Pepe Reyes Memorial Cup 2019 and League Preview 2019/2020

PepeReyes

MemorialCup 2019 Lincoln Red Imps v Europa FC Sunday, August 11th 2019 – kick-off 8.30pm Victoria Stadium, Gibraltar Official Souvenir Matchday Programme...

Inside

NEW EXCITING FORMAT

2019/20 SeasonPreview

We take a close look at the exciting new League format for 2019/2020...

PepeReyes

ThePepeReyesMemorialCup

JOSEPH ‘PEPE’ REY . . . He would have been extremely proud of those that followed in his footsteps and finally achieved and obtained for Gibraltar full membership (as the 54th member) of UEFA on 24 May 2013.

In 1994 he was honoured in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List, being awarded an MBE for his services to football and sport in Gibraltar.

M

r. Joseph ‘Pepe’ Reyes was the face and driving force behind the Gibraltar Football Association (GFA) for 37 years.

He was elected to the Council in 1958 and took over as Chairman (later President) in 1968. He was to hold this post continuously until his untimely death in 1995.

Through most of this period, he had to overcome poor, cramped and dilapidated premises. The GFA had little or no financial support from Government; lacked playing venues, having to depend heavily on the services for allocations at their grounds, which in turn made it difficult to run a well co-ordinated fixtures programme.

Most of the GFA income was derived from the fees paid by the clubs affiliated to the Association. This was supplemented by sponsorship, raffles, gate receipts for matches played at the Victoria Stadium, and other fund raising initiatives.

Despite these setbacks, he and his colleagues on the Council soldiered on for years to improve the standard of football on The Rock. The challenge he set the clubs and players was to produce a national team worthy of the GFA squad of the 1950s – no mean task!

During his time as President, he built up a network of contacts at The Football Association at its headquarters in London, and with a wide spectrum of English Football League clubs. This resulted in a cross-section of the UK football clubs visiting The Rock to participate in ‘local’ tournaments or to play our national team.

To name but a few, Gibraltar received visits from the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Wolves, Coventry City, Notts County and many non-League sides.

As a result of these contacts, some of the players were offered ‘trials’ at clubs, which resulted in fresh ideas and tactics being brought back to The Rock.

He was always fair and impartial in his dealings with the clubs, players and membership that made up the Association. In return, they gave him their respect, loyalty and support, when called upon, throughout his tenure at the helm of the GFA.

LincolnRedImpsvEuropa.

Sunday 11th August 2019

YES FRSH MBE He would have been extremely proud of those that followed in his footsteps and finally achieved and obtained for Gibraltar full membership (as the 54th member) of UEFA on 24 May 2013.

In 1994 he was honoured in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List, being awarded an MBE for his services to football and sport in Gibraltar.

We are delighted that Pepe Reyes’ great grandson, Tim Reyes, will be presenting the Cup to the winning team today.

“I am really excited to be presenting the Pepe Reyes Cup today in memory of my great grandfather. I can’t believe that there is a Cup named after him!”

We hope that all family members who are in attendance with us today have an enjoyable evening.

With thanks to Pepe’s son, Joe Reyes, for the words...

Pictures: (Left to right) Mr. Reyes addressing the AGM, August 1985 Mr. Reyes watching Minister for Sport, George Mascarenhas, kick-off a five-aside tournament, 1984 Mr. Reyes with Sir Peter Terry presenting the Poppy Day Trophy, 1988 Mr. Reyes watching Minister for Sport, George Mascarenhas, kick-off a five-aside tournament, 1984

PepeReyes

MemorialCup

PAST FINALS

Today’s special souvenir Matchday Programme has been produced on behalf of the GFA by

ape

publications Gibraltar’s Match Programme Specialists

2000 Glacis United Glacis United win on pens

2–2

Gibraltar United

2001

Lincoln Red Imps

3–1

Gibraltar United

2002

Lincoln Red Imps

2–0

Gibraltar United

2003

Manchester 62

1–0

Lincoln Red Imps

2004

Lincoln Red Imps

3–1

Gibraltar United

2005 Glacis United Glacis United win on pens

1–1

Lincoln Red Imps

2006 Manchester 62 Manchester 62 win on pens

2–2

Lincoln Red Imps

2007

Lincoln Red Imps

3–1

Manchester 62

2008

Lincoln Red Imps

3–1

Manchester 62

2009

Lincoln Red Imps

3–1

Gibraltar United

2010

Lincoln Red Imps

1–0

St. Joseph's F.C.

2011 Lincoln Red Imps Lincoln win on pens

1–1

Glacis United

2013

2–0

Lincoln Red Imps

2014 Lincoln Red Imps Lincoln win on pens

2–2

St. Joseph's FC

2015 Lincoln Red Imps After extra-time

3–2

Europa

2016

St. Joseph's

Twitter: @APEPublications Web: apepublications.wixsite.com /home Email: apepublications@aol.co.uk

Europa

2–0

Lincoln Red Imps

2017 Lincoln Red Imps Lincoln win on pens

2–2

Europa

2018 Europa Europa win on pens

1–1

Lincoln Red Imps

All images courtesy of:

RollofHonour Lincoln Red Imps 11 wins (2001, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017), 6 runners-up (2003, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2016, 2018) Europa 2 wins (2016, 2018), 2 runners-up (2015, 2017) Manchester 62 2 wins (2003, 2006), 2 runners-up (2007, 2008) Glacis United 2 wins (2000, 2005), 1 runners-up (2011) St. Joseph's 1 win (2013), 2 runners-up (2010, 2014) Gibraltar United 0 wins, 5 runners-up (2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2009)

LincolnRedImpsvEuropa.

Sunday 11th August 2019

Welcome from the GFA

DENNIS BEISO General Secretary

D “...big things are coming – and today’s match is the just the start of a truly momentous and exciting season ahead...”

ear Supporter, Welcome once again to the Victoria Stadium and this Pepe Reyes Memorial Cup match.

The Pepe Reyes Memorial Cup is our national ‘Super Cup’ – last season’s League Champions, Lincoln Red Imps FC, will take on last season’s

Gibtelecom Cup winners, Europa FC, in what promises to be an exciting encounter between two of Gibraltar’s most successful clubs in recent years.

I wish the best of luck to both teams. I am sure they will treat us to a great spectacle of football.

I am sure you will particularly enjoy this special Match Programme, packed full of information on the new domestic season ahead.

Some major changes have been implemented and these will continue to be assessed during the course of the season. You can read all about the new structures in place for domestic football elsewhere in today’s programme.

2020 will be a huge year for Gibraltarian football. The Gibraltar Football Association will celebrate its 125th Anniversary and plans to commemorate this are already well underway.

