Walderslade is a fast growing football club situated in the outskirts of Chatham in the Medway Towns 30 miles South East of London. In 1978 the Woodlands Park Residents Association decided to form a youth football team and named it Woodlands Park Rangers. The initial response was so good that two teams emerged, both entering into the Medway News Youth League.
Despite some success the teams were a little envious of the "big" clubs in the area so in 1983 talks commenced with another local team, Tunbury Football Club, with a view to amalgamation. This was completed successfully and Walderslade Boys Football Club was formed. The Club grew to field teams in ten age groups but at the end of season 1999-2000 downsized to only four as a group of like-minded parents took over to ensure the future of the Club.
Six years later the Club has gone from strength to strength having expanded into girl’s football in 2004 and in the process changed its name to Walderslade Football Club to recognize the fact that we should be providing football for girls, boys, men and women of all ages.
On the field we have had varied success in both the league and cup competitions but our priority has always remained to provide football for all levels of ability. Although like all teams we enjoy winning we do not make this the be all and end all. We are keen to promote fair play and sportsmanship amongst all our players and supporters and have established a Code of Conduct and a Child Protection Policy which is strictly applied within the Club.
Would moving kids' football to a summer game help improve the development of young footballers?
Yes - better pitches mean a better chance to develop technique/skills
No - wouldn't make any real difference to development
Maybe - but I'd be worried about more injuries on firm pitches
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What would you do to improve the next generation of British footballers?
Youth development has been at the top of the grassroots football agenda lately, so what would you do to help improve the next generation of British talent? Have your say!