HERE at Messenger newspapers, we are the first ones to say it pays to submit match reports to your local paper, and Tom Bancroft, honorary secretary of Pelican FC has the conclusive prof!

His regular reports charting the ups and down of life in the Altrincham and District Amateur Saturday league have won him a competition, and the first prize was a VIP day out at the home of English football, Wembley.

Tom takes up the story, "The FA produces a glossy Bi-monthly magazine called 'FC' which is especially for grass-roots clubs and each amateur club secretary receives a complimentary copy.

"A couple of months ago, they carried a feature on how to go about getting your match reports in the local paper.

"As I have been doing this for some time now, I read it with interest to see if their ideas matched mine, and by and large they did."

The final paragraph of the article invited those who were already successful in getting their reports into print to send in some examples and pass on a few hints, and, as runners-up prizes consisted of match-balls and kit-bags, Tom thought he'd enter.

Little did he know that his efforts would be awarded the national top prize.

He says "I was amazed last month to receive a phone call from the FA's senior co-ordinator to tell me that my entry was judged to be the best in the country!"

His prize, which team manager Carl Brennan enjoyed with him on Saturday, consisted of two £45 tickets for the Euro 2000 qualifier against Sweden, a tour of the media facilities at Wembley, and access to the FA's Banqueting Hall after the match.

Tom adds, "The players certainly appreciate seeing their efforts reported, but from conversations I have had with ex-players in the area and hotel regulars, the reports also provide them with up-to-date information about how the teams are doing."

So, the message is clear. You may not win a prize, but you'll certainly generate interest in your club.

Here at Messenger, we are looking at expanding our coverage of amateur football next season.

For more details, or to register your interest in our new-look "Amateur Action" telephone Mike Crockett on 0161 908 3384, or write to Sports Desk, Messenger Newspapers, Brindley House, 25 Ashton Lane, Sale, M33 6TP

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.