Two non league clubs have decided to merge and in the process name an ex-Crystal Palace, Wimbledon player as their manager.
Alfold FC are based in Surrey, England and are currently members of the Southern Combination Premier Division after numerous promotions in their recent history and play at the Recreation Ground which is always getting improved.
Following discussions, they have linked up with Crawley based club Galaxy FC, who have stood out as one of the south-east’s premier youth set-ups over recent years, with a proven record of developing players of all abilities. The club’s elite players will now be able to see a pathway into senior football at Alfold as part of the partnership.
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The new merged team will carry the same ethos, philosophy, policies and procedures adopted by Galaxy.
The founders of Galazy wanted to create an environment where players could develop without fear of being criticised when making a mistake.
Galaxy’s processes proved to be successful with the club growing from the initial few players that they started with, to a club that will have in the region of 250 to 300 players for the 2021/22 season.
With the new structure in place there will be many changes at the clubs with people taking on new roles and responsibilities to help run the club efficiently and smoothly.
However both clubs will still welcome any new members that would like to be a part of this exciting new journey.
Glynn Stephens has been appointed as the new man in charge at the Elliot Scott Group Stadium.
Stephens replaces ex-management duo Jack and Matt Munday who left back in May.
Managerial announcement as @alfold_fc appointment Glynn Stephens and start merger with @Galaxy_F_C https://t.co/p2KoQhoMLk
— FootballCommunityinSussex&Surrey (@FootballCommun6) June 20, 2021
The new Alfold manager has previously had coaching roles at Dorking, Egham Town, Ashford Town (Middlesex), Chessington & Hook, Horley Town and, most recently, Colliers Wood United.
As a player, Stephens enjoyed time in the non league pyramid playing for the likes of Molesey, Ruislip, Chertsey Town, Hampton & Richmond Borough, then known as Hampton, and Dulwich Hamlet.
CLUB STATEMENT:
Two clubs one vision will now become one club one vision with the aim to build a strong, stable, successful club with a desire to produce & promote players & staff from within.
After an initial partnership which saw Alfold FC & Galaxy FC working together providing a pathway for all there was a lot of thought & reflection after a difficult year for everybody it was clear that we was offering two different pathways at the two clubs which went a little against Galaxy’s Ethos of “Football for All”
So a proposal was made to bring the two clubs together with one clear identity, one focused & driven committee, after discussions with members from both clubs it was clear this could only be a good thing.
The clubs name will be Alfold FC but with a new club badge taking on the Galaxy badge, the Ethos, Philosophy & many of Galaxy policies & procedures being adopted.
With the new structure in place there will be many changes at the clubs with people taking on new roles & responsibilities to help run the club efficiently & smoothly, we welcome any new members that would like to be a part of this journey.
Galaxy was formed due to what the founders had witnessed in youth football & how poorly young players were developed, treated & made to feel, we wanted to create an environment where players could develop without fear of being screamed at when making a mistake, our processes proved to be successful with the club growing from the initial few players we started with to a club that will have in the region of 250/300 players next season, we are proud to say that when we develop players we do not just cherry pick the best in the County we develop our players from a young age, last season was proof of that where we saw boys that had been with the club since U8’s play for 1st Team as U16’s.
Below was the first step in what we have now brought together & everyone involved with the club is looking to a bright future as Alfold FC.
Mark Wright, Alfold FC Head of Youth Development, said: “With my connections at Galaxy I was always keen to bring the two clubs together. Galaxy have some fantastic young players and coaches that need a pathway beyond what Galaxy can currently offer.
“Now the partnership is in place coaches, players and parents will see there is a real pathway for players of all abilities into senior football, this is an exciting time for both clubs which I am sure will prove successful for both.”
Twitter users reacted as the two non league clubs merge and name an ex-Crystal Palace, Wimbledon player as manager…
@AndyStratton13: Good luck @alfold_fc. The future for the new merged clubs is in great hands. Best of luck for the future
@KEELS54440114: Such an exciting opportunity with amazing people looking forward to being part of the journey xx
@m_wright71: This is an extremely important & positive step for both clubs
@LoxwoodYouthFC: Congratulations guys and good luck
@ForeverAYellow: Sounds like pretty exciting stuff for the two clubs, and for the good of the players and football itself, go smash it and wish it all the success
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