This April, Grassroots Magazine proudly supports World Autism Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, deepening understanding, and championing acceptance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It’s an opportunity to celebrate neurodiversity, amplify autistic voices, and advocate for a more inclusive and compassionate society.
What’s the goal?
Our mission is to help create inclusive, sensory-friendly environments where autistic players, fans, coaches, and families feel genuinely welcomed, understood, and appreciated not merely tolerated.
We've been following the inspiring journey of Autistic FC as they make their mark in grassroots football, and we continue to be encouraged by their progress. To learn more and find out how you can get involved, visit: https://autisticfc.com/
Commiserations to East London Ballers
The FA Sunday Cup semi-final between East London Ballers and North Solihull Athletic took place on April 6, 2025, at Sixfields Stadium in Northampton. After a hard-fought 1-1 draw, the match went to penalties, where North Solihull Athletic edged through with a 4-3 win to secure their spot in the final.
It was a tremendous effort by East London Ballers to reach this stage, and we’re confident they’ll come back even stronger next season.
Good Luck to All Cup Finalists
Wishing the best of luck to all the teams preparing for cup finals in these final weeks of the season. May your hard work and dedication be rewarded on the pitch. Thanks
Baddow Spartak U15
Southend United Community Foundation
Mates FC Kit AId
Grassroots Overseas Essex Olympian League Adult Leagues Youth Leagues Essex FA
Manager: Perry Norton
Coach: Pete Roberts Squad: Captain Olly Wright.
Leo Norton
Charlie O’Keefe
Sam Woollard
Finn Rogers
Tolu Adesanmi
Luca Chatten
Jack Elliott
Oli Groves
Onyx Hogarth
Oliver Wallbank
George Lepley
Gabriel Roberts
Joe Lewis
Maks Marcenko
Maison Perry
Rohan Morris
Baddow Spartak Cobras U15
What a difference a season makes for Baddow Spartak Cobras U15. After struggling in the Brentwood League last season, the team made the decision to move to Division 3 of the Blackwater and Dengie League for the start of the 2024/25 campaign.
After a few departures it was really touch and go as to whether the team would continue. 15-minute a few new players joined the squad, and wow what a difference they have made.
The season started with a hard thought 21 league victory over Braintree Town Youth and from there the nerves, confidence grew. After five league cup group games the team went through to the semi-final to play South Woodham Ferrers Jets. A 15- minute hattrick from Joe Lewis settled the nerves, and the team went on to win 5-1, they were off to their first final!
The venue and date was now set, Sunday March 23 at Witham Town FC, our opponents Burnham Ramblers who we had drawn 0-0 with a couple of weeks before.
The game kicked off and within two minutes Rohan Morris burst through and placed a 25 yarder in to the top right corner! The nerves were then settled when Rohan scored a 2nd direct from a corner in the eighth minute. Joe Lewis added two more before half time and grabbed his hattrick later in the second half. Charlie O’Keefe rounded the scoring off with a mazy solo run and finish late on, it topped off what was a truly special day.
A big shout out to Onyx Hogarth, who had only just come onto the pitch when a late challenge left him with a fractured wrist and chipped bone in his knee.
Finally, a big shout out to the people who make this all possible, the parents, one in particular Pete Roberts who volunteers three days a week to help coach the team.
Finally, to Chris and Dean at Baddow Spartak, who deal with the administration and making sure we can play every week.
Grassroots Magazine travelled
to Roots Hall home of the BLUES to meet up with the guys from the Southend United Community Foundation, they explained the great work they do across South East Essex.
Southend United Community Foundation
We are incredibly proud of our affiliation with Southend United Football Club, but the Community Foundation is about so much more than football.
We strive to engage with and enrich the lives of people of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and interests. We use our varied Sports Participation, Health & Wellbeing, Education & Training and Community Cohesion schemes to reach people throughout South East Essex – offering something for everyone!
We are driven by our Million Mission – our commitment to positively engage with one million people through the brand of Southend United Football Club between 2016 and 2026. Be one in a million, go on – get involved!
Sports Participation
Our Sports Participation department delivers high quality sports provision to a network of schools, groups and individuals throughout the academic year. This is achieved through an extensive range of in-school and after-school activities, each delivered by our highly skilled team of staff who are positive role models as well as Coaches.
Health &Wellbeing
Whilst Health & Wellbeing is at the core of all we do, we deliver a variety of programmes designed to improve the health and wellbeing of people of all ages and abilities. Our flagship Joy of Moving, Move and Learn programme has already improved the lives, education and understanding of thousands of local school children.
