In 1921 two ambitious men set out with a dream to start a football club in Maghull.
Through fires and relegation battles Maghull FC has defied the odds and unlike many of their non-league contemporaries is still thriving to this day. The club marked its centenary last week after the celebrations were delayed by the pandemic.
Former manager turned Chairman Ron Young, who has been at the club since 1969, doesn't credit the club's longevity to on-the-pitch success or a burgeoning trophy cabinet. Ron who started his career in Dundee United's youth system before taking over as manager of Maghull in 1985 credits the club's survival to the people who have dedicated their lives to playing, supporting, and running the non-league side.
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Speaking to the ECHO Ron said: "Its more than a club and the people who have been involved with Maghull starting off as players have remained here. We have two treasures at the club and they played in the 1966 team when they won the Liverpool county cup and they are still here now - one is 80 and the other is 82.
"I think that is one of the main reasons Maghull has kept going it's because of the longevity of the people who have dedicated so much to run it. We regard ourselves as a community club we have players from outside Maghull and Lydiate but the majority of players come from the community and they are welcome at the club anytime."
From a single team, the club has grown to encompass three men's teams, a ladies' first team, and a host of youth teams for both boys and girls. Ron, who is 77 said: "It's very important to encourage kids to get into football from a young age because it gives them values because they have people coaching, guiding and helping them and it gives children something to focus on."
The club has had to navigate through some difficult periods, nearly falling into liquidation in the 1950s. Bit it narrowly survived due to the efforts of Maghull FC supporters club who raised money by hosting whist drives.
Originally playing its football by Deyes High School, Maghull FC moved grounds in the 1960s and found a home at Old Hall Field. Following a fire which destroyed the dressing rooms and clubhouse in 1991, Maghull erected a new building that still stands to this day.
They currently play in the National Cheshire league and are looking to navigate their way up the non-league ladder by developing the ground, implementing new stands and adding floodlights. Ron, who has managed Maghull's first team for seven years, said: "That is what we are working on and if it comes to fruition that's all well and good.
"But if it doesn't happen at least we can say we have tried and most importantly we will still be playing football. If a club has anything about it, people won't leave unless you get dropped.
"There are not that many clubs that have gone for 100 years. There are thousands of clubs, but only a matter of hundreds who have gone for so long. It is all down to the people, bricks and mortar don't do anything for anybody - it's down to the people who have been involved for so many years who set the standards, and it is up to us to maintain them and keep the club going."
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