Ambitious Manchester Football League club Uppermill FC are to groundshare with Pitching In Northern Premier League, West club Mossley in a bid to achieve their goals.
Uppermill FC, reigning Manchester League champions, are unable to apply to join the North West Counties League because their ground at Churchill Playing Fields, Saddleworth, cannot be brought up to the standard required for semi-professional football.
That prompted Uppermill FC, who have enjoyed good relations with their neighbours, to strike a groundshare agreement which will see their first team play home matches at Total Rope Solutions Seel Park for their 2024/25 league campaign.
The agreement forms part of a wider partnership between the two clubs which will aim to provide the area’s young footballers with a development pathway to open-age football as well as giving opportunities to aspiring coaches looking to improve their skill sets and progress to coaching at higher levels in the football pyramid.
Stephen Porter, Mossley chairman, said: “As a football club, we are fully aware of how difficult it can be to progress in non-league football, each step comes with its own hurdles that provide boards and committees with lots of challenges.
“When we were approached by Uppermill, we did not hesitate. Football is one big family, and we are always keen to support local clubs in their ambition to grow.
“This partnership is so much more than just a groundshare agreement. We believe it will provide young footballers from our local communities with a clear pathway into open-age football.
“That’s something we are passionate about as a club and we are delighted to begin working on this alongside Uppermill FC for many years to come.”
Uppermill FC, who are in Step 7, have enjoyed a meteoric rise in the four years since Mark Howard, (50), who has a wealth of managerial experience at Royton Town, Chadderton, Maine Road and Radcliffe, became manager.
“It has been some journey as we were second bottom of Manchester Football League, Division One when I was asked by Steve Southern [chair] to take charge,” explained Howard.
“In the last four years we have been promoted and finished runners-up and champions in the Premier Division in the last two seasons.
“It has been Steve’s dream to get us into the NWCL, but he was not sure how long it would take. We have accelerated at 100mph in the last four years, and it will be fantastic to be able to apply to join in October.
“It would be great if we were to become the first club from Saddleworth to play in semi-professional football.”
Uppermill FC, whose players pay to play, would have been able to apply for NWCL status in each of the last two seasons had their facilities matched their on-field exploits.
“It is no secret long term we would love our own home in Saddleworth but, until that happens, Mossley have kindly agreed to help us,” explained Howard.
Uppermill FC, who run four open-age sides as well as having 24 junior teams, have already had a taster after late last season asking Mossley to use their ground for their local derby against Springhead FC which they won 5-2 in front of a crowd of 237.
Handshake on the groundshare deal, l-r, Mossley manager David Fish, Mossley chair Stephen Porter, Uppermill FC chair Steve Southern, Uppermill FC manager Mark Howard
Mossley’s home crowds average more than 450 – they are among the best supported in the division – and Uppermill FC are hoping to entice some of them to games when the Lilywhites are away.
They will charge admission of £3 for adults and £1 children, and they will also have proceeds from the refreshment hut.
Uppermill FC chair, Steve Southern said: “The fact that a club of the stature of Mossley AFC wish to form a progressive partnership with us is a sign of just how far our club has come in a very short space of time. This is testament to the credible reputation we are building on and off the football pitch.
“Having met the leadership team at Mossley, we were immediately struck by how their values and beliefs mirrored those we have at Uppermill.
“Both treasure the community in which their clubs live and both of us wish to provide the widest possible opportunity for local footballing talent to thrive. We have high hopes for our partnership.”
Mossley manager David Fish believes the partnership will be mutually beneficial, explaining: “We have players who are on dual registration forms, and it would be great if they could go and develop at Uppermill FC in the North West Counties League.
“It can also provide a pathway for Uppermill FC players, and it is a partnership which offers lots of possibilities for both parties.”