Cranton rebuilding for the future at Cubbington

Ryan Cranton takes a coaching session at Stonehouse Lane.

However, even he admits his latest cause is one which few people would have taken on.

Cranton has stepped into a coaching role at Cubbington Albion with the aim of rebuilding the club’s junior section.

A lack of volunteers and sponsorship meant there was a very real chance there would be no junior representation at the club for the first time in its 116-year history.

But armed with an FA level two coaching badge, passion for the cause and unbridled enthusiasm, Cranton is on a mission to put Cubbington back on the map in terms of kids’ football.

“We’re fighting for existence and need the support of local people,” said Cranton, a former Barnsley youth player.

“The club was almost on the verge of folding all their junior teams for the first time.

“I was brought in to help rebuild them and, as a starting point, we would provide under-seven, under-11 and under-12 teams.

“Our intention is to add additional age groups and push the club forward to achieve the FA Charter Standard.”

The club, which holds training sessions for its youngsters every Wednesday and Saturday at Stonehouse Close, is still looking for players to bolster its squads ahead of the new campaign.

And Cranton says it is not just on the football field that the new recruits will benefit.

“It comes down to working together as a team, accepting decisions and understanding that people have different abilities.

“Playing a team sport provides kids with important lessons in personal values.”