Dear FC Lakeside players, families, friends and volunteers.

I’d like to take the opportunity to introduce myself to you all as I proudly begin the role of Youth Chairman, at a club with such a great reputation within youth football in Cheltenham. I follow on from Rob Griffiths, who has served the club brilliantly as Chairman for nearly 20 years. Rob remains a key part of the club as Chairman of the senior section and Cold Pool Lane facility Director, and his network and experience in youth football remains a huge strength of FC Lakeside’s going forward.

In Rob’s time as Chairman, the club has gone from having 6 teams in 2007 to 400+ players in 2024. Alongside this growth, Rob has helped the club acquire Cold Pool Lane as their home, established a girls section which is now thriving, whilst also being so key in maintaining the special relationship we have with our Dutch (Tour) friends, SV Poortugaal.

Big boots to fill and as you can imagine, totally new challenges now being presented but I’m really excited by this next phase in the development of the club, with our vision for FC Lakeside to be the best environment in grassroots football for young people.

We will continue to enjoy giving our players the opportunity to compete, to win, to enter cups & competitions, to score, create and stop goals, but we know that the environment, the memories, challenges they face, friendships they make and the feeling of support from both sidelines will define their time at FC Lakeside much more than any medals or wins will.

I started my coaching journey at FC Lakeside 8 seasons ago and in that time have run sessions and supported coaches in the youngest age groups as well as coaching the U12s Whites. My obsession with football all started from playing grassroots football many years ago and the game has been a huge part of my life ever since, having coached in The US to Uganda, at camps and in schools, working for a Premier League Football Club for 2 seasons and enjoying some FA/UEFA courses along the way. I’m sure none of which will fully prepare me for this role!

As a club and committee, we’re really excited to launch some new initiatives – all focused on enhancing the experience & environment for our young players and families. Our strategy to achieve our vision will be largely focused on improving communication, club structure, inclusion & diversity and matchday behaviour, whilst further enhancing coaching, player care, and creating more memorable events for FC Lakeside players and families.

With over 400 players and 30+ teams, as we strive to achieve our vision to be the best environment in grassroots football for young people, we absolutely need the help of FC Lakeside families and existing volunteers. If you think you could spare an hour helping in the cafe each month, please drop by. If you’re a coach and don’t tend to attend club meetings, try and make the next one. If you like the idea of helping to plan a Xmas, Summer party or club tournament, speak to our events team!

I’d like to finish by thanking every one of our incredible volunteers who dedicate so much of their time to help the 400+ young people at our club, the players themselves who compete fiercely each week but do so with great respect, and families for their positive support and commitment. I really look forward to getting to know you all better over the coming months and seasons!

Liam Jones
Youth Chairman
FC Lakeside