GIBBONS Wreckers will be looking to help Wingate & Finchley FC foster stronger links with the community on Saturday when they descend on the Harry Abrahams Stadium to watch the Ryman Premier League match against Dulwich.
The visit will be the latest step in the evolution that has seen the Brent club transformed from a skills training programme run by England international Rachel Yankey to a fully fledged, FA Chartered club.
The Wreckers began life in 2007 as an outlet for young footballers to hone their skills in a friendly environment but after club founder Yankey provided the opportunity for a series of friendly matches to take place a desire was instilled in the players to form a regular team an compete against other youngsters.
That desire has been converted into results on the pitch, with the club receiving nationally recognised Chartered status from the FA for fulfilling the criteria for offering quality football coaching in a safe environment.Club secretary Andy Clifford is optimistic about the positive impact that the Wingate & Finchley visit can have on the attitudes of the Wreckers’ youngsters.
“I think that many younger players look down on semi professional football because it doesn't carry all the glitz and glamour of the premier league. But the facts are that numerous players have gone from being semi professional to the pro ranks (Junior Lewis, Ian Dowie and Kevin Phillips spring to mind) and lots of professionals and ex professionals also play semi pro football so the standard of football is good.”
There is already recognition among the Wreckers’ squad that the semi-professional game is an integral part of the football landscape, and 15-year-old Ranny Di- Mampova said of the visit: “I want to find out more about being a how semi- professional footballer and how to go about it.”
To get in touch with the club visit: www.gibonswreckers.co.uk or follow them on twitter: @GibbonsYFC
