IT’S ALL SYSTEMS GO AT SOUTHFIELD ...

There is no denying the negative impact of the pandemic on local sport. It not only brought premature ends to the last two football seasons but meant some sports were not able to play any competitive fixtures at all. At Radstock Town, the club was hit with a ‘double whammy’ as not only could it not play games but plans to celebrate the club’s 125th anniversary had to be cancelled. However, rather than sitting back and feeling sorry for themselves, the club members’ rolled up their sleeves and started to action the long - planned reconstruction of the clubhouse. Scroll forward to now and whilst there are still a few small improvements to come, Radstock Town can boast of a new clubhouse that has retained all its original friendliness, is bright, unpretentious and with a

patio that enjoys uninterrupted views over beautiful countryside. It was in 1930 that the local community formed a social club to support the continuation of football in the town and it has been doing just that ever since! In the early days, funds were raised through whist drives, dances in the Victoria Hall and the selling of refreshments and sweets on match days. Now, with improved and larger premises, the social club aims are not to simply support football but also the greater community through opening the premises to other groups and societies who don’t have their own facilities. Our friendly staff will also, of course, welcome the opportunity to host parties, wedding receptions and other celebrations or functions.

One great addition to the new building is a beautifully engraved RTFC social club crest which was created and donated by Andy Wrintmore. The crest depicts the club’s relationship with the town’s industrial heritage of coal mining and railways whose employees started the team in the 1880’s as part of a local sports association along with, quoits, cricket and athletics. It quickly became a club, in its own right, as Radstock Wanderers in 1889 but changed its name again when it affiliated to the Somerset FA in 1895 to Radstock Town.

The last 125 years has seen the club ply its trade in the Western, Somerset and Wiltshire County Leagues enjoying good and bad times in equal measure. However, whilst Covid acted as a catalyst for the rejuvenation of the social club it has been extremely frustrating for the football side as the early close to the 2019/20 season saw the first team denied the opportunity to win promotion and then during the recent FA restructuring, missing out again by the smallest margin on a two season accumulative points per game formula. But adversity can often be a prequel to good things happening and with a young dynamic management team and a great youth project in process, climbing the National League is an ambition that is surely destined to become a reality. To achieve this, the club will need to make a number of ground improvements and thanks to a flourishing relationship with Radstock Town Council there are plans in hand to develop Southfield into a football and recreation ground that the community will be proud of and will ensure that when success comes on the playing field, the town and ground will be ready. Of course, good things do not come without someone’s hard work and the club would like to thank all the members and local businesses who have contributed to its success so far but would also like to appeal for more volunteers to come forward and help to create the future just as they did in the 1800’s and again in the 1930’s and for firms in the area who are looking for marketing opportunities to talk to us, it is surprising how supportive the football family can be! But most of all, we want everyone in the local area to enjoy our new facilities so, please come along. You and your family are certainly assured of a warm welcome and if you believe you have what it takes to play for the club, whether as an adult or under 18 or would like to volunteer, just get in touch. Finding out more about the social or football club could not be easier, simply call 07730458486 or find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Dave, Radstock Town FC