Open Evening: The Verdict.
On Friday evening the club hosted an open evening for anyone interested in our plans, and as an opportunity for volunteers to get involved. Seventeen were present, a fantastic showing. The current committee introduced their plans and feelings, and these have been transcripted below.
Nathan Bartram:
Evening everyone, thanks for coming, we really appreciate it.
I’ll keep this short because, honestly, this is your evening.
We’re not here to talk at you, we’re here to answer whatever you want to ask.
So we’ll do a quick intro, then open it up.
I’ll just start with why this began for me.
I’ve been out of local football for a couple of years, not because I couldn’t be involved, but because I'm not someone who just jumps at the next half opportunity.
But when I heard Morda United had folded… that felt different.
Not because of the situation, these things happen, but because of the name.
Morda United means something locally and to an awful lot of people.
And I just felt that if there was a club there, done properly, with that name, people would come.
And to be honest, tonight proves that.
The people sat up here, and all of you in front of us, that’s proof enough.
The name still matters, it still brings people together, it still gets people talking. And I want to be at a club that people talk about.
Our aim is simple:
We want to build a club people are proud of.
Not just players, but families, volunteers, and the wider community.
A club that’s community-first, sustainable, and properly run.
Not chasing quick wins, but building something that lasts.
One thing we have all talked about a lot is not just what we want to be but how we show up, every week.
It’s not about money or being the biggest club.
It’s about Pride, Organisation, being welcoming, being for everyone locally in Morda and the town of Oswestry, and being something those people can rely on.
If we get those things right consistently, everything else will follow.
In terms of this year, we’re being really deliberate.
Year one is about getting the foundations right.
A men’s team up and running.
A good matchday experience.
A ground people enjoy coming to.
And a club that looks organised and credible.
We’re not trying to do everything at once, we just want to do the basics really well.
Whilst this is a real team effort, my remit is the Football itself. A football club isn't a football club without players. We won't and can't name names tonight.
But what I can tell you is the type of player and person we’re looking for, and more importantly, what we’re offering.
If you’re a younger player who wants to progress, come and be part of this from the start.
Grow with the club, build something, and go on that journey with us.
If you’re a more experienced player who’s comfortable at this level, that’s just as important.
You’ll have a role here, not just playing, but helping set standards and supporting others.
And as we grow, whether that’s first team, reserves, or development, we will create a space for everyone to fit.
But the biggest thing is this:
You can spend your career moving from club to club… or being a part of a club that's talking about another club… or you can come here and actually be part of building all of this.
Because our time on the grass doesn’t last forever, I know that myself.
But what you can leave behind is something you helped create.
A club. A culture. Something people remember.
That’s what we’re offering.
A chance to be here at the start, and be part of the whole journey, however far you want to take it.
And we're not just a club for players. Over the course of the evening, we’ll talk about ideas and plans not just for this year, but where this can go longer-term.
Not just the football side, but what we can do with the facility and what this club can offer to the community.
And if at any point you’re sat there thinking, I could help with that, that’s exactly what we want.
There are six of us at the moment, but this only works if that grows.
So if you see something you want to be part of, come and grab us afterwards.
There is a place for you here.
And just to be clear, this is for everyone.
Players, volunteers, supporters… even if you’re just here to have a look, you’re welcome.
Tom Brown:
It gives me great pride to announce the rebirth of Morda United and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for football in our community.
Like many people in the area, Morda United holds a special place in my heart.
I had the privilege of playing for the club in the late 1990s, signing at just 16 years old and stepping into adult football.
It was a daunting experience at the time, but the support and encouragement I received from the people within the club and the wider community helped shape some of the most memorable years of my life.
For many years, Morda United was a cornerstone of local football and the club to play for in the area.
It produced a number of excellent players, who represented the club with pride. Sadly, the club lost its identity and folded last year, leaving a real void within the local sporting community.
However, we firmly believe that Morda United is a sleeping giant.
