Non League birth secured by Ashton Athletic FC

Press release 26.06.06

Ashton Athletics' recent endeavours have been rewarded with a place in the North West Counties Football League for the forthcoming season.

The Ashton in Makerfield based football Club now joins the second tier of what is officially known as the Moore & Co Construction Solicitors League along with Bootle FC, and the re-incarnation of the old Runcorn Football Club, which has been re-badged as Runcorn Linnets FC.

Club chairman Steve Halliwell and General Manager David Powell attended the Leagues Annual General Meeting in Buxton on 17^th June to learn that the Club's two year campaign to achieve the required standards had been successful, and the Club had been re-admitted to the first rung of the non league ladder after an absence of 20 years. Chairman Halliwell said" we must record our gratitude for the excellent guidance from the League's Management Committee and for the support of Lancashire FA throughout this process".

General Manager David Powell, a player with the Club when they last competed in the league was clearly delighted " It has been a long and sometimes arduous journey to get back to this level of competition both on and off the field and everyone who has been associated with the Club throughout this time has contributed towards this achievement. There are a few dedicated people still involved with the Club from the time when we were relegated from the league, having failed the ground grading back in 1986; and for them it is a just reward for their sustained commitment." he commented.

Chairman Steve Halliwell highlighted the tirelessly work of the Committee to upgrade the facilities to a standard that will be one of the best in the new league, and added "it will not stop there, the Club remains committed to continue with developments of its facilities for the first team and equally as important to us, our blossoming youth section".

The Club will now embark on a new chapter with the Club's Management team keen to add to the existing squad and new recruits are being scouted to back up the existing playing staff. Powell explains "we will be recruiting players who have experience of playing at this level and above, or have potential to do so. We have some excellent quality within the existing teams but know we are in for a challenge and although the existing players are up for it, they know that the Club needs to bring in additional players to maintain the Club's progress and are fully prepared for the competition for places"

The Club Chairman also emphasises the Clubs commitment to developing the playing side adding "the Club has also entered a team in the Reserve section of the same league providing excellent standards and quality of facilities for all players at the club. We are currently seeking a manager to take on this position and a further announcement will be made in the near future"

Pre season training is now well underway at the Brocstedes Park Ground on Tuesday and Thursday nights, as well as Saturday afternoons and details of pre season matches will be made available soon.

In addition to the adult team the Club is also seeking to add to its youth teams which range from under 7 to under 18. Anyone players wishing to become involved with the Club should contact David Powell on 07770 696747.

Further details from D Powell 07770 696747