LONGWELL
GREEN JUNIORS
FOOTBALL
CLUB
CHRISTMAS
NEWSLETTER
2014
NEWS ITEMS, REVIEWS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
FROM OUR TEAMS
Welcome to the Longwell Green JFC end of 2014
newsletter. Thank you to all those who
contributed
“Like us on Facebook”
Longwell Green juniors FC boys and girls
2014 has been a good year for LGSJFC with teams of all ages competing well and within the
community spirit of the game. The management team were delighted at the end of the 2013/2014
season to be presented with the award of FA Charter Standard Community Club of the year for the
Gloucestershire County.
This was achieved due to the effort of our coaches, the regular helpers and people such as Paul &
Nicky Griffin and Liane Saunders who oversee the club with further support from Sarah, Glyn and
Stuart who make sure your matches are arranged.
In recent months it’s been great to see Paul nominated for his continuous hard work within the club
and being awarded’ Volunteer of the Year’ at the South Gloucestershire Sports Awards.
This leads me to an important request. Paul has committed significant time to the club over a
number of years and wishes to step down as club Secretary. He is not going away so can guide a new
volunteer therefore if you would like to help the club move forward into the future please contact
me or any of the management teams or coaches.
All I need to do now is wish you a Happy Christmas and successful New Year on and off the football
pitch.
Neale Saunders
Chairman Longwell Green JFC
A year in pictures
Following the summer tournaments where the boys gained a lot of much needed match practise the season
started on high. Early into the season, we had a change in Manager and Coaching staff, with Neil Godfrey
taking over Manger duties from Dave Griffin, Neil is helped in the Coaching of the team by Simon Knight &
Stuart Sanders.
All three bring with them a wide range of experience in sports coaching and organisation. The boys have been
working hard in training on their control and passing, as well as their positioning. Already we have started to
see results in this approach with the team recording their first win of the season, which was also their first win
ever.
With new players, coming into the team and establishing themselves we have started to grow and strengthen
the squad. Training session can be chaotic at times, over run and often we appear to be the loudest team on
the training pitch but with 15 enthusiastic boys, I do not think you can expect anything less.
The
We hope that you all agree that things are starting to get better and we are looking forward to the remainder
of this season and to build for 2015/16 season.
The Coaching team would like to wish everyone who has helped a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
Thanks again
Neil, Simon & Stuart
Under 18’s
Unfortunately
thethe
under
18’s18’s
squad
from from
last season
( mostly
all under
were
unable
continue
Unfortunately
under
squad
last season
( mostly
all17’s)
under
17’s)
weretounable
to into
continue
the 2014/2015 season due to various reasons like work and study commitments, but it was not all bad news.
into the 2014/2015 season due to various reasons like work and study commitments, but it was not
Four of the lads joined Portished under 18’s to play in the highly competitive Somerset Floodlight league
all bad news. Five of the lads joined Portishead Town under 18’s to play in the highly competitive
where they are in the top half of the table. These lads ( and a few others) signed on with the seniors at the
Somerset Floodlight league where they are in the top half of the table. These lads (and a few others)
end of the 2013/2014 season and regularly play for them this season.
signed on with the seniors at the end of the 2013/2014 season and regularly play for them this
Two of the lads, Toby Clifton & Toby Watson completed
a referee course with the Somerset FA in June. Toby
season.
Clifton regularly officiates Avon youth league and Hanham minor league games and also the Longwell Green
Two
thegirls.
lads,Toby
Toby
Cliftoncan
& Toby
Watson
completed
referee
course
with
the 15’s
Somerset
FA in
under
12 of
& 14
Watson
usually
be found
refereeingathe
Longwell
Green
under
teams on
Sunday
June.afternoons.
Toby Clifton regularly officiates Avon youth league and Hanham minor league games and also
the Longwell Green under 12 & 14 girls. Toby Watson can usually be found refereeing the Longwell
If ever you need a referee, give Sarah Clifton a call or text on 07503974224 and I’ll do my best to sort
Green under 15’s teams on Sunday afternoons.
someone out for you.
