Grass Roots January 25

JANUARY 2025 ISSUE 27

This Months Content

Team Message Happy New Year from all of us at Grassroots Magazine!

Thank you for all your support over the last year. 2024 was a real breakthrough year for us. We look forward to an even bigger and better 2025!

With the current cold snap, there hasn't been a great deal of football to report on.

However, we're still halfway through a fantastic season with lots to look forward to!

We're pleased to announce that we've partnered with Changing Room Essentials, securing fantastic discounts for all of our readers.

Thank you to this month's featured teams, Stanway Pegasus and Emerson & Upminster, for sharing their incredible stories.

Chelmsford Sunday League

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Stanway Pegasus FC

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Lionesses

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Winter Brake

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Kit Aid

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Essex Olympian League

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Adult Leagues

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Youth Leagues

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Essex FA

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Heybridge Swifts

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Emerson & Upminster FC

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Please reach out to us if your club has a story to tell! We'd love to hear from you.

If you own a local business, we're a great platform to advertise your services to the grassroots community. You can contact us at grassrootsmag@btinternet.com

Thanks, The Grassroots Team

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Sponsored by : Grassroots Magazine Chelmsford Sunday League Round up, Premier Division

December was a month dominated by Cup ties in both the Essex Sunday Premier Cup and the John Coward Challenge Cup. Atletico Maldon and Beret are both safely through to the next round of the Sunday Premier Cup, beating Railway Academicals and Harlow Corinthia respectively. Atletico came through 3-1 winners with goals from James Couzens (2) and Todd Oyler. Goals from Ross Kochan and Tyler Tredget saw Beret draw 2-2 and win 3-0 on penalties.

Woodham Radars and Priory Sports both crashed out, losing to Hatch Lane United and AC Milano respectively.

In the John Coward Challenge Cup, Beret, Atletico Maldon and Billersports all progressed to the next round following wins over FFB, Danbury Athletic and Queens Park Hannakins.

In the League, Atletico continue to dominate with important wins against Beret and Billersports. Eagle & Hind and FFB picking up handy wins keeping them both involved in the title chase.

Division 1

December was a month to forget for Broomfield, picking up just 1 point and losing their unbeaten record. A 4-4 draw away to Heybridge Social at the start of the month followed by a 3-0 loss to Anchor and finishing the year beaten 5-1 by MATES FC. They will hope to rekindle the form they showed at the beginning of the season in 2025.

Ramsden Scotia’s only match in December saw them beat Danbury 6-1 to finish the year in top spot.

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Chelmsford Sunday League

Division 2

There were some huge score lines in the league in December with Melbourne United on the wrong end of two of them. Beaten 12-3 by AFC Ingatestone and 14-2 by East Hanningfield will see them rooted to the bottom of the league going into the new year. Despite losing 2-0 to Woodham Radars, three wins see Hatfield Peverel leading the way in pole position. Draco are not far behind and have a couple of games in hand over the league leaders.

Mayland Village and Beaulieu Park both booked a place in the League Cup semi-final, beating Chelmer Wanderers and Ravens Legends respectively.

Chelmer Wanderers did have some joy in the Peter Gillott Trophy, beating Hutton with Mitchell Parker impressing with four goals.

Woodham Radars are through to the next round of the Essex Sunday Junior Trophy following a 2-1 win over Harold Wood Athletic. Unfortunately, the competition is over for Mayland Village, losing 9-1 to Stanford Royals.

Division 3

Old Chelmsfordians finished the year top of the Division but only managed to pick up 1 point in their only league game this month. A couple of good wins for Maldon & Tiptree keep them in touch with the leaders, scoring 4 goals in each game, defeating Maldon Social and Woodham Radars Development. Maldon Social continue to prop the Division up but did secure a point drawing at 2nd bottom FC Vilomah.

Old Chelmsfordians booked a semi-final place in the league cup, beating Woodham Radars Development 2-1.

Great Baddow Reserves are through to the next round of the Peter Gillott Trophy, knocking out Heybridge Social Res. Hutton narrowly lost 5-4 AET to Chesterwell in the Essex Junior Trophy.

https://www.chelmsfordsundayleague.org.uk/Csltables.html

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Stanway Pegasus FC is a community-focused football club located in Colchester. With more than 30 teams encompassing youth, men's, women's, and veteran divisions, we cater to all football enthusiasts.

Established in 2018, our mission is to foster an inclusive atmosphere for everyone passionate about football. We believe in teamwork, dedication, and hard work, and we aim to make a positive difference in our community through football.

At the top, our men's first team competes in the Thurlow Nunn First Division North, which is Step 6 of the football pyramid. Likewise, our women's team competes in the Eastern Region League Division One South, positioned at Tier 6 of the women's football pyramid.

The History Stanway Pegasus Football Club has its roots in the most successful Sunday League team in Colchester's history, AFC Pegasus, which achieved an impressive 64 honours over 30 years under the leadership of Paul and Heather Booth. AFC Pegasus itself was established in 1985, evolving from Pegasus Youth, which had a rich history in the Colchester Youth League dating back to the early 1970s, founded by Mr. Peter Peters.

The transition from Sunday League to Saturday football for the Senior team in 2018 paved the way for the revival of the youth setup at the club. Fuelled by an unmatched passion and determination to succeed both on and off the pitch, we embarked on a new chapter. With various youth and men's teams in full operation, the club's clear 'pathway' from grassroots to the top is a source of pride for us and will serve as the foundation for our future. However, we recognized the need for a women's pathway.

