by Kevin Bishop

MOUSEHOLE SEEKS NEW CLUB SECRETARY

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

by Kevin Bishop

CLUB TO LAUNCH CROWDFUNDER FOR NEW ROAD

Mousehole Football Club is looking to make strides towards enhancing its facilities and contributing to the community with an ambitious plan to construct a new access road to their Trungle Parc ground, which is situated just outside the village of Paul on the hill above Mousehole Harbour. The plan, first announced in 2021, will be largely financed by a crowdfunding campaign to be launched this autumn.

The new access roadway, for which the club already possesses planning permission, will connect the B3315 near Sheffield directly to the football ground and the campsite it operates. The Club has undertaken preparatory work along the route under the guidance of experts and in compliance with all planning conditions. This includes a thorough assessment of a suitable drainage scheme to ensure there is no increase in water run-off.

The access road will terminate as a cul-de-sac at the Club’s ground, making it impossible for it to become a ‘rat run’ into the village. Instead, the new access road is poised to bring numerous benefits to both the residents of Paul and the football club.

The proposed route takes traffic straight from the B3315 to the football ground

A primary advantage of the new road is that it will divert all the current football and camping traffic away from the village of Paul, alleviating congestion in the lane from the Ring & Thimble junction into the village. The new road access will also make the club’s car park bigger with defined car spaces for another 40 cars, 3 coach spaces and a cycle hub. In this respect, it will eliminate the need for overflow street-side parking in Trungle Parc and Trungle Terrace, addressing concerns about parking issues.

Club Chairman Deryk Heywood remembers the road being discussed when he played for the club in 1978 and has been working on the plan since he became chairman six years ago. The strip of land has been gifted to the club through the generosity of the neighbouring landowner and full planning permission has now been obtained. 

Chairman Deryk Heywood at the proposed entrance to the new road

As well as directly benefitting the club, Deryk believes the additional access and parking the new road will bring will provide much-needed extra capacity for village events, as well as providing enhanced facilities at the club for the community to use: 

“The road will help bring the club to another level commercially and keep all the traffic away from the village. We are part of the community along with the cricket club, the pub, the church. We want to improve life for the community by drastically reducing the traffic flow”.

The football club operates a campsite in the field next to the pitch

To put the traffic and parking concerns into perspective, home matches for the club’s First Team occur on average once every fortnight for eight months of the year, with the season comprising approximately 20 matches from August to April. The club’s attendances have averaged around 200 over the most recent season. The club’s move to the Southern League means visiting teams and their away supporters are now located much farther away than before. Consequently, the likelihood of individual vehicles increasing is minimal.

The new road will remove match-day traffic from Trungle

In addition to the new road, the club will be exploring better ways of managing its sewage and water supply and are investigating hooking up to the mains supply.

As a non-profit organization, Mousehole Football Club is committed to adhering to all planning rules and regulations and will continue to do so. The Club’s vision is not only to secure its future but also to create opportunities and foster a strong sense of community within the village of Paul.

Considerable expense has already been outlaid by the club to ensure the plans meet all requisite regulations and standards. The club are now exploring crowdfunding opportunities for the project and details will be released later this year. 

by Kevin Bishop

“SIMPLY A MOUSEHOLE LEGEND – NOT ONLY AS A PLAYER, BUT ALSO A MAN”

Steve Burt retires as one of Mousehole’s most popular and respected players, with an impressive record stretching back over ten years.

by Andrew Large and Kevin Bishop

Jake Ash has led the tribute to Steve Burt who has decided to hang up his boots after a decade-long career at the club: “I remember thinking back to my first training session at Marazion and this lad turned up with a ponytail and I just thought he was a surfer who’d come along to join in training. But I came away and sent messages to everyone saying there are some good players there but one in particular who is just unbelievable, technically brilliant with every tackle.”

Local lad ‘Burtie’ joined Mousehole at the start of 2013/14 season, and missed very few games over three consecutive seasons, being awarded the captain’s armband by player-manager Wayne Quinn.

