In the autumn of 2022, the players and staff of Mousehole Football Club were devastated to hear that former player Rheiss McLean died as a result of suicide. The tragic event served to highlight the importance of focusing on mental health in a club environment. In the following months, Mousehole renewed and updated our mental health awareness programme and appointed club officers to implement it.

We held a collection on a match day for the charity Band of Brothers, who give young men going through difficult times a mentorship experience that has seen remarkable results.

The donation from the club was presented to Band of Brothers in Redruth at Heartlands on Wednesday night at their Coming Home Ceremony, an event where the most recent mentees are blessed and honoured for their progress towards a better understanding of coping with their challenges.

The ceremony was a moving testament to the power of mentorship for young men and held in the presence of families and community leaders, as well as the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, the Kings representative in the Duchy. BBC Spotlight were also there to highlight the work that Band of Brothers do in the county.

You can find out more about the charity here: https://abandofbrothers.org.uk. There are branches in Penzance and Falmouth and plans to open in St Austell. If you know of a young man who could benefit from their mentorship, or an older man who might act as a mentor, do get in touch.

Hello everybody,

I am writing to you on behalf of the directors to let you know about a critical vacancy which has opened up within the match day management of the first team. This is a fantastic opportunity to put yourself at the heart of what we do at Mousehole and to ensure the smooth and compliant running of the club.

A few weeks ago Andrew Large, who has been club secretary now for several years as well as fixtures secretary for the last couple of seasons, let us know he has decided to step down at the end of this season. His contribution to this club has been immeasurable and remarkable, and his departure leaves a large hole to fill.

We urgently need somebody to step up to take over Andrew‘s duties beginning next season. The requirements of the role are set out below but it is quite possible that we will try to split some of these between two or three people.

If you are interested we’d be happy to chat over the details with you.

This club prides itself on our community spirit and the tireless contributions of our volunteers. If you know of anybody who might be suitable for this role, please do let me know on kevinbishop@mouseholeafc.co.uk or 07739 920 251.

FOOTBALL AND FIXTURES SECRETARY JOB DESCRIPTION

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

Liaise with visiting team prior to home games regarding playing colours, programme information, hospitality requirements, travel arrangements and pitch inspections

Liaise with match officials prior to home games regarding pitch inspections, travel arrangements and payment details

Liaise with host team prior to away games regarding playing colours, programme information, hospitality requirements and travel arrangements

Input team information into the Southern League’s Match Day System and present to referee (to be completed 45 minutes before kick-off at both home and away games) 

Operate the Southern League’s Match Day System during home matches 

Liaise with opponents and the League regarding fixture rearrangements

Act as first point of contact with the Southern League and the FA for all correspondence, incoming and outgoing, and attend both online and “in person” meetings as required 

Liaise with team management regarding players: notices of approach, registrations, disciplinary record, etc.

OTHER TASKS

Attend both home and away games in fulfilment of the responsibilities and tasks above, delegating when absent 

Maintain “player pen picture”, “club history” and “club information” files for use in (home and away) match programmes 

Maintain a fixtures and results summary for sharing within the Club 

Ensure that key information is shared with the Board and the broader volunteer community 

Participate in relevant discussions with the Chairman, Board and team management

Working with the Chairman and the Board, help to safeguard and promote the Club’s interests, image and reputation 

Ensure that everything possible is done to avoid costs and fines imposed by the League, FA and CCFA

Forward Evander Grubb has joined Taunton after a brief spell with Mousehole. The forward joined on a dual-signing with the Somerset club in December. He made 3 appearances for Mousehole first team scoring 1 goal for the club.

Evander described his spell with the Seagulls as a positive experience saying: “I really enjoyed my time down in Mousehole even though it was short. The club is full of great people and can’t thank them all enough for everything they done for me in this short period of time. They have a great environment for young players to get back into the professional game.”

Mousehole manager Jake Ash said: “We’re disappointed that Evander has left us but wish him well. We always knew our intention was to provide him with a platform at Mousehole to improve and progress up the ladder – maybe not this soon, but it’s testament to what we do here that this opportunity has presented itself already. The chance to play Step 2 football and be looked after at a club the size and with the resources of Taunton is an opportunity he couldn’t turn down. The fact that several players have left Taunton in recent weeks to play at professional clubs is obviously another factor in his decision making.

