Join us for a special moment in Cornwall as The Duke of Cornwall officially opens the new access road for Mousehole Association Football Club (AFC). This exciting event marks a major step forward for the local community and the club, improving access to the ground and supporting the future of grassroots football in the region.
Here are a selection of photos taken before and during the visit of HRH Prince William to Mousehole AFC on Thursday 13th November 2025.
Photos: Jack Tyler (@J4cksphotography)
BAFTA-winning film director Mark Jenkin has taken Cornish stories to international screens, yet most home games you will still find him behind the goal at Interiora Trungle Parc cheering on the boys in green. His connection to the club runs deeper than a passing interest. Family roots, childhood memories on the old pitch, the pull of community, and the sheer pleasure of watching Mousehole play the game the right way have made him a familiar face at home matches.
We sat down with Mark Cornish identity, pandemic-era epiphanies, beautiful football, and why a newly built road has accidentally given him the perfect 10k loop.
Before we talk about football, tell me about your association with the local area. Where did you grow up? What does being Cornish mean to you?
I grew up in North Cornwall and went to Wadebridge School, spending most of my childhood around St Minver and Wadebridge. But both sides of my family are from Penwith. My dad’s a Newlyn boy, with the family originally from Mousehole, and my mum is from St Ives. So although we lived upcountry, we were always back down west, either visiting grandparents or coming to Newlyn and St Ives every weekend.
Some of my earliest memories are of going to Paul cemetery to visit my granddad’s grave, then walking over to Trungle Park with my dad for a kick-about. Back then the pitch was totally exposed — horizontal rain, rooks in the trees — a properly haunting place. Now I live in the village myself, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.
Being Cornish is central to my identity. Even when I moved away in the ’90s for college and university, I was already trying to work out how I could come back. There weren’t many creative career options here at that time, but I’ve been lucky enough to build a life and a career in Cornwall. I’m proud of the culture, the history, and the people — those who’ve grown up here and those who’ve chosen to be here. This is home.
Talk me through your involvement with Mousehole. When did you first come to see us, and what keeps you coming back?
Mousehole was always in my consciousness because my dad talked about the club and its old heroes. As a junior playing for Newlyn, we’d come up against the Mousehole sides. I’d also come up to Trungle Park as a kid for the odd game.
But the real turning point was the pandemic. I used to go to Argyle all the time, but when football restarted after lockdown, I wasn’t quite ready to go back into a big stadium. During our daily walks, we’d pass Trungle Park and see the pitch looking immaculate and players training at a distance. When fans were allowed back in, I decided to try Mousehole instead of Argyle.
I remember walking in and being blown away by the quality of the pitch. I remember thinking – bloody hell, this is proper! Then the football itself — Western League at the time — was a revelation. I’ve barely missed a home game since.
What keeps me coming back is the quality of the football, the emotional hit you get from a Saturday, and the group of mates I only ever see at games. My work life is all over the place — writing, shooting, editing, travelling — so Mousehole gives me a sense of structure. If the lads are at home, I know exactly where I’ll be: behind that goal.
Your career takes you around the country and the world, and you’re often spotted wearing a Mousehole shirt. What do you tell people who’ve never heard of the village or the club?
I do like to wear the shirt when I travel, especially if I know I’m going to be photographed. People often ask about it because not many teams play in green. When they do, I tell them it’s Mousehole — the greatest football team in the world. And then I usually end up explaining the size of the village and how we’ve had attendances at Trungle Park that are almost double the population of Paul. There can’t be many clubs anywhere who can say that.
I’ve had some brilliant moments with the shirt. Once, I was on Venice Beach in Los Angeles wearing the all-green centenary kit, and someone walked straight up to me and said, “Is that a Mousehole shirt?” He was from Falmouth, had just landed in LA, and recognised it from a hundred metres away.
And now the shirts are travelling even further. As wrap gifts on the new film, I gave Mousehole kits to George MacKay and Callum Turner. Callum actually has two, and George wears the centenary one to the gym every time he goes. So the word is spreading — slowly but surely — about the greatest club in the world.
I believe a recent addition to the club has changed your exercise routine?