As captain, he led Mousehole to a record-breaking and historic ‘double’ in the 2015/16 season, winning both the South West Peninsula League Division One West and the Cornwall Charity Cup.

Burty celebrating with Billy Curtis and Calron Hall

After a serious season-ending injury near the start of the 2016/17 campaign, he joined nearby Ludgvan for a year,  returning to Mousehole for the 2018/19 season.

He was a key defensive midfield player during The Seagulls two-Step promotion years, and is noted for scoring the team’s first-ever goal at the club’s highest-ever playing level – the Western League Premier Division – at the start of the 2021/22 season (against Wellington).

Steve Burt scores against Wellington in Western League Premier August 2022
Steve Burt scores against Wellington, August 2022





Before the home match against Exmouth Town at the end of March of that season, Burtie was presented with a plaque to commemorate 250 First Team appearances for the club.





Jake added: “I don’t think you’ll find a single person in football or the world in general who has a single bad word to say about him. Everything he does, he does with real integrity and honesty. He’s been an absolute pleasure to manage.” 



















Historically & certainly of late, many team members have shown great passion for our club! But fair to say, none more so than the Incredible Steve (Burty) Burt!! – Senior Volunteer Brian Richardson














Having made another 36 appearances in this season’s League title-winning side, Steve Burt retires with a Mousehole career total of 288 appearances and 11 goals. His final appearance for the club saw him lift the Western League trophy after a 3-0 win against Wellington.


























					


			



				
					


			
					
	
	

		

							

										 by Jeff Richardson									

						
			
MARK GOLDSWORTHY JOINS MOUSEHOLE FROM HELSTON ATHLETIC
		


		

			

Mousehole have strengthened their position at the top of the South West Peninsula League (West) with the signing of prolific goalscorer Mark Goldsworthy, the captain of close rivals Helston Athletic.





Goldsworthy notched up his 300th SWPL goal early last season, in two spells with Helston Athletic either side of a stint with St Austell, putting him among the county’s all-time record scorers. 





He went on to play an important part in Helston’s record-breaking 24-match winning run in last year’s League campaign, before the season was ended prematurely in March.  Up to that point, ‘Goldie’ had already netted 34 League goals, as well as another five in the Cup competitions, and was well on the way to adding to his unique tally of four consecutive ‘Golden Boot’ awards.





He was also the top scorer in the Kernow Football Alliance’s build-up to the (subsequently postponed) CONIFA World Cup last season.





 Commenting on his move further west, the Porthleven-based marksman explained: 





“At the age of 29 I’ve still got a lot of room for improvement as a player.  I’ve long been an admirer of Mousehole’s style of play, and I’ve got the greatest respect for Jake Ash, both as an opponent and coach, and Andy Graham through his coaching work with Kernow FA.  I know how the club operates and where it wants to be, and I’m glad to have the opportunity to be part of that.”





Mousehole are currently League leaders having scored an impressive 47 goals while conceding just 7, but Head of Football Adam Fletcher is by no means complacent:





 “The season has gone well so far, but we all know we can do better.  So, we are delighted to bring on board someone with Goldie’s experience and goalscoring ability.  He will add a different dimension to our attacking options.  Over the next few weeks he’ll be working hard with Gareth O’Neill (Strength & Conditioning Coach) to recover from a recurring ankle injury and join Gareth’s month-long fitness plan.”





Manager Jake Ash is convinced the signing is a massive step for the club: “Mark’s record over many years is proof of his consistency.  He has an incredible knack of knowing where the goal is – something that’s very difficult to coach – so to bring that natural skill set into this talented group of players is really exciting.  But he offers so much more than that:  his all round game and contribution to both team and club, and someone who wants to be the best he can be at everything he does”.





 If and when the season resumes in early December, Mousehole will have two consecutive home games, on 5th December against Launceston, and on the 12th against St Austell, one of Mark Goldsworthy’s previous clubs.





 Mousehole’s Chairman Deryk Heywood summarised the club’s position:  





“The signing of Mark Goldsworthy should leave no doubt about how serious we are about progression.  I cannot over-emphasise the role and reputation of our management and coaching team in making this happen, and helping us to push on with our ambitions as a club.”


