Newtown Sports Junior Football Club

Press Release - September 2002

Newtown Sports Junior FC are an established football club based in Malvern, who provide opportunities for boys up to the age of 16 and girls up to the age of 11 to train, play and enjoy football. Don Loader, who co-founded the Club in 1979, is Club Secretary and Martyn Twinberrow is welcomed as the new Chairperson. In 1979 the Club had just one team, but over the years the Club has grown and this season has 10 teams affiliated to the Mercian Elgar Junior Football League.

This year the Club has set itself some ambitious targets off the field. Firstly, it is striving for its FA Charter, which is the Football Association's own "kite mark" that recognises Clubs who use qualified coaches, have an approved Child Protection policy and conform to the FA's Code of Conduct. Secondly, the Club is looking to promote girls football especially at the younger age groups. With the assistance of Avril Irish the Sports & Recreation Officer with Malvern Hills District Council, Newtown Sports FC were awarded a Lottery Grant of £5000 which will go towards developing the younger age groups, and help with much needed equipment, as well as funding additional coaching courses.

With the popularity of football at the highest level it would be easy for people to think that the grass roots game is well financed. Whilst the Lottery Grant is a shot in the arm, Martyn Twinberrow says, "This Club has existed for over 22 years however, it survives from year to year. The Club is at a cross-roads, we have over 200 children involved with the Club and we are fast outgrowing the facilities provided by the Town Council. The Lottery Grant gives us a short-term injection of cash, but we are aiming for the long term. The Club has no ground or club house to call its own and with an ever increasing membership, we really need to establish some secure roots. Unfortunately, local Senior football seems to get priority above the boys and girls of Malvern. We need to move the Club forward, obtain the FA Charter, and find a permanent home."

Whilst the emphasis is on fun and several players have gone on to play professional football (Gareth Downs - Coventry City, Craig Humphries - Cheltenham Town, Mark Sheppard _ Kidderminster Harriers and Peter Nightingale - WBA, to name but a few). With a new season about to kick-off, Newtown Sports invite all 5 - 8 year olds (school Years 1 2 & 3) to Saturday morning coaching sessions at Lower Howsell playing fields, 9:00 am to 10:30 am from September 7th onwards throughout the season. Children will be coached by qualified coaches, and can enjoy refreshments afterwards, whilst the parents enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. Come along and Register with the Club for the new season.