Our partnership with Southend United enables us to organise Player Appearances at local schools to promote health and wellbeing to pupils, using positive role models to break down barriers.
Our highly qualified Coaches deliver practical and theory lessons regarding a variety of health and wellbeing topics including diabetes, nutrition and the benefits of regular exercise.
Our Senior Shrimpers members are encouraged to try new activities such as bowls, dancing, armchair aerobics, walking football and more.
Education & Training
Our Education department provides alternative learning opportunities for young people, including vocational and academic pathways.
Educational courses focus on reintegrating young people into learning or employment, whilst building their CVs and developing transferable key and life skills that will be vital across many of the career paths that the learners choose to take.
Regardless of current attainment levels, we operate an inclusive end-to-end education and training model offering entry-level programmes, Traineeships, Apprenticeships, Post-16 Education courses and even Degree level qualifications – we’re here to inspire people to achieve their potential.
Community Cohesion
Our Community Cohesion programmes engage with young people aged 8-25, using football as a positive vehicle to bring people together regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, sexuality or disability.
Programmes are targeted at under-represented groups such as people with a disability, BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) and low-income families with the view to creating positive activity and meaningful progressions.
Our Community Cohesion team signposts young people to exciting education, training and volunteering opportunities including the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze programme and the NCS programme.
We have an impressive progression and success rate, helping young people reach their ambitions.
“Football is where our passion starts, not where it ends.
Our goal is to teach young people to do more than score goals. Whether they’re sporty or not, every child and young person in our community deserves the chance to be part of a team. Because when you’re part of a team, you discover great qualities in yourself. Qualities like respect, determination, and friendship.
When you’re part of a team, you lay the foundations for the adult you’ll become. When you’re part of a team, you learn how to be your best self.
Kicking a ball isn’t the be-all and end-all. It’s about building up the courage to take a shot. That courage stays with you. And once you have it, anything is possible.”
Wednesday 2nd AprilAutism Awareness Day
Wednesday 2nd April is World Autism Awareness Day.
Across the world, many people will wear blue today, to encourage colleagues, friends and family to discuss Autism and make sure Autistic people don’t feel alone.
Blue is recognised as a colour that symbolises calm and acceptance in an otherwise loud and busy world for people with Autism.
You can see the support for Autism by searching the official hashtag: #LightItUpBlue!
Saturday 19th April -
MATES
Autism Awareness Game
We are glad to support our campaign this month by dedicating this week's Blues v Plats game to Autism Awareness month.
Introduction to Autism
Last year, we ran our first Autism campaign. We kicked this off with a very successful Saturday game dedicated to World Autism Acceptance Week. It was fantastic to see so many attendees, many of whom turned up to support this great cause.
More people may be aware of Autism than they would have been 20 years ago, but there is still plenty of education needed. The majority of people will have heard of Autism, many people will recognise how Autism can impact day-to-day life, but few people realise how they can help someone who has a diagnosis.
Autism is a lifelong neurodivergence, meaning people with Autism see life differently and their brain functions differently in certain situations. It is estimated that at least 1 in 100 people are on the Autistic spectrum, meaning there is likely 700,000 people in the UK experiencing Autistic traits. Unlike some physical disabilities, someone with Autism may mask their difficulties and it’s amazing that there are players with Autism featuring at all stages of the football pyramid.
Be sure to notice our Autistic ribbon on our social media posts this month. This features the puzzle piece, which represents the complexity of Autism. Autism is complex as it affects people in different ways, so no one can write a guide to helping someone with Autism - it’s about being adaptable with each person.
We’d love you to read and share our posts this week to educate more people about Autism.
Living with Autism
A few decades ago, Autism was not as widely recognised and people were diagnosed later in life, or not at all. The support offered for Autistic people was not as advanced, and people were less aware about the difficulties that Autistic people may come across.
In 2025, we have a much better understanding of how Autism impacts someone in day-to-day life, thanks to societies such as the National Autistic Society.
Children and Adults with Autism can often find socialising difficult. Many people with Autism can become fixated on a hobby, toy, film or sport, but find it difficult to engage in conversation unless it is about this. Children or less aware adults can often find this frustrating and so it becomes harder for Autistic people to build friendships.
Autistic people often require a lot of structure and routine. This may seem natural for family members, but might seem unusual for friends and colleagues. Something as simple as the time of a lunch break may unsettle an Autistic person, even if it seems like a small thing for you. A child may be reliant on a toy or particular item and without this, struggle to get through their day.
Managing Autism
If you know someone with Autism, or someone that you notice has Autistic tendencies, you may be able to make a bigger difference than you realise. A small act may completely change the day for someone with Autism.
