Issuu

minster football club

CLUBOFFICIALS

Chairman

Colin Holden

Secretary

Steve Farbrace

1stTeamManager

Ian Wallace

1stTeamAssistantManager

Liam Morris

ReserveTeamManager

Elliot Austin

3rdTeam(1911)Manager

Colin Holden

WomensTeamManager

Steph Meeks

WomensTeamCoaches

Andy Long

Paige Godden

VeteransTeamManager

Steve Farbrace

U18KYLYouthTeamManager

Russell Wilson

U16FDYFLYouthTeamManager

Nelson Were

U16EKYFLYouthTeamManager

James Wells

U15FDYFLYouthTeamManager

James Wells

MEMBERSOF

FRONTCOVERPHOTOCREDIT:

Kent & County Football League

Canterbury & District Football League

South East Counties Womens Football League

Len Martin Thanet & District Football League

Kent Youth League

East Kent Youth Football League

Faversham & District Youth Football League

NELSONWERE

“ Nelson is a man of many talents. During the week he handcrafts leather goods in his Quex Park workshop along with refining his photography skills in both sports and natural settings. Add to that his management and coaching of our U16 youth team – he keeps himself busy ! ”

@nweredesigns/@nels.onwere

Together we can end hate in football Poor behaviour in football is increasing. Prejudice is on the rise. All forms of discrimination – including racist, sexist and homophobic abuse – is ruining our game. We’re targeting discriminatory abuse in all its forms with a range of punishments. Tell us when it happens, and we’ll tackle it. Together we can put an end to discrimination in the grassroots game.

from the chair

Welcome to Hartsdown Park today as we begin a 10 day stretch that will determine the final league positions. Next Saturday we are away to Meridian VP and then we host Kent United back here on Bank Holiday Monday.

Today we welcome Premier Division newcomers Falconwood to Thanet and what a debut season they’ve had in the topflight as they have been with us and Hawkinge all the way to these final games. Whilst Hawkinge have the advantage right now, any of us can still take the title. Whatever the outcome today we wish Oliver and his team the best of luck for those last 2 games and also for the future ahead.

We welcome our referee Ricky who has officiated here already this season along with Matthew and James running the lines.

Tomorrow, we have another big day for Minster FC as our new women’s team face Tonbridge Junior Knights in the SECWFL Divisional Cup Final at Maidstone United’s Gallagher Stadium. Having almost reached the end of a historic first season we can look back with pride at Steph’s achievements along with her backroom team Paige, Longy and Nelson. They have assembled a team that has shown togetherness, commitment and – perhaps more important for the ethos of Minster FC – a sense of enjoyment and fun in what they do. We have enjoyed the results and performances, but we have also taken great pleasure in seeing this team play with smiles on their faces.

There’s still plenty to look forward to this season as we head into the last few weeks of action – but also, we start to plan for the new season ahead. The teams are all keeping us on our toes and hopefully we are keeping you entertained along the way.

Thankyouforyoursupportasalways!

ColinHolden Chairman

from the boss

Good afternoon and welcome to Hartsdown Park for this afternoon's fixture against Falconwood FC. Falconwood have had an excellent first season in the division and at the time of writing these notes they can still mathematically win the league and are assured of a top three finish no matter their results in the final games of the season. We have seen Falconwood develop through the leagues in recent seasons and they have grown and evolved as a club in an impressive fashion. We played Falconwood away in the middle of March and emerged with a hard fought 1-0 following an excellent goal from Charlie Sharp, an excellent win on the day. We know that today will be hugely competitive, we still have everything to play for in the league following midweek results and a win is essential today, we are confident that we can repeat the March result today but we know we will need to perform to our levels.

Our last home game against Metrogas saw us ultimately walk away with no points to add to our tally following a 2-4 reverse. For much of the game this outcome appeared unlikely. An early Zack Jobe goal provided a positive start after high press retrieved the ball and he finished well. Metrogas recovered to level things up midway through the half. An excellent team move at the start of the second half saw Jake Munday lay the ball back to Zack Jobe to jink past a defender and fire high into the net for 2-1, another excellent finish. The score remained 2-1 until 15 minutes to play and in this time it looked like we were well set to see out the game. Unfortunately Metrogas were to score two quick goals and a fourth as we chased an equaliser to see an outcome that looked highly unlikely until the final few minutes of the contest. A sign of how challenging and competitive this league can be.

