Folkestone Invicta get Council backing

SUPPORTERS' of troubled Kent club, Folkestone Invicta, are getting on their feet to raise funds for the Ryman League Division One South club.

Paul Sly has organised another sponsor walk for next month, from Hythe Town’s Reachfields Stadium to Folkestone Invicta’s Buzzlines Stadium in Cheriton Road.

“Each and every week, hundreds of young people enjoy participating in and being a part of one of Invicta’s many footballing groups,” Mr Sly told www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk.

“It is a costly operation to run and our fundraising efforts will go a long way to ensuring the future of the club, which will in turn guarantee the future enjoyment of each and every one of the participants from the under 7s through to the senior team.

“All of those youngsters aspire to follow in the footsteps of the senior team, which currently participates in Ryman One South, a decent standard of non-league football.

“Some will be good enough to progress through to the first team, as is proven by the five or six players who currently form part of Neil Cugley’s first team squad. Some may even progress to a higher level.

“None of this will be possible unless we all act now and show the directors, management and indeed the town in general how much we all need and want Invicta to survive.”

Mr Sly gave details about the sponsored walk.

“The walk will take place on Saturday, 3^rd January 2009, from Hythe Town Football Club back to Folkestone Invicta Football Club, via Folkestone town centre,” he said.

“There will be refreshments available at Stripes Club, and it is planned that a penalty shoot-out will be arranged prior to the home fixture with Sittingbourne that day.

“Youth development officer Sarah Parker will be giving details of the shoot-out to the numerous team managers closer to the day.

“It is anticipated that the walk itself will set off from Hythe at around 10am. All are welcome to join in the walk and to experience the atmosphere that has been present on all previous sponsored walks that the club has arranged.”

Further details about the walk can be obtained from Paul Sly:
Tel: 07764 302 614
Email: paul.sly@pslgroup.net 

Meanwhile, the club were dealt a huge vote of confidence from Folkestone Town Council, with Councillor Richard Wallace speaking to the full Council Meeting on behalf of the club.

In a statement, published on www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk, Cllr Richard Wallace, said: “Folkestone Town Council is dedicated to supporting sports and youth facilities in the town. It is policy. It has supported or created several sports tournaments over the years to help younger people and fitness.

“The club has generally had an excellent record both in financial stability and in helping the local community when compared to other clubs in a very unstable and crisis-ridden industry.

“Folkestone Town Council views with concern the recent financial troubles of Folkestone Invicta Football Club.

“The club has been stable and generally successful occupants of the town’s main football ground for over ten years and have helped the local youth with a consistent training programme that bears comparison with those the council have backed financially recently.

“Folkestone Town Council will therefore consider supporting any fundraising efforts of a suitable nature with publicity and possible team participation.”

Cllr Wallace told Supporters’ Club chairman, Clive Arnold, “A large majority backed my motion, including the Mayor himself, so I know you can count on our support for any events.”

Articles courtesy of www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk

Folkestone Invicta v Whyteleafe
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 9^th December 2008
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Buzzlines Stadium, Cheriton Road, Folkestone, Kent CT19 5JU