Have a think about where you might interact with someone who has Autism; at work, in your football team, in a shop. Anywhere that you interact with someone that you don’t know, you might come across someone who has Autism. In each of these situations, you can impact their day - you never know how much they are struggling.
People with Autism may:
- struggle to recognise sarcasm or metaphors - if so, talk clearly with them and think through how they might take what you are about to say.
- find situations with loud noises and bright lights difficult - if so, find a quiet space with reduced distractions so they don’t become overwhelmed.
- want to choose the topic of conversation to feel comfortable - if so, be patient, and let them lead the conversation to feel included and welcome.
- avoid eye contact - if so, don’t be offended or highlight this, respect that it may take a huge effort to contribute to the conversation at all.
There are many different conditions that fall under the ‘Neurodiversity’ umbrella, but the best way to help people with Autism is to educate yourself about it. There is plenty of information on https://www.autism.org.uk/ and https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/ which can help you to develop your understanding of how to help Autistic people.
Autism in Football
There have been a number of Football stars that have openly discussed Autism.
James McClean has been a big advocate for Autism Awareness recently, since he and his daughter were diagnosed. In a recent interview with Sky Sports News, he said ‘Autism is something I was born with. If I didn’t have Autism, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today’.
Greg Halford is a Chelmsford born player who had a successful career with teams like Nottingham Forest and Wolves. He received a diagnosis whilst still playing professionally at Cardiff City, and recently was quoted saying ‘I always knew I was different, I just didn’t know how or why.’
If you play football, there is a high chance that someone on your team may have Autism. Autism Awareness Week is important in football as it puts players in situations that others may find normal, but they may find difficult. The changing room can often be loud and enclosed, which may make someone with Autism feel overwhelmed and need a teammate to make the surroundings more appropriate for them.
A player with Autism may struggle to process their emotions more than other players. Imagine this player was involved in an important game such as a final - they may not be able to process a loss in the same way that other players do. That player might need more than a high five or pat on the back to deal with the disappointment.
KITAID CORNER
The national charity KitAid takes your unwanted kit & equipment and gives it a new home in parts of the world where the game of football is loved, but participation is held back by lack of access to resources.
We have reached some significant milestones in the last couple of years. During KitAid's 25th Anniversary year, 2023, the Charity passed 1 million items of kit donated and shared worldwide. In 2024, the 26th Year, the total passed 1,100,000 million. Now in 2025, the 27th year, the year has started well having reached nearly 1,145,000 by the end of March.
Kit Donations
A super kit donation has come in from Jamie at Old Pegasonians FC
We have also had some super family collections of Ipswich and West Ham kits from over a number of different seasons.
Ipswich shirts from Paul West Ham Shirts from Matt A significant donation also came in from Jane at Takeley Silver Jubilee Hall covering nearly 15 years of shirts from the most popular Takeley 15k run.
Partnerships in Action
Important to the KitAid cause are those organisations who share our ambition for bringing relief and joy through sharing kit with those facing the most difficult of circumstances. Each month in GM we are providing examples of those Partner projects with whom we work. This month we profile the Charity, Diamonds in the Community from Airdrie in Scotland. Diamonds in The Community ( Diamonds in the Community | Airdrie Charity | Scotland )
USA
We first got together with the Charity, before it was even formally formed. One of the six founders was a KitAid regional co-ordinator for Airdrie in Scotland, Dougy Allsop. Dougy together with his co-founders were all then members of the Airdrieonians Supporters Trust and established Diamonds in the Community in 2019. It was their commitment to take their work in the community to the next level. The charity name came from the Airdrie Football Club that they all supported - the Diamonds.
The founder's focus was initially on 'Inclusion Through Sports' for local residents across Airdrie, Coatbridge and surrounding areas. They began to broaden their work to 'Creating Futures Together' providing for a wider range of community needs. They now run many different schemes such as clothes banks, dementia support, walk and talk groups, walking football, art classes, mental health support and they take referrals to support local people in need.
Throughout the Charity's development the Diamonds have been a major hub for the collection of kit & equipment in Scotland. KitAid are proud to have our friends at the Diamonds in the Community as an official Ambassador Club Member.
The Charity's commitment to meeting local community need is immense and their capacity for generating kit donations for sharing further afield is also awesome.
KitAid USA
Launch - March 2025
KitAid is now operational on three continents as well as delivering kit to Africa, Asia and South America. The latest addition to the KitAid family, of KitAid (UK), KitAid Australia, is now KitAid USA. Founder of KitAid Derrick Williams, MBE joined with the volunteers in the States last month to discuss the partnership and support the launch of KitAid USA in Charlotte, North Carolina.