In 2021, Rosi Webb, the current manager of the men's first team, established a women's team. Fast forward three years, and after achieving back-to-back promotions, our women's team now competes in the Eastern Region. To further support our first team and bridge the gap between our girls' youth teams and the women's first team, we have added a reserves side.

Our vision is to become one of the largest clubs in Essex, featuring men's teams that compete at a

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high level in non-league football, who lead the way for the youth set-up. This youth set-up is designed to nurture players from U6 all the way up to U18, which we refer to as ‘The Pathway.’ While player development is central to our philosophy, our primary focus for the youth is to enjoy playing football with Stanway Pegasus.

At the beginning of the 2020-21 season, Ray Turner chose to step down and take on the position of head of youth at the club. This led to Rosi Webb's promotion from coach to First Team Manager, marking the first time a woman has held this role in the Essex and Suffolk Border League. The league season began promisingly with hopes of promotion, however the onset of COVID-19 forced the season to be cut short resulting in its cancellation after just 10 matches.

While no football could be played during this period, the team didn't let that stop them from working behind the computer screen. They brainstormed ways to future-proof the club. Once things returned to normal, the real efforts began as we started making enhancements to our home pitch at Stanway School, preparing us to compete at step 6 if we secure promotion.

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ROSI LEADS THE WAY, HOWEVER COVID HITS

PROMOTION 2021/22 Rosi embarked on her inaugural season as the Manager of Stanway Pegasus in the Essex and Suffolk Border League, achieving the remarkable feat of remaining unbeaten throughout the entire season. The team clinched the league title with seven games still to play, however Rosi continue to motivate everyone to maintain their hard work and stay focused until the very end. This dedication resulted in an impressive 24-point lead!

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WORDS FROM ROSI – “The 2021/22 season held a special significance for me as it marked my first season as the manager of the Stanway Pegasus First team, while also being involved in establishing and playing for our newly formed women's team. Whenever I take on a new role, my first consideration is whether the environment is right for me. I felt that the club had a clear vision that aligned with my own beliefs and values, and I was committed to elevating the club to a better place than when I first arrived.

The first step I took in this new position was to ensure that the players felt valued and the coaches felt appreciated, with the goal of creating a club where players wanted to be. This aspect has always been crucial to me and throughout the season we put in significant effort to nurture this culture.

As the season commenced, I never expected it to be as successful as it was. We had an exceptional group of players, and we dedicated ourselves on the training pitch to build an identity and style of play that suited our squad. The league was highly competitive, featuring teams like Dunmow, Chelmsford reserves, West Bergholt, and Colne Athletic, all pushing for promotion. We reached Christmas and found ourselves sitting top of the table, unbeaten, and entered the new year in a great position.

One lesson I learned that season was that when you're at the top, everyone is determined to beat you.

Every match felt like a cup final as teams brought their best against us and would pile on the pressure, few were willing to bank up and try to see the game out.

My aim was always to win the league, but I never anticipated finishing unbeaten with a 24-point gap.

We had won the league title with seven games to go but it was important for me to keep the team motivated as I was then driven to complete the season without losing a game. Not only did the men’s team go on to achieve this but also our newly established women’s side went on unbeaten. Evidence that things like this don’t just happen in dreams, with hard work and determination it can be made reality”.

One lesson I learned that season was that when you're at the top, everyone is determined to beat you.

We had entered into the unknown for the 2022/23 season, competing at Step 6 in the Thurlow Nunn First Division, knowing very little about league. For me, this season was about growing, learning, and adjusting our game plan to face various teams. Making strategic recruits to enhance our squad with experienced players who would be pivotal for the upcoming season. Our goal was to compete in the league while developing our players at this level, finding our feet and preparing to push on the next season.

As the season was starting to conclude we found ourselves in the play-off positions. With some favourable results we found ourselves finishing 5th, securing the last play-off spot. We were drawn against Basildon away, where we managed to nick a narrow 1-0 win, setting up a home tie against a strong and experienced Sporting Bengal.

As a manager and club, reaching a play-off final in our first season at this level was a dream come true. We held our own for 90 minutes and entered a penalty shootout, but unfortunately, we missed our first two, allowing Sporting Bengal to claim victory. Nonetheless, it was another proud moment for me, with a great group of players which set us up for the following season.

The 2023-2024 season see us move sideways to the North division, presenting us with a new set of challenges.

We started strong, but injuries struck, leading to a difficult streak of losses, and our striker going off on his travels. We knew it would be a challenging season. but we still managed to reach the playoffs facing our local rivals, Holland. We had defeated them twice in the league. but our team had changed significantly by the time we entered this match. Unfortunately, we struggled to find our rhythm, and Holland went on to win the game.

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Our top goal scorer, Callum Griffith, received numerous offers and has moved to Brantham to challenge himself at a higher level. Similarly, Dean Ager has moved on to Helsted Town. Recently, Harry MacDonald also decided to pursue a new opportunity with Brightlingsea. Our standout success story is Max Booth's transfer to Step 2 side Peterborough Sports. While losing players is always difficult, I take pride in being part of their journey and helping them develop to reach their highest potential.

We have entered a new era of players with fresh talent, and I am really enjoying working with them.

To be in 4th place entering the new year, especially after losing key players and rebuilding the squad, is a fantastic achievement.