If ever you need a referee, give Sarah Clifton a call or text on 07503974224 and I’ll do my best to sort
someone out for you.
Under 5’s
I could write about the fact we are a club of choice for boys of this age having built an excellent reputation for providing
safe & enjoyable training at the youngest age with CRC checked coaches. I could note we have around 40 boys probably
our biggest ever number at this stage. I could point out how much the boys have improved in just a few months, what
incredible skill levels they have for their age or how capable they are of performing proper football drills.
No…… I will let some of the boys have their say on what they like about football:
My football kit makes me feel special - LS
I like playing with my friends, scoring goals and zig zagging through the cones – Ernie
I like running and practicing my football skills, I also like seeing my friends on a Saturday morning –
Joshua Ball
I like learning skills especially kick ups and my best bit is scoring goals – Ellis
I like to help my team mates – LS
I enjoy running around kicking a ball - Jack Shere
I like to tackle – LS
I enjoy running and kicking and playing with my friends, I like to do the superman bit – Max
I like it because I like tackling the other players – Jenson
I like football because I can tackle and be a proper footballer – Henry
I like football because I can run really fast - Reuben
I like to pass to my player not the orange – LS
I love scoring goals, tackling & playing in a team with all my friends - Jacob
We have an amazing group who will have a fantastic future in football, parents we keep going to under
21’s now so only 16 years to go!
Massive thanks also to Jamie, Adam, Andy, Joe & Sean for helping out every week whatever the weather.
Paul
Under 14 girls’ team
Our season has been a hard one so far due to a small squad and some pretty
decent teams in our league, but I feel we have progressed and are getting better each game we play.
Our league is about to split and I hope the remainder of our games will be more competitive and we
can pick up some more points.
The girls recently had a bowling night which went down well, I won't mention who were the better
players, but some were shocking. We have an upcoming Girls v Parents football match planned
which could turn out to be carnage (I have found my old shin pads). I believe we have got a great
bunch of girls with a good team spirit and sense of togetherness. The parents are always supportive
and help out where they can.
So, Georgia, Mia, Molly, Fayme, Emily, Beth, Lauren, Ellie, Megan, Hannah, Chloe and Sophia have a
good Christmas (don't spend too much on my present(s)) and don't eat too much!
P.S. My prediction for the Parents v Girls score is 1 million nil to the parents.
Merry Christmas Stuart Hall
We finished our first season in the B division, mid table. We said goodbye to Jacob and Ruben who
moved onto pastures new and hello to Mack and Ben. We also sadly let Simon 'retire’ after guiding
the team since they formed as under 5s. A big thank you to Simon for everything he achieved for the
boys during this time and we will miss him as a coach but welcome him to the 'parents’ side' of the
pitch! Another thank you to Jamie and Jason who stepped up to the plate alongside Grahame and
John
We ended the season with our annual camping trip which wasn't as Scorchio as 2013 but after a wet
Friday night huddled under the group gazebo Saturday dawned warm and dry and fun was had by
all. The mums even managed to squeeze in some pre BBQ poolside drinks!
Pre-season training showed a great commitment from the boys as they worked together
incorporating the new team members and showed their improving passing skills. The hard work has
paid off with a great start to the season with wins in 5 out of 6 league games and finds us in second
in the league. Keep it up boys. We now need to come up with an idea for the Xmas party
U11 Colts - New Team for the 2014/15 Season
The U11 Colts are a new team playing 9 a side football this season. The team is made up of some boys who
have been with Longwell since starting at U5 & we have welcomed some news boys into the team Will
Brunsdon, Oliver Woodland, Harvey Drake, Cam Arnold, and Will Lacey & Danny Hall. They have all settled in
very well & all the boys seem to be enjoying their football. Their confidence is growing week on week & they
are really starting to ‘gel’ well together as a team which is a pleasure to see. Before the season started over
the summer we arranged a family day out to Avon Valley, it was pouring with rain but the boys didn’t care
about that & it was a chance for the parents to get to know each other. We enjoyed a nice BBQ & the kids had
fun afterwards playing footy with the dads & a game of rounders.
