Pizza Hut… WinningWhen the Full Time whistle has gone, we’ve got a suggestion that’s better than a sweatylocker room. Come to Pizza Hut for the uninterrupted post match commentary, betweenyou and your mates. Pizza Hut has loads of well-respected greats. The Stuffed Crust, the Pan.. Their testimonial support speaks for its self! “Stuffed Crust is great.” – Ian, Luton. “Pan’s the man!” – Matt, St. Albans. The only thing to remember is that formation around the Buffet Bar is key - you might have to talk tactics about how to fit that extra slice on your plate, and note: no one is offside at our salad bar, you can all dig in at once to our Free Unlimited Salad deal. We’ve got some great new talent, straight off the bench – they have shots that never miss. Introducing Pepsi Spire! Direct from the USA… Add an extra shot of flavour to any of your favourite soft drinks. They think all these horrible football puns are over?!... They are now… Available at: • Basingstoke Festival Place, Hampshire Unit 17b, Festival Place • Basingstoke Retail Park, Hampshire Brighton Hill Retail Park, Winchester Road FREE USNALILMAITEDDwww.footballfocus.biz 51R E S TA U R A N T S
Basingstoke TownYour Community, Your Game We have a project entitled “Your Community, positive way upon the community whatever walk of Your Game” aimed at providing opportunities for life they may come from and provide opportunity for participation in football to primary and secondary participation in sports that otherwise may be out of aged children focusing on mainstream, disabled, their reach. disadvantaged and hard to reach children from low income families and those not actively participating in extracurricular recreational sports. At present we visit schools within the local area providing after school clubs and coaching within lesson times to mainstream and schools for children with disabilities, helping to build good relationships within the community. Our aim is to be in up to 10 schools by the end of the school year helping us to impact on up to 300 children per week. Sessions are a varied programme of footballing activities with a focus on development of individual technique and skill and also development of personal and social skills through teamwork and small sided games. We are especially proud of the work we are doing to provide opportunities for children with various disabilities, and the support we receive from staff at Dove House and at Icknield – a school for children with severe disabilities is fantastic. It is nice to see the genuine joy on the faces of the children participating in the activities, and the feedback from the parents and staff is extremely positive. The main aims of “Your Community, Your Game” are: • To increase community participation by young people in sporting activities. • Help promote active healthy lifestyles within the community. • Reach out to disadvantaged children and provide them with opportunities for participation in sport. • Provide a positive introduction to sport within a pressure free environment. • Increase awareness of the club within the community and provide tickets to home fixtures for disadvantaged families attending our sessions. At Basingstoke Town Football Club, we recognise not everybody has the same opportunities, so by running this project we hope that we as a football club can be a positive influence and impact in a52 Issue 50
barnetbarnetBarnet FC have enjoyed a fantastic start to TURN TO US FOR HELPtheir current league campaign and currently AND SUPPORTfind themselves sitting pretty at the top of theConference having put together a record of 10 In your time of need we’ll take care of allwins, 3 draws and 3 defeats from their 16 matches. the funeral arrangements. Call us 24 hours a dayThis should provide them with the perfect platform fromwhich to build for the rest of the campaign as they look • Funeral Pre-Payments Plansto gain promotion. So long as they are able to keep up • Memorialstheir recent level of performance they will have a greatchance of doing so. W NodesOne of the highlights of the team’s performances has 37a High Street, Barnet, EN5 5UWbeen the attacking brand of football that they havebeen able to produce. This is reflected by the fact that 020 8449 3355they have found the back of the net 36 times at a rateof more than 2 per game.Playing with such style is a credit to the currentmanagerial set up and manager Martin Allen has donea fantastic job building some momentum at the club.The open nature of their game has certainly meantthat their supporters have been treated to some greatentertainment.The club’s most recent fixture came againstKidderminster where their open style of football wasthere for all to see as they let a lead slip to draw 3-3.Speaking to the club’s official website after the matchAllen was clearly keen to correct the slip, saying, “Wehave got to get back in for training, have a look at theDVD and look at what has happened and why we didn’twin. We have got to get to the bottom of it and helpthem on Tuesday.There will be no shouting or ranting and raving, it’sjust not worth it. We will help them, work on it, getthe positives out of the performance and then try andimprove the other areas that we haven’t done so well.”Barnet have a history of being able to win promotionfrom the conference with two of their most recenttriumphs being winning the league. They were promotedin both the 1990/91 and 2004/05 seasons and appearto be well positioned to repeat the feat this year.Barnet FC’s superb start to the current campaign isa testament to all of the hard work that was put intothe club during the summer. If they can continue in thesame manner over the coming months a return to thefootball league may not be too far away. Part of Dignity plc. A British Company 53 www.dignityfunerals.co.uk www.footballfocus.biz
