Reflecting on a successful 2024/25 season

As the 2024-25 season draws to a conclusion, it is one that the club should look back at with pride.

On the field success

There have been many positives on the pitch this season. Our First Team continued their progress with promotion to the National League System – their fourth in the last seven seasons. It is a great achievement and a proud moment for our club. It will increase our exposure as a club and allow us to continue growing. We now have the chance to enter prestigious national competitions, such as the FA Vase, and have senior men's football at AFC Walcountians for the first time in our 28-year history.

Congratulations to all involved, as well as to our young Reserves side for reaching a final this season.

Equally brilliant was to see two league champions in our youth teams. Our Under 13 Yellows went unbeaten for a second season in a row to be crowned back-to-back champions. Likewise, congratulations to our Under 16 Yellows, who were also champions of their division. Well done to all the players and management – the club is very proud of your achievements.

However, trophies are just a small part of our club. It is about everyone in every team being able to enjoy their football in a fun and safe environment, and to build a community within the club. We have great teams throughout, run by enthusiastic dedicated managers, and should be very grateful for that. I'm also glad to say it has been a good year on a discipline front, and that incidents of misconduct have been low. It makes for a much happier environment for players, parents and officials alike when this is the case, and we can all make that difference. Long may that continue.

Off the field success and looking ahead to next season

We were delighted to once again be accredited as a 3 Star England Football club, the highest mark possible. It is a testament to the continued hard work of many at the club. Thank you to the managers, committee and particularly Kat Carney – our secretary – for helping ensure that we secured top marks again this season.

Walcountians Sports Club has also successfully raised enough money to run a heart screening for our members aged between 14 and 35, via the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young. We will receive a certain proportion of spots for this for our eligible playing members. It will take place in August, and spaces will be open in a random ballot for those who have opted in via their 2025/26 membership form, and either paid their membership (either in full or by starting their direct debit).

There is loads to look forward to on the pitch next season at youth and senior football. In particular, we are looking forward to launching our new Saturday Soccer School – "First Touch Football" – to give kids their first taste of football and hopefully feed our youth teams in years to come. Please do spread the word and sign up here!

Some aims for the future

There is so much to be positive about at this club. I want to harness that to ensure that we remain ambitious and improve even further. Some of our aims over the coming season include:

  • To secure funding for the creation of a full 3G pitch to benefit all our players

  • To develop our facilities to allow our First Team to have a ground compliant with National League System

  • Improving our female football offering, including the introduction of a senior women's side

  • To invest in youth football and particularly our soccer school, so that we can continue to have a vibrant youth football section for years to come

  • To build a pathway from our youth to senior sides, to allow youth players to carry on playing at AFC Walcountians for years to come

  • To improve attendance at our social functions and return our fundraising events to pre-Covid levels

Some of the above are, of course, lofty ambitions. However, we should be ambitious to keep growing and improving our club. Any support in reaching those ambitions is always welcome, and we are always keen to hear from people.

Thank you

Finally, thank you to Walcountians' fully paid members of staff – Monty, Florin and Pat. They make this club what it is and we would not have a club without you. Thank you also to all our players, coaches, volunteers and parents this season. Your efforts and commitment to AFC Walcountians allows us to have the club we do.

I wish you all relaxing summers, and here's to a great 2025/26 season.

Up the Counts.

Paul Marsh, Chairman