We would like to say thanks to Pat Delaney (Kian’s Dad) for sponsoring the boys’ new kits this season. At the
time of writing this Kian has recently had an operation & we all wish him a speedy recovery. Also, a big thanks
to everyone that helps out with the nets, respect barrier & the stall it is very much appreciated. On the 13th
December we are taking the boys to Mendip Snow Sports Centre for their Christmas Party & a family meal
afterwards which they are looking forward to. With 2 more games to go until the Christmas break (a few
weeks rest for you all) we would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas & look forward to more football in
the New Year.
Jase, Will, Ash & Steve
The boys have continued to develop touring the first part of the season, responding well to
the challenge from the coaches in training and matches. Scott continues to bring expertise
to the squad and the boys are kept on their toes with varied and lively sessions. The focus
on passing and keeping possession has translated well in matches, which is really pleasing
for players, coaches and supporters. We continue to get great support from parents and
grandparents, with near 100% player attendance at training and matches. The coaching
team is very grateful for this support, particularly on match days when it comes to parents
putting up the goals! Cheering and encouragement from the side-lines is important for the
boys and our supporters are a credit to the club. This year the squad and families are going
bowling on 12th December, so we are all looking forward to a great night out. We look
forward to continued player development into the New Year and wish everyone at the club
a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
OUR SEASON SO FAR-Ian Crees
Due to a summer exodus, two weeks before the start of the season, we had 8 players and were
without a manager!!! But through a great combined effort we started our season on September
14th with an away match v Yate Utd, we had 14 players and a management team by then! After
being 4-0 down after 30 minutes, we came back to 4-2.(A good early sign I thought)
Despite the fact that we are finding it very difficult in division 2 this season I have to say that the
commitment and attitude from the lads in the team has been first class. The team spirit and
togetherness is also the best I have known during my time coaching, managing or watching these
lads over the last few years. Attendance and attitude at training is also excellent. So no matter what
happens between now and the end of the season, I believe the season goes down as a success for all
the above reasons. The lads deserve to get a few good results under the belts and I will be doing
everything possible to help them achieve these results.
We will be having a Christmas paintballing session for the lads on December 7th; they deserve a
good afternoon out.
Big thanks to all parents for helping with match day duties, without you we
wouldn't be able to playing any matches at all.
Merry Christmas and A happy New Year. Best wishes.
LONGWELL GREEN GIRLS U12’S BLUE
Firstly I would like to wish everyone in the u12 blue a very merry Christmas.
We are part way through the start of our second season and would like to welcome Ellie and
Gabrielle who have recently joined our team.
We ended last season 8th in the table which everyone was more than happy with as none of
the girls in this team had ever played girls football before, the girls have proven themselves
time and time again last season and this season in performance, attitude, and commitment.
We have had a tough start to the season as all our first round fixtures have all been against
the teams that have been together for a few seasons and have been in the top half of the
table, we are currently in ninth position and to gradually move up the table and aim to finish
in the top half.
We have currently played 8 won 1, drawn 3, lost 4; the girls have made the transition from 7
a side to 9 a side and are coping well with off side.
With the continued support of Nigel Whittle, Andy Dymond and Liam White helping out
with training and match days I am sure that this team will be the team of future and follow
in the footsteps of the current u16s.
JO JONES
CRACK OUT A SMILE! Under 15 Cheetahs
Last season was strange to say the least, with only four teams in our division we longed to play against
some new faces.
Summer training went really well, when the tables came out and we saw there was only to be four divisions
this season, we were all delighted that we would get the chance to play against new teams.
