house cafe. The challenge faced by the Clubunder the guidance of Gary and the Committee is to build onBell. The current team has been As the cliché goes, the 2013/2014 the history and achievementsmanaged by Gary Brown since season has been full of ups and above to continue to provide the1997. downs. Across the ages groups basis for local kids to join, develop within the club we have won 3 and progress within our structureBehind the scenes the Club had leagues, 3 runners up spots, the and be part of, what we think is,ambitions to grow, and in February other teams all performing well a great Club. To help cement this2005, Lumley F.C. achieved Charter within their respective leagues and we are working closely with theStandard Status from The Football the senior team ending a baron 19 Durham FA and Lumley Ladies toAssociation. In June 2005 Lumley year wait for a trophy! achieve Community Club Status inF.C. hosted trials, with the aim of 2015.entering teams at U7 and U8 age To round off this rewarding season,groups, hosted by Dean Smith Gary Brown, Club Secretary and Lumley F.C would like to use thisand other qualified coaches Chris Senior team manager, was named opportunity to thank all the players,Jackson, Damon Robson, Carl Durham & District League club parents, coaches, Councillor BellKalugarama, Paul Bainbridge and official of the year and Lumley and especially the sponsors whoGary Brown.  F.C. were named, Durham make this all possible. County FA Charter StandardThis vision has developed into the Development Club of the Year. A The future is bright, the future isclub we are today; with Lumley F.C. Blue and the future is Lumley F.C.currently hosting teams at Unifiedfootball (Gateway), U7’s, U8’s, U9’s,U10’s, U11’s, U12’s, U13’s, 2 xU14’s, U16’s and U17’s age groups.This means Lumley FC are givingthe chance to over 200 local kids ofall ages and abilities to play football,as well as having the original seniorteam. We are also proud that anumber of the original boys pickedfrom these trials have stayed withthe club and are playing for ourU17’s this coming season.In November 2013, Lumley F.C.became a supporting partner to50 Issue 48