Sport plays a vital role in bringing communities together, promoting health, and fostering social connections for all ages. However, Cheddar Valley Junior Football Club, a beloved institution nurturing young talent aged 5 to 16, is now facing an unprecedented crisis.
The club, well-known for embracing children of all backgrounds and abilities, is at risk of closing after its chairman unexpectedly stepped down. Without a new leader stepping up, the future of this cherished community club hangs in the balance.
To address this urgent situation, Cheddar Valley Junior Football Club will hold an emergency Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, June 26, at the Pavilion Rugby Club. The club is appealing for parents, coaches, and community members to attend and help secure its future.
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A recent post on the club’s Facebook page emphasizes the urgency: “This is an absolute priority. We MUST find someone willing to step into this vital role by this deadline. We require at least one coach from each team to attend the meeting but welcome anyone from our community to join. This affects everyone, especially our children, and your support is desperately needed to ensure the future of our club.”
The club serves both boys and girls who enjoy playing competitive football within the local leagues. Their home grounds include Kings of Wessex High School, Fairlands Middle School, and Sharpham Playing Fields. Coaching and support are generously provided by volunteers, often parents deeply invested in the club’s success.
Cheddar Valley Junior Football Club prides itself on a strong ethos centered around fun, inclusivity, and personal development. According to their website, “Our aim is to facilitate an environment where all players can develop their skills and achieve success in a safe, friendly, and fun atmosphere regardless of ability.”
The club holds a significant place within the wider community, including children from surrounding villages, and maintains close ties with the senior football club in Cheddar. This connection offers a clear pathway for under-18 players to progress into adult football leagues.
The upcoming emergency AGM at 7 pm on June 26 is the club’s final hope to find a new chairperson who can lead and sustain this vital community resource. The club’s final plea is clear: “Time is running out. Please help us save Cheddar Valley Junior Football Club. Your quick action could make all the difference.”