Chadderton Park
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Chadderton Park FOOTBALL CLUB
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hadderton Park FC is a terrific example of the important role that a club can play in the local community . Football Focus Magazine recently caught up with their Chairman Frank Nolan to find out more about the good work that they have been doing lately .
He told us , “ Over the past 18 years I have been involved with Chadderton Park Football Club in one form or another . Initially , as a parent then coach and for the last ten years as Chairman also .
“ The growth from five teams ten years ago to eighty five teams has been phenomenal . The club ethos of ‘ Sport for all ’ has been the trigger for this with the club providing 140 FA qualified coaches to ensure anyone interested in playing has a team to play in no matter what level they are at . There are no trials ; just come along , join in and play . We have been awarded the Manchester and North West FA community club of the year on a number of occasions and have recently been nominated for the Queens Award for Community Sport , with the announcement to be made in June .
“ We run teams from our U5s academy , mini soccer teams , six girls ’ teams , youth teams , open age teams and have twelve Vets teams playing in our own league . A few years ago we expanded from being a football club to a sports club to offer more to the wider community so we now include Ladies Rounders teams and Childrens and Ladies Netball teams .
“ Three years ago we started a Cerebral Palsy team for children age 3 -16 . As one of the first in the country it was an unknown area but it was soon obvious the interest and need was there . We had 22 coaches complete the FA coaching Disability course and the sessions have been tremendous with the club able to inspire other clubs around the country to begin similar teams . We have children travelling from Liverpool , Stoke on Trent , Wakefield etc . to attend the sessions and play in organised games against other teams including a great day at Chelsea FC Cerebral Palsy team .
“ Like all clubs we face challenges with finance being an on-going issue and no sign of times being easier despite the great wealth at the top of the game . We actively search for grants and have been able to access some of these which has helped with our funding to ensure all coaches are qualified .
“ I am pleased to say Youth football is flourishing at our Club with each age group having at least two teams competing in the league . The challenge
20 Issue 69