ROSI ACHIEVEMENTS Recently, Rosi Webb celebrated her 100th league victory at the club, which includes an unbeaten season in the Essex and Suffolk Border League, along with two consecutive playoff appearances in the Thurlow Nunn League.

Additionally, there have been several player success stories of individuals advancing to higher levels after training and playing under her guidance.

As the first woman to break into the men's game and achieve such impressive milestones in a short time, Rosi's accomplishments are truly impressive. We are confident that it won't be long before she receives offers from higher levels in the football pyramid. While football may be male-dominated, Rosi stands as a key example of how women rightfully belong in this sport and deserve the opportunity to showcase their talent and potential to shine.

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The Season so far, we have played 22 games and currently sit in 4th place, which is a good position to be in. However, we have dropped too many points, putting the league title in Haverhill Rovers' hands. Nevertheless, we will continue to push until the end. I knew that with the success of our squad that this season we would inevitably lose a few players of which we have.

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December with the Broomfield U12 Lionesses: Fun, Football, and Festive Cheer December turned out to be a month of mixed fortunes for our U12 girls' football team, but it was certainly not without its memorable moments. Although we only managed to play one game before Christmas a match that, unfortunately, ended in defeat due to the absence of a few key players there were still plenty of positives to take away. The girls demonstrated some truly impressive football skills, especially when it came to their passing game. They are really starting to gel as a team, and their understanding of different positions on the field is improving week by week. Watching them evolve as players is a joy, and their determination to give their best, regardless of the circumstances, is inspiring.

Ninja Warrior: Christmas Party Extravaganza

December wasn’t just about football, though. The Christmas party was a huge highlight for everyone involved. This year, we took the girls to Ninja Warrior for a couple of hours of fun, laughter, and plenty of energy-burning activities. They tackled the obstacle courses with enthusiasm, letting their hair down and releasing all that built-up steam from the season. It was a fantastic way to bring the team together outside of football, and the smiles on their faces were worth every minute of planning.

A huge shoutout goes to the management team and the parents who made this event possible.

Organizing something like this takes effort, and it’s truly appreciated. Next time, I might even be brave enough to take part myself, although I suspect keeping up with the girls might be a challenge! Events like these remind us that football is not just about what happens on the pitch— it’s about fostering a sense of community and creating lasting memories.

Festive Training Surprises

In terms of training, we’ve made a positive change by moving to the astro turf at Chelmer Valley School. This new surface provides an excellent environment for the girls to refine their skills and improve their game. Already, we can see how this change is benefiting their development, and it’s exciting to think about the progress they’ll make in the coming months.

To cap off the year, our final training session had a touch of festive magic. Santa himself made a surprise appearance, much to the delight of the team. Alongside this, a big thank you is owed to Broomfield and Gossy for generously supplying the girls with chocolates for Christmas. They certainly didn’t need any extra energy after such a lively session, but the festive treats were very much appreciated!

A Warm Welcome to Darcy

We’re also thrilled to welcome a new addition to the squad—Darcy, who has recently started training with us. From the very first session, Darcy has fit right in, showing great promise and quickly becoming part of the team. It’s always exciting to see the squad grow, not just in numbers but in talent and personality. We have no doubt that Darcy will make a fantastic contribution as we move forward.

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As we look back over the season so far, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d find myself writing for a magazine about managing an U12 girls' football team. What started as a decision to take on this role with my good friend, Jodie Ramcharitar, has turned into an amazing journey filled with laughter, camaraderie, and personal growth. Along the way, we’ve made wonderful friendships and created a vibrant social space that benefits not just the girls but the adults involved as well.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our management team, the other coaches, and the football club, Broomfield. Their dedication and encouragement have been invaluable, and we can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done to help the girls thrive.

Of course, the true stars of the show are the girls themselves. Week after week, they turn up with unwavering enthusiasm, ready to train and play no matter the weather. It’s clear how much they love being part of the team, and their passion for football is contagious. Each and every one of them has made significant strides this season. From fitness levels to confidence and technical skills, their progress has been remarkable. Whether it’s our Number 1 goalkeeper making stunning saves or our Number 16 racing down the wing, every player has something special to contribute.

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Reflecting on the Season So Far

Looking Ahead to the New Year As we head into the new year, there’s a real buzz of anticipation about what lies ahead. The girls have so much potential, and when everything starts to come together, this team is going to be unstoppable. We’re already planning sessions and matches that will challenge and inspire them, ensuring they continue to enjoy their football while also pushing themselves to reach new heights.

But beyond the wins and the goals, what matters most is the journey we’re all on together.

Football has given us the chance to see our daughters grow not just as players but as individuals.

It’s been wonderful to watch them build friendships, gain confidence, and most importantly, have fun. And let’s be honest—it’s pretty satisfying to see them out on the pitch rather than glued to their phones!

To the girls: thank you for making this such an incredible experience. You’re the heart and soul of this team, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds. Here’s to many more unforgettable moments on and off the pitch!

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Grassroots Magazine

Investigates the benefits of a winter break at a grassroots level Why a Winter Break Would Suit Grassroots Football Grassroots football forms the bedrock of the beautiful game. From children kicking a ball in local parks to amateur teams playing in community leagues, it’s the starting point for countless players, coaches, and fans. However, as winter sets in, the conditions for playing and training often become increasingly difficult. A winter break for grassroots football could provide numerous benefits to players, coaches, and the sport as a whole. Here’s why implementing a winter break would be a positive step for grassroots football.

