Words by Daniel Tatarsky; Photography Jack Tyler and Max English

Unseasonal rain saw Mousehole welcome Penzance for the inaugural match for the Tony Claypole Trophy. Tony, a Cornish footballing legend, played for both clubs and this was a fitting encounter to celebrate his memory. You can read more about Tony Claypole and the story behind this new cup match here.

Members of Tony’s family were at the match and his son, Jonathan, presented the trophy to the winning captain. Jon said: “The whole family, we’re so incredibly proud to have my father’s football legacy remembered in this this amazing event, by the two clubs that he was synonymous with in local area. So, the whole family’s so proud of this event and of future ones. Every year for the next few years – we’ll be here without a doubt”

Mousehole’s squad featured five trialists and two summer signings as Jake Ash and his management team prepare for another assault on promotion but it was two of last season’s stalwarts who set up the opener when Oscar Massey put in Tim Nixon after just four minutes. The lead was doubled five minutes later when one of the trialists crossed for Liam Prynn, recently arrived from Tavistock, to head home.

The first silverware of the season was sewn up before half time when a lovely flowing move ended with Nixon returning the compliment to Massey to slot home.

The scoreline did not reflect the high quality of Penzance’s play. A number of times they played through and around the home defence but lacked the Seagulls’ cutting edge.

With it being a pre-season game, half time saw a number of substitutions and this led to the play becoming a little fragmented with neither side making clear cut chances.

The only goal came from one of the Mousehole trialists, the same one who had provided the assist in the first half. This time he picked the ball up in midfield, burst forward and unleashed a rocket from thirty yards which almost burst the roof of the net. It was a goal worthy of winning any game and it put this one to bed.

Mousehole Vice-Chairman Deryk Heywood said: “I thought the idea of two local teams coming together to compete in this pre season friendly cup game in celebration of local legend Tony is a brilliant idea . Tony who had connections with both clubs and held in high regard, it’s a great way of bringing the clubs closer together in the community. I would like to think the PSF is always played in good spirit.
One thing that stood out to me is how moved the family were , something I won’t forget.”

As the rain continued to fall Jack Calver was presented the trophy by Jonathan, Tony’s son. A game played hard and fair with quality from both sides was a fitting way to remember the ex-Cobblers’ ace.

Great progress is underway by the team building our new access road. The route is now cut through to the existing car park which will be expanded.

Here are some photos from the great Jack Tyler – j4cksphotography – who will be a regular at Interiora Trungle Parc this coming season.

BACKGROUND: The new access road will transform how players, fans, and the local community reach Mousehole AFC, thanks to the backing of HRH The Prince of Wales and the Duchy of Cornwall. Read more here.

This long-awaited project will ease congestion through Paul village, improve safety, and create new opportunities for sport and community events at Trungle Parc and beyond. It’s been made possible through the incredible generosity and expertise of a dedicated group of partners working at no cost to the club.

A huge thank you to our project partners:

• ISC (part of the GRS Group) – Specialists in enabling works, earthworks and civil engineering across the UK.
• Maen Karne (part of the GRS Group) – Cornwall’s leading supplier of bagged and loose aggregates and waste removal services.
• Tarmac – The UK’s leading sustainable construction materials, road contracting and building products business.
• Griffiths – Major civil engineering contractor with a large-scale plant fleet and decades of experience.
• Holcim (Aggregate Industries) – Experts in asphalt and paving solutions with a strong focus on sustainability.
• Colas – Global leaders in transport infrastructure and highway maintenance, with local operations in Cornwall.
• Cormac – Cornwall-based contractors delivering road building, surfacing and civil engineering services.
• Keyline – National civils and drainage suppliers with a strong presence in Cornwall.

The new road is expected to be ready for the start of our 2025/26 season — a huge step forward for the club and our community!

A selection of photographs from the groundbreaking ceremony for the new road at Interiora Trungle Parc.

Many thanks to Oli Grove from GRS for the photography.

Mousehole AFC and Penzance FC are proud to announce the creation of a new annual fixture between the two clubs: the Tony Claypole Cup, a preseason match that will celebrate the enduring legacy of one of West Cornwall’s most respected football figures with strong links to both our clubs.

The inaugural match will take place on Tuesday, July 15th, at Interiora Trungle Park, home of Mousehole AFC. The fixture will then rotate annually between the two clubs’ home grounds, with the goal of establishing a competitive yet commemorative tradition that honours Tony’s lifelong contribution to football in the region.