With a few new players signed on over the summer, a total of 18 boys on the register, there was an element
of excitement and belief that we could do well this year.
However much to our horror and disappointment the season has not gone at all how any of us would have
planned or predicted. Yes we have come up against some tough opposition at times, and yes we can say we
haven’t had a great deal of luck but our biggest problem has been our inability to score goals, on many
occasions we have looked the stronger team, playing some nice football but that doesn’t win you the game.
At times the morale of the boys has been severely tested, no one wants to lose every week, but despite that,
they do have a great attitude and a desire to keep going of which we are all immensely proud, coaches and
parents alike. We as coaches are convinced that eventually this great attitude and desire will bring the results
that they truly deserve. The key to all this is that they enjoy their football, and we believe they do, although it
is hard to tell sometimes, but now and again they will crack out a smile, which at 15 years of age that’s good
enough
for
us
Longwell Green under 9 Colts
Following a successful 13/14 season, we completed pre-season training with a number of
new players being added to the existing squad. The team have been working really hard
Following a successful 13/14 season, we completed pre-season training with a number of new players
during
training
and continue
in their
and positioning.
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being
added
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squad. to
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keyon
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keythis
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hope
that continues.
Thanks
allparents,
the parents,
grandparents,
andseason
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we hopewethat
continues.
Thanks
to alltothe
grandparents,
siblings
and
others
whowho
havehave
watched
training
and matches
this year.
provide
support
siblings
and
others
watched
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and matches
thisYou
year.
You great
provide
greatin all
weather. We hope you all have a Happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year, Scott and Adam.
support in all weather. We hope you all have a Happy Christmas and all the best for the New
Year, Scott and Adam.
Under 13’s juniors
Our
firstyear
yearofof11v11
11v11 and
and II am
well
thethe
boys
have
adapted.
We are
Our
first
am impressed
impressedwith
withhow
how
well
boys
have
adapted.
Weplaying
are
some
lovely
football
and
working
hard
which
is
great
to
see,
after
losing
a
few
players
in
the
summer
playing some lovely football and working hard which is great to see, after losing a few
we recruited
and we
competing
with
thewe
topare
sides
in our division,
so i am
for the
players
in thewell,
summer
weare
recruited
well,
and
competing
with the
topoptimistic
sides in our
division,
i am optimistic
the rest
theleague
season.
The
B division
is a tough
league
rest of thesoseason.
The U13 Bfor
division
is a of
tough
and
weU13
are certainly
holding
our own,
so well
and we are certainly
holding
ourI own,
so well
done
I have
asked
Santa for some
done
boys! But
have asked
Santa
forboys!
someBut
magic
growth
dust.
magic growth dust.
I would
liketotopass
passon
onmy
my thanks
thanks to
who
help
with
nets,
unwinding
the respect
I would
like
toall
allofofthe
theparents
parents
who
help
with
nets,
unwinding
the
barrier
and
running
the
line.
Also
big
thanks
to
my
fellow
coaches,
especially
when
i
broke
my
wrist.
respect barrier and running the line. Also big thanks to my fellow coaches, especially when
i
A bigmy
thanks
outthanks
to Richgoes
Mossout
whotohas
decided
stephas
down
from coaching
to pursue
broke
wrist.goes
A big
Rich
Moss to
who
decided
to step down
fromnew
opportunities.
leaves a vacancy,
if anyone
is interested
please is
letinterested
me know. please
coaching to
pursue newThis
opportunities.
This leaves
a vacancy,
if anyone
let me know.
you aallwonderful
have a wonderful
Christmas
and prosperous
Darby.
I hope youI hope
all have
Christmas
and prosperous
New New
Year!Year!
RichRich
Darby.
The Under 16 Girls
2014 has been a very successful year for Longwell Green under 16 girls.
