ALTY FIT CLUB

Check out our brand new class, Alty Fit Club!

Running over the course of 6 weeks, participants will take part in a physical exercise session, with a focus on having fun as well as getting the heart rate going! 

Another crucial part of this program is for our lead Fitness Coach Alan to offer his nutritional advice and help those who attend to work out ways in which they can lead a healthier lifestyle. 

We are keen to emphasize that this is a fun and relaxed environment tailored towards men and women between 40-60. It is by no means an intense course and we want people to come away fitter whilst also having a laugh.

Sessions are from 9.30 AM on Mondays and open to both men and women. Book here to secure your place:

https://www.participant.co.uk/altrinchamfccommunity/event/alty_fit_club_21022022

The Community in 2021!

2021 was another unusual year for the Altrincham Community team. Despite the challenges we faced, we are proud to have done more for the local area than ever before.

Check out what we got up to in the video below!

New Year Classes!

It has been an extremely busy and unpredictable year for the Altrincham Community Sports team, as it has been for many, and we are excited to say that we are planning to get even busier in the New Year! 

We will be adding multiple new classes to the AFC Sports timetable, with a real focus on both the mental and physical well-being of our community, especially in the initial period after what can often be a heavy Christmas period. 

Have a look below to see all of our offerings, and if anything, in particular, takes your fancy!

First up, take a look at the brand new programme, Alty Fit Club! Running over the course of 6 weeks, participants will take part in a physical exercise session, with a focus on having fun as well as getting the heart rate going! 

Another crucial part of this program is for our lead Fitness Coach Alan to offer his nutritional advice and help those who attend to work out ways in which they can lead a healthier lifestyle. 

We are keen to emphasize that this is a fun and relaxed environment tailored towards men between 40-60. It is by no means an intense course and we want people to come away fitter whilst also having a laugh.

On the 18th of January, 2022, Altrincham Community Sports will be launching its brand new, Dementia Friendly Social. This new initiative aims to bring together the potentially more isolated members of the local community. 

Often sufferers of dementia find that they lose contact with their friends or become slightly more removed from their traditional social circle. 

The Community aims to make this a session where people are able to come together in a relaxed and welcoming environment and just have a chat over some nice food and hot drinks. 

There will also be an array of games and activities in which people can take part if they want to, but you are more than welcome to simply sit back and have a chat. 

Another nice element that we want to offer the people is the chance to put on some of their favorite songs from past years and reminisce about special moments during their lives.

We will also be partnering with The Sporting Minds Foundation to put on a bi-weekly session aiming to use the power of remembering and talking about sport to combat dementia, loneliness, and depression.

Sporting Memories hold sessions at over 120 locations around the U.K. and do some very important work, providing support for those that often feel the most isolated.

The sessions mostly entail a general chit-chat about some form of sporting memory or memorabilia, but extensive knowledge of sports is not necessary. We also offer a light bit of physical exercise followed by some hot drinks and cake. 

All the sessions are run by trained dementia and low mood staff, but the session is welcome to all over 50’s. Lasting 90 minutes, sessions will take place every two weeks on a Tuesday at 1.30 PM. 

We will also be continuing our very popular Sports Social sessions, which are open to any young adults with learning or physical disabilities. 

At these sessions, there is always a wide variety of fun games and activities to take part in, as well as safe spaces if people want to sit back and relax for a bit. 

The sessions are completely free and led by qualified and caring staff, with drink refreshments available on site!

Finally, we will be looking to get as many people as possible down to our disability football sessions. The idea of these sessions is to allow 6-11-year-olds who have any form of disability to still enjoy the beautiful game.

Running on Thursdays, from 5-6 pm, our trained staff will put on a fun and exciting session where improvement and enjoyment are the top priorities. 

At only £3 per session, it is a great way for children to keep active, make good friends, and have a lot of fun!

As you can see, we have a lot going on in the New Year. If any of these sound like your sort of thing, do not hesitate to get in contact with us either through email or telephone or pop in the ground!

Email: community@altrinchamfootballclub.co.uk

Telephone: 0161 928 1045

Park Road Academy: AFC Community and Local Schools

Park Road Academy is one of the local schools where we proudly run our lunchtime and after-school club sessions at, as well as some PSCHE lessons focusing on anti-discrimination.

