ONE of the Rossendale Valley’s oldest amateur football clubs is hoping to kick-start a ‘goal’den future by appointing a new management team.

Stacksteads St Joseph’s was founded in 1913 and new chairman Dave Tomlinson is confident the club has a bright future.

“We are looking to reinvent the club by promoting youth teams as well as our first and reserve teams,” said Dave.

And responsibility for the reserve team is now in the safe hands of Martin Taylor.

Martin, originally came to England from Trinidad and Tobago in 1991 when he was 19. He had intended to work here for a short while and move on but he soon got involved with St Joseph’s and has played first team football for the past eight seasons.

“I am mad about football,” said Martin, a Manchester United fan. “When I came here this club became my family and I have made many friends.”

He initially worked as a labourer and for the last 10 years has been a self-employed painter and decorator.

“I also met Claire, who worked as a waitress in The Royal Hotel in Waterfoot,” he said. “We have been married for 10 years and have two boys.

“Now as reserve team manager I am looking to give young footballers the chance to get the skills to be able to earn a place in the first team.

“I want to be able to give something back. I would like more young players to come to the club so hopefully next season we will make some good progress.”

St Joseph’s will hold the first training session of the new season on Saturday July 4 at Stacksteads Recreation Ground at 1pm. Players aged 16 and over are welcome to attend.

St Joseph’s has already got two qualified welfare officers and five other members are attending a Lancashire Football Association coaching course in the summer.

Youth Development Officer Sue Hopkinson said: “We have been holding a street football youth project at Western Park in partnership with Stacksteads Countryside Park Group.

“They secured the initial funding and we are working together to provide a sustainable opportunity for young people. A further course will begin in July.”

The street footballers will also be going to a county competition in August in Leyland when an England footballer will be present.

For more information about Stacksteads St Joseph’s contact Dave Tomlinson on 07764 348 749.