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Holsworthy Association Football Club is a football club based in Holsworthy, Devon, England. Established in 1891, the club joined the South Western League in 1971. They spent over thirty years in the South Western League, without ever winning the title, but after moving sideways to the Devon County League in 2003, they won the title at their first attempt. In the 2005-06 season, they finished third, thus cementing their position as one of the stronger clubs in the league. From 1977 to 1981, the club competed in the FA Vase, three times reaching the First Round Proper. They are currently not allowed to compete in the F.A. competitions because their Upcott Field ground is slightly too small to meet the minimum standards. For the 2006-07 season, they remained in the Devon County League under new manager Mickey Clark with their reserve team newly elected to the East Cornwall League. They joined the South West Peninsula League Premier Division in 2007 with Keith Rickard taking the joint managerial role with Mickey Clarke for the 2008 season.


Holsworthy AFC - A Personal Overview
Obviously on-field displays and performance are what spectators come to watch but weekly football in a senior league and at a proper ground does not happen by accident, writes Alistair Clements.
1. Behind the Scenes.
A surprising number of people toil away behind the scenes in addition to the team managers, with three senior teams, six youth teams from Under 8's upwards, all with Team Managers and helpers. Some activities (and this is by no means exhaustive) include Groundsman, Kit Ladies, who have the unenviable job of washing the kit every week, programme preparation (the Holsworthy programme is amongst the most comprehensive in the League, running to twenty pages or more for every home game), Physios, Tearoom ladies, Gateman, the myriad of individuals who help out in the close season repairing the ground, cleaning, painting, maintaining etc. There are the Club Secretary who deals with fixtures, league and Football Officialdom (and the youth team secretaries) Commercial Manager who raises funds, sponsorship, advertising etc and plenty of others doing their bit. There are probably 30 or 40 who do one thing and another including some who lend specialist equipment etc for repairs which would be prohibitive if they had to be paid for. The Chairman has the task of tapping them all up to help. 
 
2. Finances.
It will surprise many people to know that the turnover of a Club at this level is as great, if not greater, than that of many small businesses in the town. Many bills are huge such as rent, electricity (a light bulb for the floodlights is £120), insurance etc but the Club has a strict policy, unlike many professional clubs, that it will not spend money that it does not have, this does put it at a disadvantage compared to others in the league, but it avoids the fate of one club which was dissolved during the season and others which have unsustainable debts. Holsworthy AFC has no debts. 
 
2. Attendances.
The Carlsberg South West Peninsula League has possibly the highest attendance record of any comparable league in the country and individual clubs sometimes have attendances far higher than clubs three or four leagues higher. Holsworthy's average is just into three figures and as such is one of the better supported teams. One game elsewhere attracted almost 800 spectators, another 550 and a couple of clubs had averages not far short of 200. Many teams in higher leagues in the cities, London, Manchester etc would sell their grannies for Holsworthy's support. 
 
3. Player Payments.
There is a popular misconception that players at all levels are paid like Mr Ronaldo, at Holsworthy any payments (subject to tax deduction like any other income) possibly just about covers the petrol bill and a drink after the game, no-one will get rich. 
 
4. Referees.
A vexed issue, the cost of officials for games, is usually in excess of £120 and sometimes much more, often being more than all the takings at the gate, hence the need for off-field fundraising. The vast majority of referees are very good although some (all clubs and spectators will agree) are dire. All are honest despite the views of some enraged supporters. 
 
5. Support.
Holsworthy are unusual with the support of parents at all age levels, even in the first team half a dozen or more parents can often be found in attendance, the father of the Landricombe brothers is usually on the bench and both Managers have offspring in the team. 
 
6. Team Spirit.
One player said to me that he liked being at Holsworthy despite living 30 miles away because of the encouragement given by supporters rather than the carping which is apparent at some clubs. This helps foster team spirit, one player also living 30 odd miles away offered to re-tile the shower room in keeping with the club's colours. This certainly does not happen at most clubs. 
 
As mentioned previously the Club is always hoping for more spectators and everyone is welcome however young or old. The ground is well equipped with adequate parking, seated and standing covered accommodation, floodlights, refreshment facilities etc and admission costs less than a packet of cigarettes. Children are only a quid. When the new season starts in August come along and give it a try, you might just become a regular!

Any queries, email the Sports Editor and we will answer them.

D.A. Clements