With another football season completed, I am pleased to report that Longlevens AFC, one of our community clubs has recorded its most successful season in the Club’s history. All of the Adult teams have won at least one trophy each, with the reserve team completing a unique League and Cup double.
The Trophy haul seems to be endless; The First team became League Champions for the 3RD season in succession, winning the Helenic League West at the first attempt, after previous successes in the County League. James French, his coaches and squad deserve all their accolades for setting the standard for the other Teams at the club to follow. As a reward for their achievement the team are expecting to play in the Helenic Premier League next season; a new challenge which everyone is eagerly anticipating. Expensive ground improvements at Sawmills, their home ground, have ben necessary to gain acceptance to this league and it has taken considerable effort from the Committee, Coaches and Players to complete the work on time. Chairman Chris Bishop has been instrumental in acquiring the funding, which has allowed the ground to be upgraded so effectively. Very much a Commendable “Team” effort from all involved.
The partnership of Mark Moore and Rich Workman, Co-Managers of the Reserve team, achieved a remarkable double. Their team not only won the Stroud League Division 1, comprehensively, but also won the Junior County Cup Final, beating Upton St Leonards in a hard fought final. This success allows the team to gain promotion to Northern Senior League which will provide the team with a new opportunity for this highly confident and motivated squad.
Both the Third and Fourth teams brought silverware to the Club, by winning their respective League Cups. Ironically both Cup Final victories were achieved by the players of each team holding their nerve in penalty shoot outs following drawn matches. Clive Cooper and Steve Davis the team managers are delighted at their success as their teams were also, one of the top 3 teams in their particular divisions of the Stroud League.
A significant factor in all the teams’ successes this season is the sprinkling of ex Youth team players now making their mark. These players include: Tom May, Aston Cooper, Tom Gadsden, Jack Byard and Brad Vanstone, who have adapted very quickly to senior football, with the result that each player has already been included in First team squads during the season.
As with every successful club there are volunteers who contribute, much time and effort
to ensure that the Club runs effectively. From a list of many: Andy Davis (Secretary), Bill Davis, (President) and Sharon Martin (Committee) are just three who deserve special mention for their considerable efforts.
The Youth Section too, has had some notable achievements, particularly the U13’s team. Under the guidance of Jake Ellmore and Jimmy Scurr, they won their division for their age group, in the Mid Gloucester Youth League, before being crowned Champions of Champions by beating all other U13 Divisional winners! The team were denied a magnificent treble after losing a penalty shoot -out in the final of the League Cup. Jake and Jimmy, in their first season as Coaches, have organised their team effectively and created a strong team ethic. A considerable achievement for two developing, young coaches. Also, Goalkeeper, Elliot Morrissey and midfielders Jahad Dare and Kacey Harrison, have been selected for the Cheltenham Development squad. Although, I’m sure that the whole of the squad will reflect on a season to remember.
Daren Baldwin’s U15’s, although playing in the U16 age group of the Gloucester Youth League finished in the runners up spot to a strong Tuffley Rovers U16’s team. However, their League Cup final against Abbeymead Rovers proved to be a game too far as they were soundly beaten. Despite this set back, Daren remains confident that the best is yet to come from his team.
The Tigers U12 team, reached the Mid Gloucester Champions League play offs, following a creditable second place in their division. Coaches Grahame Hill and Paul Meek , can be justifiably proud of this achievement, following their first season in Youth football at Longlevens AFC.
As regards the new season , once again a Team from Darren Smart’s Longlevens Infants Academy will be joining the Youth section, this will take the number of teams in the Youth section to 8. Also, for the first time there will be an addition to the Ladies section, in the form of an U12’s girls’ team an event that creates a new avenue in the development of the club.
Longlevens AFC continues to be recognised as one of the most progressive Football Clubs in Gloucestershire. The new Youth facility at Innsworth which becomes available for next season is a clear indicator of this and who could argue, after such an unprecedented season of achievement for this rapidly evolving Community Football Club.
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