“We are just getting started”
From 2007 to 2013 to 2020/2022 to today. From 2 teams and 20-players to near 30 teams and 400 players. A journey of “ups and downs” from the survival mode in 2013, to 2020 and the ever life changing Football Foundation/Premier League Stadium Funding getting us our 3G and further Township Loans getting us enhanced facilities to here today and the extinguishing of £1/4M of loans entered in to by the club for the 3G. To pay off loans, to enhance facilities and maintain a Step 5 budget was all too much for the financial matrix back in 2022. The requested relegation plan approved by the FA in 2022 was a hard but necessary pill to swallow. Ele has lead the administration and day to day an efficient and stringent running of the club as allowed us to accommodate the hundreds of players/visitors each week that and has made us become in part what we are today with circa 400 players at the club. Working tirelessly through the last 4-years we are a year ahead of our 5-year plan set in 2020. Also, an opportunity arose to acquire our Juniors Chantry Playing Fields so our club sponsors HKL provided a substantial 5 figure loan for us to purchase the land and this was completed to now securing Junior Football in Staveley forever. Now, we can focus on the “3-Year Plan” as “we are just getting started.”
With our Mens Management Team we have the pathway from the Juniors to the U18/21 and our reserves with possible stepping up to our Step 6 Team. Entrusting Pat and Brett with the first team reins was and is an easy decision for me. Two of the best around. Working with me, they have worked wonders and now I am placing my trust in them to head our attempts to try and return to Step 5 football with these two great guys at my side. We have Dave Rimmer who did the Juniors Managers journey and he now heads the reserves and overseeing the U21s so we have a pathway as we look to progress in these respective Leagues. The Women’s Section, what a story. Just 1 year old, Promotion to Tier 6 and Regional Women’s League Football. Our reserves who from 2026/27 will be our U23’s providing pathways again with Marc and his management team focused on further progression to Tier 5 Football and where we are bringing in to the club additional off the field resource to aid this journey and provide guidance and help in so many ways. From the application of new GPS vests, to further player care and monitoring of fitness and performance are all part of Women’s 3-year plan.
Our Juniors with their own grass pitches and use of the 3G have seen improvement in cup and league winning over the years. We have seen phenomenal growth and these efforts will continue.
Off the Field the club are pushing the Education, pathways and now fitness regimes all to develop the football club further with enhanced opportunities for ALL. Our plans are to offer fitness and facilities that are regionally second to none at one superb location here. BTEC and HE Courses with our collaboration agreement with Qualitas Sports and Hallam University and now our club becoming a shareholder in Starbridge Sports enhances the plans further whilst providing in-house opportunities at the same campus rarely offered or seen in this region. Safeguarding for our Students is simply key.
I am a custodian for this football club and its supporters. I strive for long term success for the club to provide to the community the best we can. I want to see crowds improve, further engagement with our Community and Charities. To help those that may not be quite as well off as others. In 3-years this club will move forward at a pace that will lead to success in many ways. Without our volunteers and fans we are not a club, with you we are a force and with us all pulling together we can redefine our Club further and enjoy the next 3 years journey as “We are just getting started.”
Forever a Trojan
Terry Damms – Chairman.
