Members of Timsbury Youth Athletic Football teams have been enjoying many a goal celebration this season, thanks to a generous grant from the Ralph and Irma Sperring Trust – and the charity is keen to let others in the community know that they could benefit, too.

The club, which is run by volunteers, many of whom are parents, has been awarded just over £2,000 to upgrade four of their goals and to buy new training tops for the Under-8s, Under-9s and Under-10 teams.

The children meet every Saturday morning from 9 a.m. at St Mary’s School playing field, Timsbury, with the Under-15s and 16s meeting after the hour session.

John Carey, the Under-8s Manager, like many of the other dads, became involved due to his children; now teaching boys and girls the skills of football during term time, which sees them all coming together on a Sunday to play matches against other local teams. Once playing for Farrington Gurney FC himself and coaching football in

America, John says the club is a valuable resource for both children and parents alike.

“It can be really hard for smaller village clubs,” he says. “But the children love to come out at the weekends, and are really dedicated. It’s also a chance for the parents to get together and we have social activities, too.

“The children had the opportunity to take part in Bristol City FC’s flag bearing, we’ve been to Yeovil Town, and a handful of us have even been on a trip to Wembley Stadium.

“We raise funds by selling tea, coffee or bacon rolls, plus other activities, and at the end of the season we hold a party where all of the children are presented with trophies.

“I began the Under-8s group with just four children, and now we are completely full. It has been phenomenal to see how they progress, and they come from across the area – so we also have children from Peasedown St John, Clutton and Farmborough, too.

“Being a small village club, we could never have afforded these goals and training tops on our own, and we are extremely grateful to the Ralph and Irma Sperring Trust. It has given our teams a real feeling of togetherness and professionalism.”

The Ralph and Irma Sperring charity was formed in the 1990s, following the death of Ralph Sperring in 1989. His only close relative had been his sister, Irma, who died in 1978, and it was Mr Sperring’s wish to benefit the community with his estate, and a charity was formed.

Michelle Jorden, one of the local trustees for the charity, based at Thatcher + Hallam

solicitors in Midsomer Norton, explains. “The criteria is that the applicant must live, or be based, within five miles of St John the Baptist Church in Midsomer Norton, and only one grant can be made to each applicant per year.

“Any club, organisation, individual, school or church based within the area of benefit can make an application for a grant. The Trustees meet on a quarterly basis to look at the applications and decide which grants to make.

“The charity has benefitted many sports clubs with equipment and kit, as it has done with Timsbury Youth Athletic FC, and also organisations and churches, along with providing schools with grants for play equipment, stages, school trips, books and equipment, as well as students taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.

Individuals can also make applications, and there is no hard and fast rule as to what can be applied for – if an application is made, the trustees will consider it.

Applicants must complete a form and return it prior to the closing date for each meeting. Any applications received after the closing date will be held until the next meeting.”

A parent at Timsbury Youth Athletic adds: “The children love being part of a team – the qualities they learn carry on through into adulthood, and they are taking respect and discipline back into the classroom, plus, they are outside keeping active. The FA is encouraging grass roots football and this club is an example of it at its very best.”

John would like to hear from any potential coaches, with the club paying for training, First Aid and safeguarding courses. For details, contact: 01225 438204. For more on the Sperring Trust and applications, email: [email protected] or phone: 01761 409316.