How you can help here in Essex in 2025
If you can please look to:
o Donate unwanted kit & equipment – email KitAid at kitaidcharity@gmail.com or locally barrie.2014@yahoo.co.uk
o Consider advertising KitAid at your ground, in your programme or on social media
o Share skills (promotion, marketing or design), experience (accessing relevant grant aid) or provide access to resources (storage, transport or venues for sorting kit & equipment)
Appeal for Your Help - Kit Collectors, Storage & Transport
Urgently Needed
Essex is so invested in spreading smiles for the love of the game, we urgently need more help here to collect and store kits locally before being transferred to Hatfield or Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire for boxing up. You will join a great national KitAid team - but we need your hands on help in Essex. We are all volunteers and commit as much time as we feel able to, but know what we do matters ... "It's more than just a shirt ..."
If you want to know more about joining the team of volunteers, contact KitAid Founder Derrick Williams MBE at kitaidcharity@gmail.com
Grassroots
Grassroots Football: USA vs UK — A Tale of Two Systems
Grassroots football lies at the heart of every thriving football nation. It’s where kids fall in love with the game, where future stars take their first steps, and where communities unite on muddy pitches or sun-baked fields. Both the United States and the United Kingdom have passionate grassroots scenes but they’re worlds apart in structure, culture, and accessibility.
Culture & History
United Kingdom: Football is woven into the fabric of British life. The UK is the birthplace of modern football, and almost every town has a team and a pitch. Grassroots football is a deeply ingrained tradition, with generations growing up idolizing the Premier League and their local clubs. Kids dream of playing for Manchester United, Arsenal, or Celtic from the moment they can kick a ball.
United States: In contrast, soccer in the U.S. has historically taken a backseat to sports like American football, basketball, and baseball. But things are changing fast. The past two decades have seen an explosion in youth soccer participation, driven by increased diversity, the popularity of international tournaments, and the success of the U.S. Women's National Team.
Structure & Accessibility
UK:
▪ Football is highly accessible and often free or low-cost.
▪ Local clubs are usually community-based, affiliated with the FA (Football Association).
▪ School and club football often run in parallel, with a clear path from youth teams to semi-pro or professional academies.
▪ Scouts from pro clubs regularly attend local matches even in small towns.
USA:
▪ The U.S. operates on a “pay-to-play” model. High-level club teams can cost thousands of dollars per year, pricing out many families.
▪ Soccer is fragmented: youth leagues include AYSO, US Youth Soccer, ECNL, MLS NEXT, state associations, and more.
▪ Schools (especially high schools and colleges) play a major role, with college scholarships often being the ultimate goal rather than going pro.
▪ There’s no unified path to the top, and talent can be overlooked due to financial or geographic barriers.
Coaching & Development
UK:
▪ Many grassroots coaches are volunteers, but there’s an emphasis on proper FA coaching badges and continuing education.
▪ Club academies start recruiting players as young as 6 or 7.
▪ The Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) outlines development guidelines across the country.
USA:
▪ Coaching varies wildly in quality. Some programs have licensed coaches, while others rely on volunteer parents with little training.
▪ Youth players often train less frequently than their counterparts abroad.
▪ MLS academies are improving standards, but they only reach a small slice of the population.
Community & Facilities
UK:
▪ Clubs are deeply tied to local identity.
▪ Facilities range from local parks to professional training grounds.
▪ Even non-league clubs often have strong community followings.
▪ USA:
▪ Many youth clubs' function more like businesses than community institutions.
▪ Facilities can be world-class in affluent areas but may be nonexistent in underserved communities.
▪ Recreational leagues help bridge that gap, but they often lack resources or visibility.
The Road Ahead
UK:
▪ The UK continues to refine its grassroots systems, with a focus on inclusivity, mental health, and long-term development.
▪ Diversity and equal access, particularly for girls and underrepresented groups, remain areas for growth.
▪ United States:
▪ The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host, is expected to be a catalyst for investment and reform in grassroots soccer.
▪ The push for more equitable access, particularly through scholarships, free academies, and community programs, is growing.
▪ Increasing links between youth clubs and professional teams (like those in MLS NEXT) show promise.
Final Thoughts
The UK’s grassroots football culture is mature, communitydriven, and deeply embedded in national identity. The U.S., while still catching up, has massive potential: a huge population, growing interest, and a willingness to innovate. But if the U.S. wants to truly become a global football powerhouse, it must break down the financial barriers and create a system where every child, regardless of zip code or bank balance, has a chance to shine.