We wish him well and our attention turns to finding someone to fill the space that he leaves.”

Mousehole AFC would like to thank everybody who so kindly donated to our crowdfunding campaign. The generous rewards and cash donations from our fans, local businesses and the wider community reminded us how lucky we are to be part of such a wonderful club.

Alas, our target was not met. Perhaps we were too ambitious; perhaps the climate is not right at the moment or perhaps the time of the year was against us. We will take on board the experience of running this campaign and learn lessons for the future.

For those of you who made a generous donation of a cash pledge to the crowdfunder, your money will be fully refunded by crowdfunder.co.uk, including all transaction charges.

For those businesses who pledged rewards, any vouchers or goods can be returned. If you would like us to do this please contact Kevinbishop@mouseholeafc.co.uk.

Thank you again for your support for Mousehole AFC. Our ambition does not stop with the closure of this campaign. If you’d like to be kept up-to-date with our future plans and other ways of supporting the club, please sign up to our newsletter at the top of this webpage.

There’s a new light in the sky over Mousehole this holiday season – and it’s not just the traditional Harbour Lights. 

Every year thousands of visitors flock to the small Cornish fishing harbour of Mousehole for the annual harbour lights. Displays are placed throughout the town and along the harbour wall and basin. It’s a tradition that dates back to 1963 and the lights are accompanied by choir singing and other festive events. 

This year however there’s a new light in the sky. Mousehole football club have just installed their new LED floodlights with the aid of a Football Foundation grant.

As winter draws in and the short days make floodlit football a weekly event, the bright lights over the coastline might make for a new attraction this winter. Stacey who runs Spaven Mor holiday home in Penzance took this great shot while out walking her dog. What a view from the Prom!

If you want to catch some great family entertainment in West Cornwall this Christmas, why not combine a harbour light visit with a game at Trungle Parc, just up the hill? Mousehole’s first team has home fixtures on the 2nd, 5th and 16th December with the women’s team at Trungle on the 10th December.

All Mousehole Fixtures here: https://www.mouseholeafc.co.uk/fixtures-table/

One match to aim for this Christmas is definitely the home fixture against Westbury on the 23rd December. That date is a special one for Mousehole as the village celebrates Tom Bawcock’s Eve. The festival is held in celebration and memorial of the efforts of legendary Mousehole resident Tom Bawcock to lift a famine from the village by going out to fish in a severe storm. During this festival Stargazy pie (a mixed fish, egg and potato pie with protruding fish heads) is eaten and there’s a lantern procession as well as a good deal of celebrating in the local pubs.

Mousehole AFC will be flying the flag for Cornwall at the annual Football Content Awards taking place at Liverpool’s Anfield football stadium on Thursday evening.

The West Cornwall club, who play in the Pitching In Southern League First Division, have been shortlisted in the Best Non-League Club Section. The face competition from Chesterfield, Hashtag United, Dorking Wanderers, Sheffield FC and Punjab United among others. Other categories being awarded on the night include Best Premier League Content Creator, Best Podcast, Best Influencer and Best E-Sports Creator. As well as Premier League clubs, representatives from the major broadcasters such as Sky Sports and BBC will be there, alongside international representatives from Real Madrid, Barcelona and the US Major League Soccer.

Mousehole have been shortlisted for their online content, including match-day video and text reports, live Twitter feeds and live pages from each game. Their documentary series Way Out West charted the progress of the team as they competed for, and eventually won, the Western League in April this year. The series focused on the progress both on and off the pitch, looking at the work of the managing staff of the club and the strong band of volunteers that keeps it going.

The club will be represented in Liverpool by chairman Deryk Heywood, media director Kevin Bishop, social media and website lead Jeff Richardson and match-day reporter Pablo-Woolls Blanco. There’s quick turnaround for the group who will be driving up to Liverpool on the day of the ceremony and straight back the next morning in time for the club’s Southern League match against Evesham on Saturday. Jeff Richardson – a former club manager – will be flying in for the event from the Netherlands from where he manages the club’s social media accounts.

