The future of one of Pembrokeshire's oldest football clubs is under threat, unless more interest can be resurrected in the side. Manorbier United AFC, who were established over half-a-century ago and were first champions of the county's Division One back in the 1945/46 season, have already seen their second team drop out of their league midway through the current campaign; now there are real fears that the club as a whole may cease to exist. "Over the years, we've seen various successes for the 1st, 2nd, youth and junior teams and the club has been a wonderful community strengthener for both the old and young, so it would be a great shame to see things fold," explained Manorbier secretary, Paul Maytum. "We've had great community support, with strong funding, and we've got great facilities at the clubhouse on the playing field, so although things have been somewhat chequered and a bit up and down over the last decade, it's been hats off to the key contributors for keeping things going," he added. Paul admitted that, although there had been short- term quick fixes to assist the club, these had proved unsustainable solutions for its long-term future. "The problem is attracting successive committee members, especially non-players, and the skills, foundations and contributions that a strong broad- based committee can bring to the club," he said. "Without good organisation and structure, the manager's job becomes very difficult and optimism hard to sustain. "The issues of commitment and support are felt all across the club," concluded Paul, who is appealing to all members of the community to come forward and volunteer their skills and time for the club. Manorbier United AFC will be holding their AGM tomorrow (Saturday), at 6 pm, at the village's Castle Inn, with the meeting open to anyone to attend, young or old and that includes females too.
