BARDS-EYE VIEW: Stratford Town chairman Jed McCrory writes for the Herald
VICTORY for the Lionesses in the Euros and the ongoing excitement of the Commonwealth Games currently taking place on our doorstep, this year’s summer of sport just seems to get better and better.
And we will be doing our own bit to add to the excitement on Saturday when we kick off our new season at home to one of the league’s new teams, Bedford Town.
It has been a busy few months off the pitch with our volunteers improving facilities – adding two new stands, a media box and making a number of other changes to get everything ready for the new campaign.
On the pitch, the players have been put through their paces over a demanding pre-season – not helped by sweltering temperatures at times – and we have assembled an exciting team ready to challenge for promotion.
Now our focus is on increasing the numbers coming through the turnstiles. To put it simply, if we are to take this club forward then we need the continued support of the people of Stratford and the surrounding area.
Our brilliant FA Cup run last season led to record crowds and your tremendous support certainly gave us the edge in many matches, particularly that thrilling victory at the Arden Garages Stadium over Boston United.
It’s no exaggeration to say that you were our 12th man on that night and we need you to be there again this season.
For our pre-season games we handed out free tickets to mums and children and we will continue to encourage families throughout the season with all members of our junior teams being given their own membership cards allowing them free entry to games along with an adult. In addition, 14,000 free season tickets have been handed out to schoolchildren.
Our young players are the lifeblood for Stratford Town and this season we will be fielding a first team crammed full of young talent.
A number of academy players have played in our friendlies and, after impressing the management team of Dean Holdsworth and Gavin Hurren, they have signed forms with the first team.
I’m sure you will have read that one of our students, Olly Crawford, has gone to America to continue his footballing education – he flew out last week and starts his pre-season at Oklahoma City University in the next few days.
Our academy is certainly going from strength to strength with some of the best academic results in the country and we are now in the process of recruiting for September’s intake. Trials will be held later this summer but for more information email academy manager Jon Hill at academy@stratfordtownfc.co.uk.
Finally, our summer football camps for children aged between five and 12 started on Monday. They cost £10 per day but are free for those who have a HAF code and for more information email stratfordtownfccommunity@gmail.com.
Come on you Bards!
