Congratulations to Longlevens AFC: County Football League Champions

In only its second season In the Gloucestershire County League, Longlevens AFC have defied all the odds to win the League Championship.

This was deserved recognition for the determined way that the team set about achieving this feat. It is a credit not only to a group of

talented players but to manager James French and his support team for the organisation and team spirit they have generated.

Due to the adverse weather in November and December when many games were cancelled, the team was left with 25 games to play to

complete their fixtures; they won 21, drew 1 and lost only 3 of the games. At one stage they played 7 games in 14 days! Their results

endorse their position at the top of the league and although the challenge proved to be both tense and exhausting the team’s resolve to

win the league never diminished

They were finally crowned as champions during mid-May with one fixture still to play. The County Championship Trophy was presented

to Club Captain Craig Martin and Mark Moore, at the Sawmills ground, following their last match of the season which saw the Champions

win 3- 0 against Frampton. The County League’s leading goal scorer Shaun O’Connor was

again on target for Longlevens,

This match proved to be even more poignant, as Mark Moore who miraculously recovered

from a cardiac arrest, suffered when playing earlier in the season, played for the last 6

minutes of the match. Mark’s return was unexpected; however, as he was recently given

the ok by his Consultant it was a great opportunity to show everyone he has made a full

recovery. Mark was quickly involved in the match and almost scored with the last kick of the

game. What a fitting way to end this tremendous season! Photo: Craig and Mark with the

trophy

The team is developing into a real force and the mix of talented younger players, combined

with the maturity of the more experienced players has proved to be a successful

formula.

At the Club’s recent Presentation evening the special award for Club Person of the

year was presented to Tim Hall by James French. Tim was commended for or his

overall contribution to the success of the First team. Within his combination of roles as

a Coach, Physiotherapist and Grounds man Tim looks after the pitch at Sawmills which

to his credit remains in excellent condition even at this stage of the season. His efforts

have been appreciated by both the team, Committee and James particularly. A

well-deserved award for his valuable contribution to Longlevens Football Club.

Longlevens AFC offers Football Facilities and Coaching to everyone who wishes to play

organised football. There are 4 Senior Men’s teams, A Ladies Team and a Youth Section which will have 4 teams next season with ages

ranging from Ull’s toUl4’s. The expansion and development of the Youth section is seen as a key factor in establishing a strong base for

the Club’s future. In conjunction with Longlevens Infants, the objective Is to have Teams for U5/6’s year olds through to U18’s before

transferring to senior football. The Youth section Coaches are committed to developing the football skills and character of the young

players and ensuring there is a safe and secure environment in which they can enjoy their football.

The Ladies team too have had a successful season, being promoted after finishing Runners up In the Stroud Ladies league. Andy Trout,

team manager is thrilled at the team’s progress and Is already looking forward to next season.

As a Charter Standard Club, Longlevens are keen to forge links with organisations within the local community and have held Football taster

opportunities for younger girls, during the season, whilst currently conducting a series of weekly coaching sessions for pupils from the

Milestones school.

We feel sure that having secured this league title it will provide a strong basis for the Longlevens Football Club to become a Football hub

within our Community.