Mousehole Women are back in training and looking to recruit new players to both their Senior and Under-16s squads.

As the club’s ‘Pathway’ policy develops, several of the current Under-16 Girls are ready to graduate to the senior Women’s squad, who are one of the high-flying teams in the Cornwall Women’s Football League.

Long-standing manager Dawn Bateman says that the players are really enjoying getting back to training: 

“We are currently training at Trungle Parc on Sunday mornings from 11.00 to 12.00. 

New players across the age range are most welcome – they are sure to be impressed by our superb facilities and modern coaching methods. 

We can offer fantastic opportunities to:

• Over 16s, and those who will reach the age of 16 during the 2020/21 season;
• 14-16s, to replace the U16s who are set to progress to the senior side.

We would also like to hear from any younger girls who have the potential to progress through the age groups.

Newcomers will find Mousehole AFC is a friendly, welcoming and responsible club.  We are committed to increasing the engagement of the community with sport.  We provide high-quality coaching to enable a wide range of players to enjoy playing football, improve how they play, and fulfil their individual aspirations. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday mornings, and if you want to  discuss anything, please contact coach Matt James by email at moj67@btinternet.com; or by ‘phone on 07850 900706

Mousehole AFC have continued their summer recruitment campaign with the signing of local player Josh Magin.

Josh Magin is described as an athletic and speedy wide player with lots of natural ability, who also has the versatility to play more centrally.  He is expected to flourish under the guidance of manager Jake Ash, coach Andy Graham and fitness expert Gareth O’Neill, as the club continues to offer opportunities to local players with as-yet untapped potential.

The 29-year old has been playing for his home-town club St Ives Town in the St Piran League West at Step 7.  He was also a member of the excellent 2017/18 Ludgvan team that narrowly finished runners-up in their first season after promotion to the SWPL West Division.

Josh Magin is a qualified and experienced beach lifeguard, so his joining-up with Mousehole will add to the club’s long-standing association with the RNLI.

Manager Jake Ash has now made four recent additions to his squad, with this latest arrival coming shortly after the signing of Kian Burns from Camelford, Jude Boyd from Plymouth Argyle, and Sean Roberts formerly of Ludgvan AFC.

With an eye on the possible start of the 2020/21 campaign later in the year, Mousehole are stepping up their pre-season programme for the combined First Team and Development Squads.  As the club’s progressive coaching programme continues to grow in reputation and interest, more signings are likely over the coming weeks.

Manager Jake Ash has strengthened Mousehole’s challenge for the 2020/21 season with the addition of midfielder Andrew Elcock.

The 25-year old Cornishman was pencilled in to make a playing debut for The Seagulls in March, but the Covid-19 restrictions came into force before that could happen. 

Launceston-born Andrew Elcock most recently played for his home-town ‘Clarets’ in the Peninsula Premier West, where he was noted for his ability to “pull the strings” in midfield.

He started his footballing education and career with Plymouth Argyle, where he spent seven years progressing through the Youth ranks and Academy. 

He then signed for Step 2 National League South club Bath City.  From there, he had periods with Southern League clubs Cirencester Town at Step 3 and then Bristol-based side Paulton Rovers at Step 4.  He arrived back at Launceston to resume playing following a lengthy injury lay off.

Along the way, Elcock has gained a UEFA ‘B’ coaching badge and is a highly qualified personal trainer and sports performance coach. Jake Ash’s fourth signing of the month comes after the announcements publicising the arrivals of Kian Burns, Jude Boyd and Sean Roberts.

Kian Burns, one of the most promising youngsters in Cornish football, has chosen to head west to Mousehole as The Seagulls continue to attract the talent to match their ambitions both on and off the field.

The 18-year old has put in some eye-catching performances with his strong and direct running for Camelford, and was an outstanding performer for them in their home match against Mousehole last winter.  

Since then, Manager Jake Ash has had Kian on his radar, convinced of his potential to improve under Mousehole’s coaching regime and to make a major contribution to the team’s success as they prepare for the forthcoming season.

Mousehole’s Director of Football Adam Fletcher describes Kian Burns as a player who, with the right coaching, could go a long way in the game.  “Kian has joined Mousehole because he loves the project and is convinced we can develop him as a player.  His signing for us is a really important piece in the jigsaw.”

Kian’s family sporting background is noteworthy.  His brother Tallan, currently playing for Tavistock in the Step 5 Western League, plays with a similar attacking verve, while Kian himself is also a talented cricketer, excelling as a wicketkeeper/batsman.

Before the 2019/20 season came to a halt in March, The Seagulls were in a commendable fourth place in the League in their first year after promotion.  With their sights set firmly on securing one of the two promotion places next season, the Seagulls are likely to be announcing more quality signings in the near future.

