WEYMOUTH COUGARS Youth FC celebrate their 25th anniversary this year and co-founder Jim Halls tells readers how the the club was formed and how it has grown from strength to strength

When Graham and Kevin Squibb sat in Graham’s front room debating how to set up their own team and Pat Crane and Dave Drage agreed to join them, with Mark Cottingham and Jim Halls also coming along for the ride, the foundations were laid upon which the Cougars was built.

From the ashes of two local clubs, the Cougars rose like a Phoenix in 1991.

Well if that sounds a bit fanciful then actually it was half a dozen blokes sitting in the skittle alley of a pub that was the start of Weymouth Cougars FC.

What we lacked in expertise at that time we more than made up for with enthusiasm and commitment.

Indeed it was that which has sustained this club in its

early years and 25 years later we are still here and have put that

experience gained to good

use.

Pat Crane was elected chairman and under his leadership the club grew from its humble beginnings to being one of the biggest

local youth football clubs in the county.

At its peak, the Cougars fielded 17 teams in ages seven to 16 as well as running a mini soccer school and Ability Counts

teams.

Crane guided us through the first 18 years and current chairman and former Terras’ star Andy Harris paid tribute to all those who helped to build this great local club.

Harris’ election to the chairmanship has added a professionalism gained by his years as a player in the Football League as well as his time working with the FA as a skills coach.

He still believes that football should be fun but quality coaching is the key to a successful

club.

The Cougars have always prided itself on its ethos of giving youngsters, of all abilities, the opportunity to play football regardless of age, sex or ethnicity.

We are a local club, based in the heart of the community at the Marsh in Knightsdale Road and many of you will have heard the excited noises coming from the area on a Sunday matchday.

Perhaps you have witnessed the spectacle of 84 teams from all over the country competing in the Cougars Summer Sixes, an event that has grown like the club over the years.

The mayor, Cllr Richard Kosior, was kind enough to attend this year and was amazed that an event of this size could be taking place in Weymouth.

Many people have played their part in making Cougars what it is today.

If you had asked me in 1991 would it still be here in 2016 my answer would have been: absolutely yes!

Why, because of those people. Because every year brings new players, families and coaches which in turn brings a new energy and enthusiasm.

If you would like your children to become part of the Cougars’ family then why not come along and see us in action or call one of our contacts below.

* Chairman: Andy Harris (07932043797)

* Vice-chairman: Jake Richmond (07774819104)

* Secretary: Brian Halloran (07840323096)

* Treasurer: Jim Halls (07968050486)

* Welfare Officer: Natalie Anderson (07956318188)

All are welcome, boys and girls from ages four to 15 can enjoy a free training session as an introduction to the club.

Our coaches are always happy to explain our aims and ambitions.

We just want the best for our local children.