FOOTBALL: Wallingford come back from the brink (From Herald Series)

FOOTBALL: Wallingford come back from the brink

8:26am Thursday 2nd July 2009

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AFC Wallingford, after fears that they might have to disband, have pledged to carry on for ther coming season.

Wallingford, who just over a year ago were playing Hellenic League Premier Div-ision football, were in serious in danger of folding, due to a shortage of committee and players.

This would have left the town without an adult football team for the first time in 87 years.

But club secretary Richard May says that they will be carrying on in the North Berks League.

“We’re hoping to appoint a manager very shortly and we expect to have enough players,” he said.

In addition, Wallingford will be fielding two teams in the Oxfordshire Invitation Youth League.

The under 18s, who fared well under manager Michael Fellows last season, will now be joined by the under 16s, run by Steve Tebo.

Based at the Wallingford Sports Trust’s Hithercroft ground, the club quit the Hellenic at the end of a disastrous 2007-8 season in which they suffered a series of hefty defeats.

Because of their plight, they asked to be relegated back into the local North Berks League.

“We just managed to survive in Division 1 last season,” said May.

“But the club continue to struggle for support from the local community and have been kept going by a small handful of individuals for the past few years.

“We are therefore appealing to the local community to support its local football club in whatever capacity they may be able – playing, supporting, fund-raising or sponsorship.”

The club have to pay £2,800 per year to play at the Hithercroft.

Their income comes from hiring out the pitch, most of which comes from Hellenic League Division 1 East side Thame United.

AFC Wallingford, who only seven years ago attracted a 2,000 crowd when they entertained AFC Wimbledon in a top-of the table Combined Counties League match, held their annual meeting at the Hithercroft last Sunday, when two more commitee men stood down Those interested in helping the club should contact May on 07973 736386 or email afcwallingford@ hotmail.com.

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