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									

						
			
NAME A ROAD AT MOUSEHOLE AFC – AND MAKE CLUB HISTORY!
		


		

			


A brand-new road, officially opened by Prince William, now leads to our ground — and YOU could decide what it’s called.

We’re running a raffle giving supporters the chance to name it. Imagine driving up on matchday and seeing your chosen name on the sign. Bragging rights for life. 🙌

🎟 Raffle Ticket Prices

£10 – 10 tickets
£20 – 25 tickets
£30 – 40 tickets
£50 – 75 tickets

⚽ Every entrant receives a FREE match ticket for our game against Portishead on 11th April, where the draw will be made live.

❤️ All money raised goes straight back into the club — supporting players of all ages, from the youth sections through to senior football.

The draw is live on April 11th. Grab your tickets, bring your best name ideas, and be part of the story. The final choice of name will be subject to approval by Mousehole AFC. 

Who knows — the next road sign at Mousehole might just have your name behind it. 🌊Enter the raffle by clicking the ‘Buy’ button, or scan the QR code in the image:

https://buy.stripe.com/8x228r59E9nu09JeMw63K04






 







					


			



				
					

				
					


			
					
	
	

		

							

										 by Kevin Bishop									

						
			
Mousehole 3 – 3 Willand Rovers 
		


		

			









Twenty Eight Days later is not just the title of a really good Danny Boyle zombie apocalypse film, it is also the number of days since Mousehole last played a game of football. It’s longer than the life-span of the average housefly which possibly explains why your reporter can’t even remember what that previous game was. This game though, will live long in the memory, maybe even until Mousehole next play, because for the second home game in a row it was rounded off by a goal in injury time*. On this occasion, unlike the last gasper against Bashley, this was not a winning effort but it was celebrated with no less gusto by the home fans. 





(*Younger readers will refer to this as time added on for stoppages. They probably weren’t born the last time we played!) 





There’s a certain level of muscle memory in playing football that can not be replicated in training. This meant that the home team were a little rusty and so it was no real surprise that Willand, battling relegation and having played quote recently on the 31st January!, scored first. The breakthrough came just after the half hour. Mousehole had possession deep in their own half by the corner flag but couldn’t clear it. Willand nicked it, sent it in to the box, and a crisp finish from around the penalty spot left Ollie no chance. 





The seagulls bounced backed instantly. It was a bit of a scrappy goal, following some pinball in the area. Eventually it fell to Kaleb Kadimashi about six yards out, he took a touch and sort of bobbled it home. It’s lack of pace seemed to fool the keeper. 





Sadly, parity only lasted a couple of minutes. A free kick from Willand’s left wasn’t properly cleared and when the cross came back in it found a lone striker with the freedom of Trungle. He had time to take it down and lash it home. As has been the case a little too often this season Mousehole were then hoping to only go in one goal down, that they managed this was a blessing. 





If Mousehole came out hoping to strike early and go on to get the win they were to be disappointed. It was Willand who started the second half stronger and thus, again, it was no surprise when they extended their lead. The goal deserved to win any game. The Willand number nine, Charlie Bateson, picked the ball up on the left and jinked, like a wee Scottish winger from the 1960s, past several defenders. When he’d found a little space near the edge of the box he unleashed a thunderbolt across the face of the goal into the far corner of the net. 





One could have been forgiven for thinking that was that but suddenly the home ranks found some get up and go and laid siege to the Willand end. The pressure eventually told when Jack Symons smashed home the rebound from his own shot with thirteen minutes left. Could the comeback be on? 





As the sands of time dribbled away, and Jake Ash pleaded with the referee to add on the equivalent time to that which had been wasted by the visitors, it looked like this would be another match that got away. When the board went up with seven minutes to be added a little hope was raised amongst the loyal Trunglites but chances were few in the closing moments.  





