Football Focus 045

Issue45 / £6.95 / WWW.FOOTBALL-FOCUS.BIZFOOTBALLFOCUSGorlestonPlaying a vital role intheir local communitySt Neots TownCompeting in the CalorLeague Southern PremierDivisionHaverhillBoroughEnabling localplayers to play at thehighest level possibleBerwick RangersThe latest with SecretaryDennis McClearyManchester CityWe look at the success oftheir CITC programmeHaRROGATE TOWNAn Impressive set-up both on and off the field



PUBLISHED BY CONTENTSSUITE 1, SAVILLE EXCHANGE,HOWARD STREET, NORTH SHIELDS, FOOTBALLFOCUSNORTH TYNESIDE NE30 1SEWWW.FOOTBALLFOCUS.BIZ 04 Croydon Athletic 45 Walsall Wood 06 Saltash United 47 Mangotsfield UnitedCOMMERCIAL 08 Badshot Lea 48 Hitchin TownCOMPANY MANAGER 13 Celtic Nation 50 Haverhill BoroughANGELA THORNTON 14 Berwick Rangers 52 TividaleT: 0191 477 2376 16 Manchester City 54 Worksop TownE: [email protected] 22 Bedfont Sports 56 WitheridgeMEDIA DIRECTORS 23 The New Saints 57 BerkhamstedT: 0191 24 Harrogate Town 58 Bradford CityE: [email protected] 29 Gosport Borough 60 St. Neots Town 30 Spelthorne Sports 64 GorlestonT: 0191 32 Bedfont and Feltham 67 Hadleigh UnitedE: [email protected] 34 Runcorn Linnets 70 Petersfield Town 36 Milton United 72 Hollands and BlairEDITORIAL 38 Port Vale 74 Polegate TownEDITOR IN CHIEF 40 Ampthill Town 76 Sheppey & SheernessJAMIE SEYMOUR 42 RochdaleT: 0191 447 2512E: [email protected] GOLDSMITHT: 0191 447 3718E: [email protected] US ONLINE 70 Petersfield Town

Croydon AthleticCroydon AthleticAFC Croydon Athletic plays their home Athletic was the one we latched on to.With agames at the Croydon Sports Arena on smallish fan base you soon become known. MyAlbert Road in London and they currently brother became the match-day announcer and Icompete in the Combined Counties started reporting on away games for both localDivision 1. Football Focus Magazine caught press and the programme and eventually becameup with club Secretary Peter Smith to programme Editor.find out more about the club. As Secretary there are numerous jobs to do but I think the most challenging aspect for anyoneInvolvement connected with the club is raising income.As we anticipate returning to our spiritual home inHe told us,“I was present when the club was Thornton Heath we will need to work evenformed on 6th February 2012.At the meeting I harder.”was elected the interim Secretary. I, along withmy brother (The Chairman) and the rest of the This Seasoninterim board worked tirelessly to geteverything in place to begin the 2012/13 season. “The season has so far been good.We startedBefore that I have been interested in non-league slowly but have got ourselves into a challengingfootball for many years. For many years I position in the league but it is tight with 6 clubsfollowed Dulwich Hamlet FC. Indeed I watched in contention.After last season’s cup success wetheir first floodlights being erected from my have not had as much success in the cups thisbedroom as a young lad.” year but promotion was the aim at the start. We aim to continue winning and eventually gainThe Role promotion but we are aware that that will be the desires of all the teams challenging so all we can“When I moved to Croydon I wanted to find a do is go out and play to the best of our ability.”club to watch. I tried a number but Croydon

Croydon AthleticFacilities for ways of giving the manager a working budget. Over the next 5 years we want to be“We ground share at the Croydon Arena successful and rise as high as possible butat the moment which is an established after what we as supporters have beenvenue in our league.The problem with it is thorough it’s just great to have a team toit is an athletics stadium which does mean support.”spectators are distant from the action.Thepitch is very good as it is maintained bythe council.We hope that getting back toour old ground they will be impressedwith the facilities which are gradedsuitable for Ryman League PremierFootball.”Community“We do regard ourselves as a communityteam but we also regard ourselves as aThornton Heath team and while weground share it’s more difficult but againwe will look to do more when we get toMayfield.While we think youth football isimportant and we have a link up withWallington Wanderers it is difficult, whilewe ground share. Hopefully once wereturn to Mayfield Road we will look todo more in this field.”Challenges/Ambitions“I think the biggest challenge will be if wewin promotion as at the moment ourmanager does not have a budget, theplayers play for nothing. If we are to besuccessful we are going to need to look

Saltash Unitedsaltash unitedFirst established in 1946, Saltash United attacking brand of football that they have beenplay their home games at The Kimberley able to produce. In their 31 league matches theyStadium and their first team currently have managed to find the net on an impressivecompetes in the Premier Division of the 83 occasions.South West Peninsula Football League.They are led by the team of President This allows the team to go into matches full ofSheila Lennox-Boyd and Chairman Bill confidence in the knowledge that if they createWakeham. chances they have the firepower in the team to take them.The side’s approach to how they wantThey have enjoyed a strong season up to now, to play has certainly ensured that any supportersmanaging to put together a league record of attending their games have been wellhaving won 21, drawn 4 and lost 6 of their 31 entertained.matches.This sees them sitting just behind theleaders as the campaign reaches its end and One of the reasons the team has been so prolificthey still have an outside chance of claiming the has been the superb form of leading scorer Samtitle. Hughes who has netted 21 times. He’s received superb support from fellow attackers Jon HoylesThis would be a superb achievement for the and Ross Saint who have scored 14 and 13 timesclub and would be a just reward for all the hard respectively.work that has been put in both on and off thefield. Other results will have to go their way but It is not just their forwards who havethe team just needs to focus on taking as many contributed however as both Jonny Morris andpoints as they can from their remaining fixtures. Sam Farrant have chipped in with some valuableA particular highlight of the season has been the goals from midfield. It is important for a team to have as many sources of goals as possible as it helps to relieve the pressure on a side’s strikers. Saltash United is not a club that focuses solely upon their first team however and this is reflected by the fact that they run two additional senior sides.This helps to demonstrate their commitment to providing as many players as possible from the local area with an opportunity to play the game. Another benefit of running more than one team is that it allows the first XI to benefit from far greater strength in depth. If they are ever left

Saltash Unitedshort on numbers through injury orsuspension then they can call players up witha limited amount of disruption.Based on the set-up that Saltash United havein place it should come as no surprise thatthey have achieved a considerable amount ofsuccess on the field of play. Hopefully theywill be able to continue to play a vital role intheir local community for many years tocome and everyone at Football FocusMagazine would like to wish them the bestof luck.

