Frodsham Veteranos Barcelona FC
Mark Rowland (The Gaffer)
I took over the Gaffers spot when the club had not played a game. Steve Thomson was the original founder of Frodsham Vets Barca (FVB) and gave us the name. Steve resigned before a ball was kicked and it was left to me and Darren Kelly to take the project forward.
I had been playing for Frodsham Vets Athletic (FVA) for the previous season, and decided to join the breakaway team called FVB. Two years later, and a lot more players involved with the club, we went from strength to strength and playing regular friendly matches on most weekends against teams from North Wales and the North West of England. A great team ethic and our emphasis on a passing style of play have helped us develop into what we are today.
Our first game was played against ‘Birkenhead All Stars’, and as a newly formed side we did pretty well, only getting beat 5-3. Some players still with us from that day are Dave ‘Gazza’ Grundy, Mike Oldfield, Johnny Watson, Graham Hitchen and Geoffrey Foyne.
Going forward, our philosophy is that it is important to win games in the correct manner, playing the game on the floor and with pace. The team is more important that any individual and we win as a team and lose as a team. During 2014-15, FVB have entered the Cheshire Veterans League (Division 4), and promotion to the next league is our objective, and then we go from there. In the short term, our aim is to establish the FVB as a club, to include a great squad of players that mix socially as well as enjoy playing together on the pitch.
Gaffer
Ryan Edgill - Director of Football (DOF)
I took over the title of Director of Football (DOF) for the North West Amateur Football Association (NWAFA) back in September 2013, and it’s been a humbling experience. We have over 120 regular players spanning 8 different weekly games. NWAFA focusses on social football and catering for players of all ages and abilities who want to have a fun kick around.
Being DOF comes with its challenges, players dropping out on the 11th hour can often test your patience but the plus side is that we have such a fantastic set up. For me, it’s great to see new guys start playing and watch them improve and get fitter along the way; it gives you a sense of achievement.
The aim for the last part of 2014 is to develop another outdoor game and keep the current games running at an optimum level.
