Ex-United striker Dion joins club’s international set
SKELMERSDALE United have sent their congratulations to former player Dion Charles, who made his international debut for Northern Ireland, coming on as a substitute after 60 minutes in their 2-1 defeat against the USA on Sunday.
Charles joined the club on loan from AFC Fylde in November 2014 and made four appearances for United.
He started his career as a youth player with Blackpool but, after not making a senior appearance at Bloomfield Road - the closest he came was an unused sub appearance - he left in 2014 at the age of 19.
He found his feet at Conference side AFC Fylde, where he scored 19 goals in 61 appearances, which started to put him on the radar of some teams in the Football League again.
That earned him a move to League Two side Fleetwood Town in 2016, but things didn’t go all too well there, with Charles only making one appearance for the Cod Army, instead being shipped out to Halifax Town on loan twice.
The striker then made the switch back to the Conference to Southport, where he once again found his scoring boots by firing in 18 goals in 60 games over two seasons, and once again he had interest.
He joined Accrington Stanley at the start of the 2019-20 season, and since then he has been on top form, leading to his international call-up.
In a the recent United Review Magazine, the club listed United players who had played International football, Steve Heighway (Republic of Ireland), Peter Withe, (England), Ian Black, (Scotland), and Peter Sayer, (Wales), amongst others, and Charles now makes that a full sweep of all British National sides of Skem players who have gained International honours.
Meanwhile, grassroots football returned from Monday, and the Liverpool County FA has reminded all leagues and clubs of the importance of adhering to the established fa guidance, particularly regarding spectators.
A spokesman for the league said: Whilst there is light at the end of the tunnel and we continue to follow the UK Government’s roadmap, it’s more important than ever that all players, coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators follow the guidance The FA and The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) have developed to ensure grassroots football can return.
“By doing so, we give the grassroots game the best possible chance of avoiding any further suspension and the implications associated with such a course of action, notably the physical and mental wellbeing of those involved in the game as well as the financial impact.
“Since last year it has been evident that training and matchday behaviours would need to be modified, and stringent protocols have been put in place in order to help reduce the risk of virus transmission and enhance personal safety.
“Alongside yourselves, we’ve worked hard with our Local Government colleagues and facility operators to ensure they also follow the guidance provided.
“We know just how important football is to each and every one of you, as it is for us. Football for so many provides an escape from everyday life; an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful game amongst friends and family.
“That said, we all recognise the scrutiny football is often placed under and therefore there will be pressure if we don’t follow the rules.
“Whilst outdoor grassroots football – and outdoor grassroots sport – has been given permission to return, the actions of all involved in the game will continue to be scrutinised. It would be remiss of Liverpool County FA therefore not to remind all leagues and clubs that we have an obligation to demonstrate our commitment to those responsibilities. Following the guidance and protocols is the most effective way of combating the threat of virus infection.
“Liverpool County FA is therefore asking you to re-double your efforts, to check, amend and enforce the protocols accordingly, and ensure that all players, coaches, volunteers and spectators are clear as to their responsibilities.
“We will continue to keep everyone in the game updated with any changes The FA and/or DCMS may make to the protocols and guidance in place.”