Fleetwood's Armed Forces Community Football continues as new co-ordinator 'never wanted sessions to finish'
The sessions weren’t just helping veterans, they were part of the wider community.
Army veteran football sessions in Fleetwood will continue after their future hung in the balance.
Fleetwood Town FC Community Army Veterans has been a key part of life for many veterans in Fleetwood and the wider area but non-veterans had been added to the group causing issues with funding and a question mark over whether they could continue in the same format.
Sharon Hobson-Woodhead, who is the new Armed Forces Project Co-ordinator, confirmed they will stay - but the group will now operate under a new name.
A veteran herself, Sharon said: “When I took over there were young people involved in the sessions who had no connection to veteran life.
“We can’t get funding as a veteran’s provision if non-veterans are involved, it affects insurance too - everything, basically.
“But we realised it wasn’t just about veterans anymore, it was about their sons, grandsons and they were mentoring them.
“So the sessions weren’t just helping veterans, they were part of the wider community.
“With that in mind and to keep the young people involved, it is now called Armed Forces Community Football.”
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The long-running sessions provide a welcoming environment for veterans to stay active, build confidence and connect with others.
Through football, participants can enjoy regular exercise, develop friendships and support their wellbeing, while being part of a positive community that recognises and values their service.
The sessions take place every Friday at Fleetwood Rugby Club and are for army veterans and now, young people aged between 16 and 25.
And as well as the weekly sessions, they are building a team to play against other veteran sides in friendlies, tournaments and league games.
“I never wanted the sessions to finish,” said Sharon, “we just needed to take a step back and look at it.”
Sharon spent 11 years with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Regiment and moved to Fleetwood in 2017.
She is heavily involved in the veteran community across the Fylde Coast - the biggest in the whole of the UK - including chairperson of Fylde Ex-Service Liaison Committee.