Moreover, construction on our new national stadium will (finally!) commence on the site of the current Victoria Stadium early in the New Year.

So big things are coming – and today’s match is the just the start of a truly momentous and exciting season ahead.

Enjoy the game...

DENNIS BEISO General Secretary, Gibraltar Football Association

Lincoln Red Imps President

Let battle commence

DYLAN VIAGAS

I “. . . The new arrivals have quickly integrated and acclimatised themselves to the club and that is thanks to my Technical Team and the enthusiasm of the players themselves.”

WOULD like to welcome the supporters from both clubs as well as all those neutral football lovers to the Victoria Stadium.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Europa FC and St. Joseph’s FC for their respective performances in their European campaigns.

Today’s game is important for us. The Pepe Reyes Cup is a prestigious trophy in the domestic football calendar that all clubs always want to play in and win.

It marks the start of the new season and playing against Europa FC always has that extra motivation for the simple reason that in recent seasons we have been battling against each other for top spot in the League. I’m sure the feelings are the same in the other camp.

Honestly, I do not think that today’s result will have any bearing on the outcome of the long season ahead of us. I am sure there are going to be other factors along the way that will dictate the outcome of the League.

For our club it’s been a very busy summer at every level. The new arrivals have quickly integrated and acclimatised themselves to the club and that is thanks to my Technical Team and the enthusiasm of the players themselves.

Our European campaign this year has been tough and although the results did not go in our favour, we must be satisfied with our performance considering we were up against physical and strong opponents. We have had to endure long journeys and many hours of flying, which is no excuse, but did take its toll on the players and has seen us sustain some extra injuries.

This season we see the introduction of a new League format, a one League with a split after the first round, as well as the introduction of four Home Grown Players at any one time on the field of play. I must say we fully support and welcome the decision by the GFA on the HGP rule and will continue to support the association to further increase those numbers in the next few years.

This is key and paramount to continue putting Gibraltar football on the map and exposing our young players to the outside football world.

Evidence of this is the signing of Jaylan Hankins for UD Las Palmas and TJay De Barr for Oviedo, two young players who developed in the Lincoln Academy. We are very proud of this achievement and wish them both well. For this coming season our expectation is to finish at the top. I say this with total respect to the other clubs, who I am sure have set themselves the same target. As last year I am convinced it’s going to be another hard-fought and nerve-wracking League.

DYLAN VIAGAS Lincoln Red Imps FC President

Europa FC President

Let’s keep believing

PETER CABEZUTTO

A “. . . I want to thank everyone within the club and the outside resources who helped in our four games in our UEFA Europa League campaign this year. . .”

NOTHER season is almost upon us and here we are, playing for our first trophy, the Pepe Reyes Cup. Having won this Cup last season, we are determined to keep it in our trophy cabinet.

Last year it went down to penalties and this year we want to win it in the 90 minutes. It will be a good showcase for our first game of the season in the League against the same opponents, Lincoln.

I want to thank everyone within the club and the outside resources who helped in our four games in our UEFA Europa League campaign this year. We achieved what we expected and got the team ready for next year’s European campaign.

I also want to welcome all the new players who have signed this year and to those players who have stayed with us for this new campaign under manager, Rafa Escobar. I would also like to thank those players who have since moved on for their service, particularly one of our brightest talents, TJ De Barr, a player that we had tracked for some time and last year did so well in green and black.

He achieved much for us, as well as becoming the youngest player to score for Gibraltar in Europe in the UEFA Nations League, and now he has the opportunity to show what he can do with Real Oviedo in the Spanish second-tier.

This is what we want to achieve with all young Gibraltarian players – let Europa FC be your stepping stone into the football world.

This year we are also pushing our youth infrastructure with a new Football Academy run by Johnny Moreno and building on our stronger youth teams to compete in every level, run by our Youth Officer, Darren Celecia.

Our Football Director, Eddie Yome, and our Technical Team have built an awesome team this year, with the aim of building upon last year’s two out of three titles.

Good luck to the team – keep believing!

God Bless, PETER CABEZUTTO Europa FC President

Lincoln Red Imps

Ready to compete and fight

VICTOR AFONSO Lincoln Red Imps Head Coach

M “...I am content and confident that with the squad I have at my disposal; we shall adapt quickly and swiftly to the changes and throughout the season we shall be ready to compete and fight for everything. . .”

AY I welcome every single one you at the Victoria Stadium for this Pepe Reyes Cup match.

With regards to our performances in our European encounters, honestly I don't think that Feronikeli from Kosovo or Ararat of Armenia were better teams than us, but I must admit they were better at specific times during the game.

I think the difference was that we made more mistakes and in these games you get punished for them. What we need to try and do is continue the momentum from our last game, particularly the opening 35 minutes, when our performance was very good.

We were well-organised at the back and managed to pressure our opponents all over the pitch. We created some good chances but unfortunately we were unable to capitalise upon them. Had we grabbed a goal during those opening exchanges, it could have been a whole different ball game.

Sadly it was not to be and now we must learn from our mistakes and look forward to the task ahead, which starts today.

It’s always a difficult game when you come up against Europa.

The result could go either way and we’ll be doing all we can to ensure that it is us who are celebrating come the final whistle.

To add to the excitement, we will be taking each other on in the opening round of League fixtures, so we’ll have another meeting in less than a week!

For this season, every team now also needs to adapt to the new League format and the introduction of the four Home Grown Player Rule.

I am content and confident that with the squad I have at my disposal; we shall adapt quickly and swiftly to the changes and throughout the season we shall be ready to compete and fight for everything in every game, every minute and every ball from the word go.

There is no other way in Lincoln...

VICTOR AFONSO Lincoln Red Imps FC Head Coach

Europa FC

Hopes are high

RAFA ESCOBAR Europa FC Manager OOD afternoon to all.

G

“...We have high hopes to start well in the new season.

The Pepe Reyes Cup is the first trophy and we will be doing all that we can to win it against our archrivals, Lincoln...”

We are looking forward to the new season with great hope and plenty of enthusiasm with the work we have carried out in pre-season.

Our objective is very clear – to go a step further than last season. We have tried to be more competitive with the new additions we have added to the squad over the summer.

The players are adapting well and understanding our systems of play, which bodes well for the challenges that lie ahead.

We have high hopes to start well in the new season. The Pepe Reyes Cup is the first trophy and we will be doing all that we can to win it against our arch-rivals, Lincoln.

To be successful in any competition you need consistency; we aim to play to a high standard each week and this is achieved by working hard and doing the right things on a regular basis in training.