1. Player Health and Well-Being At the heart of grassroots football are the players, and their health should be a priority. During winter, weather conditions often make playing more challenging and potentially dangerous. Wet, muddy pitches, freezing temperatures, and reduced daylight can increase the risk of injuries, particularly muscle strains, joint problems, and slips. A winter break would give players time to rest and recover, reducing the physical toll of a prolonged season.

Additionally, a break could also have a positive impact on players’ mental health. Grassroots football, while a great way to stay active, can sometimes become a source of stress for players if they feel they are required to play in harsh weather or continue training through the cold. A break would provide much-needed respite and allow players to recharge both physically and mentally, preventing burnout.

2. Improved Pitch Conditions Winter weather can wreak havoc on pitches. Heavy rain and snow can cause fields to become waterlogged or frozen, making them unplayable. In many areas, pitches are not equipped with the same drainage systems as professional stadiums, leading to frequent cancellations or subpar playing surfaces.

By introducing a winter break, grassroots clubs could have time to maintain their pitches or allow them to recover naturally. Less frequent play on worn-out surfaces would reduce the chances of injuries and also ensure that matches are played on better-quality grounds when the break is over.

As a result, players would enjoy a more enjoyable and safer environment to play in once they return to action.

3. Development of Players Grassroots football isn’t just about matches; it’s about development. While winter conditions can hinder outdoor training, a winter break would allow clubs to focus on other forms of player development, such as mental conditioning, skills workshops, and indoor training sessions. In areas where outdoor conditions are particularly harsh, players could work on technique in a more controlled environment, perhaps through futsal or indoor football.

The break could also give players the opportunity to focus on their fitness off the pitch. With less emphasis on weekly matches, they could dedicate time to improving their strength, speed, and overall fitness levels, which could be crucial in developing well-rounded footballers.

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Grassroots football relies heavily on volunteers, including coaches, referees, and administrative staff. For many, coaching during the winter months means braving cold temperatures, dealing with delayed games, and working hard to keep players motivated through tough conditions. A winter break would give these unsung heroes a well-deserved rest, allowing them to recharge before the second half of the season.

Coaches and volunteers could also use this time to further their own development. They could attend courses or workshops to improve their skills, ensuring that when they return, they’re better equipped to foster the development of the players they work with. Additionally, a break could help reduce volunteer burnout, ensuring that those involved in grassroots football remain engaged and motivated in the long term.

5. Increased Participation and Attendance Football is a family affair in many communities, with parents, siblings, and friends attending matches and supporting their local teams. However, winter weather can deter spectators from attending games, especially in more rural areas where travel to games can be difficult in snow or icy conditions. This can lead to a drop in the atmosphere around grassroots matches, which may demotivate both players and supporters.

A winter break would mean that fans and families could return to the game when conditions improve, and the quality of matches would increase as well. Additionally, with fewer games in winter, more players might choose to join teams in the spring or summer when conditions are more favorable. This break could also create opportunities for local clubs to organize indoor tournaments or community-based events to maintain interest in the sport during the off period.

6. Alignment with the Professional Game A winter break would also align grassroots football with professional football in some countries, where a winter break is already part of the calendar. This could create a sense of unity and continuity for football fans at all levels. It would also allow young players to follow the professional game more closely during the winter period, making it easier for aspiring footballers to stay engaged with the sport.

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4. Rest for Coaches and Volunteers

A winter break in grassroots football could also open up opportunities for local clubs to organize friendly matches or tournaments with other teams, encouraging a spirit of camaraderie across clubs. This could help build community ties and ensure that football remains a year-round passion, even when competitive matches are on pause.

7. Financial Benefits for Clubs Grassroots clubs often face financial strain, especially in the winter when costs for things like heating for changing rooms, pitch maintenance, and travel for away games rise. A winter break would help alleviate some of these financial pressures, as fewer matches would mean fewer expenses. This could give clubs the opportunity to plan ahead, fundraise, or save for the more active months in the spring and summer.

Moreover, with fewer matches to organize, volunteers and staff would be able to focus on other fundraising activities, such as hosting social events, raffles, or community outreach initiatives.

These efforts could help clubs generate the funds necessary to invest in their facilities, equipment, and youth development programs.

Conclusion A winter break could be an invaluable addition to grassroots football, benefiting players, coaches, volunteers, and clubs alike. From promoting player health to improving pitch conditions, the break would allow the sport to thrive throughout the colder months, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. By giving grassroots football time to rest and recuperate, it would return stronger and more vibrant when the season resumes, ultimately helping the game grow and develop in communities across the country.

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KITAID CORNER – UPDATE The national charity KitAid takes your old unwanted kit & equipment and gives it a new home in parts of the world where the game is loved, but participation is held back by a lack of access to resources.

Last year was another big year for KitAid:

Kit & equipment donations over the last year have played their part in supporting a range of projects with whom we are working. Projects that are seeking to improve health, supporting education & skills development to increase employability, promoting inclusivity for those who are otherwise excluded in society and working to keep young & older people safe. It is why we say of our work, "It's more than just a shirt ... "

Passing 1.100,000 items shared since KitAid's formation in 1998

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2024 - AN EVENTFUL YEAR

Essex caring to share Essex kit donations continued throughout the year from Ashingdon FC to Valley Green FC, from Chelmsford City Women to Trinity FC and so many clubs in between all profiled in the Grassroots Magazine over the last year.