Way back in February, when still playing at the under 15 age group, they faced Forest Green Rovers
under 16’s girls in the semi-finals of the Gloucestershire FA county under 16 cup. After a nail biting
90 minutes,
the score
which meant
a penalty
shootout. Longwell’s
girl stepped
up and
2014 has
beenlinea was
very2-2successful
year
for Longwell
Green under
16 girls.
all 3 penalty takers Jasmine, Abbie and Amy found the net. With Lauren pulling off 2 saves from
Way
backGreen
in February,
when still
playing atthat
the under
15 age group,
they facedto
Forest
girls in the semi-finals
Forest
players
it meant
Longwell
progressed
the Green
finalRovers
afterunder
only16’s
3 penalties
as they of the
Gloucestershire FA county under 16 cup. After a nail biting 90 minutes, the score line was 2-2 which meant a penalty shootout. Longwell’s girls
couldn’t be caught. The final took place at the Gloucestershire FA headquarters at Almondsbury
stepped up and all 3 penalty takers Jasmine, Abbie and Amy found the net. With Lauren pulling off 2 saves from Forest Green players it meant that
against AEK Boco under 16’s girls who were unbeatable in their league. After a really good
Longwell progressed to the final after only 3 penalties as they couldn’t be caught. The final took place at the Gloucestershire FA headquarters at
performance
byAEKboth
AEKgirls
Boco
finished
as champions
5-2 victory.
Almondsbury
against
Bocosides
under 16’s
who were
unbeatable
in their league.with
Afteraa really
good performance by both sides AEK Boco
The
girls
finished
the
season
very
strongly
eventually
tying
with
AEK
Boco
under
3rd
place
finished as champions with a 5-2 victory. The girls finished the season very strongly eventually tying
with AEK
Boco 15’s
underin
15’s
in 3rd
placeand
and with
victories
over
league
champions
Frampton
Rangers
and
runners
up
Nailsea
united
in
their
last
2
games
of
the
season.
with victories over league champions Frampton Rangers and runners up Nailsea united in their last 2
games of the season.
In May, the girls went on tour to Brean where they played in an under 15/16 7 a side tournament over the weekend. They stayed in “luxury” at
In inMay,
girlsonwent
on tour
to Brean
where
theyonplayed
an under
15/16
a side2tournament
Pontins
Brean,the
arriving
Friday night.
The first
games took
place early
Saturdayin
morning.
Longwell
Green7entered
teams and after day 1
thedoing
weekend.
stayed
in saw
“luxury”
at Pontins
in the
Brean,
arriving
on Friday
firstBella and
both over
sides were
extremelyThey
well. The
next day
some tough
matches but
team of
Lauren, Abbie,
Reanna,night.
Jordan, The
Courtney,
Jasmine
managed
to top
the table
andon
ended
up facingmorning.
Bishops Lydeard
in the final.
Unfortunately
Bella
seriously
games
took
place
early
Saturday
Longwell
Green
entered
2 was
teams
andinjured
afterafter
daythe
1 very
both1st game
whichsides
made the
feat
of
making
the
finals
all
the
more
special
as
the
girls
did
it
without
a
sub
and
with
one
less
player
than
all
the
other
teams. The
were doing extremely well. The next day saw some tough matches but the team of Lauren,
final ended 1-1 and it went to a penalty shootout. All the girls took penalties and the deadlock couldn’t be broken so it came down to the goal
Abbie, Reanna, Jordan, Courtney, Bella and Jasmine managed to top the table and ended up facing
keepers having to take shots. Lauren scored and Longwell lifted the trophy for the 2nd year in a row. In July the girls entered
st just the 1 side into the
Bishops
Lydeard
in the
final.were
Unfortunately
Bella was
seriously
injured
theand
very
tournament
at Frampton
Rangers
as there
a lot of girls unavailable
but they
still managed
to get after
to the final
only1justgame
lost outwhich
on the
made
the
featteams
of making
the finals
all the more
as the girls did it without a sub and with one
winner’s
trophy
beating
from Frampton
and Cheltenham
on thespecial
way.
less player than all the other teams. The final ended 1-1 after Jasmine had scored and it went to a
Thepenalty
season 2014/2015
very
brightly
for the
girls
with
them sitting
jointbe
topbroken
of the league
with Nailsea.
shootout. has
All started
the girls
took
penalties
and
the
deadlock
couldn’t
so it came
down The
girls
have
won
all
their
league
games,
beating
last
year’s
champions
Frampton
Rangers,
AEK
Boco
and
Forest
to the goal keepers having to take shots. Lauren scored and Longwell lifted the trophy for the 2nd Green
Rovers along the way.
year in a row.
