Football Focus Issue 70 | Page 58

Whitchurch Alport FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/FOOTYFOCUSMAG We understand that arranging a funeral can be an extremely testing and troubling time for you and your family. When you contact our funeral home we will be able to guide you through all the arrangements from the initial enquiry to the funeral, burial or cremation and through to the choice of a head stone. We are proud to be a highly regarded firm within our region, our reputation being built up to an exceptional level over the years due to our caring and professional service, as well as our dedication to our customers and their families Tel. (01948) 662209 | Website: www.rolfesfuneralservice.co.uk 14, Station Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 1RE strong committee of similar minded people who all have business acumen. This relatively new group have been instrumental in generating new revenue streams, increased sponsorships and on site development. In addition, there was a need to introduce a new team management, who would provide the dynamics and momentum needed to succeed in the North West Counties League. We’ve found that in Luke Goddard and Carl Everall.” Now we will simply to take each game as it comes. We’ve bolstered our small squad recently with a few signings. All are either young guys that are known to academies in the area, or quality players in their early 20s that we’ve been able Atmosphere “ T h e atmosphere at the club is superb. We’ve blasted almost every target that we set both on and off the field. We have created a club culture where we are all part of a footballing journey and everyone’s role is equally as important as the next person. Whilst match days are hard work, we can’t wait until the day of the game arrives.” Community This Season “On the field, Luke and Carl have taken the team way beyond pre-season expectations. We were looking to consolidate our position in the League, yet we are currently in one of the play off positions, having topped the table on quite a number of occasions. Off the field we’ve become a better run club. Our admin is tight and our match day preparations mean that we are not worried about handling crowds of 250 plus. 58 Issue 70 no fear and our young players are never daunted by their personal opponent on the day. Second, for our 16 to 21 year old squad players, the desire to compete at this level is huge. Third, we want to develop young players that clubs far senior to ourselves are interested in. The rewards there are both for us and the individual player so those are three important factors for the 1st team. The Junior section have an U21s team that benefits from our squad and our manager. There is an interaction that should breed player development in the next few seasons. The Junior section has boys and girls teams ranging from 8 years old right through to U12s and the Juniors are contemplating raising an U18s team too next season. I can’t take any credit for that though, that’s down to the Junior’s Chairman, Rob Foster.” to attract. If we reach the play offs we’d be delighted. If our play and future results are good enough to get us automatic promotion, we would all be ecstatic.” Youth “Youth is very important and because of a number of reasons. Firstly, youth has “We are most definitely a community club - it’s all about inclusion. At home games we encourage children to attend and this has been hugely successful. It also gives the parents a break from keeping them occupied. This has created a strong local community following. Our Club at Yockings Park is the venue for an annual charity football competition. It’s called the Commander Ethelston Cup and has been played for since 1909. Every penny raised goes to local charities or causes. In the last 5 years, over £8,000 has been raised.