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USA

Sir Mo Farah helped out at Boxing Up and is seen here with a donated Maldon & Tiptree shirt, Sir Mo delivered Maldon & Tiptree kit to Hargeisa, Somaliland with other kits to support his 32 team football competition

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Welcome support & promotions

Chelmer Print donated several large printed banners to the KitAid cause, now being used at kit collections and advertising at local grounds. Sir Mo Farah also took one to display in the stadium in Hargeisa, Somaliland

@ Bowers & Pitsea @ Runwell Sports

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KitAid were invited to the The International Sports Convention (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium).

USA Runwell Sports FC Charity Football Match raised £545 for the KitAid cause - helping secure our ongoing work.

Alfie Watts (in the white t-shirt), BBC Race Around the World Winner helping out at Boxing Up with Annie Brewster JP High Sheriff of Hertfordshire and Derrick Williams MBE, KitAid Founder. Alfie continues to travel and is now taking kit donations with him and most recently shared out kits in Malaysia and Mauritius.

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)

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How you can help here in Essex in 2025

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

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Grassroots Grassroots Football in Germany: The Heartbeat of a Footballing Nation Football is more than just a sport in Germany—it is a way of life. Known for producing world-class players and consistently competing at the highest levels internationally, Germany's football culture is a product of its strong grassroots foundation. The country’s success on the world stage, including multiple World Cup and European Championship victories, owes much to the development of young talent through local clubs, academies, and community engagement.

In this article, we’ll explore the structure, importance, and impact of grassroots football in Germany, delving into the system that has fostered the nation's success and how it continues to shape the future of the sport.

The Foundation of German Football: From the Streets to Professional Leagues Germany's grassroots football ecosystem is vast and accessible, with millions of players involved in the sport from a young age. Football is the most popular sport in the country, with over 7 million active participants—a significant number considering Germany's population of around 80 million. It is estimated that there are more than 25,000 local football clubs spread across the nation, offering both recreational and competitive opportunities to players of all ages and skill levels.

The German Football Association (DFB), founded in 1900, has played an instrumental role in organizing and developing football across the country. While the DFB’s high-performance programs often capture headlines due to Germany's international success, the true backbone of German football lies in its grassroots structure—where millions of children, teenagers, and adults play for love of the game, with many gradually progressing through a system that encourages long-term development over short-term success.

A System of Development: How Talent is Nurtured In Germany, the pathway from grassroots football to the professional level is well-defined, structured, and inclusive. From an early age, children in Germany are encouraged to play football, often starting as young as four or five years old. They begin by joining local clubs, where they participate in basic training, skills development, and friendly matches. The emphasis is on fostering a love for the game and ensuring that children develop fundamental skills such as passing, shooting, and teamwork.

As children grow older and their talents begin to emerge, they can progress to more competitive levels within their local clubs or through specialized regional football centres. Around the age of 10-12, players showing exceptional promise may be scouted by professional clubs and invited to join their academies or talent development programs. These academies focus on technical skills, tactical understanding, and physical fitness, offering a more professional environment while still prioritizing long-term development over immediate results.

One of the key innovations in the German football system was the introduction of the "Eliteschule des Fußballs" (Elite Football Schools) after Germany’s early exit from the 2000 European Championship. This initiative allowed for better integration of education and football training, ensuring young players received quality schooling alongside their football development. The result was a steady stream of well-rounded, intelligent players who could excel both on and off the field.

Inclusivity: Football for All

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An important aspect of grassroots football in Germany is its commitment to inclusivity. Football clubs throughout the country strive to ensure that everyone—regardless of background, social status, or ability—has the opportunity to play the game. This ethos has been crucial in promoting social cohesion and providing a platform for diverse communities to come together.

Many local clubs offer programs for players with disabilities, girls, and children from immigrant or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The German Football Association (DFB) has made concerted efforts to ensure that football is accessible to everyone, and this commitment has led to a notable increase in female participation in the sport, particularly with the rise of Germany’s national women’s football team.

The inclusivity of grassroots football also extends to the coaching and leadership levels. Many of the coaches working at grassroots clubs are volunteers or part-time professionals, dedicated to developing not only technical skills but also promoting sportsmanship, leadership, and community spirit among players.

An important aspect of grassroots football in Germany is its commitment to inclusivity. Football clubs throughout the country strive to ensure that everyone—regardless of background, social status, or ability—has the opportunity to play the game. This ethos has been crucial in promoting social cohesion and providing a platform for diverse communities to come together.

Many local clubs offer programs for players with disabilities, girls, and children from immigrant or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The German Football Association (DFB) has made concerted efforts to ensure that football is accessible to everyone, and this commitment has led to a notable increase in female participation in the sport, particularly with the rise of Germany’s national women’s football team.

The inclusivity of grassroots football also extends to the coaching and leadership levels. Many of the coaches working at grassroots clubs are volunteers or part-time professionals, dedicated to developing not only technical skills but also promoting sportsmanship, leadership, and community spirit among players.

The Role of Local Clubs Local football clubs play a crucial role in Germany’s football pyramid. These clubs are where children first fall in love with football, and where young players take their first steps in their sporting journey. Whether it's a small club in a rural village or a community-based club in a large city, these organizations help foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie that is central to the sport.