Tony Claypole, who sadly passed away in 2022, was a well-known and much-loved figure in Cornish football. Born in Weldon in Northamptonshire in 1937, England Schoolboy International Claypole joined his local professional club Northampton Town as a Junior in 1953, making his first team debut in 1957. He chalked up over 125 appearances, most notably helping the Cobblers win promotion from the Fourth Division. He was comfortable at either left or right back until sustaining a broken leg against Coventry City during the 1961-62 season – just a fortnight after he got married.

Whilst that injury ended his time as a professional, Tony went on to enjoy a sterling career in the upper echelons of the non-League game with the likes of Cheltenham Town, Corby Town and Wellingborough Town. He helped the latter win the Metropolitan League title in 1969-70. After moving to Cornwall, Tony represented the Magpies, Mousehole, Marazion and Mullion with distinction. He continued playing the game locally into his late sixties.

His commitment to nurturing young talent, his passionate support for local football, and his no-nonsense approach to the game made him a respected figure across all levels of the sport in Cornwall. Sadly Tony’s latter years were dogged by both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. His daughter-in-law Joanne made a successful appeal for memorabilia from his playing days that yielded enough cuttings, programmes and photographs to enable the compilation of a memory book of his career that provided some solace.

Speaking for Penzance AFC, James Wright said that the club are delighted that Tony’s memory will be perpetuated by this new annual fixture.

Mousehole Vice-Chairman Deryk Heywood said: “The Club have asked me to say a few words about Tony which is an honour and probably one of the nicest things I’ve been asked to do. Tony was a massive influence on the lives of so many Young Cornish footballers, despite his experience and ability to play, coach and manage he always had time for you, a special human being, so humble, strong and competitive, I personally was lucky to play with him, for him and against him .This Club and others will never forget him.”

Tony’s widow Teresa welcomed the initiative, saying:
“I think this is a wonderful tribute to Tony. He would feel so very proud of this. Thank you so very much.”

Tony’s family will be present at the first match of the new cup. Speaking for the family, his son Jon said “For Tony to be recognised by both Mousehole and Penzance football clubs makes us, the family so proud and we know he would be proud too. Both clubs formed a huge part of his life and for his memory to live on via the Tony Claypole Cup is a truly amazing tribute.”

Both clubs expect the Tony Claypole Cup to become a key fixture in their preseason calendars, with the potential to grow into a wider community even.

Kickoff is 19:45 and tickets will be available at the gate. 

Work has officially begun on a long-awaited new access road for Mousehole AFC — an ambitious community infrastructure project championed by HRH The Prince of Wales. The scheme will finally resolve decades of access issues for the Cornish club, helping ease congestion through the village of Paul and transforming Interiora Trungle Parc into a true community hub.

For years, the only route to the club has been via a narrow, pothole-ridden lane, causing traffic jams and headaches for players, visiting teams and local residents alike. After hearing about the challenges faced by the community, Prince William and the Duchy of Cornwall worked with construction industry leaders to find a solution — bringing together a consortium of national and local partners to build a brand-new road, free of charge to the club.

This has been a dream of the club’s for over 50 years

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Simon Taylor, Mousehole AFC’s Project Lead, said:

“This has been a dream of the club’s for over 50 years — seeing the diggers here today really is a dream come true. It means so much, not just for the football club but for the whole community.”

“This road will ease traffic through Paul, make matchdays safer and smoother, and help us grow as a proper community hub — with more events, more people, and more opportunities for everyone.”

This is what our industry does best: bringing people together to make a difference

Martin Riley, Project Lead for the contractors’ consortium, added:

“When the Prince of Wales asked us to help, I thought we’d be patching potholes — but it was clear we needed a new road altogether! I called on trusted friends across the industry, and everyone stepped up to deliver something truly special for Mousehole and its community.”

“This is what our industry does best: bringing people together to make a difference where it matters. It’s a privilege to be part of it.”

ISC, part of GRS Group, will be leading the works, having been appointed as the Design & Build Principal Contractor for the new 150m access road. The construction is being carried out at no cost to the club, thanks to generous in-kind contributions from the following partners:

·       ISC (part of the GRS Group) – Specialists in enabling works, earthworks and civil engineering across the UK.