Badshot LeaBadshot LeaFormed in 1904 after a meeting at the Chairman Mark Broad has been involved at thelocal village hall, Badshot Lea FC was club since 1996, initially as 1st team coach, andinitially affiliated to the Surrey County he told Football Focus Magazine of how he sawFootball Association.The most recent the club back then, saying,“What attracted mehistory shows ‘The Lea’ playing in the to the club at the time was the potential.”Aldershot leagues and progressing Although Badshot only possessed a “very basicthrough the various divisions, playing facility” that Broad knew would not beeventually obtaining promotion to the enough for his ambitions - he would not “beSurrey Intermediate League Western able to erect stands and floodlights” – within 1978. hard work and determination, Broad and colleague Kevin Ford eventually lead the teamProgress through the three divisions saw to promotion in the 2002/03 season via Thethe Lea eventually promoted to the Surrey Hellenic League.Premier League in 1986 and now, with Shortly after joining the club, Broad and thealmost a century of history, Badshot Lea rest of the team invested in their first youthhave firmly established themselves as a club side. 1997 saw the introduction of a youthat the heart of the local community.With a setup that has gone from strength to strength.rich history of honours, Badshot Lea FC Broad stated,“In 1997 we invited the firstcurrently ply their trade in the Combined Youth Team to join Badshot Lea FC and thisCounties Premier League. saw the beginning of the very successful Youth

Badshot Leaand Colts section of the club.We’ve increased addition, the club has also developed a Specialfrom one team to over 20 and were given an Needs team and a Nursery Soccer School.extra facility to accommodate this success.” Broad is delighted and told us,“this has been a huge success for the club ensuring thatSuch a huge development at youth level has many new teams are formed going forward”.underpinned the importance of the club inthe local community – something that has not In 2006, Broad became Chairman and nowgone unrecognised by the FA as mark leading an ambitious club, his first priority wasexplained,“We were the first club in Surrey to procure the facilities required for theto be awarded the FA Community Club divisions above.“I replaced Stuart Page asCharter and the secretary of the Club, Nicky Chairman and the challenge I had was toStaszkiewicz, was awarded with the FA secure a ground-share with a club that hadNational Workforce Volunteer award which floodlights and stands.This was in order forwas presented in Cardiff by Geoff Hurst.” In us to play some league games and then,



Paul Shrubb ex Professional Footballer and Patient at In addition Paul and his wife Judith attended the “Staying Power” coursePhyllis Tuckwell Hospice at the Hospice.The 8 week course is designed to help patients and carers cope with unpleasant symptoms and ways to make daily lifePaul was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in more manageable.January 2006. MND is a degenerative disease that affects the stemcells of the motor neurones leading to weakness and wasting of Paul says “The great thing about coming to the Hospice ismuscles, causing increasing loss of mobility in the limbs, and being able to talk to others who are suffering from MND anddifficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing. Paul’s symptoms how the disease affects them, as it’s very different for eachstarted in November 2005, when he started suffering regularly person.The Physiotherapists have helped me manage howfrom cramps in his right thumb. much movement I can do without getting tired, the Occupational Therapists have helped me adapt my home toPaul says,“As a former professional footballer, I was used suit my illness and the Complementary Therapies especiallytocramps in my legs, but not in my thumb!” the Reflexology really help soothe my pain.” For Paul MND has had the greatest impact on the use of his arms and also swallowingAfter his retirement from professional football, Paul continued food can be problematicspending his time running his window cleaning business that he setup aged 19. Paul says,“When I was playing football, I finished Paul says,“I choose my meals very carefully. I had a veryat 1pm, then be out cleaning clients’ windows, we didn’t stressful situation when eating steak; I could not swallow itget paid the huge salaries that footballers get today.” and nearly choked. I find it difficult to write and getting dressed is not easy.”After several months of pain Paul went to see his GP who referredhim to a Consultant at Frimley Park Hospital then on to St Peter’s Throughout Paul’s journey he has tried to remain upbeat and with thein Chertsey where he had more tests. Paul had to wait for several support of his family and friends along with the Hospice this has reallyweeks to see what the prognosis was. helped him along the way too. Paul’s family has also been incredibly supportive of the Hospice by organising fundraising events and“When the Consultant told me I had to wait for the final activities.test result, I was very apprehensive. My family and I weredue to go on holiday to Florida, but my Consultant With the support from the Hospice, his wife Judith and his 4 daughtersreassured me and suggested we go ahead with our plans. keeping him on his toes, he is looking forward to living the remainderThe diagnosis was of his life to its fullest. He visits the Hospice frequently either formade a few weeks later in January 2006.” physio, complementary therapy or just to have a chat with the staff who see him as part of the family. He often goes to events and talks at“After the diagnosis, my wife was very upset but not schools so people can really see and understand what the Hospicesurprised as she had been researching my symptoms on does. Paul is still involved in the world of football and loves supportingthe internet and her fears had become a reality. I was very the local teams and see individuals making progress in the game.scared and upset. I have 4 daughters and my firstgrandchild was on the way. I didn’t know what MND was or When asked what does the Hospice mean to Paul he said,“I wouldwhat having it meant for me, the Consultant said, I had 2 like people to know that it costs a lot of money to run theyears left to live”. Hospice, but without donations and support from people it wouldn’t be here. For me and my family it has made a hugeAt this stage Paul’s symptoms were slight “I was having really difference and without it, my illness would have got the betterstrange muscle cramps and spasms on my arms which I of me.The support I have had is amazing and all of the staffhad no control over. It looked like aliens under my skin are so kind and friendly.”making it move”.After the diagnosis, Paul informed his local GP. Paul’s GP suggestedhe come to Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice. Initially, Paul was able tocontinue working every day but in 2009, he stopped working fulltime as the pain in both his arms prevented him from carrying outthe practical side of his job. Paul has received support from thePhysiotherapists, Complementary Therapists and OccupationalTherapists who have offered him a holistic approach to the care heneeds.

Badshot Lealonger term, be able to secure a Hospice and will continue to work withpromotion.” them going forward.”Season 2006/07 was one of mixedemotions for the Surrey club; they suffered Ever-confident, Broad and the team atcup-final heartache, losing out on penalties Badshot Lea FC are not content toin the Aldershot Senior Cup against ground-share forever – they have a clearCamberley Town. But on the league front, plan that involves their own independence.they produced some fantastic football, “Clearly the most challenging aspect of theending up in 3rd place - enough for role is sustainability.We need to continuepromotion thanks to a ground-share to work closely with our partners and insecured with nearby Farnborough. the community.This of course comes by securing our own facility with the correctAlthough with poor league form, the ground grading to be able to compete atcurrent season has been, in Broads words, the level we are.We have been working“the most challenging we have very closely with Sports Solutions (GB)experienced,” the club are confident they and Waverley Borough Council in findingare beginning to turn things around on and this and we are edging ever closer tooff the pitch.“We have turned to last reaching this goal.Then we can start toseason’s assistant manager,Trevor Norris grow revenue streams and look at the longto steady the ship and get us to the end of term sustainability of the club.”the season.We are also working hard onthe marketing of the club.We are proud to Everyone at Football Focus wishes them allbe associated with Phyllis Tuckwell the best for the future.

Celtic NationCeltic NationBased on Petteril Bank Road in history and putting the icing on the cake ofCumbria, Celtic Nation FC currently what has been a very successful season.competes in the 1st Division of the Winning the trophy has united everybodyEbac Northern League.They are led by tonight and this creates a spirit and a clubChairman Stephen Skinner who is with a spirit can go a long way.supported by Secretary Mike Lindenand the club has made a considerable I've got to give great credit to Aspatria.Weamount of progress under their scored the early goal and dominated but theyguidance. had a little lift before half time.They never gave up and they deserve an immenseTheir first team has been in fine form this amount of credit.\"season, putting together a league record of Celtic Nation is clearly a club that is on thehaving won 28, drawn 11 and lost just 5 of up and this is reflected in their performancestheir 44 matches.This has left them with a and success. Hopefully they will be able topoint’s total of 95 and they will finish the continue in the same manner for many yearsseason in 2nd place just behind winners to come and everyone at Football FocusSpennymoor Town. Magazine would like to wish them the best ofA particular highlight of the team’s play has luck.been the attacking brand of football that theyhave managed to produce and this is reflectedby the fact that they have found the back ofthe net over 100 times.This has certainlymeant that any supporters attending theirmatches have been well entertained.Their league record this season shouldprovide them with a good platform uponwhich to build for the 2014-15 campaign andso long as they are able to retain theircurrent group of players they should be inwith a great chance of going one better nexttime around.It is not just in the league that the club hasexcelled however as they recently managedto lift a trophy for the first time when theydefeated Aspatria in the Cumberland CupFinal at Brunton Park by 3 goals to nil withstrikes from Jon McShane (2) and Micky Rae.Speaking to the club’s official website aftertheir victory Manager Willie McStay said, \"Thebuild up to the game was about creating

