New era for Aylsham football

A LANDMARK meeting to secure the future of youth and adult football in Aylsham was held at the youth centre. The extraordinary meeting of Aylsham Football Club followed many months of planning and co-operative work by elected members of Aylsham Wanderers and Aylsham Town FC.

This groundbreaking work has underpinned the firm foundations for a successful amalgamation to form Aylsham FC.

Those present at the meeting were buoyed by the enthusiasm conveyed to the floor and a passionate belief that this is the way forward for football in Aylsham.

Jonathan Reeve opened the meeting and explained his role of offering administrative support during the formation phase.

Officers elected were: Chairman, Chris Gowman; secretary, Mick McCann; treasurer, Angela Rusbridge.

The chairman thanked everyone for their efforts enabling the three FA Charter Status clubs to become one, now known as Aylsham Football Club. The AFC unification, constitution and code of conduct were approved.

Gowman outlined his vision for the future. The club, now one of the biggest in the county, will be at the heart of the community, working closely with local organisations. There will be a strong structure of support throughout the club.

The committee will comprise seven voting members - the three officers plus Ian Potter, Heidi Clark, Robbie Howe and Darren Barnes who represent the former clubs and additional non-voting members. Specialist roles are also in place together with co-opted members.

Design a kit and club badge competitions had been organised in Aylsham. Seven-year-old Liam Mower's design was the winner of the kit competition and 13-year-old Jonathan Carr has designed the new club badge.

Aylsham FC will continue to play at the Recreation Ground for the foreseeable future.

The public was invited to come along and offer their support when the new season starts.

All those present were delighted with the outcome of the meeting and look forward to helping AFC grow and develop.