Lordswood Youth Football Club welcomed three local councillors to demonstrate their contribution in supporting the youth of Medway.

Medway councillors David Brake, Adrian Gulvin and David Wildey met up with the football club’s youth club chairman, Dean Simmons, to learn and see, first-hand, the efforts made by the club.

Since 1968, when Lordswood Youth Football Club were founded, they have gone from strength to strength with now more than 170 boys and girls playing in the Medway District Youth League.

Lordswood Youth start from reception school year with their soccer school, which is run by David Myatt. Teams run through from under-7 years to under-18s.

Jennie Harwood, the club secretary, and Ashley Smith, the child welfare officer, explained: “All of the qualified and trained managers and coaches are volunteers and, as such, are all invested in the same club and community values by encouraging and engaging to develop the future of grassroots football and the youth of Medway - in particular those of Lordswood and the surrounding area.”

Cllr Brake said: “We take great joy in seeing the teams in action and meeting them in person. The effort that goes into the training sessions, planned out through the development ages, is a credit to their success.

“The enthusiasm of all involved with Lordswood Youth Football Club is contagious and as local councillors it is something we are pleased to see.”

MP for Chatham and Aylesford, Tracey Crouch, added her support saying: “With over 50 years of service and currently over 170 boys and girls registered to play, I am pleased to express my thanks to the well-established Lordswood Youth Football Club and the way in which it continues to provide good quality football coaching and training for the young people in and around Lordswood.

“This has been achieved by a dedicated team of adults, parents and supporters who have given freely of their time to the benefit of the young people.

“In wishing the teams well for the future, I am pleased to give my assurance of continued support and thanks to everyone involved in the Lordswood [Youth] Football Club and, in particular, for being there for young people.”

If you would like to be involved in coaching/managing, or becoming a referee, or your child is in school reception year or Year 1 and wants to become involved in football, visit lordswoodyouthfc.com