Everyone should be conscious of the amount of work that has gone in already in preparation and this will continue during the season in order to achieve our objectives.

Enjoy the game...

RAFA ESCOBAR Europa FC Manager

Ready to Rock

Jamie Coombes

NAME: Jamie Coombes DATE-OF-BIRTH: 27.05.1996 CLUB: Lincoln Red Imps POSITION: Striker

IVEWIRE striker, Jamie Coombes, is back on The Rock and hoping that the experience he has gained from the past four years in the UK will stand him in good stead for the exciting challenge that stands before him.

L

The 23 year-old, who turned out for Europa at the start of his career, returned to these shores in the summer and promptly rejoined Lincoln.

“Being based in the UK for the past four years whilst at University, I have had the opportunity to play for various clubs in various Leagues and this has helped me to improve certain aspects of my game,” he admitted. “However, returning back home and training and playing with Lincoln has instantly reminded me of the quality and potential there is in Gibraltarian football as a whole.

“Today’s game will no doubt be an exciting and hard-fought one as we look to cement what is expected for the upcoming season.

“Both clubs will be fighting hard to get their hands on the Pepe Reyes Cup and really set a positive tone for the start of the new season.

“Being involved in European competition this summer has been tough but it will definitely help us in our development in terms of finding out what it takes to rub shoulders with strong opposition in Europe and be able to compete with them.

“The experience that has been gained over these past few games has been invaluable, losing at home to Ararat Armenia last week was hard to take; however there are many positives that can be taken from the defeat, which we as a team have already taken on and are already striving to further improve on.

“There is no doubt that this Lincoln team has a lot of talent and a lot of hunger I am confident that if we show that willingness and desire throughout the season, we will have what it takes to

compete in Europe once again next season.

“In the meantime we are focussed on getting the desired result today and then being able to build upon it when the League gets underway with its new format.

“I’ll be giving it my all to help the team and also stake my own claims to be involved with the national team and add to the caps that I have already won, which is always an honour.”

Coombes was with Europa during their first season in the UEFA Europa Cup, he then moved on to Manchester 62 despite plenty of interest from further afield before moving to the UK to study in Cardiff, where he turned out for Welsh outfit, Undy Athletic.

In the summer of 2017 he signed for Lincoln before being loaned back to his former club straightaway.

Moving to study in Manchester, he then joined West Didsbury & Chorlton, where he played alongside Jack Sergeant, and became a key member of their team and a popular figure at the club before his return to Lincoln this summer.

On the International stage, Coombes received his first call-up in May 2015, making his senior debut the following month against Croatia. He has also appeared for the Gibraltar Under-21 team.

“...returning back home and training and playing with Lincoln has instantly reminded me of the quality and potential there is in Gibraltarian football as a whole...”

Home is where the heart is

Jayce Olivero

NAME: Jayce Olivero DATE-OF-BIRTH: 02.07.1998 CLUB: Europa FC POSITION: Defender

A

head of the domestic season’s traditional curtain-raiser, how are you feeling about today’s game?

JO: Well, as we all know, today’s game is a big one for both teams. Our preparations have gone really well; we’ve been working hard day in, day out throughout the summer months and this game has always been on our mind.

The team have combined well together and everyone is pushing each other every single day. We go into the game in a positive frame of mind and we aim to put on a good performance. We are focussed and motivated and ready to go!

Can winning the Pepe Reyes Cup act as a catalyst for winning other titles this season?

JO: Definitely. I think that the Pepe Reyes Cup can really dictate the outcome of the season for both teams.

Winning this Cup will generate a positive mood and positive feelings within the team for the beginning of the season.

That is why we have put everything into our preparation; we want to start on a good note and maintain that consistency throughout the season.

That’s what is needed to win future competitions this season in Gibraltar.

This is your first season back in Gib after a spell at Abingdon United. What is it like to be back playing on The Rock?

JO: It’s great; I’m really looking forward to be back playing on The Rock. Last year was a very crucial and important year for me within football. I learned a lot and this past 12 months has allowed me to improve my game and become the best I can be.

I now aim to build on this and I aim to continue learning every day. There’s nothing like playing at home and I am determined to do everything possible to make sure that I have a good season.

I’m really excited and have certainly missed playing here in Gibraltar.

Thankfully I have the chance to play here again and I want to improve each day.

With Julio Ribas no doubt watching your matches – including today – and competition as fierce as ever in terms of getting into the starting XI, how important is it that you shine at domestic level?

JO: Domestic football is the foundation that helps a play to reach an International level of football. Being part of the national team means everything to me, that is why I am working so hard to make sure that I give everything at domestic level to be able to earn my national team place.

I am preparing myself in the best possible way to be ready and successful.

I hope that I can put on good performances for the national team manager to be able to earn my place in his team and also help Europa achieve our objectives this season.

“There’s nothing like playing at home and I am determined to do everything possible to make sure that I have a good season...”

WORDS

Looking back . . .

Penalty shoot-out decides it...

LAST YEAR’S FINAL

T

HE BATTLE for the Pepe Reyes Cup went all the way to a penalty shoot-out last season as Europa eventually emerged victors with a 4-2 triumph.

It was a cagey opening to the game and in fairness the tempo never really picked up in the heat.

Europa finally made the breakthrough to take the lead when Rubo saw his header beat youngster, Jaylan Hankins in the Lincoln goal.

The highly-rated Hankins kept his side in at as Europa looked to build on their lead and he made a couple of smart saves, which gave his side renewed optimism and they were able to capitalised upon it with an equaliser

Lincoln Red Imps v Europa.

Sunday 11th August 2019

before the break as an effort at the far post from Oli made it 1-1.

There was not too much to get excited about in the second period as both sides tended to cancel each other out with genuine opportunities at a premium at either end.

It was rather inevitable then that the scoreline should finish all square at 90 minutes when meant that we had to go to penalty kicks to decide who would take home the trophy.

In the end it was Europa who triumped by four goals to two and in doing so claimed only their second ever Pepe Reyes Cup win as they lifted the trophy for the first time since 2016.

