The relatively newly-formed Cotswold Lions, who have been in existence for less than a year, will have a team competing in the Cheltenham Youth League for the first time in 2024/25.

They will field a side at under-9 level and there’s understandable excitement around the club, who are based at Upper Rissington.

They are coached by Jamie Lewis, Andrew Connor and Matty Madine, and they are by no means the only team at the go-ahead club.  

“Our under-8s will compete in the Witney and District A league, having moved up from the B league last season,” said club chair Kate Brennan.

“Our under-7s will engage in friendly and inter-club matches, with the under-6s  participating in inter-club matches.”

At the time of writing the club have around 40 boys and girls signed on and the hope is that more will join in the coming weeks and months.

The club were founded by three dads and a grandad – Cory Lee, Luke Simmons, Ian Mitchell, who is the grandad, and Robert Thornton, the former top National Hunt jockey.

Lee is the head coach and Brennan said:  “We’re really focused on developing the players’ skills and looking after youngsters who love football.

“Cory’s dream is to hone their skills and give them a real understanding of the game, if they then get picked up by one of the academies he’d be delighted.”

The under-9s will be developing their experience and teamwork in the Cheltenham Youth League while the under-8s have a bit more experience.

“They played in the Witney and District League from January and they’ve played in loads of tournaments as well,” explained Brennan.  

And the hope is that in years to come the club will have many, many teams playing league football and competing in tournaments.

“We want to be a permanent club for the people of Rissington,” continued Brennan, who said the club had big ambitions for the Smith Barry playing field that they use outside the winter months.

They need support to help make that happen, of course, and are working hard to achieve their goal.

“We could have four pitches marked up and still have a big area remaining,” explained Brennan, who said the club play on the astroturf at Cotswold School in the winter.

And there is plenty of enthusiasm from the main drivers within the club to take it forward both on and off the pitch.

“Choc [Robert Thornton] is so dedicated, the kids love him,” said Brennan. “He’d train them every day if he could!

“Cory and Ian have also played pivotal roles in the establishment of the Lions.

"Both bring professional football backgrounds to the table and are deeply passionate about maximising each child's potential.

"Their dedication and commitment to the club have been instrumental in its success.”

And Luke Simmons, another of the founder members, is equally as committed to the cause.

“Our unwavering commitment has always been to maintain a high coach-to-children ratio to ensure each player receives the individualised attention and guidance necessary for their development,” he said.

“We strive to provide exceptional training and growth opportunities for all players.”

Anyone wanting further information about the club or wants to be involved should email Kate Brennan at  kate@clfc.org.uk