While they may not have the resources or infrastructure of professional clubs, these local clubs are vital in providing a competitive environment for young players. Many of Germany’s top professionals, including players like Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich) and Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), began their careers in local clubs before progressing to larger academies. These clubs also serve as the foundation of Germany’s "football culture," where football matches often form the social hub of local communities.

The Bundesliga and Professional Pathways At the higher levels of German football, the professional clubs play a critical role in ensuring the pipeline from grassroots to elite football remains strong. Clubs like Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig operate world-class youth academies that not only scout talent but also work to develop it into professional-grade players.

Germany’s elite football clubs often have close ties to regional youth academies, which act as feeders into their larger systems. Through these academies, young players have the opportunity to train alongside professional coaches and gain exposure to top-level competition. Clubs also offer young players access to the best medical and performance staff, ensuring that their physical and mental well-being is optimized for the rigors of professional football.

But it’s not just the big names that contribute to Germany’s footballing success. The Bundesliga, the country's toptier league, has long been committed to developing homegrown talent. Bundesliga clubs have strict regulations in place to ensure that a certain percentage of matchday squads consist of locally trained players. This policy has helped keep German football competitive, with the league often viewed as one of the top providers of young talent in Europe.

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Inclusivity: Football for All

Success on the International Stage The influence of grassroots football in Germany is evident in the success of the national team. Players such as Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, and Marco Reus all came through Germany’s well-established youth system, and their development can be traced back to the country’s strong grassroots infrastructure.

The combination of a well-organized development pathway, local clubs, and a strong national identity around football has produced consistent success for the German national team. Germany’s 2014 World Cup victory and their successes in the UEFA European Championships are direct results of years of hard work in the grassroots system.

Moreover, the philosophy of teamwork and tactical intelligence, fostered from a young age, has become synonymous with German football, making their style of play recognizable and respected worldwide.

The Future of Grassroots Football in Germany Looking ahead, the future of grassroots football in Germany seems bright. The ongoing commitment to inclusivity, youth development, and community engagement will ensure that football remains a vital part of German society for years to come.

The DFB and professional clubs continue to invest in the grassroots structure, ensuring that players from all backgrounds have access to quality coaching and development. With a focus on holistic development, Germany is poised to continue producing talented, well-rounded players who excel on the world stage.

In conclusion, grassroots football in Germany is not just about producing future football stars; it’s about building a community, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring that football remains accessible to all. The country’s deep connection to the sport is a key factor in its international success and will continue to shape the future of the game.

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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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ESSEX FA CREATING THE BEST EXPERIENCE FOR ALL FOOTBALL PARTICIPANTS #PlayYourPart: Essex County FA ‘Matchday Environment’ Resources One of the key pieces of feedback received during the consultation process for the Essex County FA’s new #MovingForward 2028 Strategy was a need for greater emphasis on improving the matchday experience. As a direct result, the County FA have refreshed their #PlayYourPart pack to make it more engaging and shareable.

A new range of ‘Matchday Environment’ resources is now available to download and share at www.essexfa.com, with grassroots football clubs, referees, spectators, coaches and players being encouraged to #PlayYourPart and establish the best possible inclusive environment for everyone involved with the game. The resources include: Videos: Five animated #PlayYourPart videos on YouTube. The voiceovers for all of these have been provided by BBC Essex presenters, who are proud to support the #PlayYourPart campaign.

Infographics: The videos are aligned with new infographics, which are easy to download and share via social media and messaging apps like WhatsApp. They can also be printed to feature in clubhouses, changing rooms and noticeboards etc.

Matchday Environment Pack: This has been re-created with all the useful information from the previous edition, but in a more concise format, which also includes all of the infographics in one place.

These will guide participants to ensure the matchday environment is the best it can be.

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“The grassroots game in Essex is thriving, with tens of thousands of registered players competing in thousands of games every weekend.

Essex is one of the largest counties for football participation. This is hugely positive, and credit goes to the grassroots volunteer workforce. To continue to build on, and sustain, this brilliant foundation, these resources are helping to ensure the best and most inclusive environment continues to be created.”

BBC Essex are supporting the re-launch of the new resources, and presenters Sonia Watson, Victoria Polley, Rob Jelly, Ben Fryer and Ian Puckey provided the video voiceovers. Victoria, BBC Essex Sports Editor, commented: “Essex is home to a thriving grassroots football community and, at BBC Essex, we recognise the importance of fairness and respect at all levels in the game, which is why we’re proud to have partnered with the Essex County FA on this project.”

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Essex County FA Chief Executive, Brendan Walshe, is delighted with the new resources: “These #PlayYourPart resources are supporting grassroots participants to set standards on and off the pitch, creating a united Essex football environment that tackles inequalities, delivers inspirational football opportunities and improves health for all.”

You can access the new #PlayYourPart Matchday Environment resources at www.essexfa.com and you can also find the Essex County FA on X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.

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ESSEX FA LATIMER LEAGUE LAUNCH IS BOOST FOR ESSEX ‘SEND’ FOOTBALL New Era for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Football In a ground-breaking step for inclusive sport, the Latimer League has officially launched, providing a dedicated platform for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) schools across Essex to engage in competitive football.

This new league is the result of a partnership between Active Essex, the Multi Schools Council, the Essex County FA and the Essex County Schools FA, ensuring that SEND students have the same opportunities to thrive through sport as their peers in mainstream schools.

