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.