Berwick RangersBerwick RangersAs Berwick Rangers approach the still here in 2014 as Part Time Footballend of the current campaign they Secretaryfind themselves sitting just The biggest challenges of my role areoutside of the play-off places and doing things properly at the best of mywill be keen to climb the extra ability. I never take anything for grantedplace to ensure they are involved. with SFA and SPFL as it is so easy to fallFootball Focus Magazine caught down as other clubs have found to theirup with Secretary. Dennis cost in the past.The penalties for errorsMcCleary to find out how things such as registrations, suspensions etc. areare going at the club severe.He told us,“I first got involved as The season’s been a bit mixed for us inAssistant Secretary. in 1970 and took truth.We brought in ex-Scotlandover as Secretary in 1976 and was full International Colin Cameron (28 caps) intime from 1978 to 1984. I have had a January as player manager to replace Iancouple of spells away from club but am Little and he quickly won the SPFL Div 2 Manager of Month award.We are (at time of writing) 3 points from a play-off spot so that is achievable. We don’t run a Youth Team just now but our Reserves who play in both SPFL Reserves and East of Scotland Div One are a very young side with a lot of Under 21 players.We try to encourage this and in particular have a £5 season ticket for schoolchildren and hold a big open day in the Summer.We don’t have a ladies team but have had ladies football at the stadium The biggest challenge for us over the coming years will be keeping the club stable. It is well run by the Chairman Brian Porteous and Directors.The Club/Company as it is, is a PLC and has made a profit now these past four years. We look to move forward and upwards! Our ambitions over the next five years are to move into Division One and take it from there with the SPFL Championship the next step.”

Football Focus would like to congratulate Lee Currie and Devon Jacobs who have recentlybeen included in the Cheque Centre PFA Scotland team of the season, for League 2, votedfor by players from each club in the division and also to wish Berwick the best of luck for therest of the season which will hopefully include the play-offs!

Manchester CityManchester CityCity in the Community (CITC) basketball, swimming and gym work.All sessions are free for 11-19 year olds to attendCommunity has always been at the heart of are provided during evening hours aiming toManchester City Football Club both at home reduce anti-social behaviour.and abroad. Formed in 1986, the City in theCommunity Foundation is underpinned by the City Street:An awareness project increasingprinciple that football is a powerful tool that can young peoples’ knowledge of issues linked touplift communities and tackle a wide range of gang culture.The project is delivered with keysocial problems.This lies at the heart of partners from the Greater Manchester Police,everything we do at CITC and is the reason we the NHS, Street Doctors, and Thorn Crossexist. Prison.One of our key aims is to empower peoplethrough football. It’s not only a beautiful game Skills and Enterprisebut is also a force that can be used to uplift ourworld and our city.We see this in action across The Skills & Enterprise team are responsibleManchester every day. for delivering a range of educational, vocational and transitional programmes to young peopleCommunity Cohesion in Manchester with programmes using the theme of Manchester City Football Club toWe aim to use the power of football to bring develop skills and aspirations of all participants.people together creating inclusive environmentsand opportunities for at risk young people IMPACT: 90.9 per cent of participants ofcreating a safer and stronger community. alternative curriculum projects secured a placeFootball teaches values and life skills that are in further education or full-time employment.completely transferable to life off the pitch. We hope our supporters across the globe willThese include respecting others, working in a engage with us as our work develops andteam, dealing with defeat, commitment, fair play, grows worldwide.communication, perseverance and hard work. The facts relating to the success ofFootball can break down social barriers by CITCbringing people and communities together on alevel playing field.With this in mind, CITC deliver June 2013 – March 2014:We’ve workedCommunity Cohesion projects that we hope will with almost 267,000 contactshelp the participants gain valuable knowledge,skills and build confidence for the future.We aim 28,000 hours of projects deliveredto break down barriers, working towards asociety in which there is a common vision and 58 hours:Average time spent with eachsense of belonging by all communities. participantThe Projects Over 5,000 sessions deliveredPremier League Kicks:A range of sporting Over 6,000 tickets given out to ouractivities including football, boxing, street dance, community groups for first-team and EDS



Manchester CityLAING O’ROURKE APPOINTED AS The first phase of construction will see theETIHAD STADIUM CONSTRUCTION South Stand expanded by around 6000 seats,PARTNER increasing stadium capacity from 48 000 to 54 000.The development of the North Stand isManchester City Football Club recently the second and later phase of construction,announced that international engineering eventually taking the stadium to a capacity ofcompany Laing O’Rourke has been selected as 60 000.the construction partner for the expansion of The decision to increase the capacity of thethe Etihad Stadium. Ground engineering work Etihad Stadium has enabled the Club toon the site will begin with immediate effect. introduce a more widely available £299 seasoncard and at the same time to grow theAn international company with a regional hospitality offering on site.Manchester base, Laing O’ Rourke is familiarwith the Etihad Campus site, having led Significantly, and in line with all infrastructureconstruction of the stadium itself for the 2002 developments undertaken by the Club, theCommonwealth Games.Global design practice expansion project provides both procurementPopulous have worked with City from the initial and employment opportunities for the localfeasibility stages of the project and will now community. 160 people will be employedoversee the construction phase of the project through the project at its peak and up to 110with Laing O’Rourke. match day jobs will be created in this firstThe appointment of Laing O’ Rourke follows phase alone.the granting in February 2014 of planningpermission to develop the North and Southstands of the stadium, to eventually increasematch capacity up to around 60,000.



Manchester CityTom Glick, Chief Commercial Officer for Steve Coleby, Leader for Laing O’Rourke’sManchester City FC said: Construction UK business said:“The expansion of the stadium is a hugely “Laing O’Rourke is delighted to besignificant moment for City.We are expanding one of the UK’s most populardelighted to announce Laing O’Rourke as a sports and leisure arenas for one of thepartner as we embark on this historic most successful Premier League clubs. Ourproject. team is known for delivering logisticallyThe waiting list for the expanded Etihad is complex engineering work, combiningalready close to capacity and we look expertise from across the Laing O’Rourkeforward to seeing a sell-out 54,000 seat Group and our specialist businesses.This,stadium as we open the 2015 season. along with our use of the latest Digital Engineering technologies, will help us toManchester City strives to provide its deliver efficiently with minimal disruptionsupporters and visiting fans with one of during match days, concerts and otherthe best possible matchday experiences in events hosted throughout the year.”the Premier League and European football.Expanding the Etihad allows us to grow More information on the project can bethat offering as we constantly work viewed online at:towards excellence for every supporter www.mcfc.co.uk/stadiumfuturethat visits us in Manchester.”



Bedfont SportsBedfont SportsBedfont Sports FC plays their home adult level football even if they are not yetgames at the Bedfont Sports Recreation considered ready for first team action whichGround in Middlesex and their first team can be an important step in the developmentcurrently competes in the Premier process.Division of the Combined CountiesFootball League.They are led by the team Another benefit of having a number of seniorof President David Sturt and Chairman teams is that it allows the first XI to benefitDave Reader and are looking to progress from far greater strength in depth. If they areunder their guidance. ever left short on numbers through injury or suspension then they can call players up with aThis season the team put together a steady limited amount of disruption.record of having won 11, drawn 12 and lost 19 oftheir 42 matches which has left them sitting in Bedfont Sports FC is quite clearly a club thatthe bottom half of the table with 45 points on does a tremendous amount of good work inthe board. their local community. Hopefully they will be able to continue in the same manner for manyAs they enter the off-season the club’s attentions years to come and everyone at Football Focuswill now be turning towards their next campaign Magazine would like to wish them the best ofand they will be looking to use this year as a luck for the future.platform upon which to build. If they can keeptheir current group of players together andperhaps make one or two quality additions thisshould enable them to progress.Bedfont Sports is not a club that focuses solelyupon their senior section however as they alsohave a number of youth teams in place.Thesesides look to provide young players from thelocal area with an opportunity to play the gamein a safe and enjoyable environment.It is important for any club to be able toproduce their own talent, particularly in thecurrent economic climate. Coaching staffoverseeing their youth section are confident thatthey have a number of players currently on thebooks with the potential to go on and representthem at senior level.In order to help players make the sometimesdifficult transition into the senior game BedfontSports also run a number of additional sides.Thisallows them to give youngsters experience of

