MAWNAN Football Club has reached another milestone in its history and plans to celebrate its 80th anniversary with a reunion for former and present players and supporters.

It will take place at the Ben Spike Centre clubhouse at the Carwinion Road ground on Friday, October 20, at 8pm and club chairman Colin Bate said it is an important occasion in the club’s history.

He said: “Mawnan Football Club originally played in the old Falmouth and District Football League before merging with the Helston and District League to become the Falmouth-Helston Football League.

“Mawnan was one of only two clubs to enjoy membership of the entire 50 years of that competition. Now we are in the Trelawny Football League that has transformed the landscape of junior football in the west of the county.

“Clearly, when you have enjoyed such a colourful history you will have had many players go through your club and we would like to think a large number of those players will remember their time at Mawnan and will want to be part of the celebration.”

Just a few decades ago football was the lifeblood of village sport, but over the years life has become increasingly difficult for clubs with the escalating costs involved in running voluntary sporting organisations.

“Through the years Mawnan has provided football for thousands of players,” said Mr Bate “and I am hopeful that the evening will attract a big response from former and present players and supporters.

“We have had some great times and characters at the club including David Rickard who received the FA’s gold medal for 50 years’ service to the club. So this is an open invitation for everyone to turn up and enjoy a wonderful evening of nostalgia. I’m sure there will be plenty of old photographs and newspaper cuttings to rekindle past memories.

“These days it is difficult to locate people because so many have mobile phones and are not in the phone book. It is physically impossible to trace everyone, but all I can say is that if you played for the club then we would be delighted to see you on the night.

“I’m sure that there are still some great tales to come out and, of course, as the years pass, the opportunity to meet up with former team mates becomes even rarer.”

The club can be contacted through the chairman on 01326 250582 or the club’s website.