Grassroots football plays an important role in bringing communities together, and the absence of local Saturday football has been felt by many families who enjoyed supporting their sons, grandsons and friends representing their local club.
Our vision is to restore that sense of pride, belonging and community by rebuilding Morda United into a club that everyone can once again support and be proud of.
This journey will not be without its challenges, and rebuilding a club from the ground up takes time, dedication and collective effort.
The newly named Meat Man Community Stadium represents our commitment to creating a home for football once again in Morda and the surrounding area.
It is a place where players, supporters, volunteers and families can come together and enjoy the game at the heart of the community.
To make this vision a reality, we will need the support of our community.
We are currently seeking volunteers to assist with a variety of roles within the club, as well as local businesses who may be interested in supporting the club through sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
Together, we have the opportunity to rebuild something very special.
With the support of the community, we can restore the pride of Morda United and ensure the club once again becomes a place where players develop, supporters gather, and local football thrives.
Thank you to everyone who has already shown their support. The journey ahead will require commitment and patience, but with the community behind us, the future of Morda United is full of promise.
Morda United is your club, it's your future.
Phil Brown:
I would like to outline my vision for the future development of AFC Morda United, along with the areas where we are seeking funding support as the club continues to grow.
In the short to medium term, our priorities are to upgrade key facilities, including:
• New changing rooms and shower facilities
• New goal posts and nets
• Improved toilet facilities
Looking ahead, our long-term ambition, and a significant milestone for the club, is to work towards the installation of a FIFA-standard 4G pitch for the 2027/2028 season.
This would provide a professional, all-weather playing surface, enabling year-round football and significantly enhance the club’s offering.
A central focus of this development will be to increase participation in the women’s and girls’ game. We plan to introduce a dedicated weekly evening for female football, creating opportunities for players of all ages and abilities to get involved. This will then grow into having senior and youth teams for both men and women.
The new facility will also support grassroots teams, youth development, local schools, and community groups across the area. In addition, it will play a key role in helping the club meet the FAW higher-tier licensing requirements as we continue to progress.
We believe these developments will not only strengthen the club but also provide lasting benefits to the wider community.
Chris Grommell:
Having moved from Manchester fifteen years ago I have seen football in the area decline with only a few clubs left in the area.
That is largely down to the lack of facilities in the area.
Morda is in a perfect location with good facilities and it would be a shame to see it go to waste.
I have argued the case for football with councilors, and have explored finding opportunities, and it seems there is finally a passion for change.
Mat Edwards:
Thank you everyone and thank you to Nathan, Chris, Tom and Phil for setting out so clearly what this club means and why its return matters
When Nathan first shared with me his ambition to reform the football club at Morda two thoughts came to my mind -
1. This is a big undertaking are we up to it
2. Does Morda still want a football club?
Looking around this room tonight clearly it does.
We started small with myself, Chris and Nathan meeting outside here on Remembrance Sunday and rather gingerly we started to set out how this could work
Certainly word spread quickly and with that came Tom and Phil which not only added further confidence that this is not only the right thing to do, but clearly Morda needed a football club.
Morda United is back because this community wants it back. And together, we’re going to build something special.
Our immediate priorities are simple and essential which have been shared with you this evening. These all work towards giving everyone pride not only in the Football Club but the community as a whole.
But to make all of this happen, we need people.
There are many roles across the club from coaching and matchday support to admin, media, and fundraising. Every role matters, and every volunteer strengthens the club. Every contribution, big or small, moves us forward.
With your support, we can create something lasting. Something the next generation will look back on with pride. Something that brings people together, week after week, year after year. We are rebuilding a club with history, with heart, and with huge potential.
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The floor was then opened to casual discussion. Ideas, experience and contacts around the room were shared, and this had led to further contact to get formally involved.
The club will be holding its AGM on Thursday 16th April. This is my invitation only, but if you would like to get involved in this exciting project, get in touch, and we looking forward to welcoming you.