ESSEX OLYMPIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Essex Olympian League Round Up March
Premier Division
March was another forgettable month for Toby, who lost all four of their matches, including a narrow 1-0 defeat to fellow strugglers ACD. ACD, who are also battling relegation, secured a valuable point with a 1-1 draw against Old Southendian.
Springfield find themselves in deep trouble after suffering defeats in both of their league matches 4-1 away at Sungateand 3-0 to title-chasing Old Southendian.
It’s been a hectic month for Old Southendian, who played five league games in March. While three draws, including a 2-2 result against rivals Old Chelmsfordians, have slightly derailed their title push, they remain in a strong position.
Old Chelmsfordians are still in the race, picking up three league wins to stay firmly in contention, with games in hand giving them an advantage.
Not much to cheer for at Runwell, who managed two draws and a loss, leaving them with work to do to climb the table.
Division One
Just one game this month for league leaders Corinthians, but they made it count with a dominant 6-0 away win over May & Baker EC A, maintaining a strong lead heading into April.
Catholic United Res. picked up four points thanks to a 1-1 draw at Beacon Hill Rovers and a 3-1 win over Manford Way.
Harold Hill thrashed local rivals Harold Wood Athletic Res. 6-0 and remain in the hunt for promotion with games in hand.
Galleywood have already been relegated, and their difficult season continued with three more defeats in March. As the season winds down, five teams remain in danger of joining them in the drop zone.
Division Two
Leigh Town stay top after collecting seven points from three home games, earning wins against Old Southendian Res., Runwell Sports Res., and Epping Town.
Pitsea Athletic and Hutton Res. each picked up six points with victories over Burnham Ramblers Res. and Wakering Sports, and both have games in hand over Leigh Town in the title race.
It’s been a miserable month for Shoebury Town, who failed to score in three matches and remain bottom. Wakering Sports Res. and Epping Town also appear to be in serious relegation danger. Epping did salvage a point in a 2-2 draw with Old Southendian Res.
Division Three
Rawreth Lane are inching closer to clinching the Division Three title after securing two wins and a draw in March without conceding a goal. Their victories came away to Shenfield A Res. and Springfield Res., with a goalless draw against Emerson & Upminster.
Hullbridge Sports A remain close behind, winning all four of their March fixtures to keep pressure on the leaders, though they’ll need Rawreth to slip up.
AS Rawreth lost their only game against Galleywood Res. and now look unlikely to avoid relegation, although they do have games in hand. Springfield Res. also face the drop, having failed to score and conceded 10 goals in their three March games.
Division Four North West
Hannakins Farm continue to lead the way with two wins and a 0-0 draw against title rivals Broomfield, who also picked up two wins this month. Impressively, neither team conceded a goal in March.
At the bottom, Herongate Athletic A lost twice but managed a valuable 4-2 win over Canning Town Res. Leytonstone United remain in trouble but earned a crucial 1-0 win over Sungate Res., who themselves are flirting with the bottom two.
Division Four South East
South Essex United remain in control at the top after three wins and a draw. A 4-4 draw with struggling Southend Collegians will be seen as points dropped, however. Earls Hall United stay in the promotion chase but had a mixed month, winning two and losing two. At the bottom, Corinthians Res. are still in deep trouble, though a win over Pitsea Town gave them a slight lifeline. A terrible goal difference could yet prove decisive in the relegation battle.
Division Five
South Essex United Res. and ATF Southend continue to dominate Division Five. ATF, with games in hand and a significant goal difference, are well positioned for a strong finish. They boosted that difference with a massive 15-0 win over Southend Collegians A and a 9-0 win at Ekco Park Res. Southend Collegians A are enduring a torrid time 26 goals conceded across just three games this month.
CUP RESULTS
Senior League Cup
Kelvedon Hatch, Leigh Ramblers, and Runwell Sports have booked their spots in the semifinals. ACD and Herongate will battle it out for the final spot.
Reserve League Cup
March featured some thrilling Reserve League Cup matches, including a Leigh Ramblers Derby, with Leigh Ramblers A progressing after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout. Catholic United Res. enjoyed a strong run, eliminating Old Southendian A and Bishops Stortford Swifts Res.Meanwhile, Galleywood are still alive in the competition after two cup wins.
Denny King Memorial Cup
Galleywood and Hutton Res. are the first two teams through to the semi-finals. The remaining quarter-finalists Canning Town, Corinthians, Beacon Hill Rovers, and Manford Way will battle for the remaining places.
Shepherd Neame Trophy
Rawreth Lane edged rivals AS Rawreth 1-0 in the Rawreth derby to progress. Also moving forward after wins are Hullbridge Sports A, Bishops Stortford Swifts Res., Old Chelmsfordians Res., South Woodham Ferrers United, Herongate Athletic Res., and Broomfield.