The idea for the league was initiated by a strong demand from students, who highlighted the need for equal opportunities in competitive sport for SEND students. Kierran Pearce, SEND Multi Schools Council Lead, emphasized the importance of addressing this gap: “The young people involved with us are delighted that this is finally off the ground!”

“Our work is all about listening to young people with SEND. For a number of years, they just wanted the same opportunities as young people in mainstream schools. This is such a positive step forward and will hopefully result in further opportunities for young people with disabilities to play competitive football. Thanks to everyone - all the schools, Active Essex and the Essex County FA - for making this happen.”

The Latimer League features seven-a-side fixtures played in a home and away format throughout the school year. Its flexible structure, developed in consultation with participating schools, ensures schools can easily manage their schedules. In this inaugural year, seven schools have joined the league, sparking enthusiasm and a strong foundation for future expansion.

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“The healthy competition held through the fixtures has given students aspirations and a purpose to focus on managing their own personal and social development in order to be a part of fixtures, as well as a sense of pride and value in their school and its community.”

The launch has been warmly received across the Essex football community. Graham Hall, Chairman of the Essex County Schools FA, commented: “This is a welcome addition to our programme of county schools competitions. Many thanks to all those who have contributed to getting the competition underway. I look forward to seeing how it progresses but, above all, hope the children enjoy the experience of taking part in this brand-new countywide schools competition.”

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The league is already making an impact. Reece Durrance, Head of PE at Ramsden Hall Academy, spoke about the transformative effect on his students: “This year, the creation of the Latimer League has provided Ramsden Hall students with the further extracurricular opportunities they need to engage competitively in a sport they love.”

Milly Morgan, Equality and Inclusion Officer at the Essex County FA, highlighted the league’s importance, adding: “We are thrilled to see the launch of the SEND Schools League this season. The Multi Schools Council and Active Essex highlighted a real demand from students who wanted to be involved in competitive sport.”

“It’s fantastic to now provide an opportunity for these children to participate and showcase their talent. Inclusion in sport is vital, and this new league is an important step in ensuring every child has the chance to enjoy and compete in sport.”

The Latimer League represents a milestone in promoting equality and inclusion through sport in Essex. Its success this season lays a strong foundation for future opportunities, ensuring that sport is accessible For All. To learn more about the Latimer League or to find out how your school can get involved, visit www.essexfa.com or interact with the Essex County FA on social media.

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ESSEX FA DISABILITY FOOTBALL: AMPLIFYING AN INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT Essex Clubs Can Access New Online England Football Course Demand for knowledge on how to support players with a disability is increasing, with coaches wanting to ensure participants have the best experience possible, so England Football Learning now provide a free, online module designed to help you upskill and support the individuals in your team, regardless of their ability.

Aimed at nurturing an all-inclusive environment, the ‘Disability Football Introduction Course’ will provide best practices to follow when working with players with a disability in football. Ensuring every individual’s needs are met is essential, and this course explores planning and delivering sessions for participants from grassroots all the way to the elite end of the game.

The objective is to create and sustain a culture across the sport where those with a disability have access to all opportunities and feel a true belonging, both on and off the pitch. The duration of the course is 30 minutes, meaning it’s a short course, but it still entails an in-depth landscape, examining what is meant by disability, the different pathways provided and specific football approaches.

An interactive element of this course is exhibited in the form of video presentations, collaborative scenarios and practical guidance. This course is free, easily accessible and open to all. Find out more about how to complete it at www.essexfa.com. You can also interact with the Essex County FA on social media.

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HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS F.C We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and prosperous new year.

The games have come thick and fast. Boxing day was an entertaining 1-1 draw in our local derby against Maldon and Tiptree and then we suffered our f irst away defeat of the season 3-2 to Cambridge City, in another entertaining game. Then on New Year’s Day we went to Witham. We all got there and at 1pm it was game on, But persistant rain meant that by 2:25 it was game off, so all went home!

We also had the Christmas party, where our very own Santa and Elf met the children, asking what they wanted for Christmas and Santa presented every child with a little gift from the Club for Christmas. We hosted our NYE party, which was well attended, and all had a great time. Thank you to the bar staff who worked and once again did an amazing job.

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Many thanks to you all from your Committee

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WHO WE ARE

The DT38 Foundation has been set up in memory of Dylan James Tombides. Dylan was an Australian International and West Ham United professional football player who passed away aged 20 in April 2014 after a 3-year battle with testicular cancer. The West Ham Family thought so highly of Dylan that they retired his number 38 and made DT38 one of their principal charities.

The charity has been formed as a result of Dylan being misdiagnosed.

Our vision is to change the way testicular cancer is diagnosed by implementing best practice diagnostic guidelines for patients who present with testicular symptoms.

We also aim to arm future generations of young men with the necessary knowledge about testicular cancer that will enable them to be confident when taking health matters into their own hands.

Our mission is to raise awareness and change the stigma associated with men’s health issues with a focus on testicular cancer. We aim to do this through educational programs and opportunities for the youth of our community, to help shape a generation of children who are selfaware about their health and wellbeing.

OUR MAIN GOALS ARE TO ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

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Drive the SELF-AWARENESS campaign for 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 GOVERNING BODIES to foster a best practice mentality for the early detection of testicular cancer

The charity is based in both the United Kingdom and Australia. The charity was launched on the 28th February 2015 in the United Kingdom when West Ham United came up against Crystal 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 launched in 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 occasions and 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 common cancer in young men in Australia. There was 732 cases diagnosed in 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 Foundation believe that awareness is the key to addressing this illness. We know that our vision and mission clearly state the changes we plan to bring about in the future.

