AFC Liverpool Grassroots - Website & news

[Dessy]

I think you're being semantic. Your definition of grassroots is more purist and fair enough, but you know what we mean and so does everybody else.

If you can't afford to go the game and want a lower league, affordable team that you have a connection with, then a non league team in LFC's image with LFC's seal of approval does the job.

That's what I wanted, so I started it off. If I'd wanted to be a football manager to 11 year olds I'd have done that. But it wasn't. I wanted this.

And besides, others will do the junior coaching far better than I will. And good luck to them too.

Semantic? Purist? Idealistic? True to the value and meaning of grassroots football maybe?

In truth I haven't got an axe to grind with AFC as such. But I am very disappointed (and somewhat disillusioned) with the lack of real support provided to genuine grassroots football. For me and many others 'partisanship and a sense of belonging' starts at community level.

I think perhaps we're both coming at this from different angles? I see the perpetuation and development of playing opportunity (and facilities) at grassroots as the priority whereas AFC seems to target giving people access to the game as a priority, both pretty admirable causes.

Having said that I still think those above (mods included) have missed a trick in that your sticky should be a sponsored link with a donation to Est's coffers......share the wealth and all that.

[alunevans]

Semantic? Purist? Idealistic? True to the value and meaning of grassroots football maybe?

In truth I haven't got an axe to grind with AFC as such. But I am very disappointed (and somewhat disillusioned) with the lack of real support provided to genuine grassroots football. For me and many others 'partisanship and a sense of belonging' starts at community level.

I think perhaps we're both coming at this from different angles? I see the perpetuation and development of playing opportunity (and facilities) at grassroots as the priority whereas AFC seems to target giving people access to the game as a priority, both pretty admirable causes.

Having said that I still think those above (mods included) have missed a trick in that your sticky should be a sponsored link with a donation to Est's coffers......share the wealth and all that.

what wealth? we're not bankrolled by anybody at all. in fact we're scrabbling for funds. not just for the footy stuff, but for all the community intervention that we'll be doing too.

[alunevans]

Incidentally, we will be doing soccer schools and soccer camps in hard to reach areas, and will be coaching in schools etc as part of our schools programme, so we'll be paying attention to grassroots football too in the way that you define it.

We're not just about saturday afternoons. We'll also be running social academies aimed at try to engage young people through football, giving them coaching qualifications, and trying to reintroduce them to education.

There's a lot we'll be doing which is nothing to do with being a football club in terms of getting out a first eleven but is aimed at being a genuine community resource.

Some of it doesn't even involve football directly. But we will be doing a hell of a lot of coaching too, and a lot of coach training as well, putting people through their coaching badges.

I think we'll do a lot of good for the sort of grassroots you mention too.

[livvy145]

WILLIS IN TOP FORM AS AFC WIN

Steve Hunter 27 July 2008


Former Academy goalkeeper Paul Willis had an inspired match as AFC Liverpool beat Formby 2-1 in their latest friendly outing.

Another former Academy player Ryan Wignall scored the winner for Derek Goulding's men as the Reds came from behind to win.

Dean Thurston also missed a penalty when he hit the bar but soon made amends with a brilliant equaliser.

AFC Liverpool are next in action on Wednesday when they take the short trip across the Mersey to the Wirral for a match against Vauxhall (7.45pm BST).

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N160669080727-1046.htm

[Dessy]

Incidentally, we will be doing soccer schools and soccer camps in hard to reach areas, and will be coaching in schools etc as part of our schools programme, so we'll be paying attention to grassroots football too in the way that you define it.

We're not just about saturday afternoons. We'll also be running social academies aimed at try to engage young people through football, giving them coaching qualifications, and trying to reintroduce them to education.

There's a lot we'll be doing which is nothing to do with being a football club in terms of getting out a first eleven but is aimed at being a genuine community resource.

Some of it doesn't even involve football directly. But we will be doing a hell of a lot of coaching too, and a lot of coach training as well, putting people through their coaching badges.

I think we'll do a lot of good for the sort of grassroots you mention too.

I'll watch the website with interest for developments along this line. Good luck.

[alunevans]

I'll watch the website with interest for developments along this line. Good luck.

Cheers Dessy

[Joe King]

Just watching the programme now. It looks very professional. I am very impressed.

AFC Liverpool

And Chris, I'm liking the cheesy grin

[The Glove]

Just watching the programme now. It looks very professional. I am very impressed.

AFC Liverpool

And Chris, I'm liking the cheesy grin

John Barrowman got that smile of his off me.

[Joe King]

John Barrowman got that smile of his off me.

[Jayesh87]

Got my certicate today although it got abit crumpled up in the post and bended in the middle

[livvy145]

AFC CLAIM CUP GLORY

Paul Hassall 03 August 2008


AFC Liverpool produced one of the finest displays of their short history to lift the Fans Club trophy at the expense of a well-beaten Runcorn Linnets outfit.

