April Newsletter

April 2016 Newsletter

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Dear Ross Juniors Supporter,

The football season is nearing its end but there will still be lots of training down at the Sports Centre and we also have plenty of news for you so just read on.

Ross Juniors FC have just passed the annual Charter Standard Health Check and will remain a Community Charter Standard Club for another season. This is the highest accreditation which acknowledges the most advanced level of club development and football provision at grassroots level.

The Men's team's highlight of the season was winning the FJ Pope Cup Final against their local rivals Weston under Penyard. Congratulations!

If you would like to get more involved with the Club, then just email Jim, the Chairman. His email is jim.loftus@btinternet.com.

Many thanks for your continued support,

Your RJFC Committee

Family Fun Day

Saturday 21^st of May is the date of the Ross Juniors family fun day with 250 young club members taking part in a football festival to celebrate the end of the season. All age groups from U6s to U14s will be taking part with the first matches kicking off at 9.30am and final (final) whistle being blown at 2.30pm. Please check with your team manager for your match times.

Our new Ladies team will join in the fun from 12.30pm before the Coaches vs Parents match kicks off at 2.30pm. Can we have another entertaining match like the honourable 6 – 6 draw we had last year? Any parents keen to take part please contact Mike Tompkins on mike.tompkins20@btinternet.com.

If all that football isn’t enough for you then why not join us in the Sports Centre for a social drink whilst the professionals take to the field for the FA Cup final.

Sports Centre recognised by Town Council

Following a Town Council meeting and support from Councillors Hannah Lerego and Danny Lister, the Sports Centre is now reported on as a community asset at each Town Council meeting. On Saturday 3^rd April we were able to show the sports centre and our clubs to the town councillors. We highlighted the successful partnership between cricket and football in Ross in restoring the sports centre to the facility it is now through forming the Ross Sports Club Community Interest Company (CIC). There is much work still to do and increasing the Town's awareness can only help. Prior to the CIC being formed, the building was redundant and dilapidated and the pitches in poor condition. Much money has been raised through the CIC to improve and maintain facilities. There is still loads more work to do. We are so grateful to those who have stepped forward for work days or who have contributed to date and welcome any further assistance. Without the sports centre being usable the teams could not play from this great location.

New men’s team for Ross

At present we have one men’s team who currently are top of the Division 4 in the Gloucester League and have recently won the FJ Pope Cup. For a town our size our aspiration has always been to have more than one men’s side. We are delighted to announce Marcin Jaworski has agreed to run a new side for us in the Herefordshire League. Marcin holds FA Level 2 and Youth Module Level 2 awards and is very enthusiastic about this new challenge. Alongside vast coaching experience he brings enthusiasm and drive to help us create a new men’s team for the club.

The team will begin pre-season in June and information will follow about how to join. We, as a club, are very keen to offer a pathway for players, who have recently finished playing junior football, to continue playing alongside some more experienced players. We have some great junior sides and with Marcin as Manager and some older players to help, we are confident that this team can progress quickly and represent the town and club well.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES

Mon 11th Apr - All junior training starts on grass @ Sports Centre

Tue 3rd May - Coaches and Managers Meeting

Sat 21st May - Family Fun Day @ Sports Centre

Wed 6th Jul - AGM - All welcome!

Girls team in boys league

Next season Ross will entered an Under 10 girls team in the Herefordshire Saturday boys league meaning there will be 3 teams in the U10 section. The team comprising players from Ross, Tewkesbury, Eastnor, Ledbury and Hereford will be girls only and will face stern challenges each week in the boys league. The girls who are all current year 4s will continue to play for their respective girls teams on Sundays but will use Saturdays for fun and development. As far as we are aware this is the first time in recent memory a girls only side will play in a boys league in Herefordshire. The girls themselves want to show the boys they can play too! Anyone interested in sponsoring a kit for these determined young girls please email paulflitney@gmail.com

Bar and Refreshments

Now we are back down the Sports Centre for training and games after the bleak winter months, we will be trying to generate revenue for further improvement by opening the bar and refreshments more. It is currently open every Saturday and Sunday morning and offers hot and cold drinks, breakfast rolls and snacks. We will be trialling opening it on Monday 11^th April 6-7.30pm as there will be training and also a ladies football match on that night. Please support us by using this facitlity. All money made goes back to the club and the Sports Centre.

Sports Centre Survey

If you haven't yet done so, please follow this link to complete a short survey which will help us when applying for future grants for the Sports Centre.

Junior Cricket Registration Night

Ross Cricket Club will be holding their registration night on Wednesday 6th April at 6pm. For more info about junior cricket please contact the Chairman, Stu Mair (stumair@gmail.com).

Brand New RJFC online Club Shop. Check it out now!

Website

@rossjuniors