September 2004
Events celebrating 20 years of youth football at Highbury, Warminster, have included a challenge match, an exhibition, and a social evening.
The exhibition which comprises items of memorabilia and many photographs, is organised by Harry Theobald, and held at Warminster Library.
Among the memorabilia on show is a football signed by the Warminster Highbury Youth F.C. team which played in the 1990/91 Wilts County Cup match; a county cap won by Andy Pitman, who is remembered for being so talented that he played well under age in that first squad; an under 13s cup winners medal from 1985/86; the Mid-Wilts League Shield for the under 13s division two; various pennants and several programmes.
The photographs include one of Jamie Pitman pictured with Southampton F.C. Manager Chris Nichol, when Jamie, who had been a talented player with Highbury Youth F.C. first signed for Southampton.
At the 20th Anniversary social evening, held at Warminster Assembly Hall, Robin George, the President of Warminster Highbury Youth F.C. , welcomed past and present players, committee officers and members, managers, as well as guests and supporters.
Robin began his involvement at Highbury in 1985/86, coaching under 15s. He and Bob Pitman were instrumental in starting organised football during the 1990s for age groups down to as young as eight and nine.
Robin said he had many happy memories of the progress of the boys and girls playing football at Highbury. Robin proposed a toast to the last 20 years and wished the club all the best for its future.
Two former chairman of the club, Harry Theobald and Bob Pitman, gave a brief summary of how the Highbury Youth Football Club was formed (it began as the Celtic Boys, Warminster, F.C.) and mentioned many achievements of the players through the years.
The current Chairman of Warminster Highbury Youth F.C., Chris Finch, spoke about the future of the club and how it can provide a natural progression for boys to go on to play as seniors with Warminster Town F.C.
The guest speaker was Barry Stephens, who replied on behalf of the Wiltshire Football Association. He said that Warminster Highbury Youth F.C. was held in high regard within the County Association and had the admiration of other clubs. He expressed his wish that Highbury would get involved with football for girls and that he hoped in future to present the club with the F.A. Charter Standard.
The social evening concluded with a raffle – the prizes were donated by local businesses.