Winners are awarded based on a combination of a public and jury vote. Judges include Ed Maylon, a founder of The Athletic and Isabel Hayle from Better Collective, a leading digital sports agency. The event is sponsored by Panini and Forza Football.

As well as voting for football content online, the event will also see awards for the content creators’ favourite footballers. Alessio Russo, Beth Mead and Lauren James are among the women’s nominations. Included in the men’s category are Erling Haaland, Marcus Rashford and Mo Salah.

The full shortlist for the ceremony is here: https://footballcontentawards.com/2023/09/25/2023-finalists-announced/

Mousehole AFC have launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for a new access road to their ground at Trungle Parc near Penzance in Cornwall. The project aims to alleviate congestion caused by match-day and camping traffic in the neighbouring village of Paul.
 
The club has teamed up with Cornwall-based Crowdfunder and are looking to raise £100,000 over a period of five weeks. Click on the link below to find out more. AS well as donations there are many great rewards on offer in return for your generosity!

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/mouseholeafc

Thanks to Jonah Holmes of Falmouth University for these great photos from Saturday. You can see more of Jonah’s photos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/198162317@N05

Mousehole Women AFC, a rising force in women’s football, has kicked off their season with a blend of excitement and determination. The first four matches of the season have showcased a team that is evolving, facing both challenges and triumphs. Let’s take a closer look at their journey, a start of two halves.

Match 1: The Nervous Beginning 

Mousehole Women’s first match of the season was met with anticipation and some nervous energy. The team, having worked hard throughout preseason and preparing, the pressure was palpable. They faced a solid opponent, Penryn having played and drawn with them in a preseason friendly, the game was sure to be one of high intensity and good quality. The Mousehole Women showed their dominance and the match ended in a comfortable 4-1 win, a result that left the team feeling a mixture of relief to get three points on the board and excitement for the season ahead.

POTM: Emma Nutbrown

Match 2: Facing the Giants

The second match saw the Seagulls ahead away to Priory Road to take on formidable opponent, Bodmin. It was a match filled with intensity, and the first half was a closely contested battle. In the torrential rain, both teams displayed impressive defensive organisation, and the score remained 0-0 at halftime.

In the second half, Bodmin managed to break the deadlock with a well-placed shot. Mousehole Women fought valiantly to equalise but were unable to find the back of the net. The match ended 2-0 in favour of the home team. While it was a loss, the team’s performance showcased their ability to compete at the highest level against Bodmin who now sit at the top of the CWFL. 

POTM: Beky Storey

Match 3: A Dominating Display

The third match of the season was another long trip away for Mousehole Women to take on Bude at Boardclose Park. They faced an another tough opponent and seized the opportunity with both hands. From the first whistle, they dominated the game, controlling possession and creating numerous scoring chances.

The first half saw Mousehole Women take a comfortable 2-0 lead, thanks to their clinical finishing and teamwork. The team’s confidence was visibly boosted, and they left the field with smiles and high spirits.

POTM: Lyndsey Mayers

Match 4: A Hard-Fought battle

Mousehole Women’s fourth match saw them pitted against a mid-table team, St Dennis. It was a match filled with drama and excitement. The first half was tightly contested, but an early goal by St Dennis left Mousehole struggling to settle into the game. Mousehole Women showed their resilience and after a courageous run down the wing from Holly Mcewen and a cross which as met with a header from Scarlett Clouter Half time ended 1-2 to the away team. 

The second half, though, was a different story. Mousehole Women came out with renewed energy and purpose. Their midfielders controlled the game, and their defence held strong. Mousehole Women once again showed their class. Heavily dominating the second half not only in procession but chances on goal. Unfortunately although the seagulls fought  tirelessly they couldn’t find the back of the net. The game ended 1-2. 

POTM: Joint Holly Mcewen & Beky Storey 

In conclusion, Mousehole Women AFC’s first four matches of the season have been a rollercoaster ride, filled with ups and downs. Currently sitting 4th in the league with a long season to go, they faced tough opponents and experienced moments of frustration, they also displayed moments of brilliance and determination. The team is evolving, and their season is a start of two halves, where they learn from their experiences, build on their strengths, and aim to climb higher in the league table. With their never-give-up attitude, Mousehole Women AFC is a team to watch in the coming weeks as they continue to make their mark in women’s football.