Foxes return to action

After losing an entire season to the pandemic, the players and coaches at Lydford Foxes are pleased to be playing competitive football again.

The club, which prides itself on offering football to young players of all abilities, has entered three teams in the Adrenalin Devon Junior and Minor League (DJML) 2021/22: Under 10s, Under 15s and Under 16s. It’s the first time the Under 9s have played league football, having been coached by Allana Chick and Steve Hunt for two years. The youngest Foxes were keen to get going after playing a dozen friendlies and taking part in several tournaments over the summer. There’s no shortage of talent in the team, so the club is looking forward to seeing how they progress over the coming years.

The Under 15s and Under 16s returned to league football following 18 months off. Both teams were training at Brentor since the end of March, so they were more than ready to face teams from across West Devon. The 2021/22 fixture list pits the teams against clubs from Plymouth, Tavistock, Horrabridge, Launceston, Callington and Saltash.

Club secretary Hannah Braithwaite-Smith said: ‘We couldn’t wait to return to league football. After years of development, it was tough to miss a season and a half of football, but we were humbled to see such a positive response to our return to training in March.

‘We’re used to games being called off due to bad weather or muddy pitches but losing 18 months is a bit different to missing a weekend or two! We missed our Foxes family!

‘I’d like to wish our coaches, Allana, Steve, Paul, Matt L, Matt P and Gavin all the best for the coming season. Even bigger best wishes to our young players. Go Foxes!’

Established in 2016, the club offers training and competitive football to youngsters in the local area. The club trains at Ashbury Hotel on Tuesdays over the winter and participates in the DJML on Saturdays. If you’d like to join the playing or coaching staff, get in touch via the website at www.LydfordFoxes.com