Lincoln Red Imps

Gibraltar League Champions

2018/19

The teams LINCOLN RED IMPS FC HEAD COACH: Victor Afonso Lolo Soler Bernado Lopes Lee Casciaro Anthony Hernandez Rafael Aranda Alvaro Oliver Paris Roy Chipolina Joseph Chipolina Sergio Molina Rivero Enrique Gomez Bernal Borja Gil Albarracin Marcos Luis Perez Trujillo Antonio Jesus Ramos Rincon Jesus Toscano Serrano Ethan Britto Alain Pons Federico Cataruozzolo Jamie Coombes George Cabrera Andre Luiz Dos Santos Kyle Goldwin Pablo Rubia Ruibal Ethan Thorne-Llambias Bradley Avellano Julian Del Rio Evan De Haro Craig Galliano Shay Jones Juan Pablo Pereira Sastre (‘Pibe’) Blas Alvarez Cortes

EUROPA FC HEAD COACH: Rafa Escobar Javier Munoz Arevalo Ethan Jolley Jack Sergeant Olmos Gonzalez Casado Ibrahim Ayew Diego Portillo Rodriguez Juan Pedro Rico Dominguez Alejandro Rodriguez Rivas Adrian Gallardo Valdez Liam Walker Michael Yome Jayce Olivero Sergio Jimenez Sánchez Jason Pusey Marco Rosa Blanco Fernando Velasco Salazar Manuel Dimas Mustapha Yahaya Dayle Coleing

Lincoln Red Imps v Europa.

Sunday 11th August 2019

MATCH OFFICIALS REFEREE: Patrick Canepa ASSISTANT REFEREE: Daniel Gomez ASSISTANT REFEREE: Kyron Azopardi FOURTH OFFICIAL: Herbert Warwick

SPECIAL GUEST Presenting the Cup to the winning captain today will be Pepe Reyes’ great grandson, Tim Reyes.

Europa FC

Gibtelecom Cup Winners

2018/19

OneLeague OnePassion

New Exciting Format INTERVIEWS | FIXTURES | ACTION ST. JOSEPH’S

MONS CALPE:

MANCHESTER 62:

BRUNO’S MAGPIES:

A Beautiful Experience

Torrilla Battling Back

Negrette Ready for action

Welcome Matt

One LeagueOne Passion THERE are some exciting developments to the League format for the season ahead. They are designed to further enhance the development of the domestic game here on The Rock and create a League that we can all be proud of and enjoy.

The season gets underway as from tomorrow (August 12th 2019). Here is a closer look at the new format and other aspects...

NEW FORMAT – KEY POINTS • 16 teams in one single division • Each team plays against all other teams once (Rounds 1-15) • Top 8 teams then split into ‘Championship Group’ • Bottom 8 teams then split into ‘Challenge Group’ • The points gained by all teams during the first 15 rounds are preserved and carried through to the group stages • Each team then plays against all teams twice (Rounds 16-29) • Each team will therefore play a total of 29 League matches in the season THE CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP • The winner of the Championship Group is declared the Champion and will participate in the following season’s UEFA ChampionsLeague • The runner-up of the Championship Group will participate in the following season’s UEFA Europa League.

• Depending on who the winner of the Gibtelecom Rock Cup is, the thirdplaced team in the Championship Group could also qualify for the following season’s UEFA Europa League.

THE CHALLENGE GROUP • The winner of the Challenge Group will receive the GFA Challenge Trophy at the end of each season • The winner and runner-up of the Challenge Group will receive a bye to the second round of the Gibtelecom Rock Cup in the following season GIBTELECOM ROCK CUP Season 2019-2020 • The following seven teams will participate in the draw for the First Round of the Gibtelecom Rock Cup: - FC Boca Juniors (Gibraltar) - Europa Point FC - FC Olympique Gibraltar 13 - Manchester 62 FC - College 1975 FC - Leo FC - FC Hound Dogs

• Only two teams would be drawn for the First Round, the other five teams would receive a bye to the Second Round.

• The following 16 teams will participate in the draw for the Second Round of the Gibtelecom Cup: - Lincoln Red Imps FC - Europa FC - St. Joseph’s FC - Mons Calpe SC - Gibraltar Phoenix FC - Gibraltar United FC - Lynx FC - Glacis United FC - Lions Gibraltar FC - FCB Magpies - First Round winner - 5 x teams receiving a bye from the First Round • The competition would then progress normally to Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and a Final.

Season 2020-2021 • The teams ranked 3-8 in the Challenge Group at the end of the previous season would enter the draw for the First Round of the Gibtelecom Rock Cup.

Lincoln Red Imps v Europa. Sunday 11th August 2019

• FC Hound Dogs from the Intermediate League would also be invited to participate in the draw for the First Round of the Gibtelecom Cup. • Only two teams would be drawn for the First Round.

• The sixteen teams participating in the Second Round would be made up as follows: - The winner of the First Round match.

- The winner of the previous season’s Challenge Group.

- The runner-up of the previous season’s Challenge Group.

- The five remaining teams from the previous season’s Challenge Group.

- The eight teams from the previous season’s Championship Group.

• The competition would then progress normally to Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and a Final.

OTHER CONDITIONS • For Season 2019/20, the HGP quota will be increased to 4 (a minimum of four HGPs on the field of play at all times)

according to their final positions. Prize monies will not be awarded to teams who qualify for the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League by virtue of their final league position FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION • During the course of season 2019/20, GFA and GFLA will jointly discuss the amending of the HGP definition for the purposes of domestic competitions KEY DATES 2019-2020 11 August 2019 Pepe Reyes Memorial Cup 12 August 2019 Start of National League and Intermediate League 15 August 2019 UEFA Europa League Q3 L2 30 August 2019 Summer transfer window closes deadline for all player registrations 2-10 September 2019 International match window 7-15 October 2019 International match window 11-19 November 2019 International match window.

22 December 2019 Conclusion of first round of matches in the National League 2 January 2020 Winter transfer window opens 3 January 2020 Start of Championship Group/Challenge Group rounds in the National League 31 January 2020 Winter transfer window closes 23-31 March 2020 International match window 24 May 2020 Target date for conclusion of National League and Intermediate League 31 May 2020 Gibtelecom Cup Final • For Season 2020/21, the HGP quota will be increased to 5 (a minimum of five HGPs on the field of play at all times).

• The new League structure will be closely monitored with a view to a full reassessment in June 2022 • The HGP quota will be closely monitored with a view to a full reassessment in June 2022

• The U23 Development League is maintained for 2019/20 and will be reassessed in June 2020 • Global goal difference will be replaced by head-to-head records in cases where two or more teams are level on points • As part of the GFA Pillars Programme, prize monies will continue to be awarded to teams

It’s going to be a season full of thrills, spills and fantastic entertainment!

Football on The Rock is making great strides both domestically and Internationally and we want you all to be part of the journey with us.

Come along to the Victoria Stadium during the 2019-2020 season and show your support.