A recent analysis of the points-per-game results of the 956 clubs playing at non-league Steps 1 to 6 in the 2019/20 season in England reveals that Mousehole were ranked 40th with a PPG of 2.28. This makes The Seagulls among the best 5% of performers over the season.

Leaders Helston Athletic were second with 2.88, Saltash United fifth with 2.68 and St Austell 26th with 2.39.

Southern League leaders Truro City were 75th, and Bodmin Town were the only other Cornwall club in the top 100.

Towards the other end of this composite non-league table, Penzance came in at 843rd, just avoiding being in the bottom 10%, but above Callington Town (861), St Dennis (868), Sticker (908) and Godolphin Atlantic (920).

Mousehole AFC are looking to recruit a passionate and progressive Manager for their Development Team ahead of the 2020/21 season.  The team play in the St Piran League West, at Step 7 of the National League System.

The new person will be a vital part of an integrated Senior management and coaching team, with the task of creating a seamless pathway between the Academy and the First team.

The main focus will be to maximise the progression of our many talented youngsters coming through the Academy, who need the opportunity to develop in men’s senior football. 

The Development Team will include 50% of regular players aged 23 or under, with at least three players being actively supported to graduate upwards from the 16-18 team and another three on to the First team each year.

Over the last three years, Mousehole AFC have created the foundations for ambitious but sustainable progress both on and off the field.  A good start has been made.  We have 250 youngsters on board; a hugely supportive Committee and Volunteers Squad; an effective commercial model; a high-calibre coaching staff; a continuously improving stadium at Trungle Parc with a superb pitch and infrastructure; and a pathway developed through coaching at local schools and College. If you have the hunger to take on the challenges of this role, please start the ball rolling by emailing your interest to Director of Football Adam Fletcher (adam@mouseholeafc.co.uk).

It’s the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one at Mousehole AFC, with the announcement that Reserves’ team manager Harry Tonkin has decided to stand down.

The 31-year old is a genuine club stalwart, having started playing for ‘Mousehole Minis’ at the age of six, progressing through the ranks to Senior football, and latterly to the role of player-manager for the Reserves. 

The Tonkin family have been a significant part of the ‘Mousehole DNA’ for some considerable time.  Harry’s father Anthony was club Chairman from 1995 to 2008, while mother Christine, known as Annie, was club secretary and football secretary from 2001 to 2016, both of them hugely respected personalities in Cornish football.  Harry’s older brother Anthony started at Mousehole before embarking on a career with a variety of professional clubs, while younger brother Jon also played until recently for the Reserves, and cousin Tyler is a current member of the First team squad.

During Harry’s five-year period as their manager, Mousehole Reserves have achieved unprecedented success.  In 2018, after winning the Trelawney League Division One title, his team were promoted to the newly-formed St Piran League at Step 7 of the non-league pyramid, the highest level in their history.  That same season, he presided over a remarkable run in the Cornwall Junior Cup, reaching the semi-finals for the first time ever.  A  nail-biting win saw the team progress to the Final, where his team of underdogs showed immense character and togetherness in a never-to-be-forgotten win against the favourites to lift the 127-year old trophy on a sunny May afternoon at Hayle.

Speaking of his decision, to hand over the reins, Harry said:  “After five fantastic years managing my childhood club I’ve made the tough decision to resign as manager of Mousehole Reserves.  I believe it’s the right time for me to step away and let someone else take the team on.  I would like to thank my back-room staff of Mark Trevail, Tom Hooper and Matt Howes for everything they’ve helped with during this period, as well as the players I’ve had the honour to manage, and of course the club Committee and volunteers for all their support.  It’s been a successful time, the highlights being winning the Trelawney Division One league and the Junior Cup, so I’m leaving a happy man.  I’ve decided to take some time out of the game, but I’m sure I’ll be back in the future. Finally, my best wishes to the future manager.”

Deryk Heywood, Mousehole’s Chairman, added:  “Harry’s parents would have been mightily proud of what he’s achieved here.  I cannot thank him enough for his service and commitment to the club.  With 25 years’ involvement already, he is Mousehole through-and-through.  I’m sure he will continue to play a useful off-field role at Mousehole AFC and contribute to its continuing success as the next chapter unfolds.” 

Mousehole are currently looking to strengthen the pathway for players to progress through its team structure.  This will involve thinking of the Reserves as a ‘Development Squad’.  The squad will have a younger average age, and benefit from a coaching scheme integrated with the First team led by manager Jake Ash and his coaches.  Success will not just be measured by League-table position, but by the recruitment of promising youngsters from the club’s flourishing Youth teams, as well as the promotion of players capable of holding down a place in the First team squad.

Director of Football Adam Fletcher (afletcher@playertrader.com or adampaulfletcher@googlemail.com) is keen to hear from anyone at this stage who is interested in taking up this management challenge.