In July the girls entered just the 1 side into the tournament at Frampton Rangers as there were a lot
Somerset
Shield-After
winning
at the
Minehead
(16-0)
the
girls
again
away to a village
of girlsCounty
unavailable
but they
still emphatically
managed toaway
get to
final and
only
just
lost
outtravelled
on the winner’s
st
nd
pasttrophy
Tauntonbeating
where they
played
Bishops
Lydeard.
It
was
a
close
1
half
with
LG
going
in
1-0
up.
The
2
half started just
teams from Frampton and Cheltenham on the way.
as tightly
but LG’s2014/2015
strength shone
wentfor
on to
5-1.
Theythem
now sitting
have a really
tough
to look
The season
has through
started and
verythey
brightly
thewin
girls
with
joint top
ofsemi-final
the league
againstgames,
leaguebeating
rivals Nailsea.
with Nailsea. The girls have won forward
all theirtoleague
last year’s champions Frampton
Rangers, AEK Boco and Forest Green Rangers along the way.
And They
again have
they have
managed
reach
theto
semi-finals
of the Gloucestershire
cup after
beating
teams
a tough
awayto
trip
down
Bishops Lydeard
near TauntonFAincounty
Somerset
for the
quarter
including
Rangers and
Bristol
Ladies
in previous
rounds.
face local rivals AEK Boco in the
finalsFrampton
of the Somerset
County
Cup
afterUnion
an emphatic
16-0
awayThey
win now
in Minehead.
semi-finals, to be played next February 2015 with the prospect of a final at the GFA headquarters in Almondsbury
And again they have managed to reach the semi-finals of the Gloucestershire FA county cup after
against either of the other semi- finalists, Forest Green rovers or Cheltenham.
beating teams including Frampton Rangers and Bristol Ladies Union in previous rounds. They now
face local rivals AEK Boco in the semi-finals,
to to
bethe
played
February 2015 with the prospect of a
Good luck
wholenext
squad.
final at the GFA headquarters in Almondsbury against either of the other semi- finalists, Forest
GreenCourtney,
rovers orReanna,
Cheltenham.
Lauren,
Ellie, Becki S, Louisa, Bella, Lois, Abbie, Jordan, Amy, Anisa, Chloe, Evie, Jasmine
Good luck to the whole squad.
and Becki M.
Lauren, Courtney, Reanna, Ellie, Becki S, Louisa, Bella, Lois, Abbie, Jordan, Amy, Anisa, Chloe, Evie,
Jasmine and Becki M.
And thank you to Ade and Jo Jones for running the team
Under 13’s colts
Our first year at 11 a side has definitely had its ups and downs over the first half of the season seeing
us sitting in 4th position in the league. To be honest, on our good days we are a match for anyone in
Our first year at 11 a side has definitely had its ups and downs over the first half of the season seeing
the league but as most of you know “that’s not football”. I’m very lucky as the manager of the 13
us sitting in 4th position in the league. To be honest, on our good days we are a match for anyone in
colts having such a varied array of talent throughout the squad and lots of characters on and off the
the league but as most of you know “that’s not football”. I’m very lucky as the manager of the 13
pitch keeps things and me on my toes. All the players have risen their games so much already this
colts having such a varied array of talent throughout the squad and lots of characters on and off the
season that when it all comes together on a Sunday morning , it’s a joy to watch and be part of.
pitch keeps things and me on my toes. All the players have risen their games so much already this
whentoitenter
all comes
together
a Sunday morning
, it’s a joy to
andindoor
be part of.