The disappointment of three defeats in a row would have to be put to one side in the next game at the ever competitive New Romney, who in recent weeks have seen themselves climb out of the relegation places. A 6:15 kick off away at New Romney presented logistical challenges before the game itself even kicked off. This may have impacted upon a slower start for our group which saw us concede an early goal. A setback that could have been damaging given recent results but the group showed the resilience we are accustomed to in order to emerge from the game with a 2-1 victory. Josh Neaves delivered a corner to the far post minutes before half time and Jake Munday was on hand to nudge the ball home to make it 1-1 at half time. A few minutes into the second half we took the lead, a Jake Munday header was cleared off the line by the New Romney defender but half time substitute Lewis Ray was on hand to volley home, an instant impact. A resolute defensive performance was then required as despite good openings we were unable to add to the scoreline. A pleasing 2-1 win away from home at New Romney on a Tuesday night, a morale boosting win to take us into the last three games of the season.

Today represents our penultimate home game of the season, next week we travel to Meridian FC for a rearranged game and then we host Kent United on Bank Holiday Monday in the last game of a long and incredibly competitive season. At the time of writing, there is still all to play for in the race for the league title and a win today ensures that this will remain the case as we move into the final weekend. Your support today is appreciated, as it has been throughout the season and I am sure we will provide an entertaining and competitive spectacle today. Our group has earned the right to go into final games of the season with the league within our grasp and I am extremely proud of them for that, we will remain competitive, committed and full of endeavour and quality as we seek to maintain that opportunity into the last weekend, the pride we have in them will remain, no matter the outcome.

Thankyouforyoursupporttoday, wehopeyouenjoythegame.

our main sponsors

Founded by lifelong friends Lawrence Rose and Elliot Payne, ARTO is already a global leader in life sciences talent solutions, dedicated to helping Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, and MedTech companies secure the people they need to drive innovation and growth.

With a focus on providing bespoke, high-impact talent strategies across Europe and America, they partner with leading organisations to meet their staffing needs through an efficient, flexible, and insight-driven approach.

Elliot is no stranger to the football club having played for them as part of his introduction into adult football. He would go onto play in the KCFL for East Kent College Bears under our 1 Team assistant manager, Liam Morris. Elliot is also a registered player for the Minster Old Boys (Vets) side.

Tradefit4U are a family run company with a name synonymous with local football. Father and son duo Tony and Jayme Wisker

are both very well known in Thanet Football – Tony often having battled with Minster FC on the pitch during the 80s and 90s. Jayme played for some of the all-conquering Thanet Sunday League sides in his time and along with his brothers Danny (former Margate, Whitstable & Herne Bay) and Kyle (US Scholarships and Whitstable) it is clear that football has always run deep in the Wisker family.

Tradefit4U work alongside some of the best manufactures of UPVC, aluminium, composite and timber products to supply and fit guttering, windows, doors and conservatories.

Working in both the domestic and commercial sectors and based in Manston, Tradefit4U are well positioned to serve Thanet and the South East of England.

our club partners

Youngs Timber & Builders Merchants is a Kent‑based family‑run builders’ merchant operating from branches in Biddenden, Folkestone, and Dymchurch.

Founded in Kent, the business is led by a tight knit team passionate about supporting tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts alike. They stock high‑quality timber, building and plumbing supplies, fencing, decorating materials, landscaping products, cladding, roofing, doors, gates and workwear. With in house cutting and machining services, expert advice, free local delivery and a friendly, knowledgeable team, Youngs delivers professional reliability at local prices.

Shapes is a dynamic Canterbury-based firm combining digital accounting and creative marketing under one roof. Founded in 2023 by JimLeeves (chartered accountant and Xero expert) and SteveKreeger (UX strategist

and storyteller), the team crafts tailored solutions for small businesses in the UK. Their services cover ‘Better Accounting’ - tax, forecasting, digital finance systems - and creative ‘Shapes Marketing’, offering branding, websites, graphic design, video, and digital strategy. With values of simplicity, integrity, transparency, energy, and space, they aim to bring freedom, relief, and delight to clients. Shapes feels friendly, values-driven, and imaginatively practical - a local partner that makes running a business feel effortless and inspired.

