Tabard Park Gardens football team wins shield

Team Coach Donald Wilkins claimed the impressive shield with pride: "We weren't fancied to win the Senior One championship, having battled against financial difficulties, lack of resources and basic training facilities – with no lighting for our training sessions through the winter months!" Don added, "I'm proud of the boys for all their achievements and the commitment they've shown over the past year."

This championship win is dedicated to the memory of Donald's much-missed mother, Iolet, who passed away during the 2003/04 season.

CIFL – Community Interest for Life – was re-constituted under Donald's leadership this year, having been set up in response to local demand for sporting provision in 2001. The club's main aim is to empower local young people and help them reach their full potential through sports training and competition. CIFL's football project, based at the Tabard Park Gardens Astroturf, has benefited around 50 local young men, aged 17-24.

The club is now urgently seeking funding for the forthcoming season as the boys are put through their paces so they can make their mark in the London & Kent Border Premier League.

If you are interested in coming along for summer trials with CIFL, in discussing future plans or in offering financial or in-kind support, please contact Donald Wilkins on 07753 401 262.