Lydford Foxes AFC needs you!

This summer, all eyes will be on Russia for the FIFA World Cup, but for children in the Lydford area, there's a focus on football a little closer to home. Lydford Foxes is a new and growing youth football club, with a support team determined to go from strength to strength.

Lydford Foxes started small, with a few 'lads and dads' kicking a ball on the sports field. With a rusty goal at one end and jumpers for goalposts at the other, it was about as grassroots as you could get. But word spread and soon, some 20 to 30 children were turning regularly and thoughts turned to establishing a village youth football club.

FA coaching badges were completed, new goals purchased and Lydford Foxes AFC was formed. In the summer of 2017, the club was affiliated with the Devon FA and elected to join the Devon Junior & Minor League, playing against teams in Plymouth, Torpoint, Saltash, Ivybridge and the like.

For a village of 400 residents and a club of 40 children, Lydford Foxes are punching above their weight. There are no egos or prima donnas in Lydford, but no shortage of talent or endeavour. Crucially, there’s a culture of willingness to learn and enjoying football with a smile on your face, which is why the club welcomes children of all abilities. All they require are football boots, shin pads and a desire to play for the team.

From the pitch in the picturesque surroundings of West Dartmoor to the clubhouse and support staff, Lydford Foxes has enviable foundations for such a small club. It's all been possible thanks to the generosity of local individuals, the parish council and Lydford Sports Field, along with the team of volunteers. Not many youth football clubs can boast a hospitality team serving teas, coffees and bacon sandwiches to visiting parents and players!

The club also has its own groundsman, with the filling of rabbit holes forming part of his pre-match routine.

For chairman and U13s coach Gavin Braithwaite-Smith, the long-term development of the

players is more important than a win-at-all-costs mentality. He said: ’t's great to see 40

youngsters turning up and playing. It might be a cliché to say that it gets the children off PlayStations and into the fresh air, but that's precisely what the club has achieved. The children have made new friends and are developing life skills for the future. But just as importantly, they're improving their football skills.’

The club is looking for new players ahead of the 2018-2019 season. Young footballers between the ages of seven and 15 are invited to apply for a free one-month trial, with the club promising weekly training and competitive football to players of all abilities. Parents are encouraged to visit www.lydfordfoxes.com or email play@lydfordfoxes.com.