A CROMPTON based football club has become of the fastest growing in the North West.
In only four months, more than 120 players have signed up for Crompton FC.
The club is based at Crompton Cricket Club on Glebe Street, Shaw and operates 12 teams, mostly in girls’ competitions.
They operate in the North and South Manchester Girls’ Leagues.
A number of key partnerships, including with Hopwood Hall, Middleton Campus, have been formed.
But Crompton FC aren’t resting on their laurels and are looking to recruit more players, including for boys’ teams.
Chris Leach, committee member and U12s Sharks and U14s Jets Team manager, said: “We started in June thanks to an enthusiastic group of people in the local area.
“The goal is to give opportunities to the young children and adults in the local community to be part of a football club for anyone who wants to play the game.
“We have a grass pitch at Crompton Cricket Club where the Under 17’s and Open Age Ladies teams play their home games. Other teams used the pitch to train during the summer.
“Now with the darker nights, all teams train on all weather 3G pitches under floodlights at Hopwood Hall, Middleton Campus.
“We have established a partnership with the campus and also use the sport hall for their flourishing Academy for young children.
“Currently we have 12 female teams ranging from Under 9s up to Open Age.
“The Academy set up is called ‘Roary’s Cubs’ Club and is for younger girls aged four to eight years old and boys four to six years old.
“In the short space of time Crompton FC have been up and running, the energy of everyone involved in the club has been amazing.
“They have transformed the pitch and surrounding area which is currently undergoing work to make the ground safe and secure for the teams.
“A pitch maintenance programme is planned to ensure the already excellent playing surface is further improved.”
Crompton FC have chosen Dr Kershaw’s Hospice as their club charity, and the Under 17s recently took part in the annual DR Kershaw’s Colour Blast fundraising event.
UK Superfold have come on board as club sponsors and also sponsor the Under 14s Jets.
“We are here to provide a fun and safe environment for anyone who wants to be part of our journey,” added Chris.
“I want to see smiles before match points and football as the winner.
“Our emphasis is on ensuring every player is treated equal. We very much want to give them all the same chance, be it coaching, kits, and care and attention.”
Micky Lennon, Under 9s and Under 10s Galaxy’s coach, added: “It’s the enjoyment of seeing the girls grow as a team and the friendships they’ve formed that makes it worthwhile.
“At Crompton, we are building something exciting and a club that will be around for girls and boys to enjoy for years to come.”
For further details of the club visit: www.cromptonfc.org