In the heart of Anfield, Liverpool, a community football club is providing a vital lifeline for local children, keeping them active and engaged. However, the soaring cost of living is threatening its future growth.
A Community Club at the Heart of Football City
Townsey FC, named after the Townsend Lane area, sits just a short distance from Liverpool FC's iconic stadium. Founded in 2016 by Dean Hancock and Tim Williams, the club was created as a direct response to local parents wanting organised sports for their children after school. What began as a simple idea has flourished into a thriving not-for-profit organisation.
"Liverpool is passionate about football; whether you're red or blue," says coach Mark Hodgson, highlighting the sport's unifying power in the city. The club now runs 18 teams for boys and girls aged five to 16, including two dedicated girls' teams. It also supports local schools by contributing towards sports kits and offering free coaching sessions.
The Growing Challenge of Sustaining Success
Despite its popularity, running a fast-growing grassroots football club is becoming increasingly difficult. The costs of kits, pitch hire, league fees, and funding tournaments—which allow children to travel across the UK and abroad—are a constant pressure.
"The club takes a lot of fundraising, but the country itself and everyone is in hard times," explains Mark Hodgson. He notes that traditional methods like collections are challenging, and the club relies on sponsored events like the Three Peaks challenge planned for its under-14s team. A significant frustration is the lack of support from grassroots funds donated by larger clubs, despite their proximity to Premier League grounds.
Innovative Funding and Life Skills Beyond Football
One key solution has been easyfundraising. For over 18 months, supporters have raised more than £2,000 for the club simply by shopping online via the platform. Retailers like John Lewis and Just Eat donate a percentage of each purchase at no extra cost to the shopper. A recent £500 prize from a Sports Direct competition will go towards new goal nets, footballs, and warm gear.
"We try and support parents as much as we can... We know kids are expensive," Mark says, emphasising the club's commitment to accessibility. The coaching goes far beyond football skills. "We teach important life skills, such as punctuality and resilience, and we're also keeping kids active and social," he adds, contrasting this with the time many young people spend on social media.
The club's impact is tangible. Girls have been scouted for Liverpool youth teams, and partnerships with organisations like the Fowler Academy provide pathways into coaching and sports science. The ultimate goal is to keep expanding and eventually form the club's first adult team from the current under-16s squad.
Townsey FC's story is one of community triumph facing economic headwinds. Its continued success depends on the support it can rally to ensure football remains a force for good on the streets of Anfield.
