THE junior sector of a football club which has exploded in popularity is looking to improve its facilities.
Cleator Moor Celtic FC currently has 347 young players and a number of youngsters on the waiting list who are eager to join.
John Wilson, junior secretary, says the club has now outgrown its current facilities and is struggling to find slots to train on artificial turf through the winter.
The club’s junior pitch is not suitable for use in poor weather and players currently use training facilities at Cleator Moor All Weather Pitch, St Benedict’s School and the Whitehaven Academy.
The club is currently looking to generate sponsorship to improve the junior pitch at Cleator.
John said: “We spend between £7,000 and £8,000 on pitch maintenance a year. Then there’s £14,000 a year on booking astros.
“It’s self-funded but we rely heavily on donations and sponsorships. We rely on the parents to get involved. We do sponsored walks and they get involved that way. We donate to local charities as well.”
John has been volunteering for five years now and got involved after taking his son to play for the club.
He said: “I started off with 18 kids and I’ve got 34 now. My group goes away to tournaments quite often and have been successful. We’ve done nine tournaments and won 10 trophies.”
And the club does not just attract youngsters from Cleator Moor – players come from all over west Cumbria.
When asked about the reasons behind the club’s rising popularity, John said: “I would say a lot of it is to do with the premiership exposure – the World Cup and the Euros. The success of the national team in the championships. Kids are playing Fifa.”
Some of the club’s young players have been targeted for Carlisle United FC - with one player signing for the club last year.
John said: “Our first team is full of young lads who went right through the youth process with us, which is good.
“It’s important to me that all kids do sport, it doesn’t matter what level that is. I would encourage any parents to get their children involved in team sports.”
Wayne Hunter, lead coach for the U13s, has praised John and Colin Bell, head of the junior sector, for their dedication to the club and its young players.
He said: “These guys work tirelessly throughout the year to support the facilities for the kids.
“It’s a great thing for kids all over Copeland who have these facilities because of the tireless work of these guys.
“They are striving on to give a safe environment for kids to play and learn the sport. I think it’s brilliant that they keep pushing on.”
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Colin on 07801258990.
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