Curzon Ashton
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Curzon Ashton
FOOTBALL CLUB
Curzon Ashton FC is a fantastic example of the important role that a club can play in its
local community. They were recognised for their fine work in 2016, picking up the Pride
of Tameside Club of the Year and Greater Manchester Sports Club of the Year Awards.
We recently caught up with their Chief Executive Natalie Atkinson to find out more
about the good work the club has been doing.
Natalie told us, “I have been involved
with the Club for over two years, taking
on the role of CEO in May 2017. The
most rewarding parts of my role are
seeing how successful all our teams
are, the recruitment of new coaches and
volunteers to the club due to the good
work that we do and the success in the
last year due to raising our profile.”
“The atmosphere at the moment is
relaxed and yet waiting with excitement
for the start of the new season. Last
season went very well particularly
with our successful FA Cup journey.
We finished 13th within the Vanarama
National League North, however we
would have liked a tenth place finish.
“Our plans for the new campaign
are for a top 10 finish for the men’s team
within the Vanarama National League
North, a top 3 place for the women’s team
within the North West Womens League,
the launch and development of our
new community programmes, another
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successful year for our U17 and U18
teams, recruitment of more people with
disabilities through the new programme
that starts in September 2017 and
securing a club sponsor.
“Youth football is
extremely important
for us; we have over
350 young people
associated
with
the Club. Through
our U17 and U18
teams we look
to provide our
young
players
with
a
clear
pathway into senior
football.
“We
are
most
definitely a community
club; we are an FA Charter
Standard Community club. We have
recently introduced a new community
programme and ha ve a partnership
with Active Tameside that delivers our
football in the community initiative
within Schools
“Our
biggest
challenges
moving forward will be
securing finance and
sponsorship.
Our
biggest ambition is
for our first team to
achieve promotion
to the Vanarama
N a t i o n a l
League Premier
Division.”
There
is
clearly
much
to admire about
the fine set up that
Curzon Ashton FC
currently has in place.
If they continue in the same
manner they should be able to look
forward to a bright and successful future
for many years to come.