Villa in Sponsor Plea
25th May, 2012
Cash-strapped Askern Villa say they need to find a sponsor or else committee members at the Baris NCEL Division One club fear they may have to fold altogether.
It follows a very traumatic season which has seen their Doncaster Road ground attacked a number of times by vandals, leaving it practically destroyed and needing a lot of work to be done on it so it can reach the relevant requirements.
To try and ease the financial burden, the club are holding a golf day fundraiser at Wheatley Golf Club next month.
Club secretary Dave Hall told the Doncaster Free Press: "Financially we're strapped, there's no doubt about that.
"We've have to use a lot of our funding to pay to repair our facilities damaged by vandals, it was about ?20,000 worth of damage earlier this year.
"We're effectively skint and we really do need help.
"It's a fantastic club, one that has continued to rise through the leagues and we've got plans for junior development too.
"But we're running on volunteers, hard-working people giving up their time and even dipping into their own pockets to help keep the club going.
"Without the money from a sponsor or businessman, it doesn't really bear thinking about what will happen to the club."
It follows a very traumatic season which has seen their Doncaster Road ground attacked a number of times by vandals, leaving it practically destroyed and needing a lot of work to be done on it so it can reach the relevant requirements.
To try and ease the financial burden, the club are holding a golf day fundraiser at Wheatley Golf Club next month.
Club secretary Dave Hall told the Doncaster Free Press: "Financially we're strapped, there's no doubt about that.
"We've have to use a lot of our funding to pay to repair our facilities damaged by vandals, it was about ?20,000 worth of damage earlier this year.
"We're effectively skint and we really do need help.
"It's a fantastic club, one that has continued to rise through the leagues and we've got plans for junior development too.
"But we're running on volunteers, hard-working people giving up their time and even dipping into their own pockets to help keep the club going.
"Without the money from a sponsor or businessman, it doesn't really bear thinking about what will happen to the club."
(Story Source: Doncaster Free Press)
Teams Needed for Golf Day
21st May, 2012
Askern Villa would like to invite teams to join them for their annual Golf Day, the fourth time the club have organised such an event.
It will take place on Friday 27th July at Wheatley Golf Club and will involve teams of four.
The cost is ?180 per team including tea/bacon roll, green fees plus evening meal.
The tournament starts at 1pm but it is restricted to eighteen teams so those interested are asked to get in touch as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
For more details, contact Chris O'Grady on (01302) 882955 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm) or Dave Hall on (07799) 752890.
It will take place on Friday 27th July at Wheatley Golf Club and will involve teams of four.
The cost is ?180 per team including tea/bacon roll, green fees plus evening meal.
The tournament starts at 1pm but it is restricted to eighteen teams so those interested are asked to get in touch as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
For more details, contact Chris O'Grady on (01302) 882955 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm) or Dave Hall on (07799) 752890.
(Story Source: Askern Villa)
Ellis To Step Down as Villa Chairman
21st April, 2012
Ted Ellis has announced that he will resign as chairman of Askern Villa at the end of the season, a position he has held since the club joined the Northern Counties East Football League in 2008.
Ted said: "I'm disappointed that I haven't finished what I started out to achieve but, due to health issues, I'm taking a backward step, although I'm staying on the committee and will help whenever possible."
A club spokesman said: "We are grateful for Ted Ellis' successful leadership of Askern Villa.
"He has played a major role in propelling Askern Villa into the position it enjoys today and, in the process, has been instrumental in the ground improvements at the Welfare Grounds over recent years."
Ted said: "I'm disappointed that I haven't finished what I started out to achieve but, due to health issues, I'm taking a backward step, although I'm staying on the committee and will help whenever possible."
A club spokesman said: "We are grateful for Ted Ellis' successful leadership of Askern Villa.
"He has played a major role in propelling Askern Villa into the position it enjoys today and, in the process, has been instrumental in the ground improvements at the Welfare Grounds over recent years."
(Story Source: Askern Villa)
Match Off After Villa Vandalism
30th January, 2012
Askern Villa's Baris NCEL Division One match with Louth Town on Tuesday night has been called off after vandals caused between ?15,000 and ?20,000 worth of damage at their ground.