					


			



				
					


	
	

		

							

										 by Jeff Richardson									

						
			
BEN HARDING JOINS MANAGEMENT TEAM AT MOUSEHOLE AND ENDORSED ACADEMY
		


		

			

Mousehole have completed the summer
re-structuring of their management team with the notable appointment of Ben
Harding, who will take up the post of Head of Coaching combined with First Team
Player/Assistant Manager.  





Ben will take responsibility for
ensuring the football philosophy is embraced and developed across all Academy
and Senior teams while also supporting the commercial initiatives the club and
the Endorsed Academy are building.





The 34-year old midfielder had latterly made 52 appearances over two seasons with Truro City in National League South, and stepped up as the White Tigers’ interim manager in the early part of last season.  





His playing career spans a total of more than 400 games for Wimbledon, MK Dons, Aldershot, Wycombe, Northampton, Torquay and Gosport, together with three appearances for England ‘C’ as they won the Four-Nations non-league tournament in 2008. He also represented England Youth, Under-15/16s, and won the Victory Shield with them.





London-born Harding will be working alongside Mousehole’s recently appointed Manager Jake Ash – also a former Truro City star – as The Seagulls look to continue to develop in the coming season, playing at the highest level in their history (Step 6) after promotion to the newly re-formed Premier West Division of the South West Peninsula League.





Mousehole’s Chairman, Tim
Richardson, who played a major role in talks with Ben Harding, said of the
appointment:  “Ben has always left a great legacy wherever he’s played,
and he will make a huge contribution to our club – not least as an influential
character on the pitch.  The fact that people of the outstanding calibre
of Ben and Jake have committed to Mousehole shows the desire and seriousness of
our ambitions.”





Harding is enthusiastic about his
new opportunity: “Mousehole’s vision and aspirations for the future are not
only fantastic for football in the area, but the community will see great
benefits.  The people I have met here have been extremely welcoming and I
cannot speak highly enough of the commitment and drive everyone at the club
possesses.  I have felt totally inspired by what’s to be achieved
here.  I strongly believe football has a special way of uniting people and
communities, and I’m super-excited to be part of something so positive for the
youth and people of Cornwall.”


					


			



				
					


			
					
	
	

		

							

										 by Jeff Richardson									

						
			
DERYK HEYWOOD BECOMES GENERAL MANAGER OF MOUSEHOLE AFC AND ENDORSED ACADEMY
		


		

			
In a significant development Mousehole AFC have appointed Deryk Heywood –  Chairman of Porthleven AFC – to the role of General Manager.  He will be responsible for both developing the commercial model of the club, working closely with its Endorsed Academy, while also driving forward the increasing number of developments at a local level.


Deryk Heywood who re-located to West Cornwall over 40 years ago explained his decision to move across to Trungle Parc:  “I’ve been at Porthleven for several years and made many good friends, and this last season was our best in the League for ten years. So its been a big decision to leave.  But the opportunity to be involved in something unique, with such huge ambition, energy and vision at Mousehole AFC, and joining the growing leadership team of the club, was simply too good to miss. Its incredible to see a club that is engaging so deeply with its community, schools, the RNLI and beyond – its fantastic.”


Deryk went on to explain his involvement with local football and how he was returning to a club very close to his heart.  As a former local player, which included an interesting stint at Mousehole – Deryk is no stranger to the West Cornwall football scene, and has many fascinating stories to tell.  “My first ever game of football in Cornwall was for St Just Youth team in 1974.  I then played in goal for Herland Rangers in the West Penwith League from 1975 and eventually joined Mousehole, where I have some fantastic and actually very emotional memories.”


“So, as you can imagine, I’m massively looking forward to returning to Mousehole, this time in a different capacity and applying myself to ensuring that both the club and Endorsed Academy achieve their vision and goals.”


The club would like to wish Deryk every success in his new role and welcome him to the team.


#FlyingAllTogether


[wpeevent id=1917]


					


			



				
					

				
					

				
					


			
					
	
	

		

							

										 by Kevin Bishop									

						
			
MOUSEHOLE  AND PENZANCE  LAUNCH ANNUAL ‘TONY CLAYPOLE CUP’
		


		

			

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. 