The New SaintsThe New SaintsFounded in 1959,The New Saints play the community work that they do and weretheir home games at Park Hall in crowned ‘Community Champions’ last year.Oswestry and their first team currentlycompetes in the Welsh Premier Speaking to the club’s official website, IanLeague.They are led by Chairman Mike Williams,The New Saints FC ChiefHarris whilst Carl Darlington is the Operating Officer and Foundation TrusteeManager. commented,“The British Ironworks has an enormously active programme of helping aThey have enjoyed a superb campaign this variety of groups and organisations in thetime around, managing to put together a local community.league record of having won 22, drawn 7 and They are totally unique in their approach tolost just 3 of their 32 matches.This has seen running commercial enterprises and ourthem finish the season as Champions by quite newly created foundation saw it as an idealsome distance with 73 points on the board. opportunity to work in a collaborative way with them on a number of exciting newThis is a great achievement for the club and projects that are being planned.”is a fair reflection of the hard work that hasgone into making them a success.They will There is much to admire about the superbnow be turning their attentions towards set up that they have in place and hopefullypreparations for next season and so long as The New Saints will be able to keep up thethey are able to retain their current group of good work that they have been doing bothplayers it will be difficult for any team to on and off the pitch for many years to come.knock them off their perch. Football Focus Magazine wishes them the best of luck.TNS is not a club that focuses solely uponsenior level football however and they alsohave a number of youth teams runningthrough their academy.This part of the set-uplooks to provide young players with a safeand enjoyable environment in which todevelop their skills.This is just part of the good work they do inthe local area and ‘The New SaintsFoundation’ looks to provide,“positivesustainable programmes and activities tobenefit all sectors of the community.” Withthis in mind they have recently approachedthe British Ironwork Centre to help themprogress.The Centre is widely recognised for

Harrogate TownHarrogate TownHarrogate Town FC is a club with an Involvementimpressive set up both on and off the field.Football Focus Magazine caught up with He started by telling us about his involvementtheir Press Officer Peter Arnett to find with the club, saying,“I have involved with theout more about the good work that they club as a staff member since 2006, my originalhave been doing. role was making graphics for merchandise in the club shop. I was then asked to be co-editor for“It’s certainly been an interesting ride this the programme which became full editor at thecampaign.We started off really well then got end of 2007. In 2011 I became the club’s pressknocked back by the three points deduction. officer and official photographer.At present, IOvercoming this, we found ourselves dominating look after the programme, website, handle theteams but not being able to score and as a media and take all the photos – who needs a fullconsequence losing.This was particularly galling time job!”in the FA Cup against Colwyn when we hadabout 16 shots to their 2 and they beat us 1-0. The RoleWe have gone on quite a few decent runs duringthe season and at the moment find ourselves in “Each part of the role brings certain challenges,our usual position of 6th but with a great chance interviewing players for the programme, makingof making that final leap into the top 5.” sure deadlines are met, trying to get the match reports/post match video interviews up on the website in a timely fashion – all have caused me to go grey a lot quicker! However, saying that, Images courtesy of Peter Arnett.

you do get a big glow of satisfaction, when the Harrogate Townfinished article is in your hands or in front ofyour eyes. I must admit that I do get a buzz overlooked under the last regime but withwalking around the stadium and seeing Irving Weaver coming in as Chairman and Tadsupporters reading the programme that I Nowakowski arriving as Chair of thecreated.” Community section we have really expanded our portfolio.This Season“It’s certainly been an interesting ride this Recently we have been asked to help charitiescampaign.We started off really well then got such as RwandaChild, SASH (A charity thatknocked back by the three points deduction. helps homeless youths) The Crime ReductionOvercoming this, we found ourselves Initiative (in Harrogate) and others, which wedominating teams but not being able to score have only been more than happy to do so. Ourand as a consequence losing.This was manager and players have opened Pre-Schools,particularly galling in the FA Cup against school day events, Galas and even gone intoColwyn when we had about 16 shots to their schools to talk about heath, football and2 and they beat us 1-0.We have gone on quite school work – allsorts really.”a few decent runs during the season and atthe moment find ourselves in our usual Youthposition of 6th but with a great chance ofmaking that final leap into the top 5.” “Mike Bligh also offered his coaching knowledge to local junior football clubs andCommunity the response was phenomenal (I don’t think“We certainly are now and we continue to that his wife saw him for many Saturdays!).Wemake great strides in this area.To be honest, it also tie in our junior link up scheme to allowwas a part of the club that was greatly local junior teams to act as mascots, lead the team out and then at half time give us a demonstration of their skills.After the game, more than not the players will come back out and have their pictures taken with the kids, which is just great to see!” The work that Harrogate does with young players is clearly an important part of their community work and Youth Development Manager Mike Bligh took the time to tell us more. He said,“Youth football is essential to the clubs success both on and off the field of play. Not only do we look for talented players but we realise the importance of the link between our community which enables people to have closer relationships with the club.” First Team Manager Simon Weaver “I believe that it is the case with most football clubs that you face the challenge of maintaining momentum as the club progresses. Football is a hard game and there are no guarantees of success even though the infrastructure in a club may be very good.We are at the point

Harrogate Townnow where the infrastructure of our club hasimproved both on and off the pitch significantlyover the last three years.This has to manifest itself into positive resultsand in turn climbing the football ladder. Ultimatelypromotion will have to be achieved in order tofurther our ambitions.We have to maintain thework ethic and continually look to improve inorder to consistently keep moving the clubforward.With progression comes expectation, and youhave to deal with that.To deal with that then theright people have to be on board and I honestlybelieve that we have people here within this clubthat have hunger, passion and the ability requiredto drive us forward together.Whether it be thehead of catering, the bar staff or my centre-forward, everyone who works for HarrogateTown FC represents what we stand for andtherefore we can carry no passengers. If we don'tcarry anyone then we can face any challenge faceon and I'm sure achieve the success we want.

Harrogate TownEveryone at Harrogate Town wants to achievepromotion to the Conference National,consolidate and then push on again.As thefootball manager I am pleased that recently wehave added bite and character within the squadand this has seen us gain some gritty wins.Asone of the younger managers at this level I mustensure that my knowledge of players is as goodas the most experienced managers and thattakes a lot of time, networking and watchinggames to build up that nous.There can be no let up as football is dictated byresults like any other ruthless business. I have toget the best out of the team that I can build withthe budget I have. If we gain promotion thecommercial department will have more to sell aswe would enter the Conference National andattract bigger crowds, thus making us a moreappealing proposition for sponsorship.It would be fantastic to see Harrogate Town AFCbecome a very good Conference National teamthat competes at the top end of the table andeventually earn promotion to the football league.I am sure that in doing so the population ofHarrogate will get behind us and with the areabeing such a special place it could become a veryattractive club to both play for and support.”

