Telford junior football club celebrates 21st anniversary

Wrekin Juniors Football Club was set up by volunteers to provide facilities for youngsters to play the sport and make friends in a safe environment.

On Saturday the players, parents and club bosses were joined by special guest the Mayor of Telford & Wrekin, Councillor Raj Mehta who helped to cut a huge cake ordered to mark the milestone.

It has 250 children on its books.

Councillor Mehta said: "Clubs like Wrekin Juniors that help young people are tomorrow and out future. It is vital to get it right for children and any group which provides activities gets my support."

He was greeted by club chaiman Andy Pace and treasurer Steve Haynes at Telford College Sports Dome where the club's 19 teams train and hone their goal scoring and dribbling skills.

Mr Pace said: "It is our 21st anniversary of being a junior football club. At its heart is for buys and girls to come and learn to play football enjoy the sport in a safe environment.

"We try to attract children, run teams, recruit volunteers and coaches, and we're always looking for sponsors to get on board to help cover the cost of kit and equipment.

"Our next goal is to find a permanent home of our own within the next 12 to 18 months. We are in talks with the borough council about how we may be able achieve it."

Mr Haynes said preparations are also underway for the annual Wrekin Cup tournament which will be hosted by the junior side at the Haybridge Road campus on July 6 and 7.

"It is for teams from across the area. We attract 100 teams split into 24 groups. Profits from the competition goes go towards meeting our costs and towards finding our future home."

The scrumptious egg free cake was supplied by Cake Box, Market Street, in Wellington.