Belvedere up game again in new season
IT has taken only the relatively short period of 25 years for Burton’s Belvedere Park to become arguably the leading junior football club in the area.
The club approach the new season on the lookout for players to add to an already impressive portfolio of teams and activities from the ages of four to 18.
There will be 20 teams from the age of seven upwards competing in the Midland Junior League, Burton Junior League & Nottingham Young Elizabethan League, the latter claiming to be the largest league for under-sevens to under-14s in the country.
Affiliated to the Birmingham FA, Belvedere Park were formed in 1995 and play at the Marlpit at Shobnall.
The 100% voluntary, non-profit club can boast at least one Fa-qualified coach to each team.
They have gained – and maintain – the FA Charter Standard, an accreditation for clubs committed to raising standards in grassroots football.
The criteria for accreditation are challenging but rewarding for clubs who take the trouble to complete them.
Belvedere went a step further in 2019 when they were offered the chance to be only one of 250 clubs nationwide to join the Nike Partner Club programme, which supports clubs in raising their profile and identity in their communities, with dedicated events at the St Georges Park.
Belvedere Park’s teams all play in Nike-branded kit as a result and all match-day training and playing kit is supplied by the club.
The programme supports the club in catching young talent early with a “soccer school” for children aged four upwards, which is currently being run at The Marlpit while access to St George’s Park is limited by the pandemic.
The 50 weeks a year school sees qualified FA Coaches teaching the fundamental movements and techniques of football in a fun, enjoyable way and in a safe environment for girls and boys of all abilities.
The club are not just about finding young players – coaches can learn their trade with Belvedere too and they offer support to young people using coaching and work in the community as part of their Duke of Edinburgh qualification.
Belvedere are a partner club to both Derby County and Burton Albion, which obviously helps with providing a potential pathway through to the very top in the game for players and coaches.
Without the support of local businesses it is difficult for all grassroots clubs to do all that they do and Belvedere Park acknowledge support to the Trent & Dove Federation, Mcdonalds, ETS, Clarke Engineering, Home of Floors Hawkins Lane, Wilo, GM Treble, Hardy Signs, Alan’s Test Centre, Barton Fields, Tim Webb Gardening Services, Harbour Flooring, TL Darby and LCO Trading, among others, for regular support.
Any players or potential coache interested in becoming part of the club can contact the secretary, Rich Beard, 07710 783691 or Email belvederesecretary@yahoo.com.
Other details can be found on the club website at www. belvedereparkfc.com.