In the latest attack, the refreshments cabin has been burnt down whilst every window in the hospitality cabin was smashed.
Brickwork was damaged in main stand and everything that was in the cabins has been destroyed.
The game with Louth has been postponed on safety grounds.
It is the third time that the Welfare Grounds have been targeted in a year.
Thieves stole steelwork in September whilst, last February, the changing rooms were broken into and copper pipes and the boiler were taken.
In the latest attack, the refreshments cabin has been burnt down whilst every window in the hospitality cabin was smashed.
Brickwork was damaged in main stand and everything that was in the cabins has been destroyed.
The game with Louth has been postponed on safety grounds.
It is the third time that the Welfare Grounds have been targeted in a year.
Thieves stole steelwork in September whilst, last February, the changing rooms were broken into and copper pipes and the boiler were taken.
(Story Source: Askern Villa)
Centre Back Search for Villa
1st January, 2012
Following the recent appeal for a goalkeeper, Askern Villa manager Brian Johnston would like to thank everyone who contacted the club as it proved to be a very successful search.
But now, the Baris NCEL Division One side are looking for a centre back who must be capable of playing in the Northern Counties East League level or higher to bolster the squad.
Anyone interested is asked to contact secretary Dave Hall on davidhallgfx@btinternet or 07799 752890.
But now, the Baris NCEL Division One side are looking for a centre back who must be capable of playing in the Northern Counties East League level or higher to bolster the squad.
Anyone interested is asked to contact secretary Dave Hall on davidhallgfx@btinternet or 07799 752890.
(Story Source: Askern Villa)
Villa Search for Keeper
28th December, 2011
Baris Northern Counties East League Division One side Askern Villa are looking for a goalkeeper to add to their squad.
Anyone interested is asked to contact Dave Hall on 07799 752890 or davidhallgfx@btinternet.com.
Anyone interested is asked to contact Dave Hall on 07799 752890 or davidhallgfx@btinternet.com.
(Story Source: Askern Villa)
Buckley Becomes Villa Chief Coach
27th September, 2011
Former pro John Buckley as agreed to become help out Askern Villa manager Brian Johnston.
He will take on the roll of chief coach at the Baris NCEL Division One club.
"Bucko" is the current manager of Doncaster Belles and played professionally for Celtic, Partick Thistle, Doncaster Rovers, Leeds United, Rotherham United and Scunthorpe United.
A clubs spokesperson said: "He brings a wealth of experience to the club and the players can only learn from him."
He will take on the roll of chief coach at the Baris NCEL Division One club.
"Bucko" is the current manager of Doncaster Belles and played professionally for Celtic, Partick Thistle, Doncaster Rovers, Leeds United, Rotherham United and Scunthorpe United.
A clubs spokesperson said: "He brings a wealth of experience to the club and the players can only learn from him."
(Story Source: Askern Villa)
Villa Hit by Thieves Again
24th September, 2011
Askern Villa have once again suffered a break-in at the Welfare Grounds.
This time it was steelwork that was stolen along with the steps for the stand which had not been fitted and were in the compound to the side.
A club spokesperson said: "It is a sign of the times, and things are going to get a lot worse around here.
"Askern is mainly a deprived area and, while the country is heading back into a recession, people will be looking at targeting football grounds and buildings to steal whatever they can to make a few quid.
"The changing rooms were broken into last February when all the copper pipes and boiler were stolen now they have been repaired and replaced with plastic.
"All we can do is make sure that the changing rooms are secure and hope for the best."
This time it was steelwork that was stolen along with the steps for the stand which had not been fitted and were in the compound to the side.
A club spokesperson said: "It is a sign of the times, and things are going to get a lot worse around here.
"Askern is mainly a deprived area and, while the country is heading back into a recession, people will be looking at targeting football grounds and buildings to steal whatever they can to make a few quid.
"The changing rooms were broken into last February when all the copper pipes and boiler were stolen now they have been repaired and replaced with plastic.
"All we can do is make sure that the changing rooms are secure and hope for the best."
(Story Source: Askern Villa)
Minute's Silence for Former Player
26th August, 2011
Askern Villa will be holding a minute's silence before their Baris NCEL Division One clash with Worsbrough Bridge Athletic on Saturday to remember one of their former players.
