Spotlight on Bustleholme Football Club

Tell us what you do
Bustleholme Football Club was first established in 1975, keeping young people away from negative behaviour. Currently we have 16 teams which range from 4 years old up to adults. Importantly, our club is open to everyone and we are currently trying to re-establish our girls’ teams which had previously been very successful. Unfortunately this folded as the girls went on to further education. The teams play on the weekend and are managed by qualified individuals. This gives our players excellent training and guidance throughout their time at the Bustleholme Football Club.

What is your proudest achievement?
Our club was predominantly a boys club until 1993. However, we now have a well established adult team and are trying to re-establish our girls’ side. We are extremely proud of the club we have formed and the success of our teams. Our men’s team has remained in the top division now for 20 years, which is a wonderful achievement with a limited budget.

What is your experience of support received from SCVO?
In the past we have been supported by SCVO through a number of their services. Most importantly, they helped to guide us towards the policies we must adhere too as a football club. This includes areas such as fair play, equality, respect and a code of conduct. In addition, we have also been supported through funding opportunities. SCVO helped us to find sponsorships deals and identified grants for us to apply for. As a voluntary club this is an important aspect of the work we do. Lastly, SCVO have previously supported us through the development side. This was by providing us with information on coaching and first aid courses for both our coaches and managers to undertake.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt about working with people in Sandwell?
I have learnt that they are very supportive of voluntary organisations as well as each-other. Currently, our club is sponsored by the Red Lion which demonstrates this support. The residents take an interest in our football club and attend the meetings we have with the community.

What are your plans for the future and some of the challenges you face?
Our main aim for the future is to locate our team within West Bromwich. At the moment our Saturday team plays in Tipton but we are a West Bromwich Football Club. As a result, we are looking to build a stadium in partnership with Phoenix Collegiate to provide our teams with high-quality facilities in West Bromwich. In addition to this, we also plan to re-establish the girls’ team. It is an area which is missed within our club and we hope to bring this back.
In terms of the challenges, the financial side seems to get harder every year. It is getting increasingly difficult to raise money and the biggest problem is that we do not have a base. As a result, it is difficult to provide facilities for football, learning and social events.

How can SCVO help to support your organisation in the future?
SCVO could certainly support our organisation through funding opportunities. This could help us gain the infrastructure required to take part in routine activities such as socials and training. As well as this, SCVO could also help us by raising awareness of our girls’ teams and through volunteers. As a voluntary team, these individuals play an important role in the running of the club. Therefore, taking on volunteers is something which greatly interests Bustleholme Football Club.

For more information please visit http://www.bustlehomefc.co.uk