Weseason
are alsothat
looking
our first
Futsalon
tournament
on 21st December
inwatch
Swindon
football centre which will prove challenging but I’m sure the additional training from the Bristol City
We are also looking to enter our first Futsal tournament on 21st December in Swindon indoor
Futsal coaches will be put to good use. Thank you boys for that
football centre which will prove challenging but I’m sure the additional training from the Bristol City
be put
goodyou
use.
you boys
for that
Also making my life Futsal
easier,coaches
can I saywill
a very
bigto
thank
toThank
my fellow
coaches,
Kev, Chris and Phil,
the keeper coach for holding things together and getting some decent results as well throughout my
Also making my life easier, can I say a very big thank you to my fellow coaches, Kev, Chris and Phil,
time in hospital since April. Thanks Guys.
the keeper coach for holding things together and getting some decent results as well throughout my
time in
hospital
since
Thanks
Guys.
And lastly, thank you to the parents
who
all help
outApril.
on match
days
helping setup and putting away
the posts and have sorted out a linesman‘s rota between them, very efficient (and quite possibly
And lastly, thank you to the parents who all help out on match days helping setup and putting away
showing some secretarial skills that the club are looking for)
the posts and have sorted out a linesman‘s rota between them, very efficient (and quite possibly
showing
some
skills
that
the club
are looking
for) which to be honest
Our Christmas party for
the boys
thissecretarial
year will be
Zorb
football
or Bubble
football
th
looks so much fun the coaches and I want to have a go. See you all on the 6 December for a fun
Our Christmas party for the boys this year will be Zorb football or Bubble football which to be honest
packed few hours.
looks so much fun the coaches and I want to have a go. See you all on the 6th December for a fun
packed few hours.
Paul.
The Under 8’s at the opening of the new Aldi in Longwell Green who kindly
sponsored the team.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under 6’s
We have had a good start to this season with real progress being made, I was particularly proud of the boys when we
received positive feedback from our Longwell Green Head Coach Nigel Whittle and FA Tutor Steve Lilly about how
well the boys did in a session that they observed, the boys always give maximum effort, even when the weather hasn't
been great!!On that note I must say a massive thank you on behalf of the boys, coaches and parents to our first ever
training kit sponsor Chris Barrett of CB Construction. The kit is fantastic and I know how much we all appreciate the
funding - along with keeping warm & dry!!Also I want to show my appreciation to the coaching team: Simon Dew,
James McNama, Ben Bryant and Matt Smith (Matt is a Firefighter and often does a full night shift and comes straight
to training) without your support, dedication and enthusiasm the boys and I would really struggle, so thanks a
million!! I also want to say thank you to the family & friends who stand at training regardless of the weather, you are
fantastic and supportive of not only the boys but us as coaches - behind every young child who believes in
themselves, there was a parent who believed first! The boys are looking forward to our Christmas Bowling event on
the 14th December where the coaches and kids will go head to head in the battle of the pins!!! There will also be a few
more team social events in 2015, along with a parent’s night out so watch out Bristol and surrounding areas!!!
Finally we are all looking forward to next year, where we will be looking at raising more sponsorship to get us ready
for our games that begin in Sep 2015 - if you have any ideas or are interested in sponsoring the side please email me
peterandall78@hotmail.co.uk
Thanks again and have a great Christmas.
Pete Randall under 6 Manager and coach
My name is Max Buckingham and I joined Longwell Green U9’s in the summer. It is a really fun
club!
The Coaches
The coaches are Dave and Simon. They are two fun adults that help you enjoy playing football.
As well as this, they will also help you improve lots of things that you will need to play football.
I’ve learnt lots of new things such as speed and skills.