Immingham PilgrimsImminghamPilgrimsImmingham Pilgrims AFC was first established Immingham Pilgrims are rightly very proud of theiraround 30 years ago by Eric Blackband and they recognition and work hard to retain their status. Thishave come a long way since then to the point where is not the only recognition that they have receivedthey now run teams for girls and boys between the however as they also have the ‘Active Sports Goldages of U5’s to U18’s. They are now led by the team Award’ from the North East Lincolnshire Council.of Chairman Simon Leach and President JohnSleight and are looking to continue progressing As with many clubs, the financial side of the gameunder their guidance. can prove to be a real challenge and they therefore welcome any help in relation to this. They are incrediblyThe club provides an opportunity for children from the grateful to their current sponsors who make the goodlocal area with an opportunity to play the game in a work that the club carry out possible.safe and enjoyable environment whilst helping themto reach their full potential. Having grown considerably Immingham Pilgrims is a club that is totally committedsince being set up they are now able to provide football to the development of young players and set ups suchcoaching from qualified coaches. as these are crucial to the success and continuation of the English game as a whole. Their Committee do aTheir coaches are all volunteers and have taken FA fantastic job of running the club and hopefully they willCoaching exams and have all been DBS checked. As be able to continue in the same manner for many yearsa club they pride themselves on being able to provide to come. Everyone at Football Focus Magazine wouldcoaching for all ages, abilities, races and religions and like to wish them the best of luck for the future.encourage anyone with an interest in the game to comealong and get involved. THE COUNTY HOTEL IMMINGHAMThe superb work that they have been doing was 4 En-Suite Rooms From £28.00recognised when they were awarded CommunityCharter Standard Status in 2003 and they successfully 15 Rooms Only single bed From £25.00re-applied for the standard in November 2009. 7 Twin Single Bed Rooms From £22.50ppThe Charter Standard Scheme was set up as a bestpractice guide and reflects the good work that a club 1 Double And Single Bed From £25.00does in terms of coaching, administration and childprotection, aiming to improve the playing experience Free WIFI Includedfor everyone involved. Sunday - Thursday mid day till 11:00pm Saturday - 11am till 12pm Friday - mid day till 12:00pm PELHAM ROAD, IMMINGHAM, N.E.LINCS DN40 1AD54 Issue 50
bishops lydeardbishops lydeardWelcome to Bishops Lydeard AFC. I think it’s in 2002. Being an FA Charter Standard Club meansimportant that everyone wishing to join the club we have to maintain standards, both on and off theunderstands our philosophy, a little bit of history field. All coaches must take an FA Level 1 Coachingand more importantly where the club is heading. Course, a Children’s Workshop (so they can be awareThe club is over 100 years old and has recently of, and identify, any child abuse taking place), and andeveloped into one of the largest clubs in the South FA First Aid qualification, plus they must all undergoWest. a CRC check. This is all for the benefit of the young players in the club, to assist in their development andIn 1998 the adult and youth section joined forces to personal well-being. We also have a Club Welfarebecome one club. This held many advantages which Officer, Mel Brown, who is responsible for liaising withyou will see today when visiting the club. What was the Somerset FA Welfare Officer, and ensuring bestonce a couple of men’s sides, and an odd youth team practice within the club.run by an adult for the village kids has developed intofootball for the community at all ages and genders. In 2008 the clubs dream of developing an all-purpose club house to replace its ‘Shack’ was made reality whenThe senior side of the club has a very successful Ladies Iain Hunter formally announced that he had achievedsection which has been headed up by Julie Bowker the funding required to start the build after 5 years ofsince it was formed in 2001.The adult men’s teams meetings, fund raising and form filling.are headed by the First team who play in the SomersetSenior Premier League, there is also a Reserve Team In January 2009 the whole club celebrated along within the First Division of the Taunton & District Saturday Iain when the current England Under 21 coach StuartFootball League, and a newly formed Colts team that Pearce arrived at the club to formally cut the ribbon.play in Division 5 of the same league. This could not have been achieved without the club joining together as one. Over the period many an eventThe club has always led the way, it was the first club was put on and enjoyed by the club members. Likein Somerset to achieve the FA Community Charter all good TEAMS everybody pulled together with oneStatus and has maintained this status since it was won www.footballfocus.biz 55
