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JUNE 2025 ISSUE 32

This Months Content

Team Message We’ve now reached the end of another season. While some will be looking forward to a well-earned rest, others will already be counting down the days until the new season begins.

League AGMs are set to take place soon, giving fixture secretaries the time they need to plan ahead, so for many the next couple of months will be just as busy as ever. Summer tournaments are also getting underway. If your club is hosting one and you’d like it to be featured, please get in touch with us!

This issue also sees the return of our popular ‘Roll of Honour’ feature on page 31. If you have any photos of winning teams, email them to us— we’ll include as many as we can.

CSL End of Season

Page 4

Southend United

Page 6

Community Foundation Changing Lives

Page 8

Kit Aid

Page 14

Essex Olympian League

Page 20

Adult Leagues

Page 32

Youth Leagues

Page 33

Essex FA

Page 34

MATES FC

Page 41

Heybridge Swifts F C

Page 42

Enjoy the summer!

Thanks The Grassroots Team

Page 8

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Chelmsford Sunday League Sponsored by : Grassroots Magazine Chelmsford Sunday League – End of Season Review 2024/25 Premier Division

Division Two League Cup

Champions : Atletico Maldon

Winners : Hatfield Peverel

Runners Up : Beret

Runners Up : Woodham Radars Athletic

Premier League Cup

Division Three

Winners : Priory Sports

Champions : Great Baddow Reserves

Runners Up : Atletico Maldon

Runners Up : Old Chelmsfordians

Division One

Division Three League Cup

Champions : MATES

Winners : Old Chelmsfordians

Runners Up : Broomfield

Runners Up : Great Baddow Reserves

Division One League Cup

Coward Cup Final

Winners : Anchor Athletic

Winners : Beret

Runners Up : Danbury Athletic

Runners Up : Atletico Maldon

Division Two

Gillott Trophy Final

Champions : Woodham Radars Athletic

Winners : Writtle

Runners Up : Hatfield Peverel

Runners Up : The Rodings

Well done to all of our sides who have completed the season and congratulations to all the successful teams. A special thanks to all the volunteers who works so hard in support of the league and our member clubs, to our match officials without whom there would be no football, all the families who support behind the scenes and to our sponsors Grassroots Online for their backing.

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

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WEMBLEY DOUBLE Platinum Partner c2c along with Head Coach Kevin Maher, captain Nathan Ralph & Dan King (Operations Manager) paid a surprise visit to Bournes Green Junior School in Thorpe Bay on Thursday afternoