About the Prestbury Phantoms

A message from the Chairman, Martin Johnson:

Our FA Charter Standard youth football club is something that we are all very proud to be part of. Started not long ago, in 2012, we have rapidly grown from just one team to over 500 registered players from U5's through to U17's.  This has all been achieved through the hard work and dedication of a vast array of people including Committee Members, Coaches and Volunteers. Based in the heart of our community we help to provide active lifestyles for the youngsters who come to train and play matches each week. In fact, it is the players enthusiasm and enjoyment for which I am most proud.

Playing and training in a safe, fun environment is the cornerstone of what the club is all about and so we are grateful for the partnership we have with Pittville School who allow us to use their facilities each week. With the support of our sponsors, parents and carers, and from various fundraising activities we hold each year, we are able to continually invest in kit, equipment and coaching to ensure we go beyond our obligations as a FA Charter Standard club.

The coaches are perhaps the most important element to help us achieve this and we are lucky to have over 100 registered coaches, all of which are DBS checked and have an FA Safeguarding Certificate, who willingly give up their free time each week to help give the children the right environment to play football. We supply each coach with kit and offer to put them through the FA coaching program. 

The ethos of the club is that we are open to all abilities and experience and our Club Charter clearly demonstrates how we operate and more importantly what we expect from our players, parents and coaches alike. We are always open to new ideas and areas we can improve so please feel free to contact myself or any of the committee to discuss anything to do with the running of the club - details of all Committee Members can be found on our Committee Page.

Child Protection

We subscribe to the Football Association's (FA) Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures. We have appointed a Club Welfare Officer in line with the FA's role profile and the required completion of the Safeguarding and Welfare Officers workshop. The post holder will be involved with welfare officer training provided by the FA or County FA.  Our Club Welfare Officer can be contacted via ian.nelder-morgan@prestburyphantoms.co.uk 

Coaches/Helpers

Our coaches are mainly parents of members of our club, and many have attended FA coaching courses to qualify at FA Playmaker and FA Level 1. We also have some FA Level 2 and FA Level 3 qualified coaches.  All coaches and committee members have DBS clearance, all coaches have an FA Safeguarding Certificate and we encourage everyone to attend Emergency Aid courses.  Details of how to join our coaching team can be found here.  The Club and its helpers are covered by our public liability insurance policy.

Phantoms in the Community

We have built great a great relationship with Pittville School who provide our main training facility.  Facilities at the school include toilets and free parking.  Refreshments including tea, coffee, cold drinks and cakes are available for a small fee during Saturday training sessions.

Financial Backing

We are grateful for financial assistance from a number of local sponsors which has enabled us to renew club kit and equipment as required.