bishops lydeardobjective, achieve the dream. a Saturday afternoon between those who come and support.To coincide with the club house the committee made To achieve the above we are always looking for peoplea decision to become a Community Interest Company. who want to become involved in some way. It may beWhy? To protect the assets for the future. The CIC just a one off at a tournament, or helping on a regularprevents anyone from taking over the club and walking basis preparing the grounds, serving in our café,away with the money, instead any profits would have committing to being a coach, fund raising or taking partto be reinvested back into the club to provide suitable in the running of things in some way. There are a lot ofalternative facilities. This was key to the future as the good people involved already but new members areclub not only owned a half a million pound facility, it always welcome, without volunteers the club will notalso owns land prime for development on the edge of work. For more information please speak to one of thethe village green belt. Directors or visit our resident host Chris Bowker who can be found in the club house every weekend.With heavier on-going expenses, rates, insurance, So what is the future of BLAFC?utilities, kit, training fees, coach qualifications, and soon, we need to start to supplement what the players I would ideally like to see BLAFC rise through thepay for membership. A fundraising committee was football pyramid within the adult leagues (male andintroduced! This committee still exists today and has female). To achieve this we need to continue to developone simple objective - ‘Organise fund raising events to our facilities to meet the ever increasing standards thatjoin the parents of the players to the. Annual events are the FA stipulate. This year we have invested in twopublished in our Club Handbook, please come along, new teams to provide a transition between youth andbring your friends and enjoy the fun whilst supporting adult football. Ideally we need to introduce a furtheryour club. two teams in the future at under 19 and 21 levels to further enhance this transition. To realise this dream weThe philosophy of the club is to provide a safe and fun will need lights as both leagues operate mid-week, anenvironment for the youth to train, practice, express all-weather surface for both games and training and athemselves and play football. The same principle is huge investment in time.applied to the adult section with one overiding difference- push players to play at the highest level they can. This So the future with lights will be bright....!will mean that BLAFC will ultimately lose players to ahigher standard of football until we can match the level,something that is a constant topic of conversation on Mount Street Garage Bishops Lydeard. Taunton. Somerset . TA4 3LH Testing Station MOT’s for cars and light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 T Car repairs and Servicing for all makes & models MOT failure repairs, Welding & Modifications Exhausts, Batteries, Tyres and Air-Con re-charging Engine Management and Diagnostics trained staff Vehicle Modifications, Upgrades & Bodywork Breakdown & Recovery Services, Free Loan Cars 01823 432205 service centre All Major Credit and Debit Cards Accepted56 Issue 50
Stafford RangersStafford RangersFirst established in 1876, Stafford Rangers FC players and perhaps make one or two quality additionsplayed their early fixtures in cup matches and they should have a good chance of reaching the play-friendlies. Most notably they managed to reach offs.the FA Cup 1st round on two occasions in 1884/85and 1885/86 and have gone on to build a history of One of the highlights of the team’s performances haswhich they have every right to be proud since then. been the attacking brand of football that they have been able to produce. This has been reflected by thePerhaps the most successful hunting ground for the fact that they have found the back of the net 26 timesteam has been the Staffordshire Senior Cup which they at a rate of 2 per match.have managed to win on an impressive 9 occasions.They have also claimed victory in the FA Trophy twice Playing with such style will certainly ensure that anyin the 1971/72 and 1978/79 seasons. The current supporters attending their fixtures are well entertainedgroup of players will be keen to build on these triumphs and should encourage more of the local community toover the coming years. get behind them in the future. Their free-flowing game should also help them to attract the quality of playerIn the present day Stafford Rangers is a club that is needed to help the club to continue to progress.committed to playing a vital role in their local community.They play their home games on Astonfields Road in Stafford Rangers superb start to the season is thanks toStafford and their first team currently competes in the all of the hard work that has been put into the club overEvo-Stik Division 1 South. the years. Hopefully they will be able to continue in the same manner for many years to come and everyone atThis season the team has made an encouraging start Football Focus Magazine would like to wish them theto their current league campaign, having compiled best of luck.a record 7 wins, 3 draws and3 defeats from their 13matches. This has left them sitting just behind the earlypace setters with 24 points on the board.This should provide them with the perfect platform fromwhich