Seymours Godalming Celebrates Community Spirit at Farncombe Youth Football Club

Farncombe Youth Football Club (FYFC) is working closely with Seymours Estate Agents in Godalming, Surrey, to raise awareness of the importance of youth football and the positive impact it has on the wider community.

We are extremely proud to be the main club sponsors and our ongoing support has helped the club to grow and develop its many teams. In addition, we also love to support major events including the annual FYFC Bonfire and Fireworks night which was a great success this November.

During a recent visit to the Meades Park football ground, we met with Jim Whitbourn, Club Treasurer and Coach, to find out more about the history of the club, how it benefits young people, and why the support of Seymours Godalming is vital.

How important is Farncombe Youth Football Club to the local community?

The Club was founded in 1975 when Trish Moorey and Janet Longhurst created two teams for their sons. It quickly attracted youngsters of all ages and also the support of volunteers who wanted to become a part of the club.

FYFC plays a hugely important role in our community, not only by providing local children with the opportunity to play football but through opening up our facilities for other events and organisations too. The club brings people together to enjoy occasions such as our annual club fireworks night as well as local school tournaments.

Today around 90 volunteers from the local community help to run the club and manage our teams. We are also lucky that many of the players parents, grandparents, and carers help to run our tuck shop and support events.

Has the number of players grown over the years?

The club has grown dramatically with around 300 registered players in 2016, increasing to almost 600 now – almost double the number of players over the last five years. We now have more than 35 teams and a burgeoning girls’ section with over 100 players.

We also have a long-standing relationship with Farncombe FC – an adults club with two teams now playing at Meades Park on a regular basis.

Why do you think that football is so important to young people?

Our club ethos is focused on enjoyment, effort, and belonging. We run multiple teams in all age groups, allowing every child at the club to play at a level that’s right for them. The different age groups are also given the opportunity to train together which gives every player the chance to meet new friends from the area and hopefully create lifelong connections that sport can provide.

Our aim as a club is to develop every child at every age and stage, not just as football players but also as individuals. We teach them valuable life skills along the way such as teamwork, communication skills, and most importantly respect for others. We hope that every player goes on to grow up and move on with many happy memories.

What does the support of Seymours mean to the teams?

Seymours support is really helping us to put our club on the map and provide players with the best possible experiences. Having such a well-respected Surrey-based business behind us is great for our profile, but it also provides much needed financial support. Our players and their parents recognise all of the good that Seymours does for the club and hopefully that means when they are looking to make their next house move the estate agency will be top of their minds too.

What do the Under 7’s think of their new Seymours branded kit?

The Comets absolutely love it! The look on all of their faces when they saw this season’s new strip by Adidas was fantastic. For the U7’s, this is their first ever team strip from the club, so it is extra special for them. As our partnership continues, Seymours will be an ever-present part of their football experience at Farncombe.

How are the teams enjoying this season?

For many of our players this is their first experience of playing in team matches. With just one term of the new season gone they have had a great time getting to know each other and their new coaches, as well as playing their first friendly matches against other teams. Not only are they coming back week after week, but they are also telling their friends how fun it is too.

Find out more about Farncombe Youth Football Club and how you can register a new player online here https://www.farncombeyouthfc.com/

Read more articles on Seymours in the Surrey community here