Harrogate Town“I’m up a dress size” - Commercial Manager The burger came from no animal I have ever seenGarry Plant roam the earth and I've watched thousands of David Attenborough wild life documentaries, the“The 2012/13 season was my second with the chips were under cooked bordering criminal andclub after it was taken on by the current oh what a pleasure the shandy, a mixture of blandchairman Mr Irving Weaver. I was head of youth beer and flat lemonade, happy, happy, joy, joy!development and also tasked to buildingcommunity links. My Saturdays started at 8.30 A season on ...setting up coaching sessions with local juniorclubs from U7s to U12's. Real cask ale in the bar, burgers from the local butcher, NO CHIPS, hot dogs to die for andFrom 10 till 11.30 I would coach the U16's after homemade steak pies with gravy. Sales at thewhich I would dash to the first team ground at burger kiosk have doubled and fans from ourThe CNG Stadium to welcome our junior team league foes and esteemed pre-season leagueguests for their match day experience, walk out rivals are voting the Town grub top notch, best inwith the team, half time kick about and the Conference, get in.generally a fun day out. Downside, I'm up a dress size!”Job done at around 2.30 on match days I wouldtake myself off to the burger kiosk for my well-earned burger and chips washed down by ashandy in the bar whilst taking in the match.

Gosport BoroughGosport BoroughBased at Privett Park in Hampshire, forwards. If they are able to hold on to most of theirGosport Borough FC currently current players and perhaps add one or two morecompetes in the Skrill Football then there is no reason why they will not be able toConference South.They are led by the push on further up the table.team of President John Stimpson andChairman Mark Hook and are looking This is not a club that focuses solely upon theirto progress under their guidance. senior section however as they also have a thriving youth section.This part of the set-up looks toThis season the team has put together a provide young players from the local area with ansteady if unspectacular league record, having opportunity to play the game in a safe and enjoyablewon 16, drawn 7 and lost 19 of their 42 environment.matches.This saw them finish in a safe mid-table position with 55 points on the board It is important for any club to be able to producewhich should provide them with a good their own players and it will be a major boost forplatform upon which to build. the first team if they can rely upon young talent coming through the ranks. Coaching staff overseeingTheir attentions will now be turning towards the youth teams are confident that they have athe 2014-15 campaign as they look to move number of players involved who are capable of doing just that. In order to help these players make the sometimes difficult transition into the senior level game Gosport Borough also have a Development Centre, which aims to provide apprentice schemes for 16 to 19 year olds.The Centre focuses on providing personalized and vocational learning. It is run in conjunction with Gosport Pro-Active Sports Training Ltd and offers BTEC Qualifications as well as Apprenticeships in Football Coaching and Sports Development.This helps to demonstrate the clubs commitment to paying an important role in the local community. There is much to be admired about Gosport Borough and the fact that they are able to do so much good work is thanks to the hard work that their Committee put into making the club a success. Hopefully they will be able to keep up the good work for many years to come and everyone at Football Focus Magazine would like to wish them the best of luck.

Spelthorne SportsSpelthorneSportsSpelthorne Sports FC has enjoyed an prompted to step 7 within the Surrey Eliteunbelievable season up to now and League. We are immensely proud of all ourremains unbeaten, competing in the players – both senior and junior. Our juniorCombined Counties League Division 1. section (16 teams) has not had a single cautionSecretary Chris Devlin took the time to in the whole season.Testimony to the hightell us about the good work the club has standards set by the club committee, teambeen doing. managers/coaches and parents.”Key Figures CommunityHe told us,“The real work at the club is done “We are open to all who wish to take part inby our managers, coaches, parents and the sports we run. Apart from football therevolunteer helpers. They are what makes this is cricket, darts, pool and some golf interest.club the place to be for sports. In particular, We are heavily involved within the communityRon Ford (Club Chairman and holder of the of Spelthorne Borough.FA 50 year award for services to football), IanCroxford (Football Chairman and holder of The club has recently installed floodlights andthe Middlesex County 10 year award for aim to run midweek academy sides at U18 andservices to football), Paul Johnson (1st Team possibly 21. After inspection, the ground hasManager), Gary Ross (1st Team Coach) and been classed under the Football Association asDaren Read (2nd Team Manager) have been ‘G’ grading. This means we are able to entervital to what we have here.There are many FA cup competitions. We have an applicationothers but these guys deserve a pat on the to the FA Vase being considered currently forback for their success this season.” next season.”This Season“As I write, our 1st team squad are the onlyteam in the pyramid system to remainunbeaten within this country.They have wonthe Combined Counties Division 1, MiddlesexIntermediate Cup and are in the finals of theCombined Counties Premier and Division 1cups.Tonight, they are playing the semi-final ofthe Southern Combination Cup having beatenteams a league above on the way.To date theyare unbeaten in 41 games.Our second string,AFC Spelthorne has justwon the Surrey County Premier LeagueWestern Premier Division and is due to be

“The real Spelthorne Sportswork at theclub is done Challenges by our “One of the biggest challenges we face is managers, generating funds. For all the many hours coaches, that are put in by the unpaid volunteers,parents and team management and coaches (plus our volunteer wonderful parents) we, as with all helpers\" organisations, need to pay our way. We don’t want anything for nothing. If sponsors donate to Spelthorne Sports Club we will match these donations with lots of hard voluntary work to give our youth a chance to blossom and progress.” Ambitions “We have a phrase we use for the future. We say the club will ‘evolve’. To set down ambitions in stone are one thing but as we have the Dutch & Scandinavian roles to follow so we look to evolve along these paths. They are successful in the Dutch club we have an affiliation to and their structure is clear to follow and see. They are a successful part of their community and we can do no wrong in evolving in a similar manner.”

Bedfont & FreehamBedfont andFelthamBedfont and Feltham FC are based at The One of the key reasons for the team’s free-scoringOrchard in Middlesex and they are a club nature has been the goals of their leading scorerthat plays an important role in their local Seb Philogene who has found the back of the netcommunity.They are led by the team of on 15 occasions. Having such a reliable source ofPresident Alan Hale and Chairman Brian goals lets the team enter their games confidentBarry and have made a considerable that they have the firepower to emerge victorious.amount of progress under their guidance. Philogene is not the only player the team can relyTheir first team has enjoyed a strong campaign on however with Javonne Molloy and Michaelthis time around, managing to put together a Burton chipping in with 14 and 12 respectively.Theleague record of having won 17, drawn 4 and lost club will be hoping that these players are able to9 of their 30 matches.This saw them finish near maintain their form over the coming years as theythe top of the table with 55 points on the board. look to progress. Bedfont and Feltham is not a club that focusesWith the season complete they will now be solely upon their senior section however as theyturning their attentions towards their next also have a number of youth sides up and running.campaign and this year’s success should provide These teams look to provide young players fromthem with a good platform upon which to build. the local area with an opportunity to play theSo long as they are able to retain their current game in a safe and enjoyable environment.group of players they should be in with a goodchance of mounting a title challenge next time It will be a major boost for the first team if theyout. are able to rely upon youngsters coming through the ranks particularly in the current economicA particular highlight of the team’s form this climate. Coaching staff overseeing these teams areseason has been the attacking brand of football confident that they have a number of players onthat they have been able to play.This is reflected their books with the potential to go on andby the fact that they managed to score 60 league represent the club at senior level.goals at a rate of more than 2 per match. There is much to admire about the set-up thatPlaying such an attacking game has certainly Bedfont and Feltham have in place and this hasensured that any supporters coming to watch been reflected by the good results that they havetheir matches have been well entertained.This is achieved on the pitch. Hopefully they will be ableimportant as building a strong fan base can have to keep up the good work for many years to comea significant impact on the club’s commercial and Football Focus Magazine wishes them the bestrevenue. of luck.