With the help of the National League Trust and Primary Stars, we are able to carry out these sessions, providing free physical exercise for over 200 children each week. We spoke to the Head of P.E. Tom Smart and Year 4 student Oscar about the impact the coaches and their classes have on the children and the school environment. 7

Here is what Tom had to say about AFC Community Sport’s involvement in their school:

How did you find out about the work that Altrincham does and how did everything come together?

‘’The Premier League Primary Stars program was mentioned in emails to myself through the Trafford Schools Sports Partnership but also through the club and Simon Dow, of which we have had a strong affiliate link for over 6 years. I simply emailed Simon and Lisa requesting what we would need for the next academic year during the summer and they were then able to put the pieces together with some support from myself ready for the sessions to begin in September.’’

 In your opinion, how has Altrincham FC Community made a positive impact on the children at Park Road?

 ‘’Children are finding that the lessons during lunchtimes are engaging and an excellent way of participating in organized physically active sessions. This has meant that children have had to develop communication and teamwork skills to assist them in the task they are striving towards. Children often come back in from lunchtime feeling a sense of achievement and feeling refreshed ready for the afternoon ahead. One child has mentioned that it helps them get rid of anxious thoughts and improve their confidence.’’

 Is there a certain memory of the team working at your school that sticks out?

 ‘’The children know the team well and therefore often have a good rapport with the coaches. Throughout the years it has been great to see the children develop in confidence and competence especially around the football with the after-school clubs. This has also enabled the school team to benefit from the work previously completed with children before reaching Year 5 and 6 and then moving on to representing the school teams.’’

Here is the chat we had with a Year 4 pupil about what he enjoys about our lunchtime session:

 What do you like most about the lunchtime sessions?

‘‘I really enjoy how fun and exciting the coaches make our lunchtimes. Tommy always has really fun games for us to play and everyone gets involved.’’

 How do you think these sessions have helped your skills? 

‘‘I feel like some of my football skills have gotten a lot better and that I have become better at sprinting. I’m also speaking more to my teammates and they understand what I want them to do. ‘‘

 What is your favourite memory from the sessions?

‘‘One day Tommy let us play all different games in a tournament, and everyone got to choose the games we played. We played; football, tennis, tag and capture the flag and I had so much fun!’’

It makes us at Altrincham Community very proud and happy to see how much of an impact our sessions have on the local children and that it is making a real difference. 

Smart Storage Toy Appeal

Altrincham FC has partnered with Smart Storage to once again take part in their annual Christmas Toy Appeal. We have taken part in this wonderful scheme for the past 4 years, and are delighted to once again be helping raise toys for children of the local area.

Altrincham and Smart Storage put boxes out within the community, asking locals to contribute any sorts of toys. These toys are then given to the Starlight Unit for 1-16-year-olds at Wythenshawe Hospital who sadly may end up spending Christmas in hospital. It will also provide relief for some of the families at Beaumont School in Warrington.

The local drop-off points where you can give your toys over are the J. Davidson Stadium and the Craven Road Smart Storage facility and these will be open from the 26th of November until the 11th of December. 

Smart Storage offers its customers affordable storage facilities, ranging from domestic, commercial, or student services.

Altrincham will be supporting the Toy Appeal before, during, and after the 11th of December Bromley home fixture, where fans will be able to drop off toys as well as donate any money they wish to.

Sporting Memories Session

Altrincham FC Community Sports are delighted to announce that we will be partnering with The Sporting Minds Foundation to put on a bi-weekly session aiming to use the power of remembering and talking about sport to combat dementia, loneliness, and depression.

Sporting Memories hold sessions at over 120 locations around the U.K. and do some very important work, providing support for those that often feel the most isolated.

The sessions mostly entail a general chit-chat about some form of sporting memory or memorabilia, but extensive knowledge of sports is not necessary. We also offer a light bit of physical exercise followed by some hot drinks and cake. 

All the sessions are run by trained dementia and low mood staff, but the session is welcome to all over 50’s. Lasting 90 minutes, sessions will take place every two weeks on a Tuesday at 1.30 PM. 

