Building the Parkway Community
Over the years, Plymouth Parkway has continued to evolve, and with that growth has come a renewed focus on strengthening the community side of the football club, something that has truly flourished over recent seasons.
Any club can talk about having a community, but at Parkway, it’s something we are proud to shine a light on. It sits at the heart of everything we do, both on and off the pitch.
This season, with the introduction of Community Director Tom Cooper, supporters have seen the arrival of the popular Match Day Youth Experience. Youngsters have enjoyed scavenger hunts before kick-off, meeting the players, waving flags as the teams walk out, posing for squad photos, and even taking part in mini-games on the pitch at half-time.
It has been a fantastic addition to matchdays at Bolitho and has helped the Parkway name reach further across the city, bringing more families and young supporters Round Our Way.
With community at the heart of Parkway, the club is also proud of its own close-knit group in the form of the Plymouth Parkway Supporters Club.
This long-standing group has played an important role in supporting the football club over many years, contributing to a wide range of activity and volunteering on matchdays to help enhance the experience for supporters and visitors alike.
Parkway has long been proud of its youth system, with many teams proudly playing under the club’s name. Now, with Assistant Manager Lee Peacock playing a key role in bridging the gap between youth football and the first team environment, there is a clear pathway for young players to progress.
That approach is already beginning to show results, with youngsters Leo Orford and Spencer Guest earning places in first-team matchday squads this season, a sign that the hard work behind the scenes is beginning to bear fruit sooner than expected.
Another exciting step forward has been the partnership with Discovery College, offering students the opportunity to combine their studies with football development. The programme includes specialised coaching sessions and matchday experiences, overseen by Interim Manager Stuart Dudley and Assistant Manager Lee Peacock, ably supported by Ben Weetch.
While the footballing progress has been impressive, the biggest success has been in the personal development of the students involved. As Dudley has noted, seeing the growth of these young people, not just as footballers, but as individuals, has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the programme.
A particularly special part of the club is its disability football section, with both junior and senior teams continuing to grow. These players are often described as the beating heart of the club, regularly playing an active role on matchdays and helping with duties around the ground. Their presence brings a unique spirit to the Theatre of Trees that is valued by everyone involved.
Looking ahead, Parkway will continue to develop its community programmes with the aim of making the club even more welcoming and inclusive to families and the wider Plymouth public. From the moment supporters arrive at Bolitho, they are greeted by friendly faces, from Bar Manager Lou Tranter and her dedicated team, to the grounds staff who help keep the Theatre looking its best.
Plymouth Parkway is a football club for the people, for families, for young players, and for the Plymouth community to be proud of.
If you would like your youth team to be part of the Parkway Match Day Experience, or to discuss any community opportunities, the club would love to hear from you.
Please contact Community Director Tom Cooper at [email protected]
If you would like to learn more about the supporters club, or are interested in joining, please contact [email protected] for more details.
