A GROWING junior football club in Crewe has taken on board a rival set-up.

Crewe Athletic Juniors U10s to U13s have agreed to join Crewe Town FC, a Charter Standard Club, based at the Cumberland Arena, which has built up an excellent reputation since its formation in 2018.

Crewe Town FC Chairman Mark Owen and Vice Chairman Mark Vodrey say they are delighted to welcome the Athletic side aboard as it "shows just how well respected" their club has become in Crewe.

Crewe Athletic Juniors says they recognised the need to be part of bigger set up and it enables parents and officials to step back from the running of the club.

"We are looking forward to being part of Crewe Town Football Club because it will be nice to enjoy watching our children play football without the added stress or pressure of running a club," Crewe Athletic said.

"It was hugely important for us to make sure we could take our teams somewhere where they would develop and feel part of something bigger. We hope the transition will be smooth and everyone will be happy.

"It was right for us to find something that had the same values that we stood by but in a more organised level and Crewe Town FC deliver as they have a huge support network surrounding them so it was a comfortable decision knowing the teams will be well looked after. The teams are looking forward to moving forward as one big club."

Crewe Town FC recently acquired FA Charter Standard status and says in a short period of time the club has fostered an environment where children can develop and have fun in a friendly family setting.

Crewe Town's Mark Vodrey said: "We welcome Crewe Athletic into our Club with the primary objective of providing a safe, friendly atmosphere for children to enjoy playing the beautiful game of football. We are well respected within the community and feel very proud that a club as long standing as Crewe Athletic wanted to join us on our journey."

Crewe Town FC has also revealed it is sponsoring The Saturday Sports Show presented by Luke Reynolds on Cat FM next season.

Anyone interested in getting invoved in Crewe Town FC should ring Mark on 0748 4289748.