Joint Venture Football Success

In these changing times it is heartening to report that one of County’s oldest Football Clubs has joined forces with one of the newer, ambitious Clubs for mutual benefit.

Bishops Waltham Town (est 1901) and Sporting BTC (est 1995) have formed a joint venture for the future that sees them collectively field three teams, initially under the Sporting BTC banner, but based at Priory Park, Bishops Waltham.

Senior Mens and a combination team will compete in the Hampshire Premier Football League whilst a Veterans team will stay in Southampton League.

Stuart Parrett (BWTFC) and Brian Edwards (Sporting BTC) have been the stalwarts behind the joint-venture and negotiations are proceeding with Bishops Waltham Parish Council to secure structured additional teams and facilities at the secluded Town football facilities just to the west of the historic Town centre.

Local Accountant, Stephen Miller (pictured) is the new Chairman of the Parish Council – Stephen stated “By encouraging structured initiatives like this we are all hoping to build for the future in such a way that potential sponsors and investors in this Joint Venture can consider a new blueprint for encouraging Sport in the Town”. “The Council wishes them every success, as they would all users of the Priory Road facilities”.

Brian Edwards has already commenced pre-season training (Tuesday evenings at 6-30pm) and is highly positive about the future. Brian remarks “Last year we were constantly looking for a new Home and in some respects this distracted Sporting BTC on the field. For the coming season the combined resources of the two Clubs, plus a few new faces, will be a force to be reckoned with. Our ambitions are high”. “We are also looking for a Combination team Manager and Assistants and so I would encourage anyone interested to call me very soon”. Local businessman and Chartered Surveyor, Stuart Parrett stated “The Town Club was struggling last season and this Joint Venture means we have new blood in the Town and things are definitely looking up. It is very pleasing to see retained players from last season remaining with us but we still need more volunteers to help us – especially in helping the Combination team and with all aspects of administering a first rate visitor experience to Priory Park. The new committee will also be making a concerted effort to attract local business sponsors”. “Indeed, the new Club is looking to make giant strides this season and therefore now is the time for new sponsors to get involved – anyone interested should call either Stuart on 078 3636 3040 (Club and Sponsors) or Brian on 078 4334 6285 (Players and Management)”.