Runcorn LinnetsRuncorn LinnetsThere is much to be admired about had had no experience of running a club soRuncorn Linnets FC, particularly in everything in the early days was a steep learningrelation to their commitment to being curve.We were given good advice from manyan important part of their local sources and we have tried to help fellow trustcommunity. Football Focus Magazine clubs in the same way over recent years.Thecaught up with Club Chairman Derek most challenging aspect was quite simply gettingGreenwood to find out more about the the club up and running and that in itselfgood work that they have been doing. became the most rewarding aspects. It is great to work with a group of like-minded fans toInvolvement ensure that the club builds sensibly and ensures a sound future.”He told us,“As a fan of the old club, I go backto the late 1950s. I have been involved with Youththe new club since its foundation back in2006. I was taken to my early games by my “The first thing we did when we returned thedad, as I think many fans are, and the love of club to the town in 2010 (we had played atthe club stuck with me. Even though I moved Witon Albion for our first four years due to lackaway from the area during my working career of facilities within Runcorn) was to approach aas a teacher, I continued to travel to watch local junior club to ask if they would come onthe team home and away. It is my home town board under the Linnets umbrella.team and for me “real” football and They were delighted to accept the offer.Wepersonalities has always been found at this now have teams from ages 5 up to age 18 andlevel.” have this year created a new development team. We have been working with our local councilChallenges and Rewards and have now taken on the running of 6 extra pitches at our site to enable all our teams to“The role has always been rewarding since we play at the same complex.”re-formed our club as a true fans’ club.We

Runcorn LinnetsCommunity Challenges“We are most definitely a community “We will face the same challenges as every otherestablishment. It was our main aim as a Trust club at our level and that is about sustainability. It isClub to establish ourselves at the centre of the vital that the club does not spend more than it canlocal sporting community.We also have great afford.Too many clubs have tried to buy success inworking relationships with a baseball club who that way and ended up with massive debts.Trustwill continue to play at our site and also we have clubs have hopefully brought a realism to thatheld discussions with a local netball club who scenario.”would like to develop facilities at the site too. Soin every sense we are a community club.” AmbitionsFacilities “Over the next five years we would like to continue to build on what we have and to climb the football“Our stadium receives very favourable comment pyramid but at the same time ensuring we keep afrom all who visit us.We have a ground sense of perspective in all we do.We are keen toimprovement plan and since we built the stadium continue to develop our community links and makein 2010 we have continued to improve it and the town proud of the club at its many levels.”have undertaken drainage work and built extracovered accommodation.The next projects havealready been earmarked to ensure we continueto develop our on-field ambitions with those offthe field.”

Milton UnitedMilton UnitedMilton United FC is a FA Charter Programme, Local Darts League, provides support to theDevelopment Club that facilitates football to Milton Bowls Club and counts residents of the localStep 5 level at ‘The Heights’ Potash Lane, Home Farm Trust among its members. It is a well-usedMilton.The Club has Two Senior Mens Teams, facility for local social events.Additionally, we have anOne Veterans team, One Ladies Team, 5 Youth excellent relationship with our neighbours at the Miltonteams plus Mini Kickers. Milton United is the Heights School, who regularly use our grounds.host venue for District and County SchoolsRepresentative Matches. It is also used by a To facilitate our activities we operate in effect as a smallfurther 2 Senior Teams for Sunday and business.We follow the same rules for business - such asVeterans Football. Licensing, Food and Hygiene, Health/Safety and accounting. For the sport side we are incumbent toThe Club is run by a Committee in line with its cover Safeguarding of our Children, CRBs, First Aid andConstitution and is a ‘not for profit’ organisation. It safety/quality of the playing surfaces.is supported by unpaid volunteers who work tomaintain what is locally regarded as some of the We generate income via Bar and Kitchen sales, runningbest grassed floodlit pitches in Oxfordshire. tournaments, sponsorship, playing/membershipAdditionally, all the Managers and Coaches are subscriptions and grants. However, our abiding aim is tovolunteers who freely give up many hours of their ensure this excellent Club with its facilities are welltime to coach all levels and ages in a healthy and used; therefore cost should not present an obstacle tosafe environment. anyone who wishes to play and participate.Within the community the Club supports the There are rewards associated with our activities, theDamascus Youth Group,Vale School Holiday Vale School Teams have won a number of National

Schools Cups, and we believe Milton United has Milton Unitedhelped play a part in that. Our youth section issteadily growing and getting stronger.We are Ambitionsattracting more and more local players to the gameand we hope that we will soon run a Ladies Team “We would want to achieve promotion to UHLsportwithin a local League. Hellenic Premier League and sustain that level over the next 5 years. Supporting that level would requireLast season we hosted no less than 7 Cup Finals at us to better manage the transition from Youth to Adult‘The Heights’ all of which were run by our football. We hope to raise a development team thatvolunteers.These Finals were hosted on behalf of will feed our next UHLSport Hellenic players andthe UHL Hellenic and North Berks Leagues plus the address the large dropout from Youth to Adult football.English schools FA.We also successfully hosted aVeterans Tournament – the first in Oxfordshire Beneath this level we hope to grow our youth teamfeaturing an England representative team. numbers and structure. We are also considering hosting other sports at the Club. We regularly haveClub Chairman,Andy Burchette took the time to tell enquiries but very few are seen through.We shouldus about some of the biggest challenges the club look to diversify in order to move forward. It will befaces and also to speak of what they hope to achieve important to attract more local support, especiallyin the future. people with good ideas and enthusiasm.Challenges I believe if you put effort into a club you get results out. I also believe Milton United FC is an understatedHe said,“Perhaps the biggest challenge for us is Club which consistently overachieves. It is not just theremaining solvent and open for business. Number Saturday Scoreline that is important; it is our positiontwo is getting the clubhouse replaced before it falls within the Local Community and the District.”down around us. Please visit our website for more information and current activitiesWe have had to run the club in a time of an http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/miltonunited/economic downturn, with reduced sponsorship andfunding.We hope that the economic tide turns andcosts do not carry on escalating as they have inrecent years. Other challenges include coping withthe fallout of the antics of the game broadcast day inand day out on TV.A whole generation is now brought up onPremiership football and Xbox; we are losing localplayers and supporters to the countries sofas. Weneed more support from our Local FA, they doseem so light on the ground where they are mostneeded.There isn’t enough commercial/business support toclubs from the FA in times of need. Then there isthe grassroots funding against the ridiculous sums ofmoney peddled at the top of the game. One agentsfee for handing over their client could help keep ourclub running for another 100 years. Not enoughprofessional players give back to the game for myliking, it has to change.”

Port ValePort ValePort Vale FC plays their home games As well as a strong senior section, Porton Hamil Road in Stoke-on-Trent Vale also puts a considerable amount ofand currently competes in the Sky effort into the development of youngBet League 1.They are led by players from the local area.Their academyChairman Norman Smurthwaite looks to provide youngsters with anwho is supported by Secretary Bill opportunity to play the game in a safe andLodey and the club is looking to enjoyable environment whilst helping themprogress under their guidance. to reach their full potential.They put together a solid leaguecampaign this time around, It is important for any club to be able tomanaging to win 18, draw 7 and lose produce their own talent, particularly in21 of their 46 league matches.This the current economic climate.As well assaw them finish in the top half of the strengthening the side, producing qualitytable with 61 points on the board. players has the potential to provide a significant financial windfall for a club ifThis should provide the club with a good they are sold on for a significant fee.platform upon which to build as they look To help young players to make theahead towards the 2014-15 season. If they sometimes difficult transition into theare able to retain most of their current senior game Port Vale also run a reserveplaying personal and perhaps add one or team.This allows them to give youngsterstwo quality players then they should be in experience of adult level football even ifwith a good chance of mounting a they are not yet considered ready for firstchallenge for a play-off position next time team action and can be an important stepout. in the development process.One of the major positives for the team Another benefit of having more than onethis season was the goalscoring form of senior team is that it means that first teamfrontman Tom Pope who was their top players returning from injury can be givenscorer with 16 goals. Having a high quality an opportunity to regain match fitness instriker can be a major boost for the team reserve games.This can help to ensureas they can be confident that they have the that they return to action only when theynecessary firepower to win matches. are back in peak condition.Jennison Myrie-Williams and Doug Loft There is much to admire about the set-upalso both chipped in with some important that Port Vale has in place and the workgoals from midfield with 19 strikes that they are doing with young playersbetween them. It is a major bonus to have should mean that they are able to looka number of players in a side with the forwards to a bright and successful future.potential to chip in as this can help to Everyone at Football Focus Magazine wouldreduce the pressure on the strikers. like to wish them the best of luck.