Lincoln Red Imps v Europa. Sunday 11th August 2019

League Preview AUGUST FIXTURES

MATCHDAY

ONE NATIONAL LEAGUE Mon 12/08/2019 20:30 Lynx FC v Mons Calpe SC Tue 13/08/2019 20:30 Manchester 62 FC v FC Boca Juniors (Gibraltar) Wed 14/08/2019 18:15 Lions Gibraltar FC v Europa Point FC Wed 14/08/2019 20:30 Gibraltar Utd FC v FC Olympique 13 Thu 15/08/2019 20:30 Glacis Utd FC v FCB Magpies Fri 16/08/2019 20:30 Europa FC v Lincoln Red Imps FC Sat 17/08/2019 20:30 Leo FC v Gib Phoenix FC Mon 19/08/2019 20:30 St. Joseph's FC v College 1975 FC

INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE Thu 15/08/2019 18:15 Manchester 62 FC v Europa FC Sat 17/08/2019 18:15 Mons Calpe SC v College 1975 FC Sun 18/08/2019 18:15 FCB Magpies v Lincoln Red Imps FC Sun 18/08/2019 20:30 Glacis Utd FC v Lynx FC Tue 20/08/2019 20:30 Lions Gibraltar FC v FC Hound Dogs

A Beautiful Experience

ST JOSEPH’S Hendrick looking to build on UEFA Europa League experiences...

THE STORY of the summer was the progression of St. Joseph’s in the UEFA Europa League as they overcame the challenge of Kosovan outfit, FC Prishtina, over two legs to set up a glamour tie with Steven Gerrard’s star-studded Glasgow Rangers.

Their exploits further raised the profile of the game on The Rock and although they were well beaten on aggregate, the club will benefit greatly from the experience and use it to drive them on during the campaign ahead.

“When we saw the draw for the first

Lincoln Red Imps v Europa. Sunday 11th August 2019

qualifying round and saw that our potential opponents were Rangers FC, it gave us all extra incentive going into the games against FC Prishtina,” admitted Technical Director, John Paul Hendrick. “We knew that before we could even start to think about playing Rangers, we had a tough job on our hands to get through, but credit to the players because they kept their composure and focus to get their reward.

“Both games were something special; seeing Victoria Stadium full with the East Stand packed with Rangers fans was fantastic and it made for a cracking atmosphere.

“Then to go to Ibrox with 50,000 inside the stadium was something that dreams are made of. Our players received a standing ovation from the Rangers fans at the final whistle, which was a gtreat gesture and well deserved because we battled all the way.

“It was a beautiful experience for our players and I am sure that the younger lads will benefit greatly in terms of their confidence and extra determination to achieve our goals and have these kind of days again in the future.

“The Rangers games will help us grow as a club. We have to use them to our advantage but at the same time we can’t become complacent.

“Our mentality has to be stronger than ever with the new League structure. We have had many positives from our UEFA Europa League games and have to show the desire and determination that served us so well against FC Prishtina week in, week out.

“I feel that it’s going to be a greater challenge this year with 16 teams in the League and the new format coming into place. Teams are reinforcing with top quality players and every team will go for it this year.

“We have to be ready for every team in the division and fight as hard as we can for trophies.

“Our team is shaping up very well, to be honest. We have worked hard to get players like Andrew Hernandez and Jamie Serra to sign long-term contracts, which is important for our long-term goal of consistency and having players focussed on their football.

“We have also been able to sign some top local players like Sykes Garro, Kyle Casciaro and Leon Clinton, along with Fede Villar, who is a strong defender and will become an asset to us over the course of the season.

“We are close to finalising the squad, but as I speak, not quite finished.

“Our target is to go one further this season and challenge for the League title. We have finished third for five consecutive seasons, qualifying for the UEFA Europa League in each of the last three years.

“It’s a great feeling qualifying for the UEFA Europa League, but we would like some silverware for this great

team and for our fans. We will be trying our best to compete in every game towards our objectives.

“As I say, those games against Rangers have made us even more determined to do well. Playing against World-class opponents on a big stage can only inspire our players and give them an extra boost.

“The positives from our UEFA Europa League games will be taken into the new season whilst it is also important that we correct the negatives in order to make us a better team.

“We cannot wait for the new season to get underway.”

MANCHESTER 62: New Challenge for Negrette

Under-21 International ready for action...

THE DESIRE to get regular gametime and enjoy his football was the driving force behind Michael Negrette’s decision to return to Manchester 62 for the season ahead.

The Gibraltar Under-21 International was with the club at the start of his career before moving on to Gibraltar United, via a spell with St. Joseph’s, where he spent two years.

“My first season with Gibraltar United was great,” said the 20 yearold midfielder. “I was playing well and really enjoying my football, but then last season I was not at my top level and things did not go as well as I hoped.

“Every team will have to be ready for any challenge. It’s going to be another highly competitive League; every year it gets better and harder, as you can see from the performances of the teams that were involved in European competition recently.

“This is a real positive in my opinion, as it will also get the local players to a good level for when competing internationally.

“The domestic game here is improving every season and we are seeing many good players coming to play. This is a benefit to the locals as it pushes you to be the best you can, not only in match situations but in training as well.

“The national team is also progressing more than ever, as you can see from their recent results and the HGP rule increasing ever year will only help in this continued development.

“There are a lot of good players in this League now and I expect the likes of Liam Walker, Joseph Chipolina and Lee Casciaro to continue to shine, just as they do every season.

“It will be good to see more young players starting to first-team chances and be given opportunities to prove themselves. “ Manchester 62 finished fourth in the second division last season but were one of three teams that were chasing eventual Champions, Bruno’s Magpies.

They are hoping that the signing of Negrette will help galvanise them so that they can start challenging the top clubs again.

“I needed a change and I believe that joining Manchester 62 will give me the push and motivation I need to get back to my best and get playing regularly again.

“This is a new team and a new challenge for me; I can’t wait for the season to start, to be honest. I think the new format of the League is going to be very interesting because you will have to be at your best in every match.

Lincoln Red Imps v Europa. Sunday 11th August 2019

League Preview AUGUST FIXTURES

MATCHDAY

TWO NATIONAL LEAGUE Wed 21/08/2019 18:15 Europa Point FC v Lynx FC Wed 21/08/2019 20:30 FC Olympique 13 v

Europa FC

Thu 22/08/2019 20:30 Lincoln Red Imps FC v Glacis Utd FC Fri 23/08/2019 20:30 FCB Magpies v Lions Gibraltar FC Sat 24/08/2019 18:15 College 1975 FC v Mons Calpe SC Sat 24/08/2019 20:30 St. Joseph's FC v Manchester 62 FC Thu 29/08/2019 20:30 FC Boca Juniors (Gib) v Leo FC Fri 30/08/2019 20:30 Gib Phoenix FC v Gibraltar Utd FC

INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE

Welcome Matt

BRUNO’S MAGPIES

Yeovil Town. “The lads have been training really hard and putting in a shift so that we are ready to hit the ground running.

