Football Focus Issue 83 | Page 20

Crossgates Primrose FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/FOOTYFOCUSMAG “Our company was originally based in Crossgate and both the Managing Director and myself are from the area. Crossgate Primrose is a good community club with good values and we are proud to be involved with the club having sponsored them for more than five years. We wish them the best of luck for the future.” Chris Whyte Proud Sponsors of Crossgates Primrose JFC You can contact us on 01383 510329 or by email at [email protected] Goathill Quarry, Easter Bucklyvie, Cowdenbeath, Fife, KY4 8ES Like most clubs, our committee is hard working. We are fortunate in that our group of volunteers have grown, bringing different skills, and it is fulfilling working with them and seeing what we are achieving. Whilst off field achievements are rewarding, I think I can speak for my fellow committee members and say that the progress that we are making on the pitch is what gives us the most pleasure. Our young management team have done an excellent job in putting together what is arguably the best squad we have had at Crossgates Primrose for many many years.” Atmosphere “The mood at the club is very good, there is real camaraderie amongst the squad, coaching is top quality and our support are enjoying the product on the field. We’ve also received a number of very positive comments from within the game about what is happening at Humbug Park which is gratifying. We also have the backing of a great group of sponsors and advertisers who continue to show their support both through financial and practical means.” Present “It is fair to say that we have exceeded expectations this season. Having joined the East of Scotland League this season, we found ourselves playing against some of the biggest sides in our region. Our performances against them and in general have been very positive. Finishing top five would be a superb achievement for us. It will be very difficult to do so as we have a tough run in but we will give everything we have to get there. This will mean we would play in the East of Scotland Premier League next season which would be a remarkable turnaround for the club.” 20 Issue 83 Youth “As mentioned, there are a number of us who have come from a youth background and we believe in a player pathway. One of our youngest players joined the senior team from our under 19’s and we have a very vibrant youth set up. Unfortunately, the youth teams we currently have are too young to be considered for the adult side at present but the Youth committee are doing an excellent job in building the pathway and, with the quality of some of the younger players, there is every chance we will benefit from this in 2-3 years. We also encourage the younger teams to engage with the senior side, acting as mascots and playing in small games at half time, which they thoroughly enjoy.” Challenges/Ambitions “We would very much like to become full members of the SFA. To do this we need to obtain an SFA Licence, however, there are some cost implications for us in being able to achieve this. That said, there would be real advantages for us if we were to do so. Simply put our ambition is to progress. We are a realistic committee. We know that there will be setbacks along the way but as long as the momentum is forward and the improvements are sustainable, I think we would be proud of what we have done at Crossgates Primrose. On the field, in the next five years, we have to aim to be a side that is a fixture in the East of Scotland Premier League. Beyond that, the Lowland League beckons.”