Dulwich Hamlet hope to see a swift reversal of their fortunes in the league following a mixed start to the season that has seen the club drop 10 points in their first six games. The South Londoners, who are currently in eleventh place in the Ryman Premier Division, hope to see a return to the winning form that took them close to promotion in the play-offs last season.
Dulwich boss Gavin Rose believes consistency on the pitch will be key to the team’s progress. The Pink and Blues will face Burgess Town at Champion Hill this afternoon.
“We have strong expectations and we always want to finish top of the division”, says Rose.
“Our goal this year is no different to what it was last year. The key for us will be consistency. Our playing staff need to be consistent on the pitch and we have to be consistent as a management team.
“If we can get that consistency going that should get us there or thereabouts.”
Off the pitch Dulwich Hamlet are looking boost the funding of their fast growing ASPIRE Academy and football in the community project.
The academy, established in 2002, has seen more than 200 young players successfully pass through its system with more than 90 per cent securing contracts with other non-league teams.
“Things are going really well with ASPIRE. Although we are lacking in funding we have the highest numbers we have ever engaged since we started”, Rose added.
“We started the academy with Southwark Council but after three years it fell out of their remit. At that time we were engaging 16 to 18 year-olds, but now we reach young people aged eight to 18.
“We are trying to keep abreast of what the requirements are to access funding and making sure what we do as a provision matches these requirements.
“Through our football in the community scheme, which runs alongside our academy work, we’re reaching a lot of boys and girls in the area. We’re hoping to get more funding in but our work doesn’t stop and that includes the work of all our volunteers.”