At the moment we have a small team of 4 directors and many volunteers in Perth, Western Australia. The foundation is 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.

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OUR HISTORY

We at DT38 recognise the potential impact we can have on a large scale and are proud to be part of an organization like ours. We believe that we have the correct structures and procedures in place to assist us in developing our key milestones and we look forward to continuing to spread the DT38 message with the world.

To read about our latest developments head to our news page

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grassroots magazine

EMERSON & UPMINSTER FC Chairman Paul Stringer created Emerson United Football Club in 2017, with the idea that we would welcome all players of all abilities and all backgrounds to play sport in the community, we have continued to grow in stature through London and Essex. In 2021 we included Upminster in our name and added the Upminster windmill into badge to incorporate the local community.

Paul has been involved in football throughout London and Essex for 25 years plus, receiving a long service award from the FA. Paul has been Playing and coaching various sides to many accomplishments throughout his amateur footballing career.

Paul decided to start his own football club venture with players that had played with, and against over the years. We have since 2017, continued to try and develop the club further by gaining the prestigious Football Association England Football Status to which we’re extremely happy to have achieved. The requirements necessary to achieve this status are of the highest standards and regulates the running of the club, this enables our club to evidence the efforts put in by committee members and managers.

We initially started with one adult side competing in the Mid-Essex League as well as a Sunday side competing in the London Southern Sunday league, we have quickly gained a footing within competitions throughout East London and Essex.

Since 2017, we now have the following teams: Saturday first team – Playing in the Essex Olympian League 3rd Division, Managed

by Joe Turnpenny, we play our home games at Barking Stadium, normally a 1400 KO

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Saturday A Team – Playing in the Mid-Essex 3rd Division, managed

by Elliot Kaye, the team plays its home games at Hall Lane playing fields, normally a 1400 KO

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Saturday Reserve Team – Playing in the Mid-Essex League 1st Division, managed by Charlie Massey-Reed, the team plays its home games at Hall Lane playing fields, normally a 1400 KO

Saturday Vets 1st Team – Playing in the Essex Veterans League Division 3 West, managed by Trevor Mackney, the team plays its home games at Hall Lane playing fields, normally a 1400 KO

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Saturday Vets 2nd Team – Playing in the Essex Veterans League Division 3 South, managed by Adrian Lunun, the team plays its home games at Hall Lane playing fields, normally a 1400 KO

Sunday Team – Playing in the Essex Corinthian League 7th Division, managed by Dave Mills, the team plays its home games at Hall Lane playing fields, normally a 1030 KO

Ladies Team – Playing in the Essex County Woman’s League, managed by Chloe Huckstep, the team plays its home games at Hall Lane playing fields, normally a 1400 KO

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Grounds - Hall Lane Playing Fields will always be the home of Emerson & Upminster FC, the club is affiliated to the Upminster Hall Sports Association who manage the facilities, Chairman Paul Stringer is now the Secretary of the UHSA and boasts the facilities are one of the best in Essex. However, due to the number of teams the club now has, we have had to move our first team to Barking Stadium, it’s a massive achievement for the club and are very proud of it, a big thanks Barking for their kind hospitality.

Since 2017, the club’s committee has always had the same ethos ‘Footballs for All’.

The importance football plays in people’s lives should never be underestimated, Emerson & Upminster FC will always endeavor to allow players of all ability and backgrounds to play football, the club are extremely excited about offering football to our ladies, who have excelled in the league and have surpassed all expectations.

Emerson & Upminster FC have also become the latest club to donate to Kit Aid, the following quote is from Kit Aid – “A super quality kit donation from Emerson & Upminster Football Club this week massively appreciated. A substantial donation extending the life of the kit once enjoyed down here in East London & Essex, now beginning a journey to a new part of the world, where football is loved, but participation is held back by a lack of access to kit and equipment”

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The club are also linked to two youth football clubs, Elite Colts and Upminster Park Rovers, this makes us one of the largest combined football clubs in Essex, our Sunday team is made up of Ex Elite Colts and UPR U18 players and some of the players have made the leap to Saturday football and play in various teams from 1st team to A team. We are extremely proud of our links to youth football, if gives a clear footballing pathway into adult grassroots football.

“The kit donation this week follows over 1.1 million items of kit donated since KitAid’s formation in 1998.”

“Football makes the world a better place. Your donation of kit ensures others get to enjoy a special moment too when they get to wear your colours & badge, and though many miles away they will know Emerson & Upminster Football Club, your generosity and commitment to 'spreading smiles for the love of the game.”

“Well done and thank you“ Anyone interested in playing football Please contact Club Secretary Paul Brady Tel: 07969 484402 Email:Paul.brady@emersonandupmin sterfc.org

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LoremBerry IpsumMedia dolor sit Chris "Chris Berry Media, Freelance Videographer & Editor available to hire in the. I specialise in all things nonleague, with 6 years of football media experience, and I'm looking to help promote teams at all levels! I'm based in Essex, but I am willing to travel for the right opportunity.

If you want your game filmed and a highlights package, put together afterwards, then please get in touch by emailing cberrymedia@gmail.com or text 07447 458405" https://twitter.com/messages/media/1716932374142083238

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