For more information ring us on 01619281045 or email us at community@altrinchamfootballclub.co.uk

Altrincham Community Dementia Friendly Social

On the 18th of January, 2022, Altrincham Community Sports will be launching its brand new, Dementia Friendly Social. This new initiative aims to bring together the potentially more isolated members of the local community. Often sufferers of dementia find that they lose contact with their friends or become slightly more removed from their traditional social circle. 

The Community aims to make this a session where people are able to come together in a relaxed and welcoming environment and just have a chat over some nice food and hot drinks. There will also be an array of games and activities in which people can take part if they want to, but you are more than welcome to simply sit back and have a chat. 

Another nice element that we want to offer the people is the chance to put on some of their favourite songs from past years and reminisce about special moments during their lives. 

This is a community social and is open to anyone who would like to join us!

For more information feel free to pop into the club or give us a ring on 0161 928 1045.

Be a Santa to a Senior

This Christmas, Altrincham Community Sports are proud to be partnering with Home Instead Altrincham and Sale to deliver their program, ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’, which has a primary goal of appeasing loneliness for the elderly over the festive period. 

Home Instead has been running this thoughtful program for eight years and we are delighted to be able to help by asking our local schools to contribute in the shape of homemade gifts or Christmas cards.

 The pack’s given contain a gift, a card, a local magazine, and some quizzes and games to play during Christmas time, all aiming to put a smile on the recipient’s face.

Christmas Meal

Altrincham FC Community Sports are delighted to announce that we will once again be holding our annual Over 50’s Christmas Meal!

Widely recognized as one of the best events of the year, the 4-course-meal will take place on the 15th of December in our Community Hall, with the added bonus of being served by the wonderful staff!

For £12.50 you get 4 courses, a glass of wine, and access to a raffle and quiz. Anyone over the age of 50 is welcome, be it a large group or if you simply fancy coming to make some new friends. It’s always a welcoming bunch, so don’t be shy!

If you are interested in coming down, book your place through 01619 281045!

Weekend Round Up

The weekend commencing the 14th of December was a very successful one for the wider Altrincham Football Community. 

Our men’s team showed excellent resilience in their fixture with top-of-the-table, Boreham Wood, coming from a goal down to draw 1-1. Against a team with such an impressive defensive record, Alty came away disappointed not to have taken all 3 points, a sign of the level these boys want to be reaching. 

Our women’s team had a positive weekend, despite the first team game being abandoned due to abuse of the referee. In a difficult season for the team, it was somewhat frustrating that they were very much on top and in need of the 3 points. The development team continued their terrific form with a 7-1 victory against Manchester Rovers, seeing them move up to 4th place. 

It was a full sweep for our Youth teams. Our U18’s won away at St Helen’s Town 2-0, to go to top of the Premier Division. They have been on an outstanding run of form lately and the belief in the squad is very high going into the second half of the season. The U17’s won away at 1st placed Wythenshawe, and now sit 4th place in the Development Division. 

Long may the good form continue!

National League Trust Day of Recognition

Over the last 20 months, football has played a vital part in helping communities cope with the stress of the pandemic. National League Clubs and their charities have been involved in many local initiatives to help alleviate the impact of lockdown and restrictions. 

They have continued to deliver activities and support partners through this difficult time. Over the weekend of 12 to 14 November, the NLT and the League are celebrating their contribution.

As a community, we found it an extremely challenging time but we’re extremely proud of the way we managed to continue delivering our services to the local area. Despite periods where we had to shut down our classes on-site, there were many projects we were proud to continue supporting!

Pete Foster, Community Trustee, stated, ‘after a turbulent 18 months of lockdowns and uncertainty, it has been fantastic to be able to provide this funded program for local children who have been so affected by the pandemic. The funding from Trafford Council has been very welcome along with their support, and we are looking forward to continuing this program in the coming school holidays’

Over the past 20 months, we delivered free school meals through the Department For Education Activity Fund Program, which saw over 800 children gain access to a free healthy lunch 5 days a week, as well as 4 hours of free physical activity. At a time when many families were struggling to cope with the pandemic, we were glad to be able to help ease the pressure in some way.

We ran this program through the Summer and Easter Holidays of 2020 as well as the Summer and Winter Holidays in 2021. For many children, this would be the only time they could gain access to professional coaches or any form of organized sport. 

