Rotherfield F.C.

Rotherfield FC 2009/10 Preparations Have Started!.....

With the First team having secured promotion to the premier division of the Mid Sussex League for the first time in the Club' history, preparations have already commenced for the new season. Further works have been completed on the already fantastic main pitch with the results of the sanding & worn area repairs are already beginning to show & by the start of next season the pitch will be awesome!

Pre-season club training will commence on Wednesday 1st July  from 7-00pm at the Recreation Ground Rotherfield. This will be on the lower ground so anyone parking in the Recreation ground do not be surprised if no-one is about on the upper level!
This season the Club is investing in professional independent training to supplement the usual Club managers & coaches. Detailed discussions continue but the plan is to have a 6-8 week programme on Wednesdays starting on July 8th with specialist SAQ training (speed & agility focus for those of you who do not know!) to really hone personal physical fitness. Of course this Wednesday night club training will also use a ball!

In addition there will be focused training on a Sunday morning for first team squad (as last season) players & it is also planned to have a separate but simultaneous session for other players also on the Sunday morning. Times & start dates for this focused training will be confirmed. The First Team training will be taken by the Management team of Pete Ford & Chris Holdway; the other session will be taken by Gary Ould & the thrid team manager (see later).

The team squads have also been reviewed.
Any new players interested in joining this progressive Charter Standard Club (one of only a handful in the Mid Sussex league) should initially contact First Team Manager Pete Ford for a discussion (Tel 07714 837 297).

The First Team is looking for a couple of players to supplement the squad from last season, although it is hoped that the players who got the team into the premier diviision will now rise to the undoubted challenge that will be presented.

The Second Team is looking for a goalkeeper due to the possible loss of "BJ" to overseas travel, centre backs & full backs. However any new players should not be dissuaded if they do not play in these positions!

The third team is an ideal opportunity for young players to experience adult football for the first time, although a few more mature players to provide the know-all (& drive to away games!!) are always essential. A number of last seasons young players will be going to University in the Autumn (assuming they get their grades) so there will be some spaces.

Most importantly though the Club are actively searching for the right individual to manage either the second or third team (Team Manager required). Current second team manager & club stalwart Gary Ould will continue but is not too concerned whether he manages the second or third team. Ideally though the Club needs a third team manager who has an empathy with young players & who is looking for an opportunity  to manage a team. This will allow Gary to continue the excellent work he started last season. Any interested budding Hiddinks or Redknapps should contact Club Chairman Alan Berwick for an initial chat (Tel 01892 852539).

 Rotherfield Junior Football Club 

The current Rotherfield Juniors celebrated their 10^th anniversary with a Family Fun Day on Sunday 17^th May. Despite the poor weather all the age groups enjoyed skill set training with some fun matches to warm the hearts of the many family members watching. The awards for the season were also presented.

The day was a huge success reinforcing the fully inclusive philosophy of the Club, with the opportunity given for everyone to enjoy their football. Even the Dads had a chance to play against the Coaches with the result, a 1-1 draw, also equitable! 

Planning has now started for next season & anyone with children interested in playing for this friendly but ambitious FA Charter Standard Club should contact Pete Ford, Chairman of the Junior Section for further information (Tel 07714 837 297 or 01892 668161). 

In particular the club have spaces for additional players at under 6 (school years Reception & 1 from September 09) & under 7 (school year 2) to learn their initial football skills.

There are also a few spaces in the under 8 (school year 3) squad that will excitedly embark on their first mini-soccer season from September.

 For the 11 a side teams the under 13 squad (school year 8 from September 09) has the core of the current squad playing again but manager Pete Ford (07714 837 297) would be very interested to hear from any boys interested in playing for this side in the C Division of the Crowborough & District league. Last season the team finished mid table. Matches are played on Sundays with training available on Wednesday evenings (indoor) & Saturday mornings. Home games are played on the ¾ size pitch at Rotherfield Recreation Ground. 

The under 14 squad (school year 9 from September 09) plays in the B Division of the Crowborough & District league. Again there are a few vacancies in this squad so if you are interested please contact Pete Ford. Matches are on Sundays with indoor training on Wednesdays, & Saturday morning training also available. Home matches will be played on the fantastic playing surface of the main Rotherfield pitch from next season. 

Existing club members will receive their membership renewal packs very shortly.

Above are a few images of the Recreation Ground in late April. Top left is the result of Sunday's work with rotorvating, re-seeding and soil broadcasting. Top right is after verti-draining on top field. Bottom pictures are of the lower field before any work.