MY FIRST PRE SEASON FRIENDLY

PRE SEASON FRIENDLY - AC WOLLATON v MAPPERLEY FC

Saturday 13th June 2015

at Nottingham Football Centre 4G

Rushcliffe Leisure Centre

Boundry Road

West Bridgford Nottingham

Kick Off: 1.30pm

 

 

After a couple of Saturday with no football and during the day just tweedling my thumbs, though to be honest on the Saturday Evenings, I have been to two Notts Senior League Club Events including AFC Clifton's Presentation Evening and Kirton Brickworks Race Night, there is nothing like going to a match in the fresh air.

 

Old friend Roberto Pietraforte contacted me during the week to tell me that he has made AC Wollaton rise from the Phoenix, after a spell in exile for a few seasons after being a successful Sunday club. The Club this time around are set up as a Saturday team.

 

So next Saturday sees them play host to Mapperley FC with a 1.30pm kick off, so if any hoppers are at a loss, then a trip to Nottingham will see you pull in not only a new club but a new ground as well.

 

Here is a bit about them

 

AC Wollaton has a history spanning two decades. Originally set up in 1990 they plied their trade on the Sunday morning circuit in Nottingham. Initially AC helped and supported disadvantaged youngsters, through the vehicle of football, this later spawned a number of initiatives which we now see in present day. AC offered structured free time for young adults both at weekends and midweek evenings.

After a period of mediocrity AC eventually exploded with period of sustained successes through out the noughties and through to 2007 this included winning the double in 2007/8 attaining the senior division one title and the senior cup.

With growing financial constraints and with the pressures and challenges of running such a team AC was laid to rest in 2008.

This year AC Wollaton was dramatically resurrected springing a surprise to the football community of Nottingham, by its founder member and inspirational leader Roberto.

Last month after a flood of publicity and sponsorships deals Roberto was asked why again?
Here's his response " I had a conversation with my son and he poured out his feelings about the negative experiences he had had with football clubs and with some poor managers it really hurt seeing him so disappointed, everyday he sees the cups and medals in the house and only wanted an opportunity to play and prove his worth. Here was a man who helped so many over so many years and yet here was his own boy needing that very same support.
One evening I found myself in the garage thinking is it possible could I do it again was I willing to put in so many hours again, have I still got the ability to inspire once more.
And there in the corner was the kit bag unopened for nearly a decade. I opened it up and there were the AC colours still bright and almost magical, that was the clincher, that was the moment when the lights switched on and memories came flooding back. Let's give it go and see"

Since then Roberto as been on a crusade, a long term deal with the Nottingham Football Centre secured a home ground ensuring AC Wollaton now play on champions league graded 4G pitch, sponsorship deals also bought kits, tracksuits and pitch payments.

The general philosophy of the club is combining club legends from the past to help and support present players not just in football terms but in all aspects of life, it's what we call "the past colliding with the present".

One cannot tell what the future holds however it seems to be exciting and has certainly roused interests from the football fraternity.