The last year has proved testing for all working in and around the club with the uncertainty of COVID and the ever changing rules we have all had to face and adapt to. However, work at Yockings Park has continued throughout and the club is in great shape to start the football season at all levels.

With grants from local government, the FA, Stadium improvement fund, and local sponsorship we have invested in facilities and equipment around the ground to improve the experience for all visitors and the football on the pitch.

WAFC have already welcomed football back to the ground in the shape of the TJ Vickers Cup and Shropshire Senior Cup competitions and I’m pleased to say that to date Alport have played well and still feature in both competitions which are now at semi final stage. I have to say that we miss the fans and the games are never the same without your support, noise, and witty comments!! I look forward to welcoming you all back to the ground as soon as possible to view good football and the ground itself which is looking incredible.

Walking into Yockings Park you’ll immediately notice the new Aaron Millington Terrace dominating the top end behind the goal. This is a fitting tribute to super fan Aaron and is credit to all involved in financing and building the project. The biggest shout out must go to Tony and Jane Millington who’s fund for their son Aaron sponsored much of the project and continues to do good at the ground and in the Whitchurch community.

Look around the ground and you’ll see a pitch in fantastic condition thanks to Luke Goddard’s endeavours, the new ground staff team and funding for a new mower which helps produce an incredible playing surface.

Volunteers have worked hard to clear up the ground and following this weekends volunteers day on Sunday 23 May 2021 a fresh lick of paint and clean up will have the clubhouse, main stand and surrounding areas looking bright for the summer.

Important to Alport FC is football at all levels, it’s built into our constitution, so we have been working hard and developing this. A closer relationship with the junior section of Whitchurch Alport FC is being worked on by both sides with the prospect of a merger of at least one team on the cards – watch this space on that one.

Equally we have the women’s team at Yockings Park which has recently gone through some changes now their season is complete. We see the manager Laura and several of her players leaving WAFC Women’s team and we wish them well with their future in football wherever that takes them. Laura’s replacement is Dan Booth who has been involved in the team for some time. Dan takes over as women’s team manager and is supported by Lea Edge as Club Development Officer. We relish the opportunity for Dan and his squad to compete in the forthcoming season and to develop the women’s team into a formidable force and for all involved to enjoy competitive football both home and away. Dan has a strong team coming along but welcomes enquiries from players who wish to come for trials with a view to getting involved with the team. Whilst players are important in any team so are volunteers, supporters and admin staff. If any ladies, or men, wish to be involved in the women’s team set up we are always looking for match day volunteers, a women’s team club secretary and of course supporters – the back bone of any club.

The committee are looking at ways to improve car parking at the ground and are currently in discussions with the land owners behind the current car park to use some of the land as a temporary car park until they receive planning permission to build on that land. Hopefully we’ll have a successful conclusion to those talks and be able to provide more car parking for visitors thereby respecting our neighbours privacy even more.

The clubhouse at the ground is available for private hire and anyone wishing to book the facility at competitive rates for birthday parties, works functions or other special events should contact Vice Chairman Tom Sheridan for further details. First Aid courses have already started to be established at the clubhouse providing participants with a three year Emergency First Aid at Work certificate. Courses are priced at £100 per person which includes the 6 hour training day, lunch and refreshments. This course is open to businesses and individuals alike and again Tom Sheridan is the contact.

Dates for the diary involve ‘Euro Camp’ at Yockings where during June and July we will be hosting many of the Euro games on indoor and outdoor screens. We’ll be providing the football, food, beer and entertainment for those wishing to blow off the cobwebs of the COVID lockdown days and join us for some fun and socialising at Yockings.

As to the men’s first team, Luke has retained the players from last season and there’s a couple of new faces. The football in the cup games and a friendly we played against St Martins last Wednesday has been very good. It’s good to see the team in such good shape and bodes well for the forthcoming season. Whilst the future is promised to none of us, I predict that this team will give the supporters many great days of football this season and win lose or draw we’ll be competitive. Players react to crowds so let’s turn up in our hundreds to support them and they will perform, of that I’m sure.

Without wishing to prolong this update I’ll finish by informing you that the men’s first team season starts on 31 July 2021.

May I offer my sincere gratitude to all club volunteers who have dug in over the past 12 months, and longer!!, to get the club to such a high standard both on and off the pitch. I look forward to seeking crowds back later this year and to talking to you all about the club and your vision of the future.

Stay safe for now – see you all soon.

Yours in Football – Jim Goddard
Chairman