Yes — the new road! I used to have a running route from Trungle Moor up the old lane, across to Lamorna, through the quarry and back. It was always just short of 10k, so I’d tack on an extra loop.
Since the new road was built, if I run up Trungle, through the car park and up the new road before heading to Lamorna, it comes out as a perfect 10k. So I have the club — or Prince William, or whoever signed it off — to thank for that.
What other changes would you like to see at the club? What do we need to do more of?
Honestly, the only thing I’d love to see is more people at games. That’s easy to say and hard to achieve. Attendances can be baffling — a sunny Saturday against a big side might get under 200, then a rainy Tuesday against a nothing team pulls in nearly 300.
Bigger crowds help the atmosphere and the finances, and now the access is better the ground can definitely handle it. But it’s the same everywhere: Penzance want more, the Pirates want more. Every club does. If I figure out the magic answer, I’ll let you know.
Is there a film to be made about a small non-league club in a rural setting? Are you tempted?
Sports films are tricky. It’s incredibly hard to get the actual sport looking right. Even great films like The Damned United were clever enough not to show too much football. Actors rarely convince as players.
You could say it might be easier to portray this level of football because audiences wouldn’t expect it to look like the Premier League — but unfortunately Mousehole play such a beautiful style that I doubt you’d ever find actors able to do it justice.
Best ever memory at the club?
Either promotion to the Southern League or a home game against Falmouth. I arrived late after the Gorsedh ceremony — I’m a bard — and squeezed in behind the goal even though the F-Troop had taken it over. We came from behind and won it with a last-minute scramble, right in front of them. They went silent, we went mad. A brilliant moment.
Worst memory?
Any game that’s called off for weather. Nothing worse than walking up the hill only to hear it’s off — especially that New Year’s Day fixture against Tavistock a couple of seasons back. Totally gutting, though obviously nobody’s fault.
Favourite player of all time?
Goldie. A club legend. I’ve thought I’d watched his “last game” about five times. His leadership, his talking, his work off the ball — even when he was playing with his arm hanging off, he made the team better. When he does finally retire, it’ll leave a huge hole.
Favourite player at the moment?
I won’t single anyone out — but let’s just say I’m really looking forward to seeing Jack Calver back on the pitch.
Which team do you support other than Mousehole?
Argyle. I was brought up watching them because Cornwall was a rugby county — if you wanted football, you crossed the border. I used to think I was a West Ham fan who watched Argyle, but eventually realised it was the other way around. Still West Ham as well though — that’s inherited from my dad.
What do you think of the new kit?
I love it. As long as it’s green, I’m happy. It’s got a retro, late-1980s graphic designer vibe — a bit like that Dutch ’88 kit. Looks great.
What’s on your running playlist?
Nothing. Music makes me too aware of time passing. I listen to audiobooks or podcasts — it’s how I consume most of my reading.
Mark Jenkin’s new film, Rose of Nevada, premieres next Spring
Mousehole AFC’s away trip to Swindon Supermarine last weekend came with an unexpected bonus: a brush with the EFL—and a reunion with one of our own.
Staying in the same hotel as the team were the players and staff of Tranmere Rovers, who were in town for their League Two clash with Swindon Town the next day. It was a great chance for our players and staff to rub shoulders with professionals—but even more special was bumping into a familiar face: Kieran Stephens.
Now Lead Analyst at Tranmere, Kieran’s football journey started with Mousehole AFC. While still a student at Redruth School, he reached out to the club offering to help with performance analysis. Manager Jake Ash gave him the chance—and he never looked back.
Kieran quickly proved his value, filming and analysing matches, working with coaching staff to develop game plans, and using data to support player development and team selection. Even after moving away to university, he continued his work remotely before landing opportunities at Ipswich Town, Everton, and eventually Tranmere Rovers, where he now holds a full-time role.
“Mousehole and Jake really gave me the building blocks to understand the role of an analyst in football,” Kieran told us. “Working with Mousehole massively shaped the way I work and my attitude towards analysis in sport. I still use many of the techniques I learned there to this day.”
His role at Tranmere includes filming and analysing training and matches, delivering tactical reports, preparing pre-match game plans, and providing post-match breakdowns for both individuals and the team as a whole.
