Imagine standing pitch-side at Garey Mooar home of Union Mills Football Club. A gust of wind sweeps across the field. It carries tales of triumphs and tribulations of the Millers.
Union Mills Football Club was founded in 1920. The club has a rich history on the Isle of Man. It has seen promotions, relegations and moments of glory. Union Mills currently competes in the Isle of Man Football League Division Two. The team wears a distinctive claret and sky blue kit.
Let’s talk about Paul Guiver. He is known as Yaya. He is the all-time leading goalscorer for Union Mills. He boasts approximately 278 goals. One goal stands out a strike against Steven Fox. That goal helped secure the 4th-place trophy in 2022 and 2023.
The club first rose to the top flight in 1983 and 1984. But the team only stayed for two years. Union Mills returned in 1998 and 1999. Again they faced relegation after only two seasons. The team finished bottom in 2000 and 2001 with only two wins.
Union Mills were champions of JCK Division 2 in the 2020 and 2021 season. They now compete in the Isle of Man Canada Life Premiership. They were promoted after winning Division Two in 2005 and 2006. The same year they reached the Woods Cup Final. They lost to Colby 1–0 after extra time. Union Mills did win the Paul Henry Gold Cup that season. They beat Braddan 5–1 in the final. The club finished fifth in the Premier League in the 2007–08 season.
Union Mills has a reserve team. It competes in the Isle of Man Football Combination 2. The club also has a thriving youth system. This nurtures the next generation of Manx footballers.
A notable event occurred on November 10 2007. Former Wimbledon star Robbie Earle visited Union Mills. He helped coach the club’s Under-9 team. Union Mills hosted the Isle of Man Football Association Awards. The event took place at the Garey Mooar clubhouse on June 27 2008.
The 2011–12 season was historic. Union Mills achieved a Treble. They won the Division 2 title. They also secured the Woods Cup beating Royals 3–1. They won the Paul Henry Cup beating Marown 5–1. The team reached the FA Cup final for the first time. But they finished as runners-up to Geordies.
The Millers reached the Hospital Cup final for the first time in 2012–13. They were runners-up to St Georges. Chris Cain became the new Union Mills manager on June 16 2013. Steven Fox was announced as Union Mills Manager in July 2018. Paul Guiver was appointed first team manager on July 12 2022.
Union Mills linked up with Blackpool F.C. in 2008. It became a partner club in the Seasiders Centre of Excellence. Blackpool staff have visited Union Mills. They continue to work with the club’s staff and players. Blackpool signed two players from the Isle of Man. These players attended the Centre of Excellence in Blackpool. Blackpool staff visited Union Mills in November 2008. They helped train the club’s coaches. They announced plans to open a Development Centre on the island.
Garey Mooar is in a countryside location. It is about one mile from Braddan Bridge and Union Mills. It features a purpose-built clubhouse. The clubhouse includes a bar and clubroom. The club also has a 250-pitch campsite. Breakfast and other meals are available at the clubhouse. The club previously played near Noble’s Hospital. The club agreed to move to allow for staff accommodation. New playing fields at Ballaoates Road were completed in 2002. Construction began on the new clubhouse in September 2004. The Football Foundation helped with funding.
Union Mills has a campsite open for the TT fortnight only. All fees include use of showers and membership to Union Mills Football Club.
The spirit of Union Mills Football Club remains strong. It is woven into the fabric of this community. The dedication of players, coaches and fans ensures its legacy.