The newly-formed club survived an early scare - when keeper Paul Willis pulled off a superb penalty save - to go on and secure a 4-1 victory courtesy of goals from Ryan Wignall, Dean Thurston, Andy McCoy (penalty) and Dave Eaton.

Not even the sending off of Wignall early in the second-half could halt AFC's march towards glory and despite the one man advantage, Runcorn could only manage a consolation through David Thompson's penalty.

The focus now shifts to Saturday August 9 when the league season starts with a home game at Prescot Cables' Valerie Park ground against Darwen FC.

AFC Liverpool: Willis, Barlow, Crowder, Bloxam, Chandler, Dever, Wignall, Johnson, Thurston, Eaton, McCoy.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N160769080803-1150.htm

[RedsFan83]

Just a quick reminder guys ...

AFC Liverpool's first ever league home game will be played at Valerie Park/Hope Street in Prescot this Saturday at 3pm. This historic match will be played against Darwen FC and it's pay on the gate, £5 for adults, £3 for pensioners, and £2 for kids. Should be a great day out, if the atmosphere at the preseason friendlies has been anything to go by!!!! Lots of singing, banners, the works.

Ronnie Moran will no doubt be there, as his grandson Ian plays for us!

Liverpool aren't playing so if you fancy having a few cheap pints and standing on the terrace, old school style, with some fellow reds, come and join us.

For you drinkers out there, it looks like the Hope and Anchor pub on Hope Street will be the boozer of choice for attending fans. And for Liverpool-based reds, there is going to be a meet up at the Rat and Parrot on Queens Square from 11am onwards. We will aim to get the number 10 bus out to Prescot and get the atmosphere buzzing from the very start.

Hope to see some of you there.

[livvy145]

AFC SET FOR FIRST LEAGUE GAME

Jimmy Rice 07 August 2008


AFC Liverpool are set to play their first ever competitive league match this weekend.

The newly-formed club kick off their Vodkat First Division campaign at home against Lancashire-based Darwen FC at 3pm on Saturday.

AFC have enjoyed an impressive pre-season, winning two friendly trophies.

Club chairman Alun Parry hopes the crowds will now come out for their first competitive match in Prescot.

He said: "A lot of time and effort have gone into preparing for this day so we're all very excited that it's finally here.

"It'd be great if the local community could get behind us for what we're hoping will be the first of many victories for the team.

"The Premiership doesn't kick-off for another week, so we're expecting a lot of Liverpool fans to turn up who are just desperate to watch some competitive football after the long summer break."

Aimed at Liverpool fans unable to afford the costs of Premier League ticket prices, AFC offers the grass roots alternative – same club colours, same songs but only a fraction of the cost.

Saturday's match will be played at Prescot Cables' Valerie Park ground. Pay at the gate for £5 (£3 for concessions and £2 for under-18s).

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N160820080807-1322.htm

[livvy145]

AFC NET FIVE IN FIERY LEAGUE OPENER

Jimmy Rice 09 August 2008


AFC Liverpool romped to a 5-0 home victory in a fiery first ever league game against Darwen on Saturday afternoon.

Goals from Martin Smeaton, Dean Thurston (2), Ryan Wignall and James Croxton ensured a winning start to the Vodkat First Division campaign.

The game, held at Valerie Park in Prescot, also saw the opposition manager dismissed following a scuffle, while around 400 AFC fans teased their counterparts with ironic chants of 'You ain't got no history'.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N160850080809-1724.htm

AFC LIVERPOOL OFF TO A FLIER

Liverpoolfc.tv 09 August 2008


AFC Liverpool kicked off the league season in style with a 5-0 victory over Lancashire opponents Darwen FC.

In an historic day for the new club, the weather was the only disappointment in a thrilling win.

Martin Smeaton opened the scoring for the Reds on 20 minutes after some clever interplay. Darwen also put it into the net but the goal was disallowed for a foul on keeper Paul Willis.

It was 1-0 at the break, but in true Liverpool style, the Reds turned it on when kicking towards the Kop end.

Two minutes into the second half Thurston was brought down by the Darwen keeper inside the area. Thurston took the penalty himself and converted comfortably. Shortly afterwards he was on the scoresheet once again to make it three.

The Reds had scores of chances. Kevin Poole came close, and Thurston almost bagged a hat-trick with a fantastic glancing header that only just crept wide.

It was Wignall who put AFC Liverpool 4-0 up, before substitute James Croxton bagged the fifth.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N160850080809-1724.htm

[The Glove]

It was a crackin performance. It was only ruined by the weather as it absolutely pissed down. Everyone honestly had a great time and I know they'll be back for more on 6th Sept against Wigan Robin Park.