Village Unites to Create Community Football Facility for Children in Shropshire

Childs Ercall has witnessed a remarkable transformation as the community comes together to establish a new football facility for local children. Once in a state of disrepair, the pitches are now among the best in the area, providing a vibrant space for young athletes to thrive.

 

Thanks to the generous funding from Rosewood Pet Products and the Childs Ercall Parish Council, new 11-a-side goalposts have been installed, specifically designed for the village's U13 teams. This slightly smaller pitch caters to the needs of younger players, ensuring they have a safe and suitable environment to develop their skills.

 

Local resident Bernard Sale has also played a pivotal role in this initiative, using his expertise to create permanent 7-a-side goals. This innovation has eliminated the need for parents to assemble old plastic goals from storage, making it easier for children to enjoy the game. Currently, three junior teams—two girls' teams and one boys' team—are actively playing on the new 7-a-side pitch.

 

The community spirit extends beyond the pitch, with Miriam operating her delightful café at the Jubilee Hall, renowned for serving some of the best cakes in Shropshire. Her café has become a popular spot for parents and players alike, adding to the sense of community.

 

Fiona Norfolk has taken on the crucial role of coordinating games, managing parking arrangements, and keeping the website updated. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, with an opposing team manager recently praising the excellent website for its user-friendly design and timely updates.

 

Every weekend, over a hundred children can be seen enjoying football in Childs Ercall, fostering a love for the sport and encouraging outdoor activity. Beyond scheduled games, local children frequently use the goals for casual play, further enhancing the community's engagement with football.

 

On behalf of all the football teams, we would like to express our gratitude to Councillor Maddocks, Fiona Norfolk, and Anne Caden, whose vision and generosity have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. The collaboration between the parish council and the community association has made a significant impact, benefiting countless families in the area. Not forgetting David Heath who dug out the footings and concreted the new goals in.

 

The recent maintenance and cutting of the pitches have made a noticeable difference, and the community is proud to call Childs Ercall home. With the new facilities in place, the future of youth football in the village looks brighter than ever.