About Warminster Highbury Youth FC

Warminster Highbury Youth FC began well over 20 years ago as the "Celtic Boys(Warminster FC)".

The Celtic Boys (Warminster FC) was founded in 1984 following a meeting between like-minded individuals who were keen to form a junior football team in the area. Those present at the inaugural meeting on Thursday 19th July 1984 were;

• Harry Theobold (Chairperson)
• Peter Farrell (Secretary)
  
• Fred Pinnell (Committee Member)
  
• Bob Pitman (Team Manager)
  

This represented the initial committee plus Rod Kitley (Treasurer) who was voted on in his absence. It was agreed that the team would be for Under 13's and advertising took place locally. Practice matches were then held following a favourable response.

Sponsorship was obtained from McCarthy Information or the full kit and a suitable pitch was secured at Woodcock Road, thanks to the efforts of Barry Garrett and Ken Parker who ran the men's team who played at this pitch.

The club was accepted into the Mid Wilts Youth and Minor League and played its first competitive match on Sunday 9th September against F.C. Chippenham "B" in the Under 13's cup competition. The score was 9-2. This was the start of a fantastic cup run that culminated in a cup final appearance at Melksham Town ground in Sunday 5th May 1985 against Avon Melksham, unfortunately Celtic Boys lost 4-1 on the day, but it was a truly commendable performance given the fact that the majority of the team were the youngest playing. The team finished fifth in the league.

Following the clubs initial success the next year, an Under 15's and an additional Under 13's team were formed. The original Under 13's went on the win the Division One Championship only losing one game and also reached the Cup Final, this time beating Avon Melksham 1-0.

Robin George, todays president begin his involvement in the 1985/1986 season as coach of the under 15's. He and Bob Pitman were instrumental in starting organised football for age groups down to eights and nines during the nineties.

Today's Under 7's Age group manager (Sean Bowden) was one of those in the original Celtic Boys team back in 1984.

The club has seen 2 name changes since its inception

1984 - 1985 Celtic Boys (Warminster) F.C.
1985 - 1988 Highbury Youth Football Club
1988 - Present Warminster Highbury Youth Football Club

In February 2006, the club completed its application for FA Charter Standard Status, this took a number of years of preparation to qualify for this prestigeous status. The award of Charter Standard acknowledges that the club is providing high quality football training to children in a safe environment under the management of a responsible committee.
The Charter Standard shows that

• The club is well managed by a properly elected committee
• All team coaches are suitably qualified to teach children about football
• All team coaches have attended a Child Protection course and the club has a nominated Child Protection Officer
• All adults in charge of children have passed FA CRB checks
• Any new team coaches go through a formal application procedure (including providing confidential references)
• Our club has clearly set out codes of conduct for behaviour of players, managers and spectators

From these early successfull beginnings the foundations were laid for the continued expansion and growth of the club ato where it is today, supplying the highest quality, FA Charter Standard football facilities from 5 to 17 in the Warminster and surrounding villages area.

In October 2008 Warminster Highbury Youth FC successfully retained its Charter Standard club status

Committee

Role	Name	Telephone	Email
President	Robin George	(01985) 215724
Chairman	Chris Finch	(01985) 217326	Email
Vice Chairperson	Bill Tyson	(01985) 300408	Email
Treasurer	Alan Richardson	(01985) 219863	Email
Secretary	Mike Read	(01985) 216351	Email
Welfare Officer	George Rabczak	(01985) 211361	Email
Officer	Jim Dufosee	(01985) 214559	Email
Officer	Rob McFerran	(01985) 215346	Email
Officer	Nick Webster
Officer	Rob Nash	(01985) 211622	Email
Officer	Jim Read	(01985) 212893	Email

Managers

To contact the managers or any particular age group, please go to the appropriate Teams Page

Travelling to Highbury

Highbury Training ground is located on Woodcock Road, Warminster. The postal code is BA12 9DG.  Parking is along the side of the Woodcock Road and this can sometimes get very congested.  Please be carefull.

The following Map from Google shows the location of the playing field.  Please be considerate to local property owners when parking.


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Travelling to Sutton Veny

A lot of the Highbury teams play their home games at the Sutton Veny Memorial Field. This playing field is in the beautiful surroundings behind the Sutton Veny Church/School and Village Hall. When visiting the Sutton Veny Memorial Field, we ask that you do not enter the clearly marked out Cricket Square. The postal code is BA12 7AP.  There is a very small car park besides the village hall. Please do not use this car park, as it is in regular use by the village hall members and also must be kept clear for emergency services
Please park along the High street (outside the church). There is plenty of parking here.

The following Map from Google shows the location of the playing field.  Please be considerate to local property owners when parking.


View Larger Map
View Larger Map