Proposed Merger with Melksham Park

Dear Players and Parents,

Re: Potential Club Merger

As you may well be aware the potential merger of Melksham Park and Melksham Town was raised at the beginning of October. In order to fully understand the views of the Club, the committee meeting in November was solely devoted to discussing this topic, with Managers giving their views, whether positive or negative. The majority of the feedback was positive and as such, a meeting was arranged a week later between both Clubs to investigate this possibility further.

I would like to stress at this point, only the concept and concerns have been discussed as neither Club has communicated officially to its’ players or parents, hence this letter.

In general, both Clubs have the same ethos, of encouraging football for all and allowing the young people of Melksham an avenue for good quality sport, managed locally.

Of the topics raised, both Clubs had similar concerns and thoughts about how a new Club could work, as follows:

• Poaching - We were all keen to discourage the poaching of players from teams within the same age group. It is right that developing players should have the opportunity to move teams but this would have to be during the correct transfer window, with the agreement of all managers within the age group and critically, with the player’s acceptance.

• Cooling Off Period - If the Clubs should merge, there would be no movement between teams for the first year. The exception would be where it is beneficial to retaining a playable squad but again, this would be with the managers’ and player’s agreement.

• Training - If the Clubs should merge, the players would train as one in their specific age groups, with the managers working closely together.

• Identity - It was acknowledged that any merger would require a new name for the Club, logo and a new strip.

• Management - Both Clubs have a similar set up, however, should the Clubs merge, it would be sensible to have a managers’ forum and a general committee. This would give the parents an opportunity to help drive and support the Club with new roles.

• Community Club - Not only would one Club bring cohesion to the town but would give the players an opportunity of becoming part of the feeder group into the local adult team. Again this is only a concept but both Clubs are missing out on this opportunity currently.

• Next Steps - The next step is to raise this opportunity with you, the players, parents and supporters of our Club. I would welcome your views, to ensure that as a committee, we are taking on board all feedback. Please consider the fact that to continue running the Club as it is presently, will require a massive influx of new committee members to take on leading roles.

Please email any views or concerns to club the Club Secretary rob.bridges@melkshamtownyouthfc.com alternatively, the committee will be available to discuss your views at the training sessions during week commencing 14^th December.

In the spirit of working together, Melksham Park & Melksham Town will jointly run a “Melksham” tournament over the weekend of 28^th May. Your support would be welcome in any capacity. Please contact us on the email address above or let your manager know.