Grassroots gives back
Grassroots Magazine is committed to giving back to grassroots football and we are excited to sponsor a talented young player Kaci Crook & an equally talented youth team in Broomfield Lions U13’s for this season.
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LEAGUES LOCAL YOUTH
ESSEX FA
BUMPER CROWD AND POSITIVE FEEDBACK FOR BBC ESSEX SENIOR CUP FINAL
Activities and Educational Workshops Feature at Marquee Event
1,731 spectators enjoyed the hugely-anticipated BBC Essex Senior Cup Final, while the Essex County FA also provided a range of activities and educational workshops. Plus, the FA Cup silverware was in attendance, providing an incredible photo opportunity for supporters and guests at the JobServe Community Stadium!
Pitching-In Isthmian League Premier Division club Canvey Island and Vanarama National League South side Hornchurch went head-to-head on Tuesday (18th March) at Colchester United FC, with the showpiece fixture being played in front of a bumper crowd. Elsewhere on the night, many progressive elements of the County FA’s new #MovingForward 2028 Strategy were shared, as well as presentations to long service award winners.
Special guests who play a key part in Essex grassroots football were in attendance, including referees and representatives from local clubs and leagues. Referee and Coach Workshops featured FIFA and Premier League referee, Sam Barrott, and Millwall FC Head of Coaching, Dan Mlinar. Select Group One Referee Barrott shared his knowledge and experiences as well as giving advice on communication and how to progress, develop and improve refereeing skills.
Mlinar, a UEFA ‘A’ License holder and former Under 17s Coach with the England Women’s national team, shared the wealth of experience he had amassed on his coaching journey, including his views on player development. The event was open to all coaches, with no qualification necessary, and it contributed towards accredited FA CPD (Continuing Professional Development) hours for Level 1-4 coaches. Both workshops were followed by question-and-answer forums.
There was also an opportunity to find out more about stem cell charity Anthony Nolan, and partners from Essex’s local authorities were present, while England Futsal, Active Essex, Kick it Out and the Frank Soo Foundation were also welcomed. In addition, BBC Essex continued their support of the competition with live coverage and commentary from the stadium. Free matchday programmes were also available as a memento of the final.
On the pitch, Bradley Sach netted an injury time equaliser, then slotted home the winning spot kick in the shootout as Canvey Island defeated Hornchurch 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw Charlee Adams had put Hornchurch in front with a superb 30-yard strike, which looked like being the winning goal until Sach’s close-range finish bounced into the net, sending the Canvey supporters into raptures and the final to an exciting spot kick decider.
“I’m extremely proud of the players, of the club, of the supporters,” reacted Canvey Manager, Brad Wellmen. “It’s been a tough season for us, and this BBC Essex Senior Cup has kept us going. You remember your wins at the end of your career. It’s great for the players and the club and the community. And we’ve always said: one in, all in. And I think you can see from the support tonight, it’s been absolutely fantastic. I’m proud of everyone.”
Brendan Walshe, Essex County FA Chief Executive, was delighted with the event’s success. He said: “Well done to both finalists, who played their part in a great occasion and final, and thank you to everyone who came out to support the event, including all the supporters and guests.”
“It was brilliant to see a crowd of over 1,700, which shows how game resonates across Essex. It was brilliant to welcome all the partners who joined us, the speakers at the CPD events and all the volunteers, clubs and leagues. It was a fantastic evening.”
Visit www.essexfa.com to view all the post-match coverage from BBC Essex Senior Cup Final. You can also interact with the Essex County FA via their social media channels.
ESSEX FA
ESSEX COUNTY FA LAUNCH GROUND-BREAKING ‘SOCIAL VALUE’ ESTIMATOR
“Cutting Edge” Facility Highlights a Club’s Value to Their Community
A brand-new, cutting edge ‘Social Value Estimator’ launched by the Essex County FA has been described as an “innovative move,” enabling grassroots football clubs to quickly obtain a figure representing their social value to the local community.
The County FA have been developing this innovative facility alongside respected consultants, State of Life, developing a progressive estimator which is accessible via www.essexfa.com. The automated reports generated will highlight that volunteers are not just running a football club, they’re at the heart of their community, generating defined social, health and economic benefits.
