Church Stretton players keep fit and raise charity funds

Sixteen of Stretton’s squad ran almost 100 kilometres between them to help raise funds for the Severn Hospice.

The fundraising initiative was launched by neighbours Haughmond FC and Shrewsbury Cricket Club, who have encouraged other clubs to join in – with more than £16,000 raised so far.

Peever said: “Obviously I try to encourage the lads to keep exercising and ticking over, but this is a great cause as well.

“A few of our lads are ex-Haughmond players and some also play cricket for Shrewsbury so it was a natural link.

“We still don’t know a start date for next season and there is nothing really for us to work towards at the moment – so any reason to get out there and stay fit is great.”

Stretton’s switch from the West Midlands League back to the set-to-be-revamped Shropshire League is still likely to take place next season, with local rivals Ludlow expected to make the same move.

Peever said the club’s chairman had spoken to the Shropshire League who are ‘very much planning to go ahead’ next season but are just awaiting government instructions as to when the grassroots game can restart.

In the meantime, Stretton held their first – and, they hope, only – virtual AGM and presentation evening last weekend with some ‘tongue-in-cheek’ awards.

Peever admitted he was happy to see his squad – who were hunting promotion from West Midlands Division Two when the season ended prematurely – back together, even if it was only in virtual form.

He added: “We had a decent turnout. It was good to check everyone was still okay and nice to catch up as it’s approaching eight or nine weeks now since we’ve all seen each other.

“We touched on what went well last season and what didn’t, and that it was a shame that it was curtailed.

“But it was good to see everyone and check whether they are still going to be playing next season because you can take those things for granted.”