Tunbridge Wells
Involvement
He told us, “I first came along just to watch my local club
after getting rather frustrated watching football at the
highest level on TV, where the players were clearly just
playing for their egos and ridiculous amounts of cash! I
was soon roped into helping out and have been the club
secretary for 7 years.”
The Role
“The most challenging part of my role is the registration of
players at the start of season as I need an original signature
from the player, manager and myself but someone is
always away on holiday! Match day mornings when the
rain comes down is tough. Trying to spend time with my
young family is not easy when umpteen messages about
weather updates and pitch inspections are coming through!
The most rewarding thing is just to see my local team
playing and winning, knowing that I have been a part of
that organisation in making the games go ahead.”
Present
“Last season was disappointing as we had to replace
both our manager and our chairman during it, which
never makes things easy. We also went out of every cup
competition at the first attempt and finished in our lowest
league position for a number of years.
The atmosphere at the club is all good at the moment; a
fresh season, with a fresh start – we can’t wait to get going.
We are committed to playing an important role in the
community are a family club with no swearing allowed
and children always welcome as mascots or just to play
around the ground.”
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Youth
“Youth football is very important to the club. In fact, we
have a tie up with Tunbridge Wells Ridgeway FC who
have teams from Under 7’s up to Under 18’s with a very
large number of coaches registered. It’s always great to see
one of their players break into the Tunbridge Wells first
team.
Conference South is the biggest rise in recent years for our
young players. We have three players on a contract this
season which is the first time we have done so, as feel that
they have real promise.”
Challenges/Ambitions
“Our biggest challenge at the moment is the 3G pitch debate!
Is it a good thing and can we get funding! With the great
British weather becoming more and more unpredictable, it
really does seem like they are going to have to be the way
forward. Sponsorship is always a major challenge - how
to attract the cash into the club based on volunteers alone.
We hope to finish in the top 6 this season and have good
cup runs, promotion is the aim next season. Beyond that,
who knows - it would then depend upon any additional
interest in the club following a promotion. That would
then hopefully bring the financial backing which in a way
sounds a little sad for non-league football but it is a reality
that you need to cash to survive and progress at this level.”
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