Harry Mayberry, who had played professionally with Hull City, was a regular at the Welfare Grounds up until recently but passed away at the weekend after a long illness.
The club said: "Our thoughts now are with his wife Rita and his family and everyone at the club sends our deepest condolences."
Meanwhile, former England Youth International and FA Youth Cup winner, David Poppleton has signed for Askern Villa.
David played for Everton's FA Youth Cup winning team of 1998 alongside Richard Dunne, Leon Osman, Phil Jeffers, Danny Cadamarteri, Tony Hibbert and Francis Jeffers.
While he won't be available for every game, he has agreed to play and help out wherever he can.
Manager Brian Johnston said: "I'm pleased with the signing, David has a wealth of experience and it will be good for the club to have him around the place.
"I would like to invite anyone who is unattached and has played at County level or higher to the club as we are always looking to make the squad stronger.
"Our training nights are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For further information, contact davidhallgfx@btinternet.com."
Harry Mayberry, who had played professionally with Hull City, was a regular at the Welfare Grounds up until recently but passed away at the weekend after a long illness.
The club said: "Our thoughts now are with his wife Rita and his family and everyone at the club sends our deepest condolences."
Meanwhile, former England Youth International and FA Youth Cup winner, David Poppleton has signed for Askern Villa.
David played for Everton's FA Youth Cup winning team of 1998 alongside Richard Dunne, Leon Osman, Phil Jeffers, Danny Cadamarteri, Tony Hibbert and Francis Jeffers.
While he won't be available for every game, he has agreed to play and help out wherever he can.
Manager Brian Johnston said: "I'm pleased with the signing, David has a wealth of experience and it will be good for the club to have him around the place.
"I would like to invite anyone who is unattached and has played at County level or higher to the club as we are always looking to make the squad stronger.
"Our training nights are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For further information, contact davidhallgfx@btinternet.com."
(Story Source: Askern Villa)
The Road to Askern Gets Better
16th August, 2011
After years of driving through potholes, Askern Villa supporters will be pleased to see that the Baris NCEL Division club now has a nice new drive and car park.
Secretary David Hall said on the club's official website: "No more driving through potholes and opening the car door to find out you are parked in a massive puddle.
"This is a massive boost to both the football and cricket clubs, our facilities are getting better and better thanks to the hard work of both sub-sections.
"A few away supporters have been critical of our car parking facilities in the past, but every effort by the football clubs committee has been made to make the Welfare grounds a welcoming venue to visit.
"The driveway/car park is another piece in the jigsaw to make this one of the best grounds to visit in the NCEL and the best ground in Doncaster.
"Last February's break-in was a massive blow to the club but we have bounced back even stronger. The showering facilities are better than before (plastic pipes may I add), we still have a couple of things to address and they will completed in the near future.
"We were complimented by Shirebrook on their recent visit to the Welfare Grounds, on how well we have done with the changing room facilities after the set back.
"They also added that our after match hospitality is one of the best in the league.
"It is nice to hear other clubs paying compliments it makes everything worthwhile."
Secretary David Hall said on the club's official website: "No more driving through potholes and opening the car door to find out you are parked in a massive puddle.
"This is a massive boost to both the football and cricket clubs, our facilities are getting better and better thanks to the hard work of both sub-sections.
"A few away supporters have been critical of our car parking facilities in the past, but every effort by the football clubs committee has been made to make the Welfare grounds a welcoming venue to visit.
"The driveway/car park is another piece in the jigsaw to make this one of the best grounds to visit in the NCEL and the best ground in Doncaster.
"Last February's break-in was a massive blow to the club but we have bounced back even stronger. The showering facilities are better than before (plastic pipes may I add), we still have a couple of things to address and they will completed in the near future.
"We were complimented by Shirebrook on their recent visit to the Welfare Grounds, on how well we have done with the changing room facilities after the set back.
"They also added that our after match hospitality is one of the best in the league.
"It is nice to hear other clubs paying compliments it makes everything worthwhile."
(Story Source: Askern Villa)
Villa Still Require Physio
19th July, 2011
Askern Villa are still on the lookout for a matchday physio for their Baris NCEL Division One campaign.