Seeing Kieran in his element—among seasoned professionals, thriving in a role he’s carved out for himself—was a proud reminder of the pathways Mousehole is helping to create, both on and off the pitch.
From West Cornwall to the Football League, Kieran Stephens is proof that big dreams can start in small places.
Swindon Supermarine 0 – 3 Mousehole
Following some good away performances many, as well as manager Jake Ash, were still a little disappointed that the points return wasn’t what it could’ve been. The previous three away games had brought five points when the performances possibly deserved nine. This meant that the travelling Mousehole team, in an unfamiliar navy shirt with white shorts, was determined to take all the points home from Wiltshire. And that’s exactly what they did with an almost perfect away performance.
The first half was a cagey affair with neither side able to create many clear-cut chances. Possibly the best chance fell to Jack Symons after about half an hour, he was played in by a lovely ball from Tallan Mitchell. He let it run across his body but this made the angle too tight and his shot went wide. This was a first half where the defence is dominated. It was a tight midfield battle and space was limited on a good pitch in front of an enthusiastic crowd
Mousehole managed to go in ahead at half-time thanks to a penalty converted confidently by Hayden Turner, making his two hundredth appearance. Again, it was Mitchell who was the creator, having jinxed his way into the box he tumbled when his legs were caught by an errant defender.
Turner having missed a penalty last week showed no hesitation in taking the ball. He picked a spot, ran up with purpose and placed it firmly to the keeper’s right. The keeper dived the right way, but the shot had too much power and Mousehole went in one nil up.
Many games this season have been finely balanced and this was no exception so when the second half started it was very much a case of next goal wins; a Mousehole goal would sew it up, a home goal would open the game right up.
It was clear within the first few minutes that this was Mousehole‘s game. All of the chances were created by the Seagulls and the defence, well marshalled by Ollie Chenoweth, never looked like conceding.
The game was done and dusted thanks to two goals by Jack Simons within the space of a couple of minutes, but that the little fella didn’t get a hat trick. is probably more of a surprise than that he got a brace.
Time after time Mousehole cut the Swindon defence to pieces and created openings; both Symons and Turner had chances before Jack finally doubled the Mousehole lead.
A lovely move strated when Gene Price receive the ball from a throw in, he released Turner on the left of the box, he cut in, looked up and rather than shooting rolled the ball across for Symons to smack it home.
Just two minutes later the mini maestro was at it again. It started in the Seagulls’ box, with Ward finding Fresneda near the centre circle. He passed to Price, who back heeled to an o-rushing Simmo about twenty-five yards out. He can’t reach the goal with a shot from there so he jinked his way into the box, shrugging off challenges on the way. Once in the area he simply rolled the ball inside the post. A beautiful team goal finished with individual brilliance. The whole team followed Simmo over to our fans and they celebrated joyously.
If Mousehole had won this game five or six nil, no one would’ve been surprised. Jake Ash was able to use all five substitutes with no weakening of the team and the chances continued to flow.
We can definitely say now that Mousehole know how to win away. Can they repeat that magic at Interiora Trungle Parc? Stay tuned, it’s an incredible ride this season.
Earlier this year, we were delighted to welcome Interiora as our first ever stadium sponsor. Ten months on, we caught up with company owner Megan Dack to hear her thoughts on being part of the Mousehole family.
It’s only been ten months since we began our support of Mousehole but so much has happened in that time. On the pitch, the men’s first team came within a whisker of reaching the play-offs for the second year running, the women sadly had to withdraw from the league but I know they will come back with greater vigour and the youth section, where my son plays for the Merlins, is going from strength to strength. Off the pitch the club has shown that amazing things can happen when a community comes together. The physical manifestation of this is the new road but having attended a number matches, that togetherness goes much further and makes me so proud that Interiora can continue to support Mousehole AFC.
When our partnership with the club was announced I know there were some who didn’t want to lose Trungle Parc and for them it will always be that and that’s the way it should be. For me, when I see our name above the stand and, shortly on the sign at the head of the new road, I am just happy to have played a small part in helping the club move forward.