The seven minutes came and went but the game carried on. Maybe the referee felt guilty or maybe he was working the “a minimum of…” to its full extent but whatever the reason for the further additional time it proved crucial. A corner was awarded on the right, Hayden Turner stepped up and Charlie Davis held his breath. The delivery was cleared but quickly recycled to the hit man, he sent it back in and this time it was perfect. It was met on the edge of the six-yard box by a flying Jacob Kevern and arrowed into the net. 





A draw was possibly a little more than Mousehole deserved but no one cared as they celebrated a late point as the men in white and green extended their unbeaten run to twenty nine days. 







					


			



				
					


			
					
	
	

		

							

										 by Kevin Bishop									

						
			
FANS OWNERSHIP – MEETING ON 23 MARCH
		


		

			

As you may be aware, the club is currently exploring the possibility of becoming a fan-owned club as part of wider discussions around long-term sustainability, financial resilience, and keeping the club rooted firmly in its community.





To help inform that conversation, we are pleased to confirm the following:





🚨 Fan Ownership Forum
🗓 Monday 23rd March
🕡 6.30pm
📍 Trungle Parc Clubhouse





We will be joined by Darren Bernstein from the Football Supporters Association, who will be speaking to fans, players, staff and volunteers about:





    

  • What fan ownership actually means in practice
    • 




  • The potential benefits and challenges
    • 




  • How a club like Mousehole AFC could make it work
    • 




  • Examples of other non-league clubs who have taken this route
    • 






This is very much an information-sharing and listening event. No decisions have been taken, and this process will only move forward with proper understanding and supporter involvement.





It is important that we have a good turnout on the night, both to show the strength of interest within our community and to ensure the discussion reflects a wide range of views.

You can find out more about the FSA and their support for fans ownership here: https://thefsa.org.uk/our-work/supporter-ownership/


					


			



				
					


			
					
	
	

		

							

										 by Kevin Bishop									

						
			
MOUSEHOLE INVESTIGATING FANS OWNERSHIP
		


		

			

Mousehole AFC is beginning an early-stage exploration into whether the club could become a 100% fan-owned football club.





Following recent discussions among the board, initial conversations have taken place with both the Exeter City Supporters’ Trust and the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) to better understand what a supporter-owned model could look like for a club of our size, history and community roots.





It is important to stress that no decision has been made. This is the start of a listening process – one that puts our supporters at the centre of the conversation about the club’s long-term future.





Why consider fan ownership?





Club Secretary Daniel Tasker explains the thinking behind the discussions:







“In Germany all clubs must be at least 51% fan-owned; there are more and more clubs over here who are moving in that direction and we want to be part of that. With fans across Cornwall and all over the country – if not the world – we feel this is a really exciting opportunity for the club and our supporters.”







At its heart, fan ownership is about long-term sustainability, transparency and community control. Rather than being dependent on a small number of individuals, the club would be collectively owned by its supporters, helping to protect Mousehole AFC for future generations.





Why now?





Like many non-league clubs, Mousehole AFC faces increasing financial pressures. Rising operating costs, infrastructure investment, and the ambition to continue growing on and off the pitch mean we must look carefully at how the club is structured and funded.





Exploring fan ownership is part of a wider conversation about how we ensure the club remains:





    

  • Financially stable
    • 




  • Community-focused
    • 




  • Ambitious but responsible
    • 




  • Protected for the long term
    • 






Your voice matters





This process will only move forward with the support and involvement of our fans.





Alongside this article, we are launching a poll to gauge interest from our fans. If you can, please click below or follow this link below to take part in the poll.












TAKE PART IN POLL












We want to understand:





    

  • How you feel about fan ownership in principle
    • 




  • What excites you about the idea
    • 




  • What worries you
    • 




  • What you would want from a supporter-owned Mousehole AFC
    • 






This is about shaping the future of your club – together.

What happens next?





At this stage, we are:





    

  • Learning from clubs who have already taken this route
    • 




  • Seeking guidance from supporter organisations
    • 




  • Listening to our community
    • 






Any future steps would only be taken after full consultation with supporters and a clear understanding of what is best for Mousehole AFC.

You can keep up to date with progress by subscribing to our fans ownership email by clicking here