Lily, who attended our Holiday clubs, hugely enjoyed the sessions, stating, ‘I absolutely loved the holiday with Altrincham FC in the community, the coaches made the sessions really fun and it was great to be back playing sport with my friends. It was also great to meet some new friends from other schools.’

These programs were supported by: G-Force, Trafford Council, Oldfield Brow Primary School, and Broomwood Primary School and we would like to say a huge thanks to them as without them this would not have been possible.

Our primary sponsor was The National League Trust, a charity that offers grant aid towards the support and development of community projects at clubs in the League. Funding is made possible by the generous support of the Premier League and the Professional Footballers’ Association Charity, who have committed to support the Trust until 2022. They will each contribute to a donation of £1.2m a year during this period.

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Christmas Charity Walk

Staff and directors from the Altrincham FC Community Sports Company are putting their best foot forward for a fantastic cause next month when they go on a sponsored walk to make Christmas special for local children with serious medical conditions.

It is a sad reality of a fast-approaching festive season that some children will unavoidably spend it in hospital, but Alty’s community team is determined to bring smiles to young faces after organizing a walk to raise funds for both The Christie Hospital and the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust.

Setting off from The J.Davidson Stadium at 9.30 am on Sunday, December 5th, the group of hardy walkers will cover a total of 8.3 miles, from Alty’s Moss Lane headquarters to Edgeley Park, home of Stockport County.

Once all the sponsors’ donations are gathered in, they will then begin the serious business of buying as many Christmas gifts as possible for children at the two charities and will even wrap and deliver them ahead of the big day!

It is a heart-warming initiative by the club’s community staff and one that comes with an open invitation to all Alty fans to help make it a resounding success by joining them on the walk.

Sponsor forms are available from the club’s offices at The J.Davidson Stadium, so if you can spare a few hours on December 5th, come along and boost the numbers, in the knowledge that each stride along the route is a step towards bringing some festive cheer into the life of a child dealing with illness or disability.

If you would like to contribute but are unable to join the community team on the day, please consider making a donation by clicking on the link below:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/altrincham-footballclub-1?utm_term=4eZDNYpzw

J. DAVIDSON SCRAP PROCESSORS TO SPONSOR AFC IN THE COMMUNITY FOR 2021/22 SEASON

We are delighted to confirm that J. Davidson Scrap Metal Processors will be sponsoring Altrincham FC In The Community for the 2021 / 2022 season.

Their sponsorship will provide new kits for the Women’s first team along with training and travel wear for the players as they embark on their new season in the North West Women’s Regional League under Manager Nick Pearce.

Our community coaching team who deliver our many programmes to over 800 children, young people and adults will be wearing the new Puma uniform as they support the local community and this will also be sponsored by J. Davidson

The final area of this unbelievable support will be for the Alty Mini Kickers programme where we will be purchasing new footballs for each child that attends the programme so that they can continue their skills practice at home.

Community Manager Simon Dow is delighted with the sponsorship, stating “The support from J. Davidson  is a fantastic gesture and after a very difficult year for the community company it enables us to update our uniform and equipment as well as providing the Women’s first team with the new Puma kit, training and travel wear. We really can’t thank them enough for this sponsorship and look forward to collaborating with them in supporting the local community that we are both so passionate about”

Jamie Davidson Added “We are delighted to increase our support of Altrincham FC & especially the local community. The work the community company carry out in Altrincham & the surrounding area is vital in supporting the health & wellbeing of it’s residents and we are proud to be able to support their excellent work”

Altrincham FC CSH is ready to reopen its doors.....

We are delighted to announce in line with the unlocking of the Government road map, we can now unlock our doors!

Whilst we are not able to operate at full capacity as yet, we reopen with our groups for U18’s in their various activities and we are looking forward to a complete schedule operating from May 17th subject to any changes in plans by the Government.

If you do have any questions, questions or want to re engage with the Community Groups then please email community@altrinchamfootballclub.co.uk. We are working mornings Monday to Thursday as we fully prepare.

Look forward to hearing from you and seeing you soon!

Best wishes from all the staff here.

Women are back in Action!

Altrincham FC Women returned to training on the last day of March & were straight into action at the weekend with a behind closed doors friendly against Chester FC Women on Easter Sunday.

Honours were even in a 6 goal thriller at Chester's impressive 1885 Arena.

