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Partnership to Back Local Sport

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A joint partnership between the Armchair Club — a group of Mansfield and Ashfield people who back sport in the area — and Mansfield Building Society has been established to identify and support local sports clubs with their youth development plans.

One of the first recipients was Meden Vale Colts FC, which has been presented with a cheque for £1,000.

The club’s SEND project to support children and adults with physical impairments and disabilities to become involved in sporting activities impressed both organisations, together with Meden Vale’s extensive junior programme and plans to encourage girls’ football.

The presentation was made at the club’s Elkesley Road complex by Vickie Preston (left), of Mansfield Building Society, and Geoff Waller (right), of the Armchair Club, to Adam Else (second right) and Graham Hall (second left), of Meden Vale Colts, and junior footballers.

Fencing Update from Dylan’s Mum

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Dylan Fencing

As the fencing season comes to an end, I felt that it would be an ideal time to give you an update on how Dylan has progressed in his first U14 category season.

Dylan’s main goal for this season was to maintain his top 15 England ranking by performing well domestically, ensuring his selection to fence internationally with the England squad.

Dylan fulfilled this goal and was selected for both England squads, travelling to Croatia and Switzerland. He finished in the final 32 in Croatia (21st) and final 64 in Switzerland (35th).

Domestically, Dylan not only finished in the top 15 but finished ranked 2nd in England and 4th in Great Britain. Along the way he had many podium finishes and won silver in the England Youth Championships and finished 9th at the British Youth Championships.

Dylan and I would like to thank you for your support this season. He is excited for the new season in September and will be training hard in Budapest this summer to continually improve his performance in preparation for his second year in the U14 category and already has a performance plan in place to aid his transition to the U17’s (cadets).

Kind regards,
Kim – Dylan’s Mum

A C GOLF DAY at COXMOOR G. C.

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Pictured L to R are AC member Rachael Richardson, winning golfer Jim Kirkham, event organiser Bill Taylor, winning team captain Neil Dallman and AC member Geoff Waller

The Armchair Club (AC) held their 9th Annual fund raising golf day recently (Friday 21st June) at Coxmoor Golf Club. It was a glorious warm sunny day, with 25 teams competing from 17 clubs represented from around the region, all looking to win the prestigious AC Challenge Trophy.

The winning team was Dolly’s Dreamers, captained by Neil Dallman with team members Jim Kirkham, Raphael Richardson, all from Oakmere Park GC , and Trevor Dallman from Rufford Park GC.

Runners up were Team US, followed by The Tin Man, Medleys Muckers, and Real Education.

Coxmoor Golf Club captain Dave Kieley along with Vice Captain Gary Mee played in the Armchair team and Dave commented that “it had been a very well-organised great day of fun and competitive golf and although it has been a challenging year for me, I absolutely loved it today“.

Armchair Club Patron and event Organiser Bill Taylor said that he and other AC members and supporters were very pleased with the turnout. The support of the main sponsor, Linney Group, along with many other sponsors,  a raffle and a silent auction raised a record £3000 for the Armchair Club which will be used to support local sports people, clubs, and organisations across the area.

Bill also said thanks are due to Coxmoor Golf Club for the use of their facilities and the support from the club’s Pro shop and catering staff. He went on to say that the course was in excellent condition and many compliments were paid by competitors to Coxmoor’s head greenkeeper Ben Cumberland and his staff.  Armchair Club members were full of praise for Bill Taylor for all the hard work that he had put into the event with support from colleagues, supported by Julie Creed, Josh Creed, Jacob Creed, Lisa Knox, and Rebecca Truscott who all worked extremely hard to make it a very successful day.

On the Ball for Helping Sport

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A football club has thanked a group of businesspeople for a £500 donation.

Meden Vale Colts said the money from The Armchair Club would particularly help its work to encourage more girls to join the sport.

Colts chairman Adam Elce said: “We pride ourselves on being accessible to all children, no matter their age, experience or ability. We are proud to lead in encouraging more girls into the sport.

“Through the donation we will be able to support more girls playing the game, by providing equipment, pitches, and qualified coaches, as well as keeping this affordable for parents.

“Thank you for all your support.”

The Armchair Club, a group of sports-minded businesspeople, backs local sports people and clubs with financial help.

Pictured with some of the club’s young players are The Armchair Club’s Geoff Waller (second left) and Gary Jordan (right) with Meden Vale Colts president Graham Hall (left

Ambitious Athlete Awards

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Photo showing funding event.

Photo: Nicki Biggs and Sue Bridges (Head Teacher)

Our Ambitious Athlete Awards scheme has received a photo and thank you message from King Edward Primary School students for our donations which will allow them to continue with their community sports clubs.

Gemma Goddard – PE Coordinator at King Edward Primary School says:

We would like to thank Nicki Biggs (School Games) and the Mansfield Armchair Club for providing funding opportunities for our children to play sports in the local community. This funding will contribute towards monthly training/match fees and kits required to play their chosen sports.

We have joined Mansfield Town Community Trust as a Community Partner

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The Armchair Club have joined Mansfield Town Community Trust as a Community Partner and we look forward to strengthening the relationship between both organisations.

MTCT will be announcing our partnership on their social media. They are also in the process of finalising their Community Partners initiative for the upcoming season.

For further information about MTCT contact Alex Cartwright, Business & Project Development Manager, Mansfield Town Community Trust, Quarry Lane, Mansfield, NG18 5DA

Landline: 01623 656920 | Mobile: 07709 754164

Get Kids Into Sports!

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Thanks again Gary Jordan, Geoff Waller and the Armchair Club for your support as you know it’s appreciated by myself the youngsters their parents and guardians and all of the coaches.

Wayne Turner indicated how the money would be sent on new equipment and that all support is really appreciated. The Rainworth & Blidworth boxing & fitness club is in desperate need of a mezzanine and equipment to accommodate the growing numbers of youngsters that attend every week and this is the start of our fundraising drive

If any businesses, community groups or individuals are interested in helping then please email me malcolm@hall-fast.com thanks #GetKidsIntoSport

RIP John Slater

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I am very sorry and sad to share the news that John Slater passed away on Sunday 12th December after a long battle against cancer.

John was a founder member of the AC and was the person who organised the Question of Sport event from the outset. John was Sales Manager at Abacus and at the point that Abacus took effective control of MTFC, he moved across to become the Stags Commercial Manager before eventually returning to Abacus and then subsequently moved on to work for a company based in France who also manufactured street lighting.

John was made an Honorary member of the AC earlier this year in recognition of his years of support. John was a keen golfer and back in the day was also employed part-time as a football scout, working for a number of League clubs, preparing reports on promising players or briefing a team on their upcoming opponents.  John was also “honest John” giving tips on horse racing. In recent years he played this role to perfection when he and Nicola came to our home for our annual Grand National lunch when he was also the bookie.

Sharon and I were going over to see him and Nicola on Thursday but this was postponed until Monday 13th. So very sadly we did not get to say goodbye to a wonderful guy. The world would be a better place if it were full of people like John.