You may or may not have seen Gary Stevens’ article in this weeks Courier so Gary has requested that we reproduce it here on the TWFC web site. Gary is keen to hear from any interested parties with views or opinions about his plans and what indeed they would like to see happen at TWFC. Please email [email protected]
The summer months might not provide too many games to watch at your local club but there will be frantic action behind the scenes.
Steve Bruce was asked if he was looking forward to a more relaxed spell having gained promotion back into the Premiership only to puff out his cheeks and claim “the work starts now”.
Well the next 3 months or so will be extremely busy for me too. The final legal matters surrounding my acquisition of Tunbridge Wells FC are being concluded and then I can get started.
A certain amount of preparation has already taken place but nothing particularly visible so people are wondering what’s going on.
I’ve already spoken to most of those currently involved at the club and they’re all keen to continue their association and hard work. The manager, Martin Farnie, knows the squad of players he would like for next season with pre season training and match dates already pencilled in.
The Reserve and Youth teams are still fulfilling fixtures but once they’re concluded then a similar exercise will take place. The Under 18’s are off to play in the World Youth Tournament in Sweden this summer, what an opportunity, thanks in no small part to generous sponsorship from TWHI Trade.
Sponsorship and support from local business will play an important part in the success of TWFC going forward and an information pack is being produced itemising various opportunities for those wishing to have an association with the club.
We’ll also have an Under 14 and Under 15 team playing in the Kent Youth League next season with initial trials this month on Friday 4 and Thursday 10 May. Interested players should email [email protected] or phone 01892 617140.
The ladies team, which is an important part of the club, has had a fine inaugural season and needs to be further developed and linked more closely to the club and Culverden Stadium.
A club house is the life blood of any semi professional team. Once the appropriate permissions have been received then a certain amount of improvement is planned both inside and out. Regular functions and activities will be staged to draw people down to a fabulous location that will boast enhanced facilities.
The turnstiles and entrance to the ground from the car park needs some revision and will be done before the first home friendly.
The pitch at Culverden Stadium has been a real problem over the years and some remedial work is required but it won’t be until this time next year that a new surface will be a serious consideration. Similar applies to the changing rooms as much as we need the improvements now.
Eventually a smarter entrance from Culverden Down and an upgrade of the current driveway and car park will take place but that’s a touch further down the line.
A real priority is a training facility for when the evenings draw in and the weather deteriorates but there are few options in the area. How can Martin develop a pattern of play and team understanding if he can’t work with his players between games.
An office will be established at the ground that we can actively work from and administer the club. There is little awareness of TWFC in and around Tunbridge Wells so a campaign to market and increase the clubs profile will be rolled out slowly.
I doubt if 1% of the population of Tunbridge Wells has ever been to the Culverden Stadium to watch a match or attend a function. You have to ask why?
We’ll be working more closely with local schools, youth teams and other organisations for mutual benefit. There are few choices for better players to play above the Crowborough and District or Tandridge Youth leagues so TWFC will be offering that with access into the Kent Youth League via our senior status.
I won’t bore you with important matters such as insurance along with health and safety to mention a few. The list goes on for about a mile and all of them need to be covered.
My traditional summer holiday in Spain might be cancelled this year.