Tony played for the Cobblers from 1953 to 1962 making over 125 appearances
Photo courtesy of Cobblers Past






Tony in the Cobblers’ number 2 shirt against Gillingham in September 1960
Photo courtesy of BBC News.





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.





Tony (Back row, 5th from left) was part of the Penzance Senior Cup winning squad from 1973.





  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. 




					


			



				
					


			
					
	
	

		

							

										 by Kevin Bishop									

						
			
“A DREAM FOR OVER 50 YEARS” – WORK STARTS ON NEW ROAD
		


		

			

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.





Project contractors and Mousehole AFC staff celebrate the groundbreaking for the new road





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.







					


			



				
					


			
					
	
	

		

							

										 by Kevin Bishop									

						
			
PRINCE WILLIAM CHAMPIONS NEW ACCESS ROAD FOR MOUSEHOLE AFC
		


		

			

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.


					


			



				
					


			
					
	
	

		

							

										 by Kevin Bishop									

						
			
SPONSOR MOUSEHOLE AFC
		


		

			






 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.







					


			



				
					


			
					
	
	

		

							

										 by Jeff Richardson									

						
			
SUPPORT MOUSEHOLE AFC AND THE RNLI 🚤
		


		

			

Mousehole AFC are proud to offer our community the chance to have their name etched on a plaque displayed on the Solomon Browne Wall at Interiora Trungle Parc — a tribute to the brave Penlee lifeboat crew lost at sea in 1981.
















With strong ties to the RNLI, we will donate £5 from all plaque sales to support their lifesaving work locally. This is your opportunity to leave a lasting mark of respect for past and present maritime heroes while also celebrating Mousehole AFC greats down the years.





READ: Our sponsors Keltek launch a new beer to commemorate the Penlee Lifeboat










Head to our new SHOPIFY page to easily get your plaque on in the Solomon Browne Stand.












MouseholeAFC #SolomonBrown #RNLI #ForeverRemembered









					


			



				
					


			
					
	
	

		

							

										 by Kevin Bishop									

						
			
WHERE FOOTBALL DREAMS BEGIN: THE CORNISH CLUB THAT BUILDS FUTURES
		


		

			

What connects a scout at Brentford FC, performance analysts at Peterborough United and Tranmere Rovers, a presenter at FC Barcelona, and a photographer working at Wimbledon’s Centre Court? The – perhaps surprising – answer is a small village football club in the far west of Cornwall.





Mousehole AFC currently compete in the Pitching In Southern League Division One South. They’ve made remarkable progress in recent years, climbing three divisions in seven seasons. But it’s not just on the pitch where this ambitious club is making waves. Alongside developing footballing talent, Mousehole is also nurturing the next generation of professionals across the wider football industry.






Kieran Stephens at Mousheole AFC




Take Kieran Stephens, for example — a former pupil at Redruth School who approached Mousehole while still a student, offering his services as a football analyst. Manager Jake Ash took him up on the offer, and Stephens quickly proved himself invaluable. He continued working remotely while at university and eventually secured a role at Ipswich Town. Since graduating, he’s completed an internship at Everton and is now the Lead Analyst at Tranmere Rovers.





His current role includes filming and analysing matches and training sessions, producing tactical and set-piece reports for players and coaching staff, and delivering live matchday feedback to inform real-time tactical decisions.





Kieran credits Mousehole for his professional grounding:





“Mousehole and Jake really gave me the building blocks to understand the role of an analyst in football. Working with Mousehole has massively shaped the way I work and how I approach analysis. I still use many of the techniques I learnt there to this day, and they’ve helped me establish myself in the professional leagues.”







A forward-thinking and welcoming club with a truly professional set-up.







It’s a similar story for Scott Neave, now Lead Academy Analyst at Peterborough United. He leads the club’s analysis for age groups from U9s to U21s, focusing particularly on the U18 and U21 squads. His duties include analysing training and matches, delivering pre-match briefings and tactical plans, and supporting player development through detailed performance data.






