Football Focus FF84 Web | Page 29

Mulbarton Wanderers & Belles Mulbarton Wanderers & Belles FOOTBALL CLUB Mulbarton Wanderers and Belles FC is a fine example of the important role that a club can play in their local community. They are based on The Common in Norwich and are led by Chair Duane James who is supported by Treasurer Denise Gaskin and the club is looking to progress under their guidance. Their men’s first team has enjoyed a positive campaign this time around, having put together a record of twenty-three wins, five draws and six defeats from their thirty-four matches. This sees them sitting in third place in the league with seventy-four points on the board. Their form this season should provide the perfect platform from which to build in the coming years. As long as they are able to retain their current group of players and can perhaps make one or two quality additions in the off-season they should be well positioned for further success. Mulbarton Wanderers and Belles FC is not a club to focus solely upon their senior set up and this is reflected in the thriving youth section that they run. This part of the club looks to provide young players from the local community with a safe and enjoyable environment in which to play the game whilst helping them to reach their full potential. It is important for any club looking to be successful over a sustained period of time to be able to produce their own talent and this is an area they appear to have covered. It will certainly be exciting to see how their youngsters can progress in the coming years. The club’s good work was recognised when they were awarded a grant of £1,800 in relation to the Grow the Game project. The grant will help them to establish all-female football for girls aged between 5-11 with teams planned to be added next season. Speaking to the club’s official website, www.mulbartonfc. co.uk after the award, Chairman Duane James, said, “The Football Foundation has really encouraged and supported us in our goal to boost participation in female football. With their grant we are able to purchase all the required kit and equipment, as well as pay for pitches and coaching courses for the girls new coaches. We’re really excited to see where this goes as it can only be a good thing for the Club, as well as the local community.” “We are also delighted to be able to introduce three new coaches to look after the girls teams – Liz Hughes, Cara Skinner and Michelle Allen. All three will be a great asset to the club and wonderful coaches for the young ladies.” Established October 1988, the Sports and Social Club is situated 5 miles south of Norwich, in the quiet village of Mulbarton. T: 01508 570626 Follow us on facebook at Mulbarton Sports & Social Club New Village hall, The Common, Mulbarton, Norwich, NR14 8AE www.footballfocusmag.com 29