By Jordan Jones and Tom Pritchard
STM Sports are enjoying a dream start to their debut Cymru Premier season, and the goals of one man in particular have played a crucial role.
The Mellons have netted 33 goals in the league – the most of any club – and nine have come from arch poacher Calum Bateman.
His story is not a conventional one, as he details how he actually left STM in an attempt to play more regular football, before returning and becoming the player he is today.
“I started football quite late actually, when I was 13 or 14”, he begins.
“I had a stint with STM when I was around 15. We were obviously in the very lower leagues then.
“I left there to go to Taffs Well because I thought I’d have a better opportunity, and Nigel Barcham (Chairman) pushed me on and said go and do what you have to do, and if you ever want to come back, you can.
“From there I went on to Dinas Powys for a couple of games, things never really worked out there. Then my cousin gave Nigel a call, he was chuffed really and said to come down and see how I get on, and here we are now.”
The team – who are managed by the experienced Nana Baah – have gone from a Sunday league side to one that is capable of holding in their own against the big boys, as they showed by knocking out top-flight Newtown in the Nathaniel MG Cup quarter-final.
This is the Mellons’ first season in the competition, and their reward is a home tie against another Cymru Premier side – Aberystwyth Town.
STM are known for their attacking flair, something they have not curbed throughout their rise up the leagues. Bateman pinpoints the harmony in the club as something that has allowed them to do so well on the pitch.
“I’ve never been in a group that gets on as well as we do”, he says.
“When you go to certain clubs, you see little groups in changing rooms, and there’s a ‘cliquey’ environment, but we’re like brothers here. In regards to the football we play, we’re only able to do that because of the way we are with each other.
As someone who had the confidence to go to different clubs and try new challenges in an attempt to better himself, it probably comes as no surprise that he has decided to take part in a charity boxing event in just over a week’s time.
The white-collar fight, which supports the ‘Gloves Up Knives Down’ initiative, will take place at Olympia Gym in Ely on November 30.
Bateman, who was named the Cymru South’s Player of the Month for September, explained how the opportunity came about.
“I’ve really enjoyed watching boxing all my life. I’ve never thought about being a boxer. I had a little stint when I was 9 or 10, I went to the gym and really enjoyed it, and thought you have to be a lot fitter to be a boxer than a footballer.
“I go to Olympia Gym on Cowbridge Road in Ely, and my PT, Otis (Williams), came up to me and said I think you’d do really well, you’re a really fit lad, why don’t you come along to training and see if it’s for you.
“I really enjoyed training, hitting the pads and the bag, and now I’m fighting on the 30th of November – it’s going to be fun.”
The bout is on the same day as STM’s game against lowly Cwmamman United, something which could have caused problems for Bateman and the club.
However, after discussions with long-serving coach Dale Gardiner, the player and the club were able to agree on the best outcome for both parties.
“I had a chat with Dale, and he asked me what I wanted to do. 90 minutes can take a lot out of your legs, and then having to put a performance in on the night as well.
“I said I’d like to go on the bench, but that’s just me wanting to do everything, I want to be the best at everything. I want to give the team something as well as fighting on the night.
“We agreed that I would sit this one out and watch from the sidelines.”
The Mellons will doubtless miss Bateman’s goal-scoring threat, but the man himself is confident that his teammates can get the job done.
“We’re a free-scoring team, and it could be any on the scoresheet because I believe we are that good.
“I would like to take a lot of credit, in regards to be being top goalscorer at the club, but without the team I wouldn’t be where I am.”
And it is that togetherness which should stand Bateman and STM Sports in good stead for what will be a stern challenge against the Seasiders tomorrow afternoon.
You can visit the Gloves Up Knives Down website by clicking here.
(Featured image: Mike James)
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