Star News
Soccer lads at Penlake FC get new roof over their heads
2:00pm Tuesday 7th February 2012
A FOOTBALL club, whose season was under threat after its changing room roof blew off, is back on track after two businessmen came to the rescue.
With more than 200 players, Penlake FC were left staring through a gaping hole in the ceiling following the storms which battered the town in mid-January.
The Sutton-based club features in the Guinness Book of Records for the longest unbeaten run of any football team, 153 matches from 1981 to 1986. Celebrating its 40th season, Penlake has produced players such as former Manchester City forward Mike Sheron and former England international Ray Ranson.
St Helens-born Warrington Wolves stand-off Lee Briers was also a promising footballer before answering the call of rugby league.
After reading the plight of the club in the St Helens Star, Mark Littler and Clint Harrison, directors at Prescot Self Drive decided to put their hands in their pockets.
Not only did they cover the costs of repairs, which totalled around £800, they will sponsor their kit next season to the tune of £500.
Mark, who is from Chain Lane and a former Cowley pupil, said: “We are a family run company and want to put something back into the community.
“I think it’s that St Helens sense of pride. We are looking to sponsor a couple of kids’ football teams.”
Paul Forester, chairman of Penlake, said: “First I would like to thank Mark and Clint at PSD and the St Helens Star.
“Without the St Helens Star’s article it wouldn’t have been possible.
“We had several calls from people wanting to help out and even had some kind ex-players, parents and grandparents giving individual donations after seeing the article in the paper, for which, without naming people in particular, we are very grateful.
“We received a donation from a local guy called Mr Young, who gave us £100.
“The club’s pride and joy is without doubt its Football Development Academy, where boys and girls come along and enjoy fun games, football skills and coaching, in a relaxed atmosphere with experienced coaches who encourage the children to develop and enjoy the game, setting them on the right road for their footballing career.
“When I received the call from Mark at PSD I was so relieved, but at the same time over the moon.
“A club of Penlake’s size has massive overheads to keep running, and relies on dozens of helpers, coaches, managers and ground staff who volunteer their time each week.
“Half of the club’s costs are covered by donations, sponsors and special fundraising events, and in a time when money is short for all families it was a very bad time for us to cope with such expenditure.
“On behalf of Penlake I would like to thank PSD, its management and all of its staff.”