to go on and enjoy a successful campaign. Aslong as they are able to retain their current group ofLIBRIUM... not as well-known as football, but for most people,just as strategically challenging!Four distinct models are available from a ‘take anywhere’ partypack, to the nerve breaking Pro version for competition.All the games are brandable as an option and we even havean extra Limited Edition Stafford Rangers Football Clubversion.The Game of LIBRIUM is suitable for all ages and is quick to setup... but hard to put down, just like a video game but without theneed for batteries or a screen!To learn more about LIBRIUM, check out our on-line galleryor on-line brochure from our dedicated website at www.libriumgames.co.uk, search for LIBRIUM Games on Amazon orvisit our own on-line store at www.libriumgames.co.uk/Store/.For commercial info, please email [email protected] – A game of Balance and ChaosLIBRIUM Games are pleased to be associated with StaffordRangers FC... Up the Boro! www.footballfocus.biz 57
CaistercaisterCaister FC was first established in 1908 and at thetime they were known as ‘the Rabbits’ becausetheir pitch was on a rabbit warren on Caister Beachnear the site of the Never turn Back Pub. Theyare now known as the ‘Lifeboatmen’ and have themotto ‘Caister men never turn back’.The club has put together a history of which they haveevery right to be proud and were founder members ofthe Great Yarmouth and District league. They were oneof the most successful teams in Norfolk with a particularaffection for the Wiltshire Cup which they won on manyoccasions.Playing their home games on Allendale Road in Norfolk Reliable taxi hire services inthe current group of players will be keen to add to their Caister-on-Sea, Great Yarmouthpast successes. They are led by Chairman PatrickHacon who is supported by Secretary James Corkeand are looking to progress under their guidance.It would be fair to say that their first team did not perhaps At Yella Cabs, we have been building our loyalenjoy the start to the campaign that they would have customer base since we first started in 2005. Since then, our excellent reputation has spread throughliked last time around as they put together a record of word of mouth.9 wins, 4 draws and 17 defeats from their 30 matches.This saw them finish in the bottom half of the table with Call Us Now31 points on the board. 01493 377 327 52 Tan Lane, Caister on Sea, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 5DW58 Issue 50
CaisterThey have been working hard during the off-season in Phone: 01493 668028order to ensure that they achieve improved results this Mobile: 07885 630429time around and so long as they are able to retain their Email: [email protected] group of players and perhaps make one or twoquality additions they will have a good chance of doing Specialising in seasfood and grill.so. Taking bookings now for Christmas PartiesCaister is a club that is committed to providing as many Packages from £15 per personplayers as possible with an opportunity to play thegame. This is reflected by the fact that they also run Best Cocktails In Towna reserve team allowing them to give twice as manyplayers a game each week. Opening Hours Lunchtimes: Tuesday-Saturday 12 noon till 2pm Evenings: 5.00pm till lateAnother benefit of having more than one team is thatit allows the first XI to benefit from far greater strength Sunday Lunch 1pm till 8pm.in depth. If they are ever left short on numbers throughinjury or suspension they have the option of calling Follow us on twitter @GambasGorleston, Facebook: Gambasseafoodandgrillplayers up with a limited amount of disruption.Caister FC is a great example of a well-run, superblyadministered establishment. This should enable themto look forwards to a bright and successful future andevery at Football Focus Magazine would like to wishthem the best of luck for the rest of the season. www.footballfocus.biz 59
consettconsettConsett AFC is a fantastic example of a well-runcommunity establishment that plays a key role intheir local area. The team currently competes inDivision One of the Northern league and are ledby the team of Chairman Frank Bell and PresidentJohn Hurst.The club has made a steady start to their currentcampaign with some pleasing cup results and a solidleague effort. Up to now they are sitting in a mid-tableposition with 5 wins, 4 draws and 4 defeats from their13 matches which leaves them with 19 points on theboard.One of the highlights of the team’s performances hasbeen the attacking brand of football that they havebeen able to produce. They have already racked up 30goals in the league and recently demolished Hall RoadRangers 5-0 in the FA Vase thanks in part to a hat-trickfrom lethal marksman Michael Mackay.As Consett’s Premier Independent single vision, bifocals and varifocalsOptician, we ensure our patients receive are made instore. We are proud to bea warm and friendly welcome from our the only Opticians in Consett able toexperienced team. offer a same day service on bifocals and varifocals. We also supply lenses toOur Resident Optometrist, Zag Sharif, other Opticians.leads his team to deliver outstandingpatient care whilst supplying bespoke Our skilled Technicians pride themselvesoptical solutions geared to suit individual in ensuring that you will be delighted withneeds. Zag is accredited for Diabetic your purchase.Screening and is part of a GlaucomaAssessment scheme in Derwentside. Please conact us on 01207 588625 orHe has a specialist interest in contact instore for our latest offers includinglenses and the development of children’s Free Prescription Sunglasses and Freevision. Transitions.Last year Specsure invested heavily in A warm welcome awaits you.a custom built manufacturing laboratory,allowing lenses to be made on-site. All60 Issue 50