Reports and resources are quickly and simply generated by entering key club inputs, including player and volunteer numbers and annual expenditure. The estimator then produces a report highlighting annual social, health and economic benefits. The draft report is verified by the Essex County FA so it can be utilised to articulate the value the club provides to its local community, supporting funding applications and updating stakeholders and local authorities. The resources include:
❑ a full report of the club’s impact, expressed both in monetary and theoretical terms, highlighting their social investment and the benefits to their community
❑ key data on a club’s social value, including the life satisfaction gained, volunteer time and wellbeing value, health system benefits and total social return
❑ a media pack, containing a press release, some frequently asked questions, key messages and social media content suggestions
The new estimator provides a key tool to support the Essex County FA’s #MovingForward 2028 Strategy aim of: “Creating a united #EssexFootball environment that tackles inequalities, delivers inspirational football opportunities and improves health for all.”
Chief Executive Officer, Brendan Walshe, explained: “We have been providing our clubs with bespoke club reports for a number of seasons to help them to develop and grow, which utilised the Hidden Diamonds research to show the value of the club volunteers’ time. But this new estimator elevates the club’s value to a new level by showcasing the social, health and economic impact of the club.”
“Our thriving grassroots clubs are at the heart of their local communities, and the estimator provides a platform accessible to every club - whether they’re a single-team club or club with a 60+ teams - that shows the value and impact they have locally within their community.”
Throughout the development of the estimator, the County FA gathered feedback to help improve the facility so it can best support clubs across Essex. This included input from Bealonians FC, who have been a key club in the testing stage. Andy MacRae, General Secretary, commented: “Our report demonstrates what we’re achieving, and how so much more could be possible.”
“We are fighting to keep our club at our ground on Oakfield Playing Fields. To be able to demonstrate the value our club adds to the local community and the economy through a recognised model is a fantastic tool with such useful information to share with politicians and potential investors.”
State of Life are named advisors on the HM Treasury’s ‘Green Book’ wellbeing guidance. They have always had the aim of democratising social value to help organisations, big and small, to produce clear, transparent reporting. Will Watt from State of Life added: “This work for the Essex County FA is right at the cutting edge of this. To put this tool in the hands of grassroots football clubs is a big step towards greater understanding, credibility and the communication of social and wellbeing value.”
“Using our expertise and experience in sport and Treasury economics, we have automated a lot of the analysis within the model. The report is transparent about the values and how these are estimated, ensuring these are open and credible. Everyone understands that sport and activity is good for us, but the challenge has been to say just how valuable. Prevention of health problems is preferable to the costs of treatment.”
“Clubs can now talk to the councils that might run their grounds and facilities. Clubs can talk to sponsors about the value they create to society. This opens up a way for the social entrepreneurs that run football clubs to talk about why this is important to their community, and wider society. This is a big and bold move from the Essex County FA, and credit and pride go to Brendan and his team for taking this approach. We’re simply grateful to be able to help clubs across Essex to thrive.”
The new social value estimator can be accessed at www.essexfa.com, and you can also interact with the Essex County FA on social media.
ESSEX FA
TEN-YEAR MEMENTOES PRESENTED AT SENIOR CUP FINAL
Grassroots Heroes Receive Long Service Awards
A number of Essex County FA Ten-Year Long Service Award winners received their mementoes pitchside before the BBC Essex Senior Cup Final at Colchester United FC on Tuesday 18th March.
Dedicated individuals from the grassroots football community were welcomed and thanked for their commitment to supporting, developing and facilitating football, enabling children and adults to enjoy their football journeys. The grassroots heroes received a round of applause as Essex County FA Director, Sheryl MacRae, presented awards before the game. This year’s winners were:
Alan Smith (Galleywood YFC)
Charlie Kayley (Great Bradfords FC)
Chris Hockett (Southend Junior League)
Clare Potter (Old Southendian YFC)
Debbie Hill (Heybridge Swifts YFC)
Garry Heather (Hedinghams United FC)
Jack Ridge (Halstead Referees Association)
Jo Whatley (Hawkwell Athletic FC and Sceptre Sunday League)
John Roy (Old Southendian FC)
Luke Stillwell (Old Southendian FC)
Martin Livermore (Galleywood YFC)
Matt Clare (Saffron Walden Community FC)
Paul Fields (Emerson & Upminster FC)
Robert Blake (Uplands Rangers YFC)
Robert Clack (Corringham Cosmos YFC)
Ryan Smith (Halstead Referees Association)
Stephen Vieira (Halstead Referees Association)
Stuart Nixon (Basildon Referees Association)
Tania Livermore (Galleywood YFC)
Lana Gillard, Essex County FA Football Development Officer, congratulated the winners, commenting: “There are countless individuals who should be highlighted across the county, so we’re thrilled to give local volunteers the praise they deserve. It’s always a positive time of year when we get to present awards to deserving volunteers.”