Ampthill TownAmpthill TownAmpthill Town FC is one of the older Counties League where they found competitionclubs in Bedfordshire and plays in the tough and travelling costly so they left to re-joinpicturesque setting of Ampthill Park the South Midlands League in 1991.While theywhich covers hundreds of acres and was took some years to find their level Town havedesigned by Capability Brown.The park become one of the top clubs and after finishinghas historic connections with Katherine of fifth in the league last year they have progressedAragon and the club itself was formed and been at the top for most of this season.over 100 years ago. They are an ambitious club and have done a lotIt has often been called a \"sleeping giant\" by of work to the ground in preparation forsome locals such is its potential and only promotion this year.Ampthill lost the first leaguerecently has the club achieved the success it has game at home to St Margaretsbury and also lostsearched for with steady performances in the at Berkhamsted in August. But since then theyleague and good cup showings also. have lost just four league games to enhance their promotion prospects.This includes theThe club were in the South Midlands in the September Team of the Month award and asixties but then spent thirty years in the United dozen wins in the league.

Town had their best run ever in this year's FA Ampthill TownVase when they went out in the quarter finalsat Eastbourne after beating league rivals Club secretary Eric Turner has been with theHanwell in the previous round. But they have club for 25 years and is pleased with the Vasealso beaten Dunstable Town and Kempston and cup runs and league form in recent years.Rovers in the Beds Senior Cup before losing He first joined the club as press secretary butto Biggleswade Town in the semi-finals and was soon encouraged to take on the positionwent out of the FA Cup at Barton Rovers; so of secretary.are well aware of the challenges that they facein higher sections. Hanwell are well placed to finish top of the table but if Town do not get promotion thisThe season has gone very well with a good time round the foundations are there forgroup of players with top scorer Danny another drive next year together with goodWatson contributingover 35 goals but it is a cup runs to keep the football at Ampthill atsquad that works well for each other and the top of its game.skipper Robbie Goodman marshals thedefence as well as scoring vital goals.Watson \"They havehas been watched by one or two clubs while lost just fourothers such as Christian Lester and Phil league gamesDraycott have great experience also.Town to enhancehave scored over 100 goals this year which all3 have played a part in with an 8-3 away win theirat Hertford and a similar score at home to promotionHillingdon. prospects\"The side has plenty of experience but alsohas a youth set up which will bring in youngerplays in the next two or three years and theirteams use the club for some matches tobecome part of the club.The club is very wellmaintained and other sides enjoy visiting asthe pitch is kept in top condition throughoutthe season and has good drainage.The community also uses it for it's Festivalbase in July while the club is highly thought ofin local football and is often used for countycup finals.The club is a good part of the localscene and attracted good crowds for itsearlier Vase ties this year against Beckenham,Barking and Norwich United.Manager Craig Bicknell has been with theclub for 3 years now and brought most of theplayers initially from Padbury but some recentcaptures such as keeper Martyn Conway anddefenders Mark Bunker and Gary Ridgwayhave proved their worth.

RochdaleRochdaleRochdale AFC plays their home games at As a family run business originating from Heywood, Rochdalethe Spotland Stadium in Lancs and their and employing many people from this area, Crown Oil wantedfirst team currently competes in Sky Bet to support the local football team and is hoping that thisLeague 2.They are led by Chairman Chris partnership will assist the club in to continuing to promotingDunphy who is supported by Secretary itself on a national level.  Colin Garlick and they have made aconsiderable amount of progress under Crown Oil offer a full range of fuel products and services,their guidance. including emergency deliveries, fuel uplifts and fuel polishing. The company has gone from strength-to-strength over the pastThe club’s first team has enjoyed a fantastic 65 years, growing to become the Crown Oil Group with theseason this time around managing to win addition of other trading brands and divisions. In 2012, Crownpromotion by finishing 3rd in the league. Of their Oil acquired Samuel Cooke & Co from administration and set-46 matches, they managed to win 24, draw 9 and up a depot in London to enable them to better serve theirlose 13 which saw them finish with 81 points on customer base in the south.the board, just 3 behind the eventual Champions. In addition to supplying fuels throughout the country, the Crown Oil Group provides multi-utility installations, mains gasWhilst enjoying their success, Rochdale will now and telecommunication services.This makes Crown one of thebe keen to begin preparations ahead of their largest independently owned companies in the North West.next campaign as they look to establish



Rochdalethemselves in a higher league. If they are able to team level.produce the same standard of football as they did In order to help young players make thethis year then they should have nothing to fear. sometimes difficult transition into the senior game they also have a reserve team running.This allowsSpeaking to the Club’s Official Website about the them to give youngsters experience of adult levelteam’s success, Manager Keith Hill said, football even if they are not yet considered ready“Realistically we should have been below mid for first team action.table, so what we’ve done again has beenfantastic. Not just financially fantastic, but also Another benefit of having more than one seniorfrom a player point of view.To bring this group of team is that it allows the first team to benefitplayers together and achieve what we’ve achieved from far greater strength in depth. If they are everis special, really special. left short on numbers through injury or suspension then they can call players up with aIt has been a long, long season with respect to limited amount of disruption.the energy that the staff have had to put in, nevermind the players, so they deserve to celebrate, As well as having a successful playing set-up therethey deserve to go on holiday and then we’ll be is also much to be admired about the importantwell prepared and well invigorated for next work that Rochdale do in the local community.season.” They are committed to reaching as many people as possible in the area through football and this isRochdale is not a club that focuses solely upon clearly paying dividends for them.their senior section however and this is reflected Playing such an important role reflects how wellin the fact that they also have a number of youth the club is being run presently and the hard workteams in place as part of their academy.These that they put into this area is certainly to beteams look to provide young players from the admired.local area with an opportunity to play the gamein a safe and enjoyable environment. Rochdale has enjoyed a fantastic season on the pitch this year and they appear to have everythingIt is important for any side to be able to produce in place off it to allow them to continue to betheir own talent if they are to be successful, successful over the coming years. Football Focusparticularly in the current financial climate. Magazine would like to congratulate them onCoaching staff are confident that they have a their achievements and also to wish them the bestnumber of players involved who have the of luck for the future. It certainly seems like apotential to go on and represent the team at first good time to be involved with Rochdale AFC.

Walsall WoodWalsall WoodWalsall Wood FC is a club that has been Vase campaign reaching the quarter finalsplaying a vital role in the local for the first time ever and being a step 6community since the 1890’s and Football club at the time made it more of aFocus Magazine spoke with the club’s magnificent effort.Secretary Andy Roper to find out more We were also finalists in our League Cupabout the good work that they have and despite the backlog of league fixturesbeen doing in recent times. we won the Midland Combination Premier League again for the first time in 61 years.Involvement Largely down to our first team coach, Mark Swann, his management team and qualityHe started by telling us about his involvement young players.”with the club, saying,“I have been involved withthe club since 1986 when I became a player Youthand served the club for 17 seasons. It was anhonour to eventually represent Walsall Wood “Youth football is very important to thebecause I had grown up locally in the Wood Wood and has been for a number of years;since 1966 and my early years of open age however the costs of running other teamsfootball were spent playing for other local within our club this season and the cost toclubs such as Bloxwich AFC and Lichfield FC.” the club of promotion to the MFA have left us without a Youth team for the first timeThis Season since I can recall.We hope to put this right in the near future.”“After the fabulous season last year it wasalways going to be difficult to match what we Communityhad achieved, we made history in a great FA “The Wood is a community based club, we have charitable status and under our umbrella we have the following organisations:- Oak Park Pacers Running Club,The Woodlanders Over 60’s Club,The Wood Star Ladies FC with four age groups of girls Football Teams, Sunday teams include Walsall Junior Youth League with our own Walsall Wood U’17s and the Walsall Wood FC veterans who have just won their league.A new addition to our club very soon will be the Walsall Wood Crown Green Bowling Club who are next door to the football club and are in talks with us to use our facilities.” Facilities “We pride ourselves on our hospitality where last season we won an award from

