This year's Robins FC End of Season Presentation party was held at Stratton Leisure Centre in Grange Drive, a great facility with plenty of room indoors for the formal "ceremonials" and, just as importantly, ample space for the young players to play outside before and after! Seven different teams from ages 6-12 and their families and friends joined together to celebrate the teams' many achievements this season.
In the younger age groups we heard about the development and progress they've made, with the U6s just starting to play some friendlies in preparation for starting league football next season. The U7s have had a hugely successful first season of League football this season, winning all 3 of their Trohpy Events, a feat matched only by two other teams across the whole league. One of those teams was Robins U8s who've built on a very successful first season to capture all the prizes on offer this time round and are now looking to kick on in a new format as they move from 5 a side to 7 a side football next season.
The U9s have entered two teams in the League this season and both have enjoyed their football, the U9 Whites establishing themselves well in the League and all the players developing as the season went on. The U9 Reds also enjoyed a successful season, and brought along their Futsal tournament trophy and the final U9s Trophy Event Cup to prove it!
The older age groups are allowed to participate in competitive leagues and both the U11s and U12s competed strongly in their Leagues this season. The U11s enjoyed a successful season in Div 1, reflected in a strong mid-table finish, while the U12s consolidated their place in Div 2 after two seasons of back-to-back promotions. Both are looking to build on that solid base next season and are actively looking for new recruits!
But amidst all that, the core of the club's philosophy remains as it always been to provide young players with the enjoyment of playing good football and to develop each player to their full potential. And that was fully reflected in a fun afternoon, very much enjoyed by all present. Our thanks to the Stratton Leisure Centre for hosting us, as well as our chairman, secretary, treasurer and managers for all their hard work throughout the season to enable so many young players to enjoy their football and of course parents for their tremendous support! But most of all to the players themselves - without their efforts and commitment, there would be no club.
Fundraising is vital to a small club like ours and it's pleasing to report that both the raffle and football cards games were well supported, raising nearly £200 between them. The winning teams in the football cards games were Rangers and Chelsea (so at least they won something this season!). Just as pleasingly, a number of parents have volunteered to help Jade with her new fundraising and events taskforce - if you can help out, please email Jade at jade_warren@hotmail.co.uk. The hard work our volunteer fundraisers put in enables us to keep our fees among the lowest in the area while still paying for vital training equipment, kits, balls, refs' fees, pitch hire, coaching courses, trophies and all the other expenses involved in running a youth football club!
We look forward to another enjoyable and successful season in 2014-15.
A small gallery of photos from the party is available here