Dear Editor, I write to give an update of the situation for Larkhall Athletic AFC as we near the end of the season. The Larks enter the final few weeks of the Southern League Division One South season in a relegation battle to retain their status.
They play Bideford AFC at Plain Ham on Saturday 15 March followed by a visit to Helston on ‘Non-League Day’ (22nd) before play-off challengers Malvern Town visit BA1 on Saturday 29 March.
In April, they kick off 3 successive away matches with a local derby at Bristol Manor Farm (5th) followed by Bishops Cleeve (12th) and a midweek trip to Falmouth Town (15th). The penultimate home match of the season is against Willand Rovers on Easter weekend (19th) with the final away fixture on Easter Monday at Shaftesbury (21st).
The curtain comes down on the season with a home match against play-off challengers Exmouth Town (26th).
Cheers, Paul Russell , Larkhall Athletic Supporters’ Club
For more on the teams at Larkhall AFC – mens, women, development and youth see https://larkhallathletic.com/
Background/History of LASC
A number of regular supporters met up after the last home match of 2017/2018 season to discuss how we could contribute more effectively to the football club and the feasibility of forming a supporters’ club. In May 2018 an initial meeting was held at Larkhall Inn to discuss further and was attended by around 15 people. It was agreed to set up a small steering group with the purpose of identifying aims and objectives, developing a written constitution and opening a community bank account. A further meeting took place on 17 September 2018 and Larkhall Athletic Supporters’ Club (LASC) was formed and trustees elected.
An official launch took place in January 2019 and included the unveiling of a new supporters’ club logo/badge designed by a pupil from St Mark’s School. The new badge was issued to all new members on receipt of the £5 membership fee.
LASC held its inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) in October 2019, with its second AGM held two years later in October 2021. During this period, there was a combined 2020/21 and 2021/22 membership totalling 56 (average Southern League attendances for this period was around 150).
LASC is an independent association with a number of members elected as Trustees in key positions, including Chair (Paul Russell), Secretary (Steve Haskell) and Treasurer (Richard Hall). In addition, Claire Coombes, Terisha Burge, Anthony Waterhouse, Phil Smith, Mark Armstrong and Strider Cutts are also currently elected as Trustees (9 in all).
The purpose of LASC is:
- to build on current strengths by using our collective endeavour to develop further an inclusive, positive and welcoming environment
- to promote community engagement by encouraging increased participation in the club at all levels and improving links within the club between its various footballing sections
- to assist on supporting the club and securing its future by raising funds and participating in club-wide initiatives, to the benefit of the football club and its members
LASC holds an Annual General Meeting (AGM) with regular open meetings for the membership to attend. Members are also kept up-to-date with the Lark Ascending Newsletter. LASC has developed into being a key stakeholder and is currently an independent member of the Larkhall Sports Club Leadership Group.
Up the Larks!