The past few months have been hectic following the decision to set up this new club back at the beginning of May.
However, with all our volunteers taking time to meet weekly, the structure and administration of the club was been agreed, and with them throwing their all at the problems we were facing to be able to start the new season in September, we will be ready.
Our aim is that the will progress through the age groups of the Junior/Youth leagues and finally to the Adult Open Age team. With our youngest players starting in our Mini Kickers Section, in the coming season we are also fielding teams at U-10, U-12, U-13, U-15, U-16 and U-17 in the youth section and at open age we have our Ladies team. Like all clubs we are always looking for new players and particularly at the start of each new season we welcome anyone from the Kidderminster, Bewdley & Stourport areas and further afield, from approximately 6 years old, who would like to take the first steps to enjoying a healthy active sporting life, having fun and playing football with the Club.
The Junior section takes pride in developing players and puts an emphasis on this. We will not compromise development and inclusion by adopting a ‘win at all costs’ approach. However, we accept that winning is part of the enjoyment of the game and so we will always endeavour to support our players by giving them the best opportunity possible to express their talents within a successful team environment.
Obtaining funding has been a priority. Committee members have approached local businesses and contacts to secure some financial help to allow us to obtain the new kit & equipment that is vital to the setting up and running of a successful club. The response has been overwhelming. As it stands at the moment we have an number of backers who have provided sponsorship, either with equipment or with kits, and discussions are still ongoing with some other sponsors.
We would like to offer our sincere thanks to all our sponsors, for without their generosity, we would have struggled to get started. Some of this funding has already been used to start ordering our football kit, designed by local trader MG Sportswear in Kidderminster. The overall desire was to have a kit that would be recognised across the playing fields as a signature of this proud club.
We have managed to secure our contract with Wolverley Playing Fields Association that will allow us to continue using the private facilities of Mill Lane. This not only permits us to train all year round in a safe and secure environment, but gives the youth teams outdoor floodlight training during the winter months.
We are also very proud to boast that Worcestershire FA (WFA) has immediately granted us the ‘Focus Club’ recognition which brings extra benefits for training and development of the Club.
When Darel Pool, the FA’s football development officer, attended one of our recent meetings she was very impressed with the attitude, commitment and future plans that we shared. It is with Darel and the FA’s most valuable support and encouragement we are already focused and working towards our Charter Club Development application after just a matter of weeks. As a club, we have made a commitment to work in partnership with WFA to not only develop the club but make sure our players have the best experience whilst playing football, with the chance to gain access to additional training and development opportunities through their Player Development Centre, based at Worcester University.
As a club we expect everybody will play a part in the ‘RESPECT’ campaign, whether as a player, coach/volunteer or parent.
Pictured – Wyre Forest Phoenix U-14s.
She Kicks – the online community for women’s football
