Hartlepool
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We have run reserve and U18 teams
over the last couple of years and this
helps the players get ready for senior
football. We also get them involved with
training and match day warm ups just
to get them used to the adult football
environment.”
Community
“With the launch of the junior
section I would definitely say we are a
community club as this takes the amount
of players registered for the club to
nearly 200 and they range from 7 years
old to 40.
We are also based right in the centre
of the town and attract people of all
ages to matches whether it’s watching
their son or grandson or cheering on the
first team. Our plans are to continue to
develop the junior section so that we can
offer football to every single age group.”
Challenges
“Finance is always the main concern
as we rely on fundraising and support
from local businesses and it becomes
more difficult each season but we have
a hardworking committee who I am sure
will continue to work hard and push the
club forward.
The other issue we have is keeping
the young squad together as we often
see players tempted by clubs in higher
leagues but we have an excellent young
manager in Terry Hill who has created a
great team spirit so hopefully the lads
will stay and try and get us promoted.
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Whilst we are close to getting to the
next level on the pitch, we need a lot of
work off the pitch to get the ground to
the standard required for promotion.
We are in talks with potential sponsors
about taking the club forward but need
the support of the local council if this is
to happen.”
Ambitions
“Promotion to the Northern League
is the main aim. Hartlepool has lots of
players capable of playing at that level
and indeed many now travel out of town
to do so but it would be great if we can
get them to do that with us.
I believe if we were to get to that level
we would be very successful and we
would see a lot more people in the town
coming to watch games which in turn
would benefit every level of the club and
help us become self-sufficient. We also
hope to have teams playing at every age
group so we really are offering football
for everyone.”