Those of you that know me know that I am lucky enough to spend my Wednesdays and Saturdays with the most incredible group of young people and their families. Priestwood Vale Football Club is a small grassroots club based in Bracknell and we pride ourselves in keeping our season fees low so our club is accessible to all. We manage this with a committee of hard working volunteers who seek out the best value in pitch hire, equipment and training. We also have some incredible local businesses who sponsor us as well as our players running fund raising events through the summer. Providing a space for young people to take part in sport, in an inclusive, positive and safe environment not only supports their physical health but their mental health also. Over the years I have coached I have had the pleasure of sharing time with countless young people, most of which remain with me 8 years on.
This year I was lucky enough to gain a ballot place for the London Marathon. Nothing would make me prouder than lacing up 21st April 2024 and raising money for my incredible players. I would like to raise enough to buy a new home kit for our, soon to be, u16's and u9's teams. It is my plan that our players will be involved in the design of the kits giving them the opportunity to create something they can be really proud of. The cost of kits for our entire club is between £800 at £1500, depending on kit provider, design etc.
If we exceed our target our u9's will require new goals next season and we have a few new coaches who we would like to put through qualification. We are currently training a youth ref and would love to extend this to other young people seeking to get into reffing also. Over an above this I am in contact currently with the FA to try an establish fairer access for young people with additional needs and or neurodiversity that can and should be playing mainstream football but may benefit from playing a year or two below their chronological age group. In short all money will go straight to Priestwood Vale Football Club and will directly fund grassroots football for young people.