“The dressing room is really strong here, we’ve got a great group of lads who are ready to face what this League has to offer.

Eyes on the prize for Cafer...

Sun 25/08/2019 18:15 Lynx FC v FCB Magpies Sun 25/08/2019 20:30 Lincoln Red Imps FC v Mons Calpe SC Tue 27/08/2019 20:30 Lions Gibraltar FC v Manchester 62 FC Wed 28/08/2019 20:30 FC Hound Dogs v College 1975 FC Sat 31/08/2019 20:30 Europa FC v Glacis Utd FC

THE ROCK has been a breeding ground for talented goalkeepers in recent years and during the season ahead the battle is really going to hot up for number one jersey for the national team.

There are a number of worthy candidates, one of whom is Matthew Cafer, who this summer joined Bruno’s Magpies after previously serving Manchester 62 and most recently, Gibraltar Phoenix. It’s a challenge that he is, quite literally, looking to grab with both hands.

“I’m really excited for the new season to get underway now,” said the 24 year-old who spent his formative years with English club,

Lincoln Red Imps v Europa. Sunday 11th August 2019

“During the summer when the club showed interest in me, I sat down and talked to them and the project that they are creating here really appealed to me.

“I really like the way that the Gaffer works and coming here just made sense to me; it was something that I didn’t want to miss out on.

“Going into the new League format, we have our goals and aims set out for the season ahead. We know what we want to achieve and we are focussed and determined to get there.

“We know that we have enough about us to be challenging for the top half.”

Cafer knows that regular gametime is vital to his ambitions as a player.

“Playing regularly is fundamental and so it should be for every footballer,” he added. “I love playing football and I love winning.

“I need to be playing and playing well in order to keep myself in contention for the national side. So that’s really important to me, I can’t afford to be somewhere I’m not going to play as that wouldn’t be a very smart career move for me at this time.

“The League is getting stronger all of the time. I think it speaks for itself how well the sides have done this year in European competitions and hopefully that will continue to progress in a positive way.

“On the International stage, the national team is improving and becoming harder to beat with every game. Julio [Ribas, Head Coach] has done a fantastic job in making us believe that we can go out there and beat anyone.

“I think internationally it will only get better and better with the younger players who are coming through now and with the right guidance from Julio and other members of staff within the GFA, who do a great job, it will only keep on improving the national side.”

So, what are Cafer’s targets for the campaign ahead?

“I have set a few, both domestically and Internationally,” he said without hesitation. “I want to get off to a good start in the League with Bruno’s and help the team surprise a few people.

“I want to keep training and working hard so that I remain in and around the national squad. It’s always an honour to be selected for my country and it’s something I never take for granted.

Magpies are a club that are making great strides both on and off-thefield and they are excited by what 2019/2020 holds in store for them. that they can start challenging the top clubs again.

MONS CALPE Torrilla Battling Back Midfielder on the road to recovery...

ONE PLAYER who sadly won’t be starting the new season on the pitch, but is sure to be a standout performer when he does return to action, is Graeme Torrilla.

you can’t be out on the pitch battling with them.

“It’s very hard but it’s all part of being injured. Even though I’ve still got a lot to go, I can’t wait to get back out there.

Injuries like these make you realise how lucky you are when being fully fit and healthy.”

The talented Torrilla will be part of the Mons Calpe squad that has set their sights set on breaking into the top three having finished fourth at the end of last term.

“The team has been challenging around the top three in the past two years, so hopefully this year we’ll be able to go that one step further and finish in the top three,” added Torrilla.

The all-action midfielder tore his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus towards the end of last season, an injury that has required surgery this summer.

“I think football in Gibraltar is progressing slowly but surely. Every year the standard is getting higher and the game is more intense.

“As I went to pressure an opposition player, I took a bad step with my right foot and straightaway felt my knee buckle along with a sharp pain,” recalled the Gibraltar Under-21 International.

“I also think the national team will benefit massively from the new rule introduced as from this season regarding the amount of locals required on the pitch, as this means our locals will be better prepared when playing internationally.”

“After several tests they were able to confirm what my injury was and I was told that I would need to undergo surgery.

So, as the 21 year-old sits on the sidelines, what are him aims and ambitions?

“The surgery took place on July 16th, so it’s still early days. For now it’s simply a case of working towards regaining complete flexion in my knee and trying to remain positive for the tough few months ahead.

“Obviously there’s a lot of frustration involved with a long-term injury.

Knowing how long the road to recovery is, having to watch your team-mates every week knowing

“My short-term goal is to give my all in recovering from my injury in order to be back on the pitch as soon as possible and even stronger than I was before,” he continued.

“As for the long-term, I want to push on to get into the national side, which I was close to doing before my injury.

“I also aim to get as far as possible in football, whether it be locally or abroad.”

“If I can find a consistent level of performance and keep learning, then I will give myself every chance of achieving my objectives.”

Having claimed the second division title by an eight-point margin having lost just one of their 18 League games last term, Bruno’s Lincoln Red Imps v Europa. Sunday 11th August 2019

League Preview

SCOTT Ballantine has the bit between his teeth and is ready to return to action for the new season.

The 23 year-old has signed up for Gibraltar Phoenix again and is looking forward to stepping out onto the field competitively for the first time since November.

“I’m particularly excited for the new season as it’s been quite a tough year for me,” he admitted. “I’ve been working in the UK as part of my postgraduate studies and have not played competitive football since last November.

“For this reason I’m desperate to get back on the pitch again! To be honest, I’m not completely sure about the new format of the League just yet, but I expect it to be an effective method for all teams to raise the standard of Gibraltarian football.

“From a personal point of view, my main aim is to get back into the kind of form that I was in prior to leaving for the UK and put myself back into contention for a place in the national squad once again.

Bit Between his Teeth

GIBRALTAR PHOeNIX “I have been told that the lads have been working hard in pre-season, whilst I have certainly been putting the hours in myself after work to keep my fitness and strength levels up where they need to be.

“I need to do this so that I can hit the ground running when I return to Gibraltar and be able to play my part for the team because it’s going to be a really competitive League this year.

“Domestically the standard of football continues to rise season after season since Gibraltar’s acceptance into UEFA and FIFA. “The national team has also made incredible strides under Julio Ribas and I was fortunate enough to be a part of the squad in the UEFA Nations League games away in Armenia and at home against Liechtenstein.

Lincoln Red Imps v Europa. Sunday 11th August 2019

“I trust the team will carry on improving under his methods for years to come and these are exciting times for football as a whole on The Rock.”

