Foxdale A.F.C.

Foxdale A.F.C.
Full name Foxdale A.F.C.
Nickname(s) The Miners
Founded 1991 (1992)
Ground Billy Goat Park
League Isle of Man Football League Division Two
2012–13 Division Two, 9th

Foxdale A.F.C. is a football club based in Foxdale on the Isle of Man. They compete in the second tier of the Isle of Man Football League.

History

In 1897, a group of rugby-playing miners turned their attention away from the game to focus on the much newer game of football. Foxdale Football Club recorded their first ever game against Castletown, losing the game 10–0 in 1898. A year later, during the 1899–1900 season, Foxdale entered the Isle of Man Football League. After narrowly missing out on becoming champions of the Second Division in 1900–01, Foxdale went on to only play one more season before folding at the end of the 1901–02 season.

It was not until 90 years later that Foxdale was able to place their name to a footballing side. However, they were not able to find a home within the village as Foxdale had to play and train at Jurby for the first three seasons of their establishment. Foxdale's first game came against St Johns United on the 5 September 1992 which they lost 5–2. For this game, Foxdale's kit had not arrived in time and they had to rely on the generosity of Douglas Royals, who lent Foxdale a red, away kit for the game.

After three years of ground-sharing with Jurby, Foxdale were able to move to their own ground, and current location, Billy Goat Park. The ground was purchased with funds that were raised through special events, supported by local business owners such as James Cubbon, David Crowe and a large contribution from Alan Lemaire, who went on the play for, then manage, the club.

Since being established in 1991, Foxdale have won a total of three competitions, the Paul Henry Gold Cup, which they won in the 1993–94 season after beating Marown A.F.C. 7–2.[1] That same season they were promoted to the First Division as Division Two champions[2] but were relegated in the 1995–96 season.[3]

Foxdale narrowly missed out on the Woods Cup in 2000–01 after being beaten 3–0 by Ayre United A.F.C. in the final of the competition. They did, however, return the following season to win the same competition, defeating Colby 2–1 in the final.

In the 2009–10 season, Foxdale entered the Kirby Estates Cowell Cup for the first and, currently, only time. They were placed in Group 4 alongside Castletown, Colby and DHSOB. They narrowly missed out on progression to the next round. Foxdale started their inaugural game well, beating DHSOB 5–0 at Blackberry Lane. However, the next game at home was less convincing, losing 4–1. They finished on a high however, beating Colby 4–2 away, but never progressed to the next round with Castletown beating them.

Foxdale held their 20th anniversary on the 5 August 2011 at the Palace Hotel. There was a dinner and a charity auction with 50% of the profit going to Wish Upon A Dream and 50% going to the football club itself. Guest speakers included: Richard Keys, Ronnie Irani and comedian Lester Crabtree. Former Scotland, Wolves and Everton F.C. striker Andy Gray was also due to attend but has had to withdraw because of a family commitment.[4]

League positions

Colours and badge

Foxdale players wear a royal blue and maroon striped home kit and the away kit is a white jersey with black shorts and socks.

Foxdale's motto "Moyrn Y Valley Veg" is displayed in Manx underneath the emblem of the famous Foxdale Clock Tower and can be translated into "Pride In The Village" in English.

Sponsors

Bettridge Motors 'Bettridges Motors') are a long and loyal sponsor to the football club and have been the first team kit sponsor for the last 6 years, The Combination kit was sponsored by Specialised Glazing Solutions for the first time during the 2013/14 season and was always previously sponsored by The Baltic Inn Pub, Foxdale. The away kit is sponsored by Viking Office Systems 'Viking Office Systems'). Other notable and very loyal sponsors include J.C.K. Ltd, D.C. Skips and Island Timber.

Ground

Foxdale play their home games at Billy Goat Park, Stoney Mountain Road in Foxdale.

In 2004, Momentum Pictures used Billy Goat Park in some of the filming of Things to Do Before You're 30. It was released in the UK on 2 June 2006 and was directed by BAFTA Award winner, Simon Shore. The film is a remake of 1997 Dutch film All Stars and stars the likes of Billie Piper, Jimi Mistry, Dougray Scott, Emilia Fox and Shaun Parkes.

In 2011, after receiving funds from the IOMFA, Foxdale built new changing facilities designed by Mark Kinley who was also a Foxdale goalkeeper at the time. The facilities' water supply was heated by solar panels on the roof of the clubhouse. As well as new changing rooms, the club also bought new goalposts and corner flags with the funds. Two sets of goals were purchased, one full-sized set on wheels and one small training set. Money went towards attempts to set up drainage around the pitch, although this was to no avail as the boggy conditions still return after wet conditions. The volunteer work of various sponsors helped ensure that the costs were cut to a minimum with the advantage of Billy Goat Park being situated directly beside DCS Limited so machinery could be used at will. As well as the above, the money went towards a new lawnmower for the club's groundsman, and two brick huts to the right of the pitch which are yet to be completed.

As of the summer of 2014, Billy Goat Park will be used to accommodate campers over the period of the Isle of Man TT Races. The camping equipment is supplied by Isle of Man TT Breaks – The Lazy Camper and will accommodate around 100 tourists with members of Foxdale Football Club providing staff and services.

Staff

Honours

League

Cup

References

  1. ↑ "Isle of Man List of Cup Winners". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. 2008-06-08. Retrieved 2008-09-10.
  2. ↑ "Isle of Man 1897/98 and 1970/71-1994/95". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. 2007-05-29. Retrieved 2008-09-10.
  3. ↑ "Isle of Man 1995/96". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. 2005-01-16. Retrieved 2008-09-10.
  4. ↑ Manx Net – Foxdale AFC 20th Anniversary Accessed 18 May 2012

External links