Two of Prestwich and Whitefield’s longest serving football clubs are joining forces.
Prestwich Heys AFC and Prestwich Marauders FC have entered into a partnership agreement.
The link will create a development pathway for local people to play from aged five up to open age semi-professional level.
Heys, formed in 1938, out of Heys School for Boys (now The Heys School), have a rich history and compete in the North West Counties League Premier Division at step five of the non-league pyramid.
Marauders was formed in 1972 to provide football for young people in Prestwich and Whitefield and has over 300 members, both boys and girls aged between five and 16, as well as two open age adult teams. The club operates across three separate sites in the area, one of which is at the rear of Heys’ home ground at Adie Moran Park on Sandgate Road, Whitefield.
Although both clubs’ day-to-day operations will be kept separate with Marauders looking after junior football and Heys being responsible for over-16s youth and adults, they have agreed to work together on sharing resources, expertise, knowledge and good practice.
This will create more opportunities for male and female players, including those with disabilities, whilst opening more options to develop playing facilities for their members.
By coming together the clubs believe the partnership represents a huge leap in embedding their presence in the community and will help strengthen the clubs on and off the field.
Marauders Chairman Chris Abbott said: “This is great news for young people in Prestwich and Whitefield - it means when our junior players reach the age of 16 they could progress into youth teams, then open age football within their local non-league club.
“We’ve been trying to build a close relationship with Heys for a long time. Finally, with their new chairman having a similar vision for the development of football in this area, we can build on each other's resources, work together on facilities and look forward to a great future together.”
Heys Chairman Jon Lyons said: “We are excited to be working with all at Prestwich Marauders in establishing pathways for young boys and girls to be able to progress into open age football.
“This partnership raises the profile of both clubs in Prestwich and Whitefield, and can only benefit the local area as we look to provide those opportunities alongside improved facilities on and off the pitch for the local community to enjoy.”
Prestwich Heys AFC and Prestwich Marauders FC have entered into a partnership agreement.
The link will create a development pathway for local people to play from aged five up to open age semi-professional level.
Heys, formed in 1938, out of Heys School for Boys (now The Heys School), have a rich history and compete in the North West Counties League Premier Division at step five of the non-league pyramid.
Marauders was formed in 1972 to provide football for young people in Prestwich and Whitefield and has over 300 members, both boys and girls aged between five and 16, as well as two open age adult teams. The club operates across three separate sites in the area, one of which is at the rear of Heys’ home ground at Adie Moran Park on Sandgate Road, Whitefield.
Although both clubs’ day-to-day operations will be kept separate with Marauders looking after junior football and Heys being responsible for over-16s youth and adults, they have agreed to work together on sharing resources, expertise, knowledge and good practice.
This will create more opportunities for male and female players, including those with disabilities, whilst opening more options to develop playing facilities for their members.
By coming together the clubs believe the partnership represents a huge leap in embedding their presence in the community and will help strengthen the clubs on and off the field.
Marauders Chairman Chris Abbott said: “This is great news for young people in Prestwich and Whitefield - it means when our junior players reach the age of 16 they could progress into youth teams, then open age football within their local non-league club.
“We’ve been trying to build a close relationship with Heys for a long time. Finally, with their new chairman having a similar vision for the development of football in this area, we can build on each other's resources, work together on facilities and look forward to a great future together.”
Heys Chairman Jon Lyons said: “We are excited to be working with all at Prestwich Marauders in establishing pathways for young boys and girls to be able to progress into open age football.
“This partnership raises the profile of both clubs in Prestwich and Whitefield, and can only benefit the local area as we look to provide those opportunities alongside improved facilities on and off the pitch for the local community to enjoy.”
