OFFICIALS of Minehead Association Football Club have attended a recent meeting of the local town council to present their plans for the future.

Club chairman Jason Hill, finance director Becki Ely and commercial director Paul Spence gave an overview of the club's current structure, activities and future plans.

The club supports 14 youth age groups - from tots to Under 18s - including girls' teams at Under 13 and Under 16 levels, with around 300 youth players in total.

They also run five senior sides, including a women's team and a veterans' side with about 80 senior players.

The club is supported by 40 qualified coaches and hosts around 100 matches annually.

A new committee is now in place, with 14 board members each taking on individual roles and responsibilities, supported by a wider team of volunteers.

The club is actively working with coaches and others involved to define and embed clear values, aiming to provide a safe environment built on integrity, respect, fairness and community involvement.

A new strategic plan has been developed, focused on four key areas that go beyond on-pitch results. These include strengthening the player development pathway from youth to senior level, improving performance across senior teams, increasing community events and engagement (including closer work with MTC), and progressing long-term facility improvements.

The club aims to create a lasting legacy, with future ambitions such as installing a 3G pitch and building a new stand.

Establishing a digital presence through a website and social media is also a priority.

In response to a question, the club confirmed that all finances currently go into a single bank account, but they are working towards improved financial transparency.

They are also actively encouraging more community volunteers to get involved.

Councillors noted the club's development intentions and expressed a desire for the club to be involved in wider discussions regarding the Irnham Road Recreation Ground.

It was highlighted that any development should consider the needs of all users and be flexible and accessible.

The importance of consulting with nearby residents was also raised, along with the aspiration to maintain an inclusive and community-focused approach.

Meanwhile, Minehead’s first team will be looking for back-to-back wins when they play their first home game of the season in Division One of the Uhlsport Somerset County League - against Peasedown Miners Welfare on Saturday, August 16 (3p.m.).

Minehead got the season off to a flying start by beating Winscombe 2-0 away last weekend - against a side which has won successive promotions. Peasedown also won - beating Bishop Sutton 5-0 at home.

“It was a tough game to start the season, “ said Minehead boss Craig Carr. “They were a big, physical side - and I thought we coped with this pretty well. They created few chances.

“There was not a lot to choose between the sides for the first hour - but I thought we dominated the game for the last 30 minutes and deserved to take all three points. I thought the three ‘Ollys’ - Morris, Hall and Prescott- all did well and Lee Smyth, who has rejoined, showed his class.

“Unfortunately, I’m forced to make changes for Saturday’s game because a couple of the lads are unavailable. Hopefully, we will get a good crowd after our win at Winscombe and that the lads will turn up. However, there is still room for improvement - we can still get better.”