Baschurch Junior Football Club could be forced to axe teams

Baschurch Junior Football Club has revealed its difficulty in attracting new talent as well as its financial struggles.

The club's teams play in the Shropshire Junior Football League, and take part in a variety of tournaments through the year.

Chairman Sean Hughes said it was the founding club of the Shrewsbury Junior League in the 1970’s and was proud to be named as the Shropshire FA Junior Club of the Year in the 2016/17 season.

"Being a small village on the outskirts of Shrewsbury means that we find it hard attracting new players and due to this we have lost a few teams meaning that at present it looks like we are due to have no under 9’s,10’s or 14’s next season," he said. "Nearly every age group could do with one or two more players.

"This not only means that we cannot offer local boys and girls in those age groups the ability to play regular football within a team environment but it also means that the club is struggling financially

"What we would like is to raise awareness of the club to parents and potential players from a wider area – those who may not have been fortunate enough to get into one of the bigger Shrewsbury teams.

"The players could hopefully form teams in the age groups we are short and there would be a chance of filling up playing squads of our other teams which are never full."

Mr Hughes revealed the club is also hoping to raise money for a new clubhouse.

"We play on four pitches owned by the parish council and village hall respectively and we are looking at raising funds to build a clubhouse on site that would allow us to offer players and visitors somewhere to go to the toilet which at present does not exist," he said.

"A clubhouse would also give us an opportunity to make some much needed funds for the club by offering hot drinks and food.

"There may be some local business that may wish to help us fund the clubhouse.

"It could cost between £40-50,000. The parish council is looking to give us funding as well as the Shropshire FA."

The club is inviting potential new players, aged seven to 16, to come to its trial day at 11am on June 24 at Baschurch Playing Fields.

It is also looking for new coaches and sponsors.

"We are an honest and fair club which gives equal opportunities and everyone a fair share of playing time.

"We are also one of the cheapest clubs – we charge £100 for the whole season," Mr Hughes added.

For more details about the club or anyone interested in joining call Mr Hughes on 07412901664 or visit http://www.baschurchjuniorsfc.co.uk