My original decision to sponsor Mousehole wasn’t difficult; it stemmed from a personal connection to the club. My son had recently developed a huge interest in football, and we’d witnessed a remarkable transformation in his confidence since he joined the Mousehole U9’s youth team. The joy he feels on the pitch and the friendships he has formed are invaluable, and I can’t help but think about how important it is to support the club that has made such a positive impact on his life.
Sponsoring Mousehole AFC is not just about promoting our business; it’s about nurturing the community and encouraging young athletes to pursue their dreams. Who knows? One day, my son might don the colours of the men’s first team. It’s a thought that fills me with pride and excitement. By supporting the club, we’re investing in the future of these young footballers, ensuring they have the resources and encouragement they need to succeed.
At Interiora, we believe in the power of community and the importance of fostering local talent. We’re thrilled to partner with Mousehole AFC, and I can’t wait to see how our support will continue to help the club grow and thrive. Here’s to many more years of creating beautiful spaces and supporting the passions that bring us together!
Mousehole Women Excluded from Cornwall County Cup After First-Round Bye
Mousehole AFC is extremely disappointed to confirm that Mousehole Women have been ruled ineligible for this season’s Cornwall Women’s County Cup, despite previously being told they could enter and having already been awarded a bye into the second round.
The Cornwall FA has now stated that teams not competing in a league this season cannot take part in the competition—which goes against what the club had been advised by the league. The club is slightly confused given that other teams, including St Buryan last season, had been permitted to enter the County Cup without being part of a league structure.
Club secretary Daniel Tasker said:
“We were assured we could enter the County Cup after withdrawing from the league, and we were even given a bye in the first round. To now be told we’re not eligible because we’re not in a league is extremely disappointing. The fact that teams have previously entered the cup without being in a league only adds to our confusion and frustration.
However, rules are rules, and we will move on positively. We’re excited for the months ahead—playing friendlies, rebuilding the squad, and welcoming an ex–MK Dons Women’s coach to the staff. Despite this setback, the future looks bright for the team.”
The club’s withdrawal from the Earthbound Electrical Cornwall Women’s League—following a player vote and board approval—came after more than ten departures in the close-season and the league’s refusal to allow Mousehole Women to drop down a division to remain competitive.
Mousehole AFC would like to extend sincere thanks to team sponsors SeaSwept Farm, whose unwavering support has been invaluable during this period of transition. SeaSwept Farm, a regenerative farm just half a mile from Interiora Trungle Parc, supports community wellbeing through its Wild Things initiative, championing nature-based activity, local sport, and cultural engagement.
Statistics tend not to lie regardless of the phrase made famous by Mark Twain. Seven home league games this season, three wins and four losses. That’s the same number of home defeats as the whole of last season. Fortress Trungle has been breached and no longer offers the comforts of home.
It all started so differently when Liam Prynn rounded off a strong opening ten minutes with a very nicely worked goal. The returning Julio Fresneda Carrasco, JFC!, took a short pass in his own half from Ed Harrison. In his familiar casual style he turned, looked up and advanced a few steps before pinging a pass out to Hayden Turner. The Hitman turned provider; rolling a pass into the box, dissecting two defenders, to find a lurking Prynn. He took a touch to send a defender to the ground and pulled a shot into the bottom left corner of the goal.
This is the style of football that visitors to Interiora Trungle Parc have become used to. Quick, incisive, devastating. That it was the first home goal for over four hours didn’t matter as Prynn peeled away in delight. The home crowd settled down for what promised to be a lovely afternoon against a strong visiting side, but one who had not won since the end of September.
To the dismay of the home bench the lead lasted just eight minutes. There had been a couple of warning shots before the equaliser came but the home defence did not heed these. A promising attack broke down on the edge of the Winchester box and fifteen seconds later the ball was in the Mousehole net. Gaining possession in his own box the defender in blue had sent a hopeful punt upfield to a loan attacker. It looked like James Ward would get there first but the sprinting Brad Waters beat him to it.