The Doncaster based side are hoping for a strong campaign under manager Brian Johnston.
Anyone interested should contact Secretary Dave Hall on 07799 752890.
The Doncaster based side are hoping for a strong campaign under manager Brian Johnston.
Anyone interested should contact Secretary Dave Hall on 07799 752890.
(Story Source: Askern Villa)
Labour Leader Becomes Askern President
18th July, 2011
Askern Villa have unveiled their big summer signing ? Labour leader Ed Miliband.
The Doncaster North MP and Leader of the Opposition today joined the non-league club as its honorary president.
Club officials hope the move will help strengthen ties with the community.
The club - who play in the Baris Northern Counties East League Division One - have also introduced an under-14s and a Sunday league team.
Dave Hall, club secretary, said: "We're always challenging ourselves to find new ways to grow and develop the club and to make it stronger.
"Signing Mr Miliband will definitely raise the club's profile and also help us build on our existing links with the Doncaster community."
The club, who play at the Welfare Ground in Manor Way, Askern, will next month compete in the FA Cup for the first time in their history with a game against Thackley on August 20th.
Football fan Mr Miliband said: "I'm delighted to have been offered the role by Askern Villa.
"The club have just entered the FA Cup for the first time in their history so it's an exciting period for them. I wish them the best of luck in that match, and for the rest of the forthcoming season."
Villa began life in 1924 as Askern Welfare and won promotion to Northern Counties East League Division One in 2008. They finished 12th last season.
Askern Spa ward councillor and Villa Vice-Chairman Austen White said: "I knew the club were looking to sign a left winger - it's great news for the club and for Askern."
Ed Miliband with Askern Villa Vice-Chairman Austen White.
The Doncaster North MP and Leader of the Opposition today joined the non-league club as its honorary president.
Club officials hope the move will help strengthen ties with the community.
The club - who play in the Baris Northern Counties East League Division One - have also introduced an under-14s and a Sunday league team.
Dave Hall, club secretary, said: "We're always challenging ourselves to find new ways to grow and develop the club and to make it stronger.
"Signing Mr Miliband will definitely raise the club's profile and also help us build on our existing links with the Doncaster community."
The club, who play at the Welfare Ground in Manor Way, Askern, will next month compete in the FA Cup for the first time in their history with a game against Thackley on August 20th.
Football fan Mr Miliband said: "I'm delighted to have been offered the role by Askern Villa.
"The club have just entered the FA Cup for the first time in their history so it's an exciting period for them. I wish them the best of luck in that match, and for the rest of the forthcoming season."
Villa began life in 1924 as Askern Welfare and won promotion to Northern Counties East League Division One in 2008. They finished 12th last season.
Askern Spa ward councillor and Villa Vice-Chairman Austen White said: "I knew the club were looking to sign a left winger - it's great news for the club and for Askern."
Ed Miliband with Askern Villa Vice-Chairman Austen White.
(Story Source: Askern Villa)
Villa Hit by Pitch Maintenance Blow
6th July, 2011
Askern Villa are one of a number of Baris Northern Counties East League clubs to be hit by a council move to stop maintaining Miners' Welfare sports grounds for free.
The decision was made by the cabinet at Doncaster Council after the arrangement, thought to date back thirty years, was brought to light in a review to cut costs.
Mayor Peter Davies said at the meeting: "Fourteen cricket and football grounds across the borough currently receive free ground maintenance when others have to pay."
Council maintenance is due to cease next April for fields that include those used by Askern, Armthorpe Welfare and Rossington Main.
Villa secretary Dave Hall said: "The council are contracted to cut our pitch thirteen times a year and occasionally mark the pitch.
"But, what the mayor neglected to mention is that the council also claimed the welfare's machinery when they took over the grounds.
"So, it will be interesting to see if they are going to replace the machinery."
The decision was made by the cabinet at Doncaster Council after the arrangement, thought to date back thirty years, was brought to light in a review to cut costs.
Mayor Peter Davies said at the meeting: "Fourteen cricket and football grounds across the borough currently receive free ground maintenance when others have to pay."
