Cowbridge Town AFC have been nominated for the 2017 FA Awards which strive to celebrate the UK’s best community clubs. The club, founded by a local community policeman, PC Eric Rodgers, in 1983 started as one junior side. The club has grown significantly in recent years and now has 20 sides covering all age groups from Under 7 to Under 16, Youth and Senior teams. There are currently in excess of 320 registered players.
The nomination recognises the club’s strong committee structure which runs all administration centrally, allowing the Managers and Coaches to focus just on their team. In addition, the club provides year-round opportunities for the community to play, with full winter training facilities.
Community spirit is encouraged through the club, with Presentation Ceremonies after every season where players of all ages can celebrate the achievements of the club, together. The mixing of age groups is further encouraged, with Junior players helping the Minis’ training session as part of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.
Vale MP and Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns was contacted earlier in the month by the FA who requested a nomination from the Vale of Glamorgan. Speaking on his choice of nomination, Mr Cairns said: “This community club does all that it can to spark a love of football in all of their players, from the youngest to the eldest. I have attended training sessions and have seen just how well the club is run to develop players of all standards and instil teamwork and communication skills into their players from a young age.
“This club gives every child the chance to play in a safe environment and more importantly enjoy it. The mini football boys and girls get equal game time thus encouraging the development of skills in a non-competitive environment until they become more confident Junior players. Cowbirdge Town AFC demonstrate clearly the benefits that community sport can bring, and I sincerely hope that the FA will too recognise their excellence.”