MIKE Smith has left his position as Stalybridge Celtic Foundation’s community development officer to take up a similar post at neighbouring Curzon Ashton.
It was back in March 2014 that Mike, 52, arrived at Bower Fold to launch the club’s first community programme.
And in almost seven years, Mike has introduced many initiatives and leaves a lasting legacy.
He explained: “I am proud of the good work the football club does to engage with the community that it didn’t do before.
“I have left a footprint where the club has more of a presence in the community than it ever had.
“And the community programme in a good state for whoever succeeds me.”
Mike created three Adult-Pan Disability football teams, over 50s and 60s walking football teams, the Man v Fat League, a male weight loss programme, £5 fresh air football ticket, after school sessions, primary schools’ tournaments, school assemblies, matchday mascots and ball boys and support for charities.”
Looking ahead, he is relishing the new challenge at Curzon where the community programme engages in more non-football community activities.
Curzon are members of the National League Trust, of which Celtic were once when they played at that level, and also receive funding from the Jigsaw Foundation and Sport England.
Mike, who worked for 19 years in Stockport County’s community department before joining Celtic, said: “There are more funding opportunities at Curzon compared to Celtic.
“I am going there to plough on with the good work they are already doing.”
Gerald Crossley, chair of Stalybridge Celtic Foundation’s trustees, said: “Due to Mike’s positive attitude and commitment in undertaking his role and responsibilities, Stalybridge Celtic has been well represented in the community through his many projects.
“The trustees of Stalybridge Celtic Foundation thank Mike for his work in the community, but also his contribution to the football club during his time as its community development officer and wish him all the best on his new appointment.”