A new grassroots social value football club in Wirral has been improving the lives of children. New Brighton Victoria FC was founded in May 2023, with the aim of instilling social values into children, and already has some profound success stories amongst their members.
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Having just embarked upon their first full season, the junior football club is aiming to become a ‘game changer’ in grassroots junior football. Rather than leading with the often toxic competitive nature of junior sport, epitomised by angry parents screaming on the touchline, the club is doing great things to promote inclusion and wellbeing through the sport.
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The new club now has four teams of both boys and girls up to the age of 16 and all children get equal playing time regardless of ability. During training sessions subjects such as mental health are discussed and following matches there’s a de-brief where the children are encouraged to talk about their feelings.
Each month two children are selected for specialist 1-2-1 training at a football academy and there are regular social events and team building activities. The club engages in charity and fundraising activities — raising money for partner charities Young Lives Vs Cancer, CICRA and other local organisations such as Charlotte’s Brightside.
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Club Chairman Chris Guy said: “Football is a huge platform and like anything it can be used in a good way or a bad way. Unfortunately, the game has developed a bit of a toxic culture that can actually be destructive to children’s mental health. Things such as rejection, failure, exclusion, aggressive parents and professional players giving out the wrong messages can all do damage.”
He continued: “I’m so proud of the legacy we are creating. We have some wonderful volunteers, parents and children all aligning with our club values. Our club isn’t just about playing football on a Saturday, it’s also about what we do off the field too. Helping the local community, raising money for local charities and going above and beyond to make sure that our children are happy.”
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New Brighton Victoria FC already has some profound success stories. One such story is that of 9-year-old midfielder George Cormack who has been suffering with Crohn’s disease. When he first joined the club he lacked confidence but has gone on to become one of their best players — winning Man Of The Match and Player’s Player awards.
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Chris said: “George is a shining example of what we’re trying to do at this club. He overcomes daily challenges and does not let his illness affect his love for football and his friends and teammates. His confidence and ability have really grown through playing for the team and his mum, Lisa, is now Club Secretary. It’s great to see the other players be so encouraging and supportive to him too.”
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New Brighton Victoria FC has a policy of Nourishment, Behaviour, Volunteering, Friends and Chance and a code of conduct that encourages children to Make Effort, Play Fair, Obey Rules, Shake Hands and Respect & Listen. The idea is to use the sport as a toll to help children develop as people as well as footballers.
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Chris summarised: “Through football we aim to mould the next generation into good human beings who are kind, caring, conscious and community driven. We want to end the toxic culture of angry parents, competing aggressively, exclusion, bullying and the wrong messages being given by professionals. Football is a powerful tool and here at New Brighton Victoria FC we want to use it in the right way.”
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New Brighton Victoria FC is a new grassroots social value football club in Wirral that has been improving the lives of children through wellbeing, inclusion and a positive culture and ethos. The club is ever-growing and is open to new members and new sponsors — current sponsors supporting the club are Skyline, Riverview Environmental, Max Spielmann and The Sea Shanty.
New Brighton Victoria Football Club
TO REGISTER YOUR CHILD WITH NBVFC OR TO SPONSOR THE TEAM MESSAGE CHRIS ON 07368947749 OR CONTACT VIA THE WEBSITE
For more information visit the New Brighton Victoria Football Club WEBSITE
Images courtesy of Alan Griffiths Sports Photography