The Robins led 1-0 & 2-1 but were pegged back on each occasion & it looked as if the home side woukld be the victors when they went into the lead for the first time to make it 3-2 but a last gasp equaliser secured a result for new manager, Nick Pearce, who was taking charge of his first game since being appointed in January.

Altrincham's goalscorers were Jade Hesketh, Megan Rowley & Casey Beamon.

The Women are next in action on Sunday in a behind closed doors fixture against Northwich Vixens at Egerton FC, Knutsford, which will be Altrincham FC Women's home venue this season.

Andy's Man Club Comes to Altrincham FC

We are delighted to be able to support an amazing new group here at Altrincham FC In the Community.

Andy’s Man Club is a free session aimed at getting men aged 18 plus  to open up about their mental health problems and help reduce stigma.

Andy’ Man Club started off as one group in the small, northern town of Halifax. That first night 9 men turned up and spoke. There was a magic in that room that everyone knew had to be shared.

We knew other guys across the country needed this same experience. We have worked tirelessly through Andy’s memory to grow our clubs. We now have 28 groups, and still growing, across the UK.

The clubs were set up in memory of Andy Roberts, who was a loving and doting father, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. He was an all round top guy, one of the truly nicest people.

Sadly and tragically without any warning Andrew, at 23 years old, was taken away from all his family and friends by suicide, which led to his family setting up Andy’s Man Club.

Community Manager Simon Dow was delighted to support this brilliant programme and the opportunity it brings for local men “I first met with Dan from Andy’s Man Club 2 years ago when first discussed bringing a session to Altrincham FC. The idea behind the programme is brilliant and essential especially with the impact the pandemic and lockdowns have had on people’s mental health”

Altrincham FC Director of Football Rob Esteva was delighted to support the new session by organising for both the Altrincham FC & Wrexham FC players to wear Andy’s Man Club T Shirts during the warm up prior to their Vanarama National Fixture on Tuesday 9th February 2021.

This free session will be held every Monday 7pm -9pm and starts on Monday 15th February 2021.

COVID guidelines will be in place to ensure the session can run safely and within Government Guidance for support groups.

For further information or to book a place on the session please email info@andysmanclub.co.uk

Temporary Suspension of all Community Activity

Due to last nights announcement from the Government regarding the new national lockdown we have unfortunately come to the difficult decision to suspend all community activity until further notice.

This includes all school work, community outreach and community sports hall bookings.

The community offices will be closed during lockdown, should we require any information please email community@altrinchamfootballclub.co.uk and we will will respond as soon as possible.

Please take care during this difficult time and we look forward to delivering our amazing projects again in the coming months.

TEMPORARY CLOSURE

Our Community Offices & Facilities will close from midnight Wednesday 4th November 2020 with a PLANNED re-open date of Monday 7th December (subject to guidance at that time). Sara & Simon will continue to work remotely

Although we are delighted to confimr our continued to support the NHS with their baby clinics which are pre-bookable through their service.

All enquiries please email community@altrinchamfootballclub.co.uk

TAKE CARE & BE SAFE!

Womens Walking Football

We are delighted to announce that as part of our recent National League Trust grant funding we will be launching a new walking football session for women.

The session will be held every Thursday morning 9am -10am and cost just £4!

No prior playing experience is required for the session that will be led by a member of the AFC In the community coaching team and will be a fun and relaxed way to keep active and socialise.

Community Manager Simon Dow commented

“We are delighted to add this brilliant new session to our ever growing provision for women and girls football. Through our support for the AFC ladies tram and Junior girls section we are ensuring that there is an increasing offer in and around Altrincham for women and girls to play football. The support in setting this up from the National League Trust has been essential along with Broomwood Health & Wellbeing centre for allowing the use of their pitch”

Places are limited while we are under the current restrictions for COVID-19 and procedures will be in place to ensure participant safety.

To book a place please click on the button below

GOLD IS OFF AND RUNNING

Sunday 23rd August 2020 sees our Gold participants set off for the Peak District to complete their expedition challange of the Gold DofE award. Inkeeping with revised legislation, the students will travel to and from the Peak District daily for the next 4 days where they will experience different types of terrain on their daily hikes.#endurance

Best of luck guys!