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consett “The club were recently able to make a significantsigning off the field of play as former Newcastle UnitedAcademy development coach Willie Donachie joinedthem.Speaking to their official website Donachie said, “I wasvery impressed with the set-up at Consett when I washere with Newcastle, and I thought they were very nicepeople. I’d been coaching out in America, in California,and when that came to an end I came home to see ifthere was anything for me in England.When nothing came up, I rang Frank and asked if Icould help in any way. There’s a lot of fear in football,with managers and coaches thinking that you’re aftertheir job, but that’s not the case here. Everybody hasbeen so friendly, which was what made me think of theclub in the first place when I found myself at a looseend.Manager Kenny Lindoe has been very receptive to thethings I’ve suggested, and in Simon Harris, Consetthave a very good up and coming coach who will dovery well in the game. I like what Frank and his staffare trying to build at Consett, making the club part ofthe community, and I’m trying to help in whatever wayI can.”This follows on a year after they were able to opentheir £3m showpiece stadium when they took on aNewcastle United XI to celebrate the occasion. Thestadium has a capacity of 3,600, with a 3G pitch andthe highest standard of modern sporting facilities.62 Issue 50
consett Speaking at the opening proud chairman Frank Bell “ Quality Domestic & said, “We have superb facilities here of which the town can be proud. When it was decided the old Belle Vue Commercial Flooring Park was to make way for new swimming pool and leisure facilities, which in themselves will be great for Expert consultation service Consett, we had to start looking to relocate. Free, no obligation quotation Highly competitive prices The resulting new stadium is fantastic and will be Accredited, professional workforce available to the whole community. In addition to the main Labour and manufacturer guarantee playing pitch we have eight 7-a-side pitches, function rooms and space to host business conferences, Carpet Installation Bar Livello, Newcastle seminars and meetings.” Hopefully the club will be able to continue to progress on and off the field over the The Vermont Hotel, Newcastle Vinyl Installation coming years. For more information call 01207 589 648““We have superb facilities [email protected] www.cm-flooring.co.uk here of which the town can Unit 2 Park Rd Industrial Estate North, Blackhill, Consett be proud.” www.footballfocus.biz 63
richmond townRichmond townThere is much to admire about the set up that AtmosphereRichmond Town FC currently has in place. FootballFocus Magazine caught up with their Chairman “The general mood down at the Club at the moment isStephen Andrews to find out more about the good positive. The Junior Section which accommodates thework that they’ve been doing. Under 5’s right through to the Under 16’s is positively thriving. Numbers in the Senior Section are slightlyInvolvement down. We operate three Senior Teams. The 1st XI compete in the Wearside League which is a veryHe told us, “I have been Chairman of the Club for the competitive League. The ultimate goal is to eventuallylast three years. What attracted me to the Club was progress into the Northern League.quite simply this:-I have played football all of my life. Football has provided We have a number of land development projects inme with lifelong friends, particularly from my University the pipeline at the moment which will hopefully, whendays. I was the Chairman at Brunel University Football they come to fruition, see us in a position whereby weClub during my time there. I had always wanted to give can put an infrastructure in place that will provide forsomething back to football. An opportunity arose in football at that level.my home town of Richmond when the then Chairman,Peter Marshall, announced his intention to concentrate Our Academy Team compete in a local League, thehis time and efforts insofar as his role as Club Secretary Wensleydale League. We have 22 registered players.and Managing was concerned.” The Academy is seen as the feeder into the First Eleven and the Academy tends to concentrate on players whoThe Role have come up from the Under 16’s. We also have a successful Veterans Team that were only established“The most challenging aspects of the role are to combine a few years ago.the aspirations of an ambitious and forward thinkingClub with the harsh realities of a Club that is effectively They compete in the Third Division of the localself-financing. Finances are always very tight. We rely Veterans League which operates out of Sunderland.on local business for sponsorship deals. The Club are They secured promotion from the fourth Division twoalways on the lookout for potential new investors. The seasons ago and are now readying themselves for amost rewarding aspects are obviously seeing success further push at promotion into the second Division.”on the field and striving towards a situation whereby wehave as many local players as possible playing at thehighest level possible.”64 Issue 50
