Alderney Football Association and Alderney Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Rob Kirkland as the new chairman. Having previously served as Vice Chairman, Rob brings valuable experience and a deep understanding of the club’s operations. His passion for football and commitment to the club’s growth make him the ideal person to lead Alderney FC into its next chapter.
Rob has been actively involved in Alderney football, contributing as part of the Men’s team coaching staff and working closely with both the players and management. He has seen first-hand the dedication of those involved in the club, from the senior teams to the youngest players training on Sunday mornings. His vision is to continue developing the club, forming strong partnerships, and ensuring that Alderney FC remains a thriving part of island life.
As he takes on this new role, Rob has shared the following message with the Alderney football community:
“It’s both an honour and a privilege to be named Chairman of Alderney Football Club.
This is a club that is deeply rooted in history and tradition. It plays a central role in our island community and means a lot to so many people, both here and further afield. Alderney FC isn’t just about football; it’s a vital part of the community, and I’m proud to be a part of it.
I’d like to start by offering my sincere thanks to the outgoing Chairman, Mr. James Taylor. His dedication to the club, both on and off the pitch, has been nothing short of extraordinary. James has paved the way for many of the developments that continue to benefit us today. His leadership has set a high bar, and we’re incredibly grateful for everything he’s done.
Taking on the role of Chairman wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and support of the club’s committee members. These are the people who put in countless hours behind the scenes, week in and week out, to ensure everything runs smoothly. Their commitment is what keeps the club going, and without them, Alderney FC simply wouldn’t exist. I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to each of them for their ongoing dedication.
Since joining the club, I’ve had the privilege of being part of the Men’s team coaching staff, where I’ve supported Alan Adamson as manager and Andy Adamson as captain. Together with the players, we’ve had the honour of representing the island, both at home and away in Guernsey. It’s clear to see how much representing Alderney means to the players. Even when results don’t go our way, their passion and commitment never waver. They always give their best, and that’s something to be proud of.
If you ever wonder about the future of football in Alderney, I encourage you to come down to the pitch on a Sunday morning. It’s amazing to watch the children, aged 6 to 16, as they get the chance to train and play regularly. This is all thanks to a group of dedicated parents who volunteer their time, it’s truly inspiring. It’s fantastic to see so many young boys and girls enjoying the game, developing their skills, and making memories on the pitch. Many of these players have already represented Alderney FC in youth competitions in Guernsey, and I hope to see them progress to represent the First Team in the future. None of this would be possible without the tireless commitment of the parents and volunteers, and I’m incredibly grateful to them for everything they do.
Looking ahead, one of my main priorities is to further develop the club and strengthen its place in the community. A key part of that will be building stronger partnerships with local businesses. Our fan base—both on Alderney, in Guernsey, and across our social media channels—offers a great opportunity to create mutually beneficial relationships that will help the club grow and thrive.
One of the biggest challenges we face is the limited number of active male players living on the island. While our partnership with CF Independents of Guernsey continues to grow and they’ve been helping us with players for away games, it’s still difficult to raise a team for home fixtures. To tackle this, I’m committed to attracting players who are not only interested in playing football but also in living and working on the island. I know this won’t be easy, but with the support of local employers, I believe we can create job opportunities for players who can contribute to both the workforce and the success of Alderney FC.
Finally, as I take on this role, I want to recognise the incredible work Reg Atkins has done during his time as Chairman. His vision, passion, and leadership have helped guide the club for many years, and his legacy will continue to shape the future of Alderney FC. We are all grateful for the foundation he’s laid, and his contributions will always be remembered.“