Scott at Peterborough









He, too, looks back fondly at his time in West Cornwall:





“Being at Mousehole massively helped me practice key skills and gain hands-on experience with a professional coaching staff who really believed in what I could offer. I was incredibly lucky to continue my development at such a forward-thinking and welcoming club with a truly professional set-up.”





                                                            Scott at a Mousheole away match







“I remember my time at Mousehole as some of the best years of my life







Mousehole’s influence doesn’t stop at tactical analysis. Gareth O’Neill, currently part of the physio team at Aston Villa, spent several seasons with Mousehole as head of Strength and Conditioning. Further afield, in early 2024, FC Barcelona launched a new English-language video platform to expand its global reach. One of the faces fronting that project is presenter and journalist Pablo Wools-Blanco. Originally from Bristol, Pablo studied journalism at Falmouth University and spent his final two years filming matchday content at Mousehole. His easy-going nature and professional delivery quickly made him a favourite at the club and a respected figure in Cornish football media.










He became a regular on the Cornish Soccer podcast, a BBC Cornwall matchday reporter and commentator, and even hosted the BBC Cornwall sports show on several occasions. Speaking from his new home in Spain, Pablo reflects warmly on his time at Mousehole:





“I remember my time at Mousehole as some of the best years of my life. I made lifelong friends and found a second family and community that I still visit when I can. Professionally, I can’t overstate how helpful it was — the hands-on experience was exactly what I needed to build a strong portfolio and gain invaluable experience, all while working with some amazing people.”





                                                                          Pablo at Barca One










Another recent alumnus to move up the football pyramid is Robert Brandt. Originally from Germany, he joined Mousehole as a scout for the 2024–25 season. He’s since taken on a new role as Academy Recruitment Coordinator at Brentford, overseeing recruitment from U9s to the B team.










                                                           Robert at Interiora Trungle Parc





For Robert, working in non-league football was an eye-opener:





“Decision-making in non-league is completely different. With no contracts or transfer windows, everything moves quickly. You get less time to make decisions and protect your squad, but more flexibility to correct mistakes. In the pro game, it’s the other way around. There’s also more personal accountability — players you recommend might actually get signed, which isn’t always the case at bigger clubs.”










Opportunities at Mousehole extend beyond football-specific roles, too. At the time of writing, Benj Gilbert — a recent graduate of Falmouth University’s editorial photography degree — is installing a camera on the roof of Centre Court at Wimbledon. Benj has built an impressive sports photography portfolio, including work with the England cricket team and several professional football clubs.





Last season, he spent time at Mousehole, capturing everything from matchday action to behind-the-scenes moments. His ability to capture celebration, reflection, and frustration added a professional edge to the club’s content output. His time in Cornwall gave him the chance to sharpen his skills in a live sports environment.





Kevin Bishop, who leads Mousehole’s media team, believes the club provides a unique springboard for young creatives and professionals:





“What we do here mirrors what people will encounter much further up the line in the wider world of football. We let people get stuck in from day one — they’re often thrown in at the deep end and given access to all areas of the club. They get to experiment, make mistakes, and learn. As a former journalism lecturer, I know how valuable that is for building skills and confidence.”







They’ve made us better as a football team — and we’ve helped them become better too,







Manager Jake Ash agrees. For him, the environment at Mousehole is central to everything:





“It’s just a great environment, isn’t it? People who work with us are given the opportunity to develop, and that’s so important. We’re really proud that so many people who’ve worked within the football department have used us to build their skills. In doing so, they’ve made us better as a football team — and we’ve helped them become better too, judging by the amazing roles they’ve gone on to. It’s something to be massively proud of.”





Although this crop of alumni has now moved on to the higher leagues, a new generation is waiting in the wings behind them. There are always opportunities at Mousehole if you want to develop your football career. Why not come along and have a look and see how we do things?


					


					
				



				
					

				
					


			
					
	
	

		

							

										 by Kevin Bishop									

						
			
MOUSEHOLE AFC ANNOUNCES NEW CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR
		


		

			






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.