At that moment the two centre halves of the home team out numbered the forwards but Dan Bradshaw was steaming in past a sluggish Mousehole midfield so that when Waters looked up he saw his team mate arriving in to the box in splendid isolation. The pass was accurate but Bradshaw still had work to do. Ward and Harrison blocked his path but he cut back to his left and slid the ball home, wrong-footing Chenoweth.
Mousehole had the better chances thereafter with Turner hitting the bar and stinging the keeper’s hands with long range efforts, while Prynn clipped one just over the bar. The half ended even and that was probably slightly unfair on the home team.
In days gone by, the fitness and panache of Mousehole at home tended to brush sides away in the second half but at the moment this doesn’t happen. The half opened a little like a basketball game with possession switching in turn and attacks petering out with no end product. Too often though Mousehole held on to the ball for too long and eventually this was their undoing.
Good possession was lost in midfield when passes where on and Winchester forced a throw in on the right. It was launched in to the box and Mousehole had two opportunities to clear but failed to do so allowing the visitors to lump it in again. It fell to a Winchester foot, and Thomas Bragg slammed it past some lunging defensive legs.
The game was effectively ended just two minutes later when Winchester doubled their lead. Once again Mousehole couldn’t maintain possession of the ball, allowing Winchester to attack down the right. Bradshaw turned provider, although there was much fortune to it, as his cross was hopeful at best. It bounced in the six yard box and should have been cleared but found its way to the back post where Tommy Wright stepped inside Cook and flicked it home.
With twenty five or so minutes remaining there should have been enough time for the Seagulls to get back into the game but the visitors looked more threatening and it was only Chenoweth heroics that kept the home side in it at all. Then with five minutes left on the clock Mousehole were handed a lifeline. JFC won the ball near the right corner flag. He managed to beat several defenders and advance into the area where he passed to Symons. Jack made space for a shot but the goal bound effort was brilliantly saved. Sadly for Winchester, it was not the goalkeeper using his hands and a penalty was awarded.
Up stepped Hayden Turner to take the kick. He hit is powerfully enough but it wasn’t wide enough or high enough to pass the keeper who pushed it away. Had that gone in, the momentum may have shifted sufficiently for Mousehole to nab an equaliser but in truth it would have been more than they deserved.
The Seagulls are now stuck in mid-table. That’s positionally, but in terms of points they are much further off the play-off spots (13) than they are to the relegation places (2). It could be said that the season is at a cross roads. There are ten league matches till the end of the year and these will decide whether a promotion is possible or if survival is the only target.
Another Tuesday evening, another trip up country for the players, staff and hardy fans of The Seagulls. With the last two away trips having brought home four points the spirits were high as the Trungle Army boarded their double decker.
With winter fast approaching there were fears of rain but the clouds held their load meaning the pitch was dry and firm if a little bobbly. Wearing an unfamiliar kit of white shirts with green shorts Mousehole started the stronger in a frenetic opening.
The Farm had more possession but Mousehole dominated the chances and it was no surprise when they took the lead after eighteen minutes. A blunder at the back gifted the ball to Jack Symons inside the Bristol half. He played in Liam Prynn for a one on one with the keeper. Prynn sent the keeper the wrong way with a deft turn of foot and rolled the ball into an empty net.
Chances came and went for the travelling Seagulls but whilst the build up play was slick, the finishing or the final ball kept missing the mark if only narrowly.
One nil at half time away from home is a good place to be. The mantra in this situation is always to see out the first ten minutes after the restart. Take the sting out of the game and manage the minutes. Unfortunately on this occasion Mousehole couldn’t manage it.
A corner wasn’t cleared, it bobbled around for too long in the area such that the goal was not a surprise as Bristol bundled it home.
Would Mousehole crumble? Not these days. Bristol dominated possession but never troubled Chenoweth sufficiently that he needed to dirty his gloves. At the other end Turner, Mitchell and Prynn had chances but couldn’t force the goal. The closest was a long range lob from Prynn. The initial flight path looked to be taking it way over but it suddenly dropped and smashed the bar much to the surprise of the keeper.
Neither side looked like nicking it near the end and another point was added to Mousehole’s recent away total. Ultimately it felt a slight disappointment and that in itself shows how the away form has picked up. Now they just need to repair the battered ramparts of fort Trungle.
