Football Focus Issue 74 | Page 60

Prestwich Heys Prestwich Heys FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/FOOTYFOCUSMAG Prestwich Heys FOOTBALL CLUB Prestwich Heys AFC enjoyed a positive pre-season and will now be looking to make sure that that is reflected in the results they achieve on the field. Football Focus Magazine recently caught up with their Vice Chairman Neil Sankey to find out more about the good work that the club has been doing lately. He told us, “I have been involved with the club for 26 years. I was involved with a junior club at Deans Youth Centre for six years and took this team to Prestwich Heys so that they were able to continue into senior football. “Financial pressures are a big challenge and currently the club does not have a major sponsor. The rewards are the success of both the First and Second Teams who have been promoted with the first team being a member of NW Counties. The 2nd Team have been promoted to the Manchester Premier League. “Both Teams are looking forward to the new season and hoping for further successes. Pitch renovations have gone well. We have signed numerous new players. We recently held a very successful Fun Day which was well attended and attracted the local community which is great for the Club. “A promotion to the NW Counties Premier League for the First Team would be great but this would bring with it additional financial pressures having to meet the F.A. criteria for the ground. “Youth development is important to the Club as it brings in new talent such as the youngsters we have already signed up for the forthcoming season. Our Managers keep a watchful eye on young players who are supported through our two/three weekly training sessions. “As mentioned above we are always delighted when the local residents attend matches and join in our social activities. We have now established a Social Committee who will encourage this aspect of Club life. “Funding for the Club is our biggest challenge, to enable it to develop. From my perspective as Groundsman, the constant battle to maintain the pitch is a challenge as a high quality surface for our teams inevitably attracts more skilful players. “Our ambition over the next five years is to gain promotion to NW Counties Premier for the First Team and for stability for the Second Team within the Manchester Premier League. We also wish to develop the ground’s facilities to support future promotions.” It is clearly an exciting time for everyone involved with Prestwich Heys AFC at the moment and their recent success is a just reward for all of the hard work that has gone into the club in recent years. Hopefully they will be able to continue in the same manner for many years to come. LANCASHIRE MOTOR BODIES Proud sponsors of Prestwich Heys FC We are an independent, insurance approved vehicle repair centre based in Eccles, Manchester, carrying out expert repairs on all makes of cars and light commercial vehicles. Lancashire Motor Bodies cover all areas of vehicle repair and maintenance in the Greater Manchester area. We offer a range of automotive services that include: Insurance aprroved Bodywork Repairs | 4 Wheel Alignment | Vehicle Servicing Glass / Windscreen Repairs | Air Conditioning | Tyres & Brakes | SMART Repairs | Alloy Wheel Repairs For more information visit our website today: www.lancashiremotorbodies.co.uk T: 0161 707 4110 E: [email protected] Unit C, Nasmyth Business Park, James Nasmyth Way, Eccles, Manchester, M30 0SF 60 Issue 74 www.footballfocusmag.com 61