We ended the conversation by asking Scott who he expects to shine during the season ahead.

“I believe my good friend Jamie Coombes is one to watch as he has now returned to Gibraltar permanently after his studies,” he added. “He already has a few International caps under his belt and featured for Lincoln in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League qualifiers, so I expect him to do well.”

Last season saw Gibraltar Phoenix finish in a respectable fifth place in the first division and they will be looking to use that as a platform to build up over the course of the campaign ahead.

LYNX Power seeks Glory Hard work never stops for Parody and Power...

WHILST the time between one season ending and the next getting underway seems to be an eternity for some, there is so much to do behind-thescenes and the hard work never stops.

For Lynx FC supremo, Albert Parody, he has been working tirelessly to keep the club ticking over and get them ready for the challenges that lie ahead in 2019/2020.

What’s more, it’s not just the football club, it’s also the League-winning futsal team that he has to oversee.

Having made a slow start to the last campaign with results not reflecting performances, Parody is looking for his team to hit the ground running this time around.

Last time out it took some strong signings during the January transfer window for them to eventually secure a seventh-place finish but defender, Brad Power, is in upbeat mood.

“The new players that have come in have brought energy and an extra intensity to our training,” he said. “It’s refreshing to see that we have kept the main core of the squad from last season, all of whom helped us to finish so strongly.

“We have had some tough sessions and played a number

of friendlies and this will only help us to gel further as a squad and push-on with our targets this season.

“Our main aim is to obviously finish in the top eight teams after the first round. From then on we will take it game-bygame, but there is no reason why we shouldn’t aim for one of the European spots.

“Football is an unpredictable game but with the squad we have this season I honestly believe we can cause a surprise or two.”

Albert Parody added: “In keeping many key players from last season, and signing strong players this summer, we feel we are in a better position for the start of the season than we have been for a long time.

Life Goals

GIBRALTAR UNITED Bosio a positive rolemodel...

PLAYERS like Jamie Bosio are so important to the development of the game on The Rock.

The 27 year-old Gibraltar International is a well-respected figure who has a wealth of football experience under his belt from a career that has seen him serve the likes of Glacis United, Europa, Lincoln and currently Gibraltar United.

Meanwhile his ‘day job’ as a teacher at Bayside School means that he is well versed on getting his message across to a younger generation.

“I like to see myself as a positive role-model for young players,” he said. “I teach many of them at Bayside and I always emphasise the importance of their education as well as their football development.

“Continuity and consistency will be crucial if we are to challenge in the top half of the table. We will play with heart for the badge we wear on our shirts, this is what we rely on as we don’t have the money that the top clubs do.

“Hard work, application and commitment can take them far; I think that the standard of the League is progressing nicely and increasing year on year as more experienced players play in Gibraltar.

“Our success in futsal has brought about positive feeling within the club, and as we head to The Netherlands for the UEFA Futsal Champions League, we hope that the football team will draw inspiration from their Lynx colleagues and have aspirations of European football.

Bosio is currently vice-captain at Gibraltar United, where he has been for three seasons now, but is currently out of action with a serious knee injury that he sustained in October.

“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.”

With thanks to Scott Houghton.

“Gibraltarian players are also getting more exposure in European competition, which will benefit the national team, and this has been seen with the appointment of Julio Ribas as Head Coach.”

“It’s been six months since my ACL operation and I’m really starting to get that itch back to play again,” he admitted. “The new set-up of the Gibraltar League will be interesting, especially with many teams from the old second division who will be competing for the first time with the ‘big boys’.

“For me, it’s been tough since my injury; I’ve faced many physical and mental challenges since it happened but I’m finally glad to be running again, fitter and stronger than before.

“Now, I need to get myself back with the team and start kicking that ball again.

“My target at the moment is to improve my fitness and health on a day-to-day basis. Once I’m match fit again, I will work my hardest with my club to fight for my place in the national side.”

Finally, which player does Bosio see shining the brightest during the season ahead?

“I think 2019/20 is the season for Anthony Hernandez to make his mark in the League,” he added. “Last year he settled into Lincoln nicely, now I’m sure they’ll see the benefits this season.”

Lincoln Red Imps v Europa. Sunday 11th August 2019

Former Premier League star heads to The Rock...

HAVING enjoyed an exciting career at the highest level of the English game with the likes of Leicester City, Aston Villa, Coventry City and Leeds United, Julian Joachim has arrived on The Rock and will be part of an exciting new project at Europa Point FC, who are now under the guidance of former national team boss, Allen Bula.

Joachim, who burst onto the scene as a youngster with Leicester City before completing a six-figure move to Aston Villa in 1996, has developed an App called PlayerTrader which helps young players released by professional clubs in the UK and Europe get a second chance at making it.

“I have been helping young players get fixed up with new clubs for a few years now,” said Joachim.

“At the beginning of last season, through PlayerTrader, we got into discussion with a few Gibraltar teams.

We sent a delegation over to find out more information and they came back really excited by all of the development plans and how progressive football is on The Rock.

“I came over myself recently and trained with Europa Point and decided there and then that it was a good time for me to get involved over here.

Joachim Excited to be here

europa point “This is a great place for some of our young players to improve their skills at a high level and for me personally it is an exciting new experience because I have never played football abroad before.

“The League is going to offer many challenges and I hope that my experience can help my new team and football in general in Gibraltar continue to progress.

“There are a lot of really good things happening in sport in general in Gibraltar; the development of the stadiums and sporting facilities is great to see, whilst the new format of the League is exciting and I am just delighted to be part of it.

“If I can help in any way I will. I want to give something back to the younger by sharing my experience and knowledge with them and become a mentor to help them achieve the highest level possible.

Lincoln Red Imps v Europa. Sunday 11th August 2019

“I can’t wait to get started with Europa Point. I still think my playing career has time for one or two more highs before I finally hang up my boots!

“I’ve been lucky to make so many memories over the past two decades or so as a player, playing the game I love. The project here at Europa Point has really captured my imagination.

Having come through the Academy system myself at Leicester City, I understand the importance of developing and nurturing talent from a young age.

“The club want to get talented local players on board from ages four upwards and create a pathway that will lead to the national team and playing at the highest level possible.

“If I can assist in these and also score goals along the way for Europa Point, I will be happy, that will be the ultimate reward.”

Guest Columnist

STEFAN BORGE Bring on the new season. . .

INCE joining UEFA six years ago, apart from the wonderful ride we’ve had as proud fans of our national team, it has to be said that the mid-summer addition of European qualifiers for our elite local club sides has certainly been welcome for us fans of the beautiful game… and this year was no different.

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“...We have high hopes to start well in the new season.