·       Maen Karne (part of the GRS Group) – Cornwall’s leading supplier of bagged and loose aggregates and waste removal services.

·       Tarmac – The UK’s leading sustainable construction materials, road contracting and building products business.

·       Griffiths – A major civil engineering contractor with a large-scale plant fleet and decades of experience.

·       Holcim (Aggregate Industries) – Experts in asphalt and paving solutions with a strong focus on sustainability.

·       Colas – Global leaders in transport infrastructure and highway maintenance, with local operations in Cornwall.

·       Cormac – Cornwall-based contractors delivering road building, surfacing and civil engineering services.

·       Keyline – National civils and drainage suppliers with a strong presence in Cornwall.

It’s something we’re very proud to be involved with

Jon Fisher, Chief Executive of GRS Group, said: “This project is a powerful example of the difference we can make when we bring together our national capability and expertise. It reflects what we’re all about – building infrastructure that improves lives and connects communities – and it’s one of many grassroots initiatives we’re proud to support nationwide. Improving this access road will benefit the wider community around Mousehole, and it’s something we’re very proud to be involved with.”

The new road is expected to be completed in time for Mousehole AFC’s 2025/26 season in the Pitching In Southern League Division One South.

An ambitious infrastructure project backed by HRH The Prince of Wales is set to transform access to Mousehole AFC, creating new opportunities for sport, community events, and reducing congestion in the local village of Paul.

Construction work began today (30 June 2025) on a new access road that will serve Mousehole AFC, the club’s seasonal campsite, and neighbouring Paul Cricket Club. For years, the only route to the club has been via a narrow, pothole-ridden lane through the village—leading to traffic issues, damaged vehicles, and logistical headaches for visiting teams and supporters.

After hearing about the issues being faced by the local community, The Prince and the Duchy of Cornwall worked with CRH, a global leader in building materials, to see if they could help develop a lasting solution.

Simon Taylor, Project Lead for Mousehole AFC, said:
“Within a week, I was in a Teams meeting with Martin Riley, who’d been invited by HRH to see what could be done to help fix the existing road.
Two weeks later, Martin visited the club. After experiencing the lane for himself, he quickly realised a full repair wasn’t viable. With planning permission already secured for an alternative access point, we turned our attention to the possibility of building a brand-new road.
Countless meetings—both on-site and virtual—later, we’ve pulled together an incredible consortium of local and national companies who’ve committed their time, resources, and expertise to bring this dream to life.”

The construction is being carried out at no cost to the club, thanks to generous in-kind contributions from the following partners:

·       ISC (part of the GRS Group) – Specialists in enabling works, earthworks and civil engineering across the UK.

·       Maen Karne (part of the GRS Group) – Cornwall’s leading supplier of bagged and loose aggregates and waste removal services.

·       Tarmac – The UK’s leading sustainable construction materials, road contracting and building products business.

·       Griffiths – A major civil engineering contractor with a large-scale plant fleet and decades of experience.

·       Holcim (Aggregate Industries) – Experts in asphalt and paving solutions with a strong focus on sustainability.

·       Colas – Global leaders in transport infrastructure and highway maintenance, with local operations in Cornwall.

·       Cormac – Cornwall-based contractors delivering road building, surfacing and civil engineering services.

·       Keyline – National civils and drainage suppliers with a strong presence in Cornwall.

The Prince of Wales said:

“I have seen time and time again that community hubs are essential in providing the spaces for people to come together, to build stronger communities and to allow people to thrive. It is a privilege to be able to help the local community access Mousehole AFC. I’d like to personally add my thanks for all the hard work that’s gone into making it happen. I look forward to seeing the new road for myself as soon as I can.”

The route has also been made possible thanks to the generosity of local landowner Paul Pond, who has granted access to part of his land, and the years of tireless campaigning by Vice Chair Deryk Heywood.

In addition to improved access, the project will deliver new parking facilities, which will enable the club to expand its offering of sporting, social, and cultural events for the wider community.

Simon Taylor adds:
“This project is transformative—not just for Mousehole AFC but for the entire area. The cricket club will also benefit from the new road, and we’ll now be able to host more events at Interiora Trungle Parc, turning it into a true community hub. Most importantly, it will take matchday and holiday traffic out of the village, improving the experience for everyone.
I’m incredibly grateful to our consortium—there are too many individuals to name—but their support has been extraordinary. Special thanks go to Martin Riley for his dedication and guidance, GRS Group CEO Jon Fisher—without whose project leadership we could not have moved forward—and of course to HRH The Prince of Wales, whose involvement made this possible.”