Council maintenance is due to cease next April for fields that include those used by Askern, Armthorpe Welfare and Rossington Main.
Villa secretary Dave Hall said: "The council are contracted to cut our pitch thirteen times a year and occasionally mark the pitch.
"But, what the mayor neglected to mention is that the council also claimed the welfare's machinery when they took over the grounds.
"So, it will be interesting to see if they are going to replace the machinery."
(Story Source: Askern Villa)
New Coach for Askern
30th June, 2011
The Askern Villa management team of Brian Johnston and Mark Vickerage have added former Scunthorpe United YT player Lee Wilkinson to their coaching staff.
Lee (26) is regarded as one of the senior players in the Askern squad, is a popular and well respected member in the changing room and is a great addition to the management team.
Johnston said: "Both me and Mark are pleased that Lee's agreed to takeover as first-team coach.
"He knows how we work as we've all been together for a number of years now at Frickley Athletic Under-19s and then Askern.
"We feel it is a positive move for the club, and keeps us moving in the right direction."
Lee (26) is regarded as one of the senior players in the Askern squad, is a popular and well respected member in the changing room and is a great addition to the management team.
Johnston said: "Both me and Mark are pleased that Lee's agreed to takeover as first-team coach.
"He knows how we work as we've all been together for a number of years now at Frickley Athletic Under-19s and then Askern.
"We feel it is a positive move for the club, and keeps us moving in the right direction."
(Story Source: Askern Villa)
Villa Boss 'Going Nowhere'
26th June, 2011
Askern Villa manager Brian Johnston says he is flattered to have been offered the opportunity to manage in the Baris Northern Counties East Football League Premier Division but he insists he is going nowhere.
He said: "Two clubs have approached me this summer and it would be wrong of me to mention which clubs they are because someone else will be managing them next season.
"One chairman did his very best to persuade me but my heart kept me here at Askern and I would like to wish him all the best for the forthcoming season.
"I'm Askern born and bred, and also a former player, so my heart is with Askern Villa at this present time.
"I feel my job is not finished yet, my ambition is to gain promotion with Askern and I feel if the players perform to the best of their abilities we won't be far away.
"Since taking over as the manager at the start of 2005-06, when we were in the Central Midlands League Premier Division, I gained promotion in my first season and we have continued to improve as a team.
"The squad is more or less the same that finished the season strongly with impressive wins over Pontefract Collieries and Yorkshire Amateur who, at the time, were both pushing for promotion.
"A couple of players who missed most of the last season through injury are hoping to be back for pre-season training.
"I've also been talking to a few players during the summer and I'm looking to bring in two or three new faces in to try and make the squad even stronger.
"I'm proud of my achievements with Askern Villa as we are playing at the highest level ever played by a team in Askern.
"The facilities at the ground have continue to improve and last season we entered the FA Vase for the first time and now we are hoping to be playing in the FA Cup this season. So, we are continuing in the right direction."
He said: "Two clubs have approached me this summer and it would be wrong of me to mention which clubs they are because someone else will be managing them next season.
"One chairman did his very best to persuade me but my heart kept me here at Askern and I would like to wish him all the best for the forthcoming season.
"I'm Askern born and bred, and also a former player, so my heart is with Askern Villa at this present time.
"I feel my job is not finished yet, my ambition is to gain promotion with Askern and I feel if the players perform to the best of their abilities we won't be far away.
"Since taking over as the manager at the start of 2005-06, when we were in the Central Midlands League Premier Division, I gained promotion in my first season and we have continued to improve as a team.
"The squad is more or less the same that finished the season strongly with impressive wins over Pontefract Collieries and Yorkshire Amateur who, at the time, were both pushing for promotion.
"A couple of players who missed most of the last season through injury are hoping to be back for pre-season training.
"I've also been talking to a few players during the summer and I'm looking to bring in two or three new faces in to try and make the squad even stronger.
"I'm proud of my achievements with Askern Villa as we are playing at the highest level ever played by a team in Askern.
"The facilities at the ground have continue to improve and last season we entered the FA Vase for the first time and now we are hoping to be playing in the FA Cup this season. So, we are continuing in the right direction."
(Story Source: Askern Villa)
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