richmond town2014-15 Challenges“Pre-season was not the best. We were left for a short “The biggest challenge the Club will face in the next fiveperiod of time without a First Team Manager and that years is coping with the ever increasing desire to getwas obviously very disruptive insofar as Pre-season the First Eleven into the Northern League. That is goingpreparations were concerned. There was also an to place a huge demand upon the Committee insofarimpact insofar as the number of registered players was as land development issues are concerned. There areconcerned. We have ridden the storm and certainly the then going to be massive funding issues. Again thethree senior teams now seem to be moving forward Club is always on the lookout for investment from localnicely. businesses and the like. Anybody who is prepared to assist in that regard can contact either myself or theAre plans for the new season are obviously to compete Club’s Fund Raising Officer Rich Laviolette onin all competitions and to be as successful as we [email protected] or myself onpossibly can be whilst, at the same time promoting [email protected] within and getting as many local lads playing atthe highest possible level as they can.” AmbitionsCommunity “We want to continue to provide a happy environment for children to play football and to continue to provide“We do consider ourselves to be a Community Club. We excellent levels of coaching from our dedicated team ofhave recently been granted Community Status by the volunteers.Football Association. Youth Football is very importantto the Club. The Junior Section is absolutely massive. It will also be important to develop once again anotherWe have dedicated volunteers at all levels; managers, senior team with a view to competing in the Teessidecoaches, parents, committee members and the like all League. Ultimately we want to develop facilities that willstriving to promote Youth football. We have also very then allow the First Eleven to compete in the Northernrecently provided for Girls Football. We ensure that League.”young players enjoy a smooth transition into the Seniorgame by combining Under 16’s and Academy trainingsessions. The two sides have also played each otherin friendlies.” www.footballfocus.biz 65
Knighton town “Knighton townKnighton Town FC is at The Showground onCudlow Road and they currently compete inDivision 2 of the Spar Mid Wales League. They are “It is important for any clubled by Chairman Gary Cooper who is supported to be able to produce theirby Secretary Colin Chillery and the club has made own talent if they want toa considerable amount of progress under their be successful and this isguidance. an area that Knighton Town appears to have covered.”The club was officially founded in 1887 although thereis evidence to suggest that Knighton Cricket Club usedto play association football as early as the 1860’s.They have put together a history of which they haveevery right to be proud since then.Perhaps their most successful competition has beenthe Radnorshire Cup which they have managed to winon an impressive 5 occasions. The record attendancefor one of their home games came in the Welsh Cup4th Round in 1981 when a crowd of 2,211 watched“them take on Hereford United.The team has made an encouraging start to theircurrent league campaign having put together a recordof 5 wins and only 1 defeat from their 6 matches. Thissees them sitting in the top half of the table and if theycan win their games in hand they will be amongst thetitle challengers.66 Issue 50
Knighton townOne of the highlights of their early season form has Another benefit of having so many sides is that it allowsbeen the attacking brand of football that they have the first XI to benefit from far greater strength in depth.managed to produce. This has been reflected by the If they are ever left short on numbers through injury orfact that they have found the back of the net 30 times suspension they have the option of calling players upalready and certainly ensures that any supporters with a limited amount of disruption.attending their matches have been well entertained. There is much to admire about Knighton Town as theyKnighton Town is not a club to focus solely upon their continue to play a vital role in their local community.senior section however and they also have a number Hopefully they will be able to keep up the good workof youth sides in place. These teams look to provide that they have been doing for many years to come.young players from the local area with an opportunityto play the game in a safe and enjoyable environmentwhilst helping them to reach their full potential.It is important for any club to be able to produce theirown talent if they want to be successful and this is anarea that Knighton Town appears to have covered. Itwill certainly be exciting to see how their juniors developover the coming years.In order to help their youngsters to enjoy a smoothtransition into the senior game they also a reserve siderunning. This allows them to give players experience ofadult level football even if they are not yet consideredready for first team action which can be an importantstep in the development process.Knighton Tyre Services Ltd We stock a large range of car, van, commercial and agricultural tyres in both branded and budget makes. What we haven’t got we can usually get for the next day! Other services we provide include..... ‘On Site Service’ is available Laser Wheel Alignment | Puncture Repairs Wheel Balancing | jet wash Please contact us for a free no obligation quote or more information on any of the services we provide. 01547 528108 11 Station Road, Knighton LD7 1DT www.footballfocus.biz 67