If you’d like to join the team and become a volunteer in grassroots Essex football, visit www.essexfa.com/volunteers to find out more. You can also interact with @EssexCountyFA on X and search for the Essex County FA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
We wish our Reserve team all the best in their title-deciding game tomorrow afternoon.
Swifts Reserves, lie top-of-the-table, a point clear of Redbridge Reserves, with both sides having a single match to play.
A trip to South West Essex sees us travel to play May & Baker EC Reserves in a 2 p.m. kick off. Quite simply a win will secure the Essex Senior LeagueSouth Division title - if we draw then we will need Buckhurst Hill to avoid defeat at Redbridge on Saturday 12th April.
COME ON BOYS YOU CAN DO IT!
WHO WE ARE
The DT38 Foundation has beenset up in memoryof Dylan James Tombides.Dylan was an Australian International and WestHam United professional football player who passed away aged 20 in April 2014 after a 3-year battle with testicularcancer. The WestHam Family thought so highly of Dylan that theyretiredhis number38 and madeDT38 one of their principal charities.
The charity has beenformed as a resultof Dylan being misdiagnosed. Our vision is to change the way testicularcancer is diagnosed by implementingbest practicediagnostic guidelines for patients who presentwith testicularsymptoms.
We also aim to arm future generationsof young menwith the necessary knowledge about testicularcancer that will enable themto be confident when taking health matters intotheir own hands.
Our missionis to raiseawarenessand change the stigmaassociated with men’shealth issueswith a focus on testicularcancer.We aim to do this througheducational programsand opportunitiesfor the youth of our community,to help shapea generationof children who are selfaware about their health and wellbeing.
OUR MAIN GOALS ARE TO
✓ Drive the SELF-AWARENESScampaignfor the early detection of testicular cancer
✓ Focus on youth EDUCATION through various teaching programmes aligned to national curriculum
✓ Partnering with the COMMUNITY to promote the changes needed for increased male awareness and openness towards discussing their health matters
✓ Collaborating with GOVERNINGBODIES to foster a best practice mentality for the early detection of testicular cancer
OUR HISTORY
The charity is based in both the United Kingdom and Australia. The charity was launchedon the 28th February 2015in the United Kingdom when West Ham United came up againstCrystal Palace at Upton Park. At the 38th minute mark the spectators from both sides stood and clapped as a mark of respect. The charity officially launchedin Australia on September 1st 2015 when Premier Colin Barnett and the Tombides family unveiled a bronze statue of Dylan outside NIB Stadium- Perth’s home of football. Both events were extremely momentous occasionsand highlight the high regard in which Dylan was held both as a footballer and a person.
The charity has come about as a direct response too Dylan’s personal story and the current status of testicular cancer awareness in society. Testicular cancer affects younger men aged 15- 49. It is the second most commoncancer in young men in Australia. There was 732 cases diagnosedin Australia in 2011 and 25 deaths. The rate of men diagnosed with testicular cancer has grown 50% in the past 30 years and the reason is unknown.The survival rate is 98%. There is currently no routine screening tests in place for testicular cancer. We at the DT38 Foundationbelieve that awareness is the key to addressing this illness. We know that our vision and mission clearly state the changeswe plan to bring aboutin the future.
At the moment we have a small team of 4 directors and many volunteers in Perth, Western Australia. The foundationis growing at a rapid pace and so is the number of people becoming involved with DT38. We have found the need to have the Australian Company (DT38 Australia Pty Ltd) registered as a charity and the direction we are heading is very clear to us. We are now at the stage where we require funding to assist us in beginning various projects.
We at DT38 recognise the potential impact we canhave on a large scale and are proud to be part of an organizationlike ours. We believe that we have the correct structures and procedures in place to assist us in developing our key milestones and we lookforward to continuingto spread the DT38 message with the world. To read about our latest developments head to our newspage
grassroots magazine
grassroots magazine
Would you like to get involved?
There are lots of ways you can get involved from sponsorship opportunity’s, fan ownership, become a volunteer or if you just want to read more about our plan, please click the links below to find out more.
Sponsorship Opportunity
Partner with our 100% fan owned football club by taking up one of our sponsorship packages. We have several options available.
Our Plan
We believe in transparency as a football club, by clicking here you can view our full business plan. As we grow as a club we will continue updating this document with more detial.
Fan Ownership
For as little as £5 you can become an owner of East Thurrock Community Football Club. Get a say in how the club is run as well as full financial updates on a weekly basis.
BECOME AN OWNER
Our Plan
We believe in transparency as a football club, by clicking here you can view our full business plan. As we grow as a club we will continue updating this document with more detial.