Jon Fisher, Chief Executive of GRS Group, which is leading the works, said:
“This project is a powerful example of the difference we can make when we bring together our national capability and expertise. It reflects what GRS is all about – building infrastructure that improves lives and connects communities – and it’s one of many grassroots initiatives we’re proud to support nationwide. Improving this access road will benefit the wider community around Mousehole, and it’s something we’re very proud to be involved with.”

The new road is expected to be completed in time for the start of Mousehole AFC’s 2025/26 season in the Pitching In Southern League Division One South this August.

Mousehole AFC is a small village club with big ambitions! With the advent of our new access road, we are very much hoping to open the club up to the wider community, involving many more people of all ages in sport. But we can’t do this alone.

Our ticket sales, bar receipts and campsite provide a certain percentage of our income. But we also rely heavily on the generosity of our sponsors to keep our dreams alive.

If you think you’d like to get involved in this fantastic community club, become part of our journey and enjoy the wonderful experience that the club can offer – do get in touch.

For more information please contact our chairman Craig Harrison on chair@mouseholeafc.co.uk or our secretary Dan Tatarsky on secretary@mouseholeafc.co.uk

We are also always looking for new volunteers to keep the wheels of the club turning over. If you have time to spare and would like the opportunity to turn your hand at some of the tasks that go on behind the scenes, but are crucial to our club – do get in touch on the emails above.

The boys got back into preseason training on Saturday. Watch here for some clips from the session + first thoughts from Jake Ash ahead of the new season

Mousehole AFC is pleased to announce the appointment of Craig Harrison as the new Chairman of the Club, with Deryk Heywood stepping in as Vice Chairman.

Craig is the sales director and co-owner of Redruth-based Boosters Ltd, where he leads a team of professionals dedicated to helping businesses increase their brand awareness and generate sales through promotional merchandise.

He brings with him a wealth of experience in business leadership, strategic growth and team development. With a professional background spanning multiple sectors and a passion for grassroots sport, Craig’s appointment signals an exciting new chapter for the Seagulls. His enthusiasm for community-driven football and long-term vision for sustainable success align perfectly with the club’s values and ambitions.

When I first visited the club , I could feel the energy and passion straight away

Craig shared this message on taking on the new role:

“I’m really passionate about every project I take on, and getting involved with Mousehole was a no-brainer, I live just a few minutes away in Penzance, and when I first visited the club in February, I could feel the energy and passion straight away. Back in 2019, after moving to Cornwall, I was managing Illogan Ladies and one of our early games was at Trungle — the facilities and the spirit around the club really stood out. I’m excited to help build on that over the next 12 months and beyond.”

Joining Craig as Vice Chairman is a familiar face to many — Deryk Heywood, who previously served as Chairman and now returns to the club he has dedicated his life to for many years. Deryk’s deep-rooted passion for Mousehole AFC and his understanding of our community and culture will be invaluable as we move forward under new leadership.

As we welcome Craig and Deryk into their new roles, we also extend our heartfelt thanks to Billy Jacka and Simon Taylor, who have served the club with dedication and distinction as Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively. Their steady guidance and tireless efforts have helped shape the club’s recent progress both on and off the pitch.

“This is your club. Be proud of it.”

Billy shared a message to the committee, volunteers and supporters:

“I’m extremely proud to be part of the team that has helped build a lasting legacy at Mousehole — a fabulous ground and facility for future generations, a thriving business that will sustain football here for years to come, and above all, a reputation as a truly decent club to visit. That’s something money can’t buy — it’s what you’ve built through your hard work and dedication. So thank you all. Keep doing what you do — it’s massive and irreplaceable. That’s why Mousehole is what it is. Walk tall and say to yourselves, ‘I’ve helped achieve this’ — because you have. This is your club. Be proud of it.”

While Billy and Simon are stepping back from official duties, we very much hope they will remain regular faces around Interiora Trungle Parc, continuing to contribute in their invaluable way to the ongoing success of Mousehole AFC.

We look forward to this next chapter in the club’s journey and thank all our supporters, volunteers and community members for their continued backing.