Wythenshawe AmateursWythenshaweAmateursFirst established in 1946, Wythenshawe Amateurs Football Focus Magazine caught up with the club’scurrently compete in the Premier Division of the Chairman Basil Kabbani to find out more about theirFBT Manchester Football League and are a club exciting plans for the future. He started by telling usthat plays a vital role in their local community. about his involvement with the club, saying, “I played for the first team in 1992 and have continued through theThis is demonstrated on their official website where ranks from player to secretary, to assistant chairmanthey state that, “Our aim is to benefit all including youth and now chairman; I’m really passionate about the club.and community groups through football, coaching anda large range of projects. It is a great role to have as I have responsibility and excitement of building our new home at HollyhedgeWe believe that football is a universal language and Park , Sharston. The most challenging aspect is gettingit crosses all boundaries. At Wythenshawe Amateurs enough to support the project and then sustain it.Football Club we are a FA Charter Standard Cluband we are committed to being an active part of the On and off the field the mood here is probably the bestcommunity and using our facilities and expertise to it’s been for 10 years with the first and second team atpromote the club, the community and the game as a the top of the table. We have a thriving junior sectionwhole.” which is growing every year and of course recently won £150,000 from the FA Budweiser Super grant schemeTheir fine work was recognised when they won a for step 7 clubs.£100,000 ‘Super Grant’ through the Budweiser ClubFutures programme. They now have exciting plans We have close links with a lot of clubs but nothingin place to build a new facility in Holyhedge which will formal and also work with Newall Green School andenable them to host fixtures and is also due to act as a Manchester Health Academy where we play oursocial hub for the local community. matches.68 Issue 50
Wythenshawe AmateursWe are the biggest Standard Chartered Community JOHN SMITH FLOORINGClub in Manchester and have strong links withschools, council, radio, newspapers and WCHG in John Smith Flooring LtdWythenshawe so we are very community orientated.We also are about to launch some community shares Nationwide Flooring Contractorsand hope to be the first amateur team to do so. Commercial Flooring Stockport, CheshireYouth football is the life and soul of the club. Ouryounger players can aspire to play for our senior teams Covering Lancashire, Greater Manchester & Cheshireand we can teach them the Ammies way both on andoff the field. We have an U21s team as well as a third Amtico Flooring | Shop Flooring Contractor | School & Sportsteam to help players to make the transition into the Flooring | Karndean Flooring Coverings | Office Flooringadult game and all of our senior teams train together toensure it is all integrated. Installation | Gym & Sports Flooring | Vinyl Flooring | Wood Effect Floors | Cork & Rubber FloorThe development and sustainability of Hollyhedge ParkStadium is our number one aim and we are keen to start Tel: 01625 871346 Fax: 01625 859569work as soon as possible. We want to lease the wholeof Hollyhedge Park so that ALL our teams can play one John Smith Flooring Ltdsite. It is hoped the investment will help Wythenshawedeliver its dream of moving up the local divisions to the 234b Park Lane, Poynton, Stockport, Cheshire SK12 1RQhigher levels of non-League football.” Opening TimesCarl Barratt, vice chairman of the club and who runs MONDAY - FRIDAY 9.00 - 6.00the junior section said, “We see the junior section asbeing the future life blood of the club. As Bas said we SATURDAY 9.00 - 4.00want players to join us at a young age and progressthrough the ranks to the senior teams. We want themto have a lifelong connection to the club.We have 24 junior teams including girls, starting at U5sright through to U19s. There are around 350 youngstersand about 50 volunteers involved in the juniors alonewho put in a lot of hard work week in, week out. Thereis a lot of commitment and passion for football in ourcommunity and the junior and senior teams are thereto harness this enthusiasm.”It is clearly a very exciting time to be involved withWythenshawe Amateurs and the progress that theyhave been making is thanks to all of the hard work thathas gone into making them a success. This is whatshould allow them to look forwards to a bright andsuccessful future. We don’t just value homes we value people No nonsense no waffle just straight talking advice No Sale No Fee Please call our friendly sales team to discuss your property requirements 0161 945 4321 Our office is open and our fully trained staff are waiting to take your call 6 days a week. Email us here: [email protected] www.footballfocus.biz 69
