It’s all happening at Mousehole AFC with a new Chairman and Vice-Chairman installed last week and construction getting underway this week on an ambitious infrastructure project, backed by HRH The Prince of Wales, which will transform access to the club’s Interiora Trungle Parc home and create new opportunities for the local village.
Locally-based business owner, Craig Harrison, has been named as the new Chairman and he will work alongside former Chairman, Deryk Heywood, who has returned to the Pitching In Southern League Division One South outfit after a year away to take the role of Vice Chairman.
“I am very excited to be here,” 42 year-old Harrison told us. “There has been amazing growth at the club over the last five or six years and now I want to play a part in helping to push things on even further so that the club can reach its goals over the next few years.
“I’m passionate about football, community and how the two can combine to help grow both on and off the pitch.
“I feel that I will bring passion, drive and new ideas as well as a fresh pair of eyes, which I hope can help to support all of the teams who play as part of the Mousehole AFC Family.
“Short term I want to implement a plan which will give us stability; it’s difficult to foresee what challenges we will face, but I do believe there are so many people involved at the club that care and love it so much that we are already winning
“As for the long-term, I’d like to see ongoing success and progression on the pitch for all our sides, but beyond that I want to see the club grow off the pitch and continue to develop our facilities so that the whole community can be proud and have use of them.”
So, what was Harrison’s route to the Cornish club?
“I first encountered Mousehole as manager of Illogan Ladies in 2019, shortly after moving to Cornwall,” Harrison continued. “I was reintroduced in February this year by the club’s principal sponsor, Keltek Breweries and it has all kind of quickly moved from there, but while it’s been quick, it has been good and we’re looking forward to a strong season.
“I’ve been involved in football for over 30 years as a player, coach and manager, not a glorious career by any means but passion and desire were there! Business-wise I co-own a promotional merchandise company based in Redruth and have been in that industry for 20 years. Before that I’ve been a bingo caller, made crisps and cut steel as well as working in a video shop (ask your dad if you’re unsure), so quite a varied career!
“I’ll be able to use all of the experience that I have gained over the years from both my working and football life and put it into practice here in what is a really exciting role.
“When I first visited the club, I could feel the energy and passion straight away. There is something special happening here and I am delighted to be part of it.”
Meanwhile, an ambitious infrastructure project, which is backed by HRH The Prince of Wales, will transform access to the club’s ground, as well as creating new opportunities for sport, community events, and reducing congestion in the local village of Paul.
Construction work began on Monday on a new access road that will serve Mousehole AFC, the club’s seasonal campsite and neighbouring Paul Cricket Club.
For years, the only route to the club has been via a narrow, pothole-ridden lane through the village—leading to traffic issues, damaged vehicles, and logistical headaches for visiting teams and supporters.
After hearing about the issues being faced by the local community, The Prince and the Duchy of Cornwall worked with CRH, a global leader in building materials, to see if they could help develop a lasting solution.
Simon Taylor, Project Lead for Mousehole AFC, said: “Within a week, I was in a Teams meeting with Martin Riley, who’d been invited by HRH to see what could be done to help fix the existing road.
“Two weeks later, Martin visited the club. After experiencing the lane for himself, he quickly realised a full repair wasn’t viable. With planning permission already secured for an alternative access point, we turned our attention to the possibility of building a brand-new road.
“Countless meetings—both on-site and virtual—later, we’ve pulled together an incredible consortium of local and national companies who’ve committed their time, resources, and expertise to bring this dream to life.”
The construction is being carried out at no cost to the club, thanks to generous in-kind contributions from various partners.
The Prince of Wales said: “I have seen time and time again that community hubs are essential in providing the spaces for people to come together, to build stronger communities and to allow people to thrive.
“It is a privilege to be able to help the local community access Mousehole AFC. I’d like to personally add my thanks for all the hard work that’s gone into making it happen.
“I look forward to seeing the new road for myself as soon as I can.”
The route has also been made possible thanks to the generosity of local landowner Paul Pond, who has granted access to part of his land, and the years of tireless campaigning by Deryk Heywood, who returned to the club last week as Vice-Chairman.
In addition to improved access, the project will deliver new parking facilities, which will enable the club to expand its offering of sporting, social, and cultural events for the wider community.
“This project is transformative—not just for Mousehole AFC but for the entire area,” added Simon Turner. “The cricket club will also benefit from the new road, and we’ll now be able to host more events at Interiora Trungle Parc, turning it into a true community hub.
“Most importantly, it will take matchday and holiday traffic out of the village, improving the experience for everyone.”
The new road is expected to be completed in time for the start of the 2025/26 season in August.
IMAGE: Benjamin Gilbert
Most clubs are looking for volunteers. Find out more on the button below:
www.PitchingInVolunteers.co.ukAll the news and results in one place.
REGISTER