AN APPEAL has gone out this week to save the Tavistock Thistles Football Club. The youth football club, which has been going for more than 30 years, is in real danger of having the final whistle blown on its contribution to the town's sporting community unless more volunteers come forward to save it. Over the years the popular football club has given an opportunity to hundreds of young players to enjoy the game they love — progressing from U12s to U18s level and provide a feeder of talent to Tavistock AFC. Next season the club has three teams in the Devon Junior Minor League in the U15s, U16s, and U18s but it is now in real danger of folding in the future unless more volunteers step forward. In the past it has flourished with the financial assistance from Tavistock Town Council, West Devon Council and Tavistock Rotary Club. The club prides itself as a community club that encourages the involvement of the whole family. Indeed, giving a chance to young footballers, regardless of their ability, was very much in the club ethos, which states 'Every child matters'. It says: 'We are an inclusive football club that values children, irrelevant of their background or football skills; assisting children with identified behavioural problems, disability, or victims of bullying, to grow in confidence, bond with their peers and become important team members whose contribution to the team is valued by all. 'Our vision is to develop a Football Community where children from four to 18 can play their football in a safe environment and go on to become Tavistock AFC's future players.' Kevin Chambers, the U16s manager, told the Times: 'We have a great bunch of lads. When I took the team over they were at the bottom of the league but last year they were fifth and this season fourth and reached the league cup semi-final. 'We have a mixed bag of gifted and intelligent players and the not so gifted but whatever their skill we aim to give every youngster equal playing time on the pitch — not every club does. It is not about fielding the best 11 but making sure everyone in the squad gets regular games. Kevin, whose son Matthew, aged 15, plays for the Thistles, said: 'What I am appealing for is for parents, or individuals, to step forward and have a go at coaching for a few hours a week. It can be so rewarding to see the players working as a team and enjoy playing competitive football. 'We have a good rivalry with Tavistock Community Football Club. I don't think it is healthy if one club such as them have a monopoly on young players in the area. I want to see teams for all age groups including girls' teams. 'If people do not come forward then there is a real danger that in a couple of years that there will not be anyone to run and organise the three current teams let alone forming new ones. What I don't want to see is, after all the hard work and the years of giving so many youngsters the opportunity to enjoy football, that Tavistock Thistles will simply fizzle out and die.' If you could help the Thistles please contact Kevin on 01822 617382.