Walsall Woodthe Midland Combination League, we are often massive disruption that can turn things verygiven great feedback from visiting supporters, quickly in the wrong direction.As Directors weplayers and officials. are well aware of this and would hope that the success we are having and the effort that is goingThe club however, is dated and in need of in behind the scenes will keep things going forrefurbishment which we hope to address with many years to come.”funding opportunities in the future now that wehave secured a longer term lease following an Ambitionson-going battle with Walsall Council.” “Our aim is to win promotion again next season;Challenges I can’t see why we cannot equip ourselves to compete against higher profile local teams such“Without funding and more volunteers on a day as Chasetown FC, Rushall Olympic FC andto day basis, any club at this level is at risk as we Hednesford Town FC.rely heavily on folk who share a commoninterest in football and are happy to donate This will present a massive challenge to thetime, money and effort to the cause “For The existing volunteers at the Wood but one I thinkgood of The Wood!”. they would relish. Positive behaviour and success breeds a greater interest in people to getIn addition, when you have such a talented involved in the club. Raising the profile of themanager/coach and team this can also present Wood through our success opens doors morechallenges from other clubs and potentially a easily to attractive sponsorship opportunities.”

Mangotsfield UnitedMangotsfieldUnited undeniable character, would bring structural development to the club when improving off field A rural village set on the outskirts of facilities. Spurred by the development within the Bristol, the clubs history stems from infrastructure the club’s senior XI would establish tentative excursions during the year 1888 itself while its youth setup went from strength to before, four years later, Mangotsfield strength, winning the Somerset FA Floodlit Youth Football Club became one of the founding League in all of 1981-82, 82-83, 83-84, 84-85 and members of the Bristol and District 87-88. League. Short lived in this initial instance the club would regrettably fold a mere 10 Being denied promotion to the Southern League years later, finishing bottom of the pile in in the early 90’s advancement has consistently the Amateur Section, Division 1, ushering been checked by both off field constraints and the in a 50 year period in which the area would locality of teams in both Taunton and Tiverton. see varying incarnations amid promise and Conference grade floodlights were installed at the disappointment. commencement of the 2003-04 season along with other cosmetic developments to the clubs As the sun rose of 1951 a cluster of local players Cossham Street home, while financial stability were rendered surplus after financial through establishing itself within the local complications would see their opportunities community is a continuing effort. Football Focus limited.Taking matters into their own hands, the Magazine would like to wish them the best of group banded together to form the now luck for the future. recognisable Mangotsfield United Football Club, entering the Bristol and District League, Division VII, for the 1952-53 season. Five successive promotions saw an ascension through the ranks, culminating in entry to the Bristol and District Premier Combination in 1957. More honours followed, taking both the Division One title and the Gloucestershire FA (South) Senior Amateur Cup in the 1968-69 season, but the club would move onto its next chapter in the 1970’s when gaining membership to the Western League. The 1974-75 season would be an especially prosperous one when winning the Somerset Senior League Division 3 along with cup triumphs in both the Somerset Combination Cup and Hungerford Invitation Cup. League success would again come in successive seasons as the club topped Division 2 before relegation from the top flight in 1980-81 would be redeemed with an immediate return under the stewardship of Chairman Ralph Miller who, along with his

Hitchin TownHitchin TownHitchin Town FC is based at Top Field in current economic climate and it will be a majorHerts and their first team currently boost for the first team if they are able to relycompetes in the Southern Football upon young players coming through the ranks.League Premier Division.They are a club Coaching staff involved with the youth sectionthat plays a vital role in their local are confident that they have a number ofcommunity and are committed to players on the books with the potential to goproviding as many people as possible on and represent the team at senior level.with an opportunity to get involved inthe game. A major benefit of having such a strong youth section is that it can help attract moreTheir first team put together a solid record volunteers to the club. Many parents whosethis time around, managing to win 16, draw 11 children play for a team go on to help out andand lose 17 of their 44 matches.This saw them this can be invaluable for a side as they look tofinish in a safe mid-table position having progress.accumulated 59 points.They ended up with agoal difference of plus eleven, having hit the Off the field of play, Hitchin Town is able toback of the net 63 times and conceded on 52 boast some high quality facilities and theiroccasions. ‘Canary Club’ is open to supporters on match days. It offers a hall and a bar area and is alsoThis record should provide the team with a open throughout the week for members of thesolid platform to build upon as they look public to use or to hire.ahead towards next season’s campaign. If theyare able to retain their current group of Having good facilities such as these allows theplayers and perhaps make one or two quality club to benefit from a far stronger social side,additions they should be in with a good chance helping players and supporters alike to enjoyof claiming a higher league finish next time out. their match day experience.This in turn may assist the club when it is looking to attractA standout feature of the Hitchin Town set up more people into their set-up.is the superb work that they do in regards tothe development of young players in their local There is much to admire about the Hitchinarea.They have a number of teams in place Town set up and they appear to have everythingwhich look to provide youngsters with a in place to enable them to look forwards to achance to develop their skills in a safe and bright and successful future.This is thanks to allenjoyable environment. of the hard work that their Committee puts into the club and Football Focus Magazine wouldIt is important for any club to be able to like to wish them the best of luck for theproduce their own talent, particularly in the future.



HaverHill BoroughHaverhillBoroughHaverhill Borough was formed as Eventually the side exited the competitionHaverhill Sports Association (HSA) in losing 3-4 to eventual Sussex County LeagueMay 2011 by Chairman Michael White Champions Peacehaven & Telscombe in aand Secretary/Manager Ben Cowling and classic encounter.The success that the playersentered the Essex and Suffolk Border had achieved however hardened the belief thatleague for the 2011/12 season. the players could cope at a higher level of football and the decision was made to applyWith the opening of step 4 compliant New for step 6 football in the Eastern CountiesCroft football facility in Haverhill the League.proceeding season their arose an opportunityfor a second senior side to play at the ground Following an EGM in March 2013 a newwhich HSA took advantage of with an aim of committee was formed with Barry Geogheganallowing more local players to play at the succeeding Michael White as Chairman andhighest standard possible without having to another 3 committee members appointed totravel 15-20 miles to do so at a range of allow the promotion dream to be fulfilled.Eastern Counties clubs. During this hectic time the club also achieved FA Charter Standard status. On the pitch,By the late autumn the team got into their despite a late stutter runners up spot in thestride and took the Division 1 title by storm division was achieved and the club wasincluding winning their last 19 league matches promoted.to win the division by 13 points scoring anaverage of 4 goals a game.This led to A busy summer was spent; the clubs name waspromotion to the Premier Division and senior changed to Haverhill Borough to distinguishfootball where the side created some the club from the committee running the Newimpressive milestones including being the last Croft ground. Sponsorship was sought, aSenior side in the country to concede a goal website built and the behind the sceneswhich finally occurred in late September in operation of the club built up. On the field thetheir 8th game of the season. club formed a Reserve side for the first time entering the Cambridgeshire County League.Season 2012/13 was most memorable howeverfor the clubs run to the 64 of the FA Vase, With the doubling of players the clubwhich included winning away at Eastern remained true to its roots with 90% of theCounties Premier side Norwich United and players to represent the clubs first team andbeating the eventual Eastern Counties League 100% of those representing the reserves livingwinners Dereham Town 2-1 at home with a in the Town.This remains the ethos of the clublast minute goal. and its manager Ben Cowling, to enable local players to play at the highest standard possible.