A NEWLY-former football club for children is going from strength to strength.

Chris Lancaster and Hemi Mistry formed Bracknell Athletic FC in May this year.

Scores of boys and girls from the area have been flocking to join and the club now boasts 12 teams from Under 9s to Under 16s including four girls-only sides.

“It has been trying at times, but seeing all the teams come together, fully kitted and excited about the seasons ahead – it has been a real success for us,” said Lancaster, who coaches the Under 14s team.

“It was important to Hemi and I that Bracknell Athletic was different from other local clubs. We are a football club for the whole community, we provide a good level of coaching and the committee is available and visible to all the parents and players.

“Only a few months in and it already feels like a football family has emerged.”

Lancaster also founded Bracknell Athletic men’s team in 2015 which play in the Bracknell Town & District Sunday Football League.

Bracknell News:

Bracknell Athletic boast four all-girl teams.

And he is hoping his new venture in the children’s section continues to build on the club’s ethos of ‘One Team, One Dream – football in the community’.

Lancaster also confirmed BAFC hope to launch a new Under 7s team in the new year.

What the parents say:

  • “Our daughter Grace has only taken up football this year, she was very nervous to start but with wonderful support and coaching plus great support from the team of girls she is absolutely loving it.

"The club is so well run and has a really nice family feel. Well done to all involved”

  • “Ella absolutely loves playing in the team. Her confidence has grown and keeps growing with the coaching and support. Even if my daughter doesn’t have “a not so good game” Ella still has a positive attitude.

She has made great friends and the support the team receives from the parents is fantastic. Well done all involved.”

Bracknell News:

Bracknell Athletic Under 13 youth.

  • “Really positive start to new team, lots of parent’s support, good attitude, boys all merged together really well with lots of enthusiasm from all involved.

“My son settled so quickly and he is on the autistic spectrum. All boys and parents so supportive

“All I can say is that the manager has always been there for Harry even when Harry has pushed his limits with the manager, so for that I applaud him for being there for the boys.”