AS we push towards the final third of the playing season, I’d like to take this opportunity to share an update on the club’s progress, developments, and initiatives that may interest you.
The first team is in great form! We are unbeaten in ten games and are in a strong position with a third of the season still to play.
Notable performances include our away victory at Kidderminster, a 3-0 win at home to Buxton, and a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Brackley.
These results reflect the squad’s hard work and determination, and we’re excited for what’s to come. With our injury woes hopefully behind us, we can continue to push for the playoff positions and apply pressure to the teams above us.
Congratulations to Preecy, Ando, and the team, Preecy was even named Manager of the Week recently!
Mark Ellis made history by being named in the Vanarama Team of the Week four times in a row. Ellis (ten) and Calveley (nine) goals, continue to contribute massively and their consistency has been vital during this crucial stage of the season.
We still have a few injuries, and with lots of games approaching, Preecy is exploring how to strengthen the squad to support our promotion push.
Mike Calveley (200 appearances) and Joe Nolan (100 appearances) were recently recognised for their significant milestones at the club;many more appearances (and goals) to come!
The club’s long-term vision is to sign players who stay with us for a sustained period and build strong relationships with the club and our supporters. Over ten members of the current squad now have 100 or more appearances for the club.
Our academy continues to show promise across all age groups. Gary Donoghue has been pivotal in ensuring smooth operations, supported by excellent coaches and dedicated parents.
The U12 and U14 teams are performing particularly well, while other teams are also experiencing success and progress. A detailed youth update will be provided soon.
The Chorley FC U18 women’s team is having a strong season and building on a great first half with aspirations for league success!
Our BTEC team currently sits atop the U19 Youth Alliance, showing significant progress—a testament to the course quality and level of coaching.
Our Community Foundation has been busy with various initiatives:
• Andy’s Man Club now welcomes nearly 40 attendees weekly, providing vital support for men’s mental health.
• Blokes United averages 50 attendees per session, with over 200 signed up and a thriving social inclusion pilot.
• Walking Football sessions continue to grow, offering opportunities for all abilities.
• Awareness Days: We recently hosted a Cancer Awareness Day and are planning a Down Syndrome Awareness Day on March 22, with events aimed at raising awareness and providing support.
The Community Corner is nearing completion, thanks to new collaborations and donations. It is set to open in the coming months.
We’re also preparing an Audio History Project to capture and share memories of Chorley FC before they are potentially lost. Fundraising efforts will begin soon, with more details to be shared through our media channels.
The Business Club continues to thrive, with over 42 businesses signed up for our next event. If you’re interested, please get in touch.
Our Soccer Schools are running this week during half-term, providing fun football opportunities for around 60 children. Manager Andy Preece and some first-team players are actively involved in the sessions.
The Foundation, now led full-time by Vinnie Thompson, is keen to expand initiatives for Over-60s and Veterans. More information can be found at Chorley FC Foundation: https://www.chorleyfcfoundation.co.uk
Other Club Developments include:
• Staff Changes: Chief Operating Officer Craig Dootson has departed for AFC Fylde. We thank Craig for his contributions and wish him all the best.
• Stuart Taylor’s Away Days Project has been a major success, attracting visiting fans and generating additional revenue. Over 500 Wolves fans visited recently, and we aim to build on this success.
• Welcome Back, John Moore! Our head steward has returned after a sustained absence—his smiling face was missed!
• Stadium Updates: Black-and-white cladding has been added to the clubhouse and other stadium areas, giving the ground a fresh, Magpie-themed look.
• Congratulations to Chris Anderson and his wife Helen on the birth of their daughter, Millie Rose, and to CEO Terry Robinson on becoming a grandad to Xander Lee, born on February 11. Congratulations to Terry’s daughter, Katie, who is doing well!
• Inside Victory Park: Aidan Connolly’s post-match videos offer a closer look at match-day action. Watch the latest edition here: https://youtu.be/4nhtiil41m0?feature=shared
• Magpies on Air: Our live match-day stream allows supporters worldwide to tune in. Listeners have joined us from the USA, Thailand, and Australia! Pete, our head of media, will continue to offer this service as long as resources allow.
Sponsorship opportunities are available—please contact us for details. Replays are also available, such as the South Shields commentary as well as being included within match highlights.
South Shields: https://www.youtube.com/live/G18YcaZkHpE?feature=shared
Chorley FC remains committed to being as competitive as possible on the field with the ultimate aim of pushing for promotion. Equally important is continuing our progress in community-focused work.
We thank all supporters for their unwavering enthusiasm at recent games. Home fans continue to make plenty of noise (keep the drum going!), and the away support—especially at Kidderminster—has been fantastic.
We’ve got some massive games ahead, starting with tomorrow’s match against Radcliffe.
Up the Magpies!
Jamie