Joining the Club
When you first join the club you get a friendly you get a friendly welcome from the players and
the coaches. You won’t be expected to do everything right even if you’ve been there for a long
time. The players will help you in training with the things you have never done before.
The Training
Longwell Green’s training will probably make you a better player. We practise lots of things
such as speed, agility, defending and lots more. Normally at the start, we’d do some relay races
to improve speed and also to get you warmed up
Anothernew
newseason,
season, it
it was
was great
the
girls
from
lastlast
season
return,
plus aplus
couple
extra ones
it's
Another
greattotosee
seeallall
the
girls
from
season
return,
a couple
extraand
ones
great
toit's
seegreat
the girls
football especially
as most
of them are
now atofsecondary
and are
and
to still
see enjoying
the girlstheir
still enjoying
their football
especially
as most
them areschool
now at
have
other
activities
to get
involved
secondary schoolsure
andtoare
sure
to have
other
activities
towith.
get involved with.
We now have some new challenges this season with the team going from 7 to 9 aside which means
We
now have
some
new
challenges
this season
with the
team
going from
7 torule
9 aside
which
bigger
pitches
bigger
pitches
and
goals,
but biggest
challenge
is the
dreaded
offside
which
as means
we know
is not
and
goals,
but
biggest
challenge
is
the
dreaded
offside
rule
which
as
we
know
is
not
the
most
straight
forward
the most straight forward rule to explain and understand!!, but the girls have adapted well to all
rule to explain and understand!!, but the girls have adapted well to all these challenges.
these challenges.
The
sofar
farasashad
haditsits
ups
and
downs,
the team
spirt amongst
the
has
been
The season
season so
ups
and
downs,
but but
the team
spirt amongst
the girls
hasgirls
been
great
andgreat
they and
really
they
workand
as aasteam
andyear
as per
lastthe
year
think
the girls
continue
improve
as theOne
season
workreally
as a team
per last
I think
girlsI will
continue
to will
improve
as theto
season
develops.
thing
that
certainlyOne
has thing
improved
seasonhas
though
is the girl’s
skills, ifisthe
was won onskills,
cartwheels
develops.
thatthis
certainly
improved
this gymnastic
season though
theleague
girl’s gymnastic
if
alone,
I think wealone,
wouldIhave
already!!
the league was won on
cartwheels
thinkwon
we itwould
have won it already!!
As per the older ones, we have had some new starters this season and we now have a good mix of
ages from 6 to 9 year olds and it's great to see them all enjoying themselves come rain or shine. We
have been really impressed by the commitment and skill level and even though they are young, they
all get on really well with each other which I am sure will continue as they develop.
The girls this season are not quite old enough to start playing in proper games, but if we can get a
few more, that might change next season when a number of them could play as an under 10s team
and it would be great for the club if we could bring through at least another girls team especially at
the younger age.
Other stuff
Paul Griffin
As a club we had an amazing 2013. Did we stand still? Of course not… 2014 has seen many achievements.
It was during 2014 we became Gloucestershire Football Association Community club of the year, the ultimate
accolade any club can achieve.
This year we hit national press, being approached to feature in a nationwide football mag
We also set up our first under 21 side, keeping people in our club
On the coaching side via our head coach, sides now have access to professional coaching material and coaches
have and continue to work with our dedicated FA mentor to improve their skills.
Who would think our Facebook page Longwell Green Juniors FC boys and girls was only set up in the Spring of
2014, with hundreds of ‘likes’ and up to 4,000 views per week it has been an incredible success. If you have not
liked the page yet, why not do so and receive all of our club news.
We have around 350 boys & girls, a number that looks likely to continue to rise as far more people join us than
leave each season. As one of the largest clubs, we need new faces to come on board and help run our club. We
need a HML (Hanham minor league) & AYL (Avon Youth league) Secretary, as well as people to help arrange a few
social events to get us all together more often so please make yourself known if you are that person.
This year on the pitch we have had sides reaching cup finals plus personal awards for our people with the wider