Twenty4Seven Education is a fast growing UK education recruitment agency with offices in London, Manchester, Canterbury and beyond. Founded by experienced education professionals, the agency

prioritises honesty, transparency and individualised care for both schools and candidates. They place teachers, teaching assistants, SEN specialists and support staff in permanent, fixed term and supply roles across primary, secondary and special schools. Their Teaching Assistant Academy offers a two week training course for newcomers. With a friendly, responsive team and strong candidate feedback, Twenty4Seven feels supportive, professional and genuinely invested in helping educators thrive.

THISSEASONWEARETEAMING UPWITHTFMWHOWILLHOST THEDIGITALVERSIONSOF THESEPROGRAMMESONLINE

“Thank you to Russel and the Thanet Football Magazine team for your ongoing support—not just for our club, but for the entire local football community.”

ColinHolden Minster FC Chairman

first team

KentCountyFootballLeague PREMIERDIVISION

Canterbury City

Cuxton 1991

SCThamesmead Res

New Romney

Kings Hill

Falconwood

Tenterden Town

Snodland Town Res

Tenterden Town

SC Thamesmead Res

Snodland Town Res

New Romney Metrogas

Hawkinge Town

Fleetdown United

Kings Hill

SC Thamesmead Res

Hawkinge Town

Long Lane

Snodland Town Res

Falconwood 2-2 2-2

Long Lane Cuxton 1991

Meridian VP Aylesford Stansfeld (O&B)

Kent United Guru Nanak

Kent United Tenterden Town

New StansfeldRomney(O&B)

Fleetdown United

Meridian VP

1911 team

womens team

welcome to minster fc

You will have seen from the club crest that we are over 100 years old with only World Wars getting in the way of continued existence – a matter not taken lightly as club players and staff fought for their country during these difficult times. If you get a chance take a look at the club photos at our pavilion main hall that reminds us of our history and the generations of players that have represented our club.

Throughout these years there have been successful teams – most notably in the 1960s – that have played the game in the right spirit and have set the foundations for future generations to continue. A difficult time in the early 1980s saw the club – with only a single team at the time - almost fail to finish a season in the Thanet League due to lack of players and support.

My father Ralph (also known locally as Colin) stepped in to gather as many eligible youngsters – including myself – to register and play those final matches to keep the club alive. The results didn’t matter – there was a much larger motive to keep the continuity of the club. For us 16/17 year old lads at the time we were finally playing for Minster – a team we had watched from the sidelines for many years. The following seasons saw the club continue to build from the very bottom upwards.

Our club has now grown very quickly in these last 11-12 years as we have built on the success of a very young team – managed by Ian Wallace - that have progressed through the Canterbury & District League and further into the Kent County Football League to the Premier Division where we have consolidated our standing in this division. Two further adult teams were added in 2019/2020 and during these last 5 years we have seen our club develop a pathway for young players within the area to progress with their football. Our veterans team continue to enjoy their football in the local len Martin Thanet & District League. We are also really happy to now have four youth teams represent Minster from U15 to U18 age groups and our previous youth teams have provided players into our adults squads. This season also sees the club develop a women's football team for the first time since the 1960s when Minster were one of the original female teams in the area.

Whilst we have had good fortune on the pitch these last few years backed by a huge amount of effort away from match days, we continue to be a club that see long term friendships and a sense of community spirit as being the real “winning.”

Avillageteamthatwillcontinuetousefootballtobuild competitivespiritalongsidefriendships thatwilllastalifetime.

ColinHolden Chairman

sponsors & community

Seaward Copy Shop in StPeters, Broadstairs, is a long‑standing local business known for its reliability, professionalism, and consistently high quality print work. From everyday copying to full commercial print runs, their team combines modern equipment with genuine expertise to deliver excellent results on every project. They are trusted across Thanet for clear communication, fair pricing, and a fast, dependable turnaround that supports clubs, charities, and local organisations. Whether it’s detailed artwork, bulk printing, or time‑sensitive jobs, Seaward Copy Shop always delivers with care and precision.

A big thank you from everyone at Minster FC to Matt, Mary and the whole teamforprovidinganexcellentmatchdayprogrammeprintingservice.