TEVERSALTEVERSALTeversal Football Club is based in Teversal near put their all in, as Mitchell verified when he took someMansfield in Nottinghamshire. Founded in 1918, they time out to talk about it saying, “...they give us 100%were first known as Teversal Miners Welfare until both in training and on a match day which as a coach1986 after playing several years previously in youth you couldn’t ask for more.”football and they re-established a senior team, whenthey changed their name to M W Teversal. Three He also discussed the most rewarding and challengingyears later they changed it again to Teversal Grange aspects of his role within the club, saying, “The mostbefore settling for Teversal FC in 2000. rewarding aspect of my role as a coach within the youth section is seeing the excitement on match days of theThe club is seen as a major part of the community. It is kids. However this is also challenging to gain the correcttotally run by volunteers and family of the players who balance between keeping it enjoyable and developingraise the funds themselves. Even with the senior team, them as footballers but also working to the club aimswho made their FA Cup debut in the 2003/04 season, it of progressing the players as high in the game as theyis a very family-oriented club. want to go.”Scott Simpson, Paul Hutchinson and Mitchell Wilson And it doesn’t stop there. Mitchell has achievedcoach both the senior team and the reserves, whose something out of the club as well after starting out withworkload is performed to a solid level, achieving top of Tevie Tots four years ago. “My progression has seenthe table status for the reserves. Paul Hutchinson also me also managing the senior reserves team and beingcoaches the U18 squad, while Mitchell Wilson coaches heavily involved in the senior set up both on and off thethe youth teams, all of whom are very strong squads and pitch.”70 Issue 50
TEVERSALAnd it’s not just the men who get to have all the fun! The as a Poker night and Darts and Dominoes. They areladies get involved as well. Coached by Paul Wilcockson dedicated to getting the club up and running with highand Chantelle Mcintosh they bring themselves into hopes for their future.profile alongside the men, proving that women are justas efficient as men on the pitch. After having quite a few changes to the managers last season, things have now settled down. The vibes fromTeversal FC also has mini-soccer, with teams available the club are very good and they give youth footballers afor children aged six to ten. They even have introduction chance to play for the senior teams, which they take withtraining sessions for even littler ones, known as Tevie both hands. Last season six U18 players got to play forTots. This is for kids aged between four-and-a-half and both the 1st team and the reserves.six, gradually getting them more involved in football. With young, talented players coming up through the ranks, the outlook is optimistic.However, there is very little money so youth football isvery important to the club. The volunteers running theclub have started weekly activities to raise money, such www.footballfocus.biz 71
Risca UnitedRisca United Risca United FC is a club that is committed to A Complete Garage Service from playing a vital role in their local community with an Established Family Company their first team currently competing in Division 2 of the Welsh League. They are led by the team of MECHANICAL | ELECTRICAL | DIAGNOSIS Chairman Jonathan Smith and President Bill Field and the club has made a considerable amount of FREE LOCAL progress under their guidance. COLLECTION & DELIVERY Their 1st team has made a promising start to their Telephone: 01633 614999 Fax: 01633 619838 current league campaign, having compiled a record of Website: www.dawnanddusk.co.uk 4 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat from their first 6 matches. This sees them sitting near the top of the table with 13 Email: [email protected] points on the board. Unit 20 Pontyminster Industrial Estate, Risca, Newport, Gwent NP11 6NP This should provide them with the perfect platform from which to build as the campaign progresses. So long as they are able to retain their current group of players and perhaps make one or two quality additions they will have a good chance of mounting a title challenge. One of the highlights of the team’s performances so far this time around has been the attacking brand of football that they have managed to produce. This is reflected by the fact that they have scored 15 goals already at a rate of more than 2 per match. This has certainly meant that any supporters attending their fixtures have been well entertained and should encourage more of the community to get behind them in the future. This in turn has the potential to provide them with some valuable additional revenue. Risca United is not a club to focus solely upon their senior section however and they also have a number of youth sides in place. These teams look to provide young players from the local area with an opportunity to play the game in a safe and enjoyable environment whilst helping them to reach their full potential. It is important for any team to be able to produce their own talent and it will be major boost for their first XI if they are able to rely upon young talent coming through the ranks. It will certainly be exciting to see how their juniors are able to develop over the coming years. Risca United’s good start to the season is a reflection of all the hard work that has been put into the club in recent times. If they can continue in the same manner over the coming years they should be able to look forwards to a bright and successful future.72 Issue 50
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