The Pepe Reyes Cup is the first trophy and we will be doing all that we can to win it against our archrivals, Lincoln...”

In fact, you could argue it’s been our most successful ever (in terms of joint effort anyway… nothing can beat that Lee Casciaro-inspired evening back in 2016, but then again I’m sure nothing will for a long time). St. Joseph’s for the first time ever qualified over a two leg European tie as major underdogs against Prishtina and set up what was a mouth-watering clash against Rangers, one which their players and fans undoubtedly savoured despite the heavy scoreline.

Europa similarly qualified, quite comfortably in the end, in their preliminary match and even gave Polish stalwarts Legia Warsaw a scare in their tie after an impressive home draw.

Lincoln were unlucky in both their matches, pushing the Kosovan and Armenian champions all the way and courtesy of winning last year’s title made it the furthest… the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round.

It was a trio of European exploits that will certainly do no harm to our coefficient moving forward.

And move forward we will, ahead of what’s becoming quite a familiar curtain-raiser for the local season… a Lincoln v Europa Pepe Reyes Cup clash. No love lost between the sides, that is for certain, and most likely a rivalry that will once again define the season.

Lincoln have strengthened considerably upon what was already a superb core and Europa have done the same with the likes of

Gibraltar internationals Jack Sergeant and Jayce Olivero, both amongst their summer arrivals. They will undeniably, however, miss the youthful exuberance of Tjay De Barr up front, who I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say we truly hope the best for, in his quest to launch a career abroad.

Will St. Joseph’s be able to use their fantastic European campaign as a springboard to launch a sustained challenge at the top of the table? It’ll be tough, but they’re as well equipped as anyone.

Apart from ‘the big three’, it’ll be another fascinating season at the bottom with so many questions regarding the combining of both leagues and how all these new sides will fare at such a higher standard.

The most likely to launch some kind of European challenge are certainly last year’s Second Division champions, Bruno’s Magpies, with some great additions on board, they’ll be ones to look out for.

As will Leo who similarly have been making moves in the off-season. It’ll be fascinating to see whether last year’s First Division bottom three, Boca, Lions and Glacis, have done enough to improve on their performances, especially with lower tier sides coming through, and you’d have to fancy them to pick up more points than they did last year as a result.

Sides like Gibraltar United, Mons Calpe, Gibraltar Phoenix and Lynx continue to try their best at finally breaking into those coveted European spots; will one of them finally manage to do it this year?

Time will only tell… our wish as fans has to be for a competitive League from top to bottom and although the likelihood is the top two or three may just have too much for everyone else, I for one am certainly fascinated to see how the rest of the division plays out in what will, in many ways, be a season unlike any others when it comes to the sheer number of teams and the number of possibilities as a result!

Bring it on...

Euro Action

Gibraltarian football on the biggest stage...

EURO ACTION

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here has been action aplenty for our sides involved in European action over the summer.

St. Joseph’s overcame the challenge of Kosovan outfit, Prishtina, over two legs to set up a mouth-watering tie with Rangers, whilst Europa managed to overturn a first leg deficit to

Lincoln Red Imps v Europa.

Sunday 11th August 2019

beat UE Sant Julia of Andorra to set up a two-legged encounter with top Polish club, Legia Warsaw.

In the UEFA Champions League, Lincoln Red Imps were narrowly beaten in Kosovo at the hands of Feronikeli and moved into the UEFA Europa League where they faced Ararat Armenia over two legs.

Photographers Neil Wilson and Christian Correa have captured all the action...

Youth Football

An Exciting Future Y OUTH football remains a priority within the Lincoln Red Imps FC set-up, particularly with the increase of the home-grown players rule coming into effect over the next two seasons.

This rule serves as an extra motivation for our players and coaches alike. Now the focus is on our local players, the club and its youth technical staff are trying to be one step ahead of this. More than ever we need to develop and assist them in their progression with all the clubs’ assets and infrastructure.

With all the playing restrictions in our youth Leagues, we encourage our teams of all ages to go and compete across the border to continue in their development by participating in competitive tournaments and friendlies and gain invaluable experiences on and off-the-pitch.

As a club, we stand proud of our youth teams and we invest a lot of time and effort in our youth sides across all age groups. Without the hard work of the managers, their assistants, helpers and the support of the parents this would not be possible to make the youth section of Lincoln Red Imps FC so successful. Their passion for the

game is incredible and without them any of this would not be possible. The aim is to create a production line of talent through the age groups which leads ultimately into the senior team and also the Gibraltar national team.

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HIS season at the Europa FC Academy we will be introducing a new way to coach our players.

We will have one session a week based on individual skills. This is part of a players’ development which we believe is not worked on enough here in Gibraltar and by doing this we believe we can make better players.

Players must be more confident with the ball. Control, dribbling, passing and 1v1 are the basics that a player has to practice to be confident during a game. If a player does

not have that confidence, they will not call for the ball during match situations and that will not help their teammates. We will also encourage the use of both feet and, with practice, players will be able to use this and have an advantage over their opponent.

Confidence and motivation are other areas that we will give attention to and if they train well, they will be able to progress and become better players. They will have targets to aim for and they will see their progression during the year.

It will be a way to learn important football skills whilst having fun.

Each player progresses at their own pace, some quicker than others, but they can all get there at the end of the day if they practice and take it seriously. The aim is to have a pathway into the Europa FC senior squad and the Gibraltar national team.

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HIS SUMMER has seen the GFA’s Grassroots Department run another successful Summer Camp for youngsters on The Rock.

Headed up by Grassroots Manager, Leslie Asquez, and supported by Technical Director, Desi Curry and Women’s Football Manager, Laura McGinn, the children have been actively involved in learning and developing their football skills in a fun-themed, enjoyable atmosphere played in our theme of playing without pressure.

Over 130 youngsters took part in the two-week camp which was held here at Victoria Stadium last month.

Desi Curry, GFA Technical Director, was delighted with the turnout. “In line with our ‘Play without Pressure’ campaign, our Grassroots Team have been extremely busy every weekend organising free participation in structured skills and games sessions,” he said.

“We have followed this up with ten mornings of fun and inclusive coaching and skill development sessions, all delivered by our UEFA Level 1, C and B License coaches.

“During the last six weeks or so we have had approximately 130 boys and girls participating in their age specific groups, forming new friendships and falling in love with the beautiful game!

“Our licensed coaches have worked tirelessly to deliver our most successful summer so far. Bring on 2020...”

PRE-SEASON TRAINING IS DONE. . .

NOW IT’S TIME TO LET BATTLE COMMENCE WELCOME TO THE 2019/2020 SEASON

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