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.

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.

We’re proud to confirm the return of the following players for the new season:

🔒 Aaron Ibbetson
🔒 Hayden Black
🔒 Hayden Turner
🔒 Jack Calver
🔒 Jack Symons
🔒 Jacob Kevern
🔒 James Ward
🔒 Lewis Moyle
🔒 Mark Goldsworthy
🔒 Ollie Chenoweth
🔒 Oscar Massey
🔒 Paulo Ranalli
🔒 Ryan Barrett
🔒 Tallan Mitchell
🔒 Tim Nixon

Also rejoining the group is Josh Otto, who is hopeful of making his return after the injury that has kept him out since last pre-season.

Jake Ash:
“Every summer, the main priority is to ensure we retain the core of the team. These boys best understand what this club stands for and our culture – and that’s so important. We’re really pleased they’ve all committed to the journey next season. It gives us a brilliant platform to build the squad.”

“With some trialists lined up and at least three new additions expected, there’s still more to come. But as always — they’ll need to fit what we’re about and what we want to achieve”

Mousehole AFC have secured the signing of Liam Prynn from Tavistock in a move that reunites the striker with his former PE teacher and now manager, Jake Ash.

Prynn, 28, brings a proven goal threat to Trungle Parc as Mousehole prepare for their third season at Step 4.

“I came to Penryn College in Year 7 and left in Year 11” said the forward.. “I ended up signing for Torquay United and working with Jake Ash very closely.”

Prynn was a student at Penryn during Ash’s early years as a teacher, and credits that period as a turning point in his football development.

“Jake kind of revolutionised what football was about at school. The coaching sessions were always first class, set a real precedent and a real professionalism around school football — which I think was a first. That ultimately led to our team going far in the National Cup, and eventually me signing for Torquay.”

After signing as a scholar at 16, Prynn spent two years with Torquay United and earned a one-year professional contract. He went on to play for St Austell, Launceston, and then spent eight years at Tavistock.

“I think my USP is a natural instinct for goal,” he said. “If I get chances, more often than not they’re going to end up in goals. I think I’ve got a little bit of everything. I can be a bit of a target man if I need to, and I’m quite clever, so I can also play in a good footballing side. Ultimately, I love scoring goals.”

“I want to play at the highest level possible. I think at Mousehole we’ve got the best chance. I want to win this league, go up to the league above and push on from there.”

Ash, who has kept a close eye on Prynn’s progress since school, said the striker will add both quality and experience to the squad.

“We know exactly what we will get from Liam. He’s a player who has been top scorer in this league. He has the ability to create a goal out of nothing, and that’s a special skill.”

“But the thing that’s impressed me most, having watched him over the past few years, is his game intelligence — he is such a clever player. I love that and know how much our other boys will learn from him.”

The move also made sense logistically for Prynn, who lives locally and now works alongside Ash in the PE department at Penryn College.

“Despite working with him, we’ve never properly spoken about it,” said Ash. “But knowing he is working on his house, and how much less travelling it would be for him to come to us, it felt like the right time for us, and I’m so pleased he felt it was for him too.”

Prynn had a final message for the Mousehole supporters:

“It’ll be nice to meet you all down at Trungle, and also to start making some memories. We’re going to go on some good away days, score some goals and have a lot of fun along the way.”

Mousehole AFC is proud to partner with Prostate Cancer UK for National Non-League Day, raising awareness about prostate cancer and the importance of early detection. 

To mark the occasion, the team will warm up in special shirts featuring the Prostate Cancer UK logo. Also, a unique Subbuteo set of Mousehole AFC players in themed kits has been created by club secretary Dan Tatarsky.  

Fans attending the match can access free prostate cancer advice at the ground, with discounted entry available for those who purchase a special badge and complete an online risk survey. 

“We’re proud to be involved in such an important initiative,” said Dan. “This campaign saves lives, and we hope to encourage more men to take control of their health.” 

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK. Here are four key points to understand:​  

• Prevalence: Over 50,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer annually in the UK, and more than 12,000 men die from it each year. 

• Age: Primarily affects men aged 50 and over.​ 

• Ethnicity: Black men face a higher risk, with about 1 in 4 diagnosed in their lifetime.​ 

• Family History: A family history of prostate cancer increases risk.   

• Symptoms: Early-stage prostate cancer often presents no symptoms. As it progresses, symptoms may include urinary issues, blood in urine or semen, and erectile dysfunction. ​  

• Detection: Regular screenings, such as PSA blood tests and digital rectal examinations, are crucial for early detection, especially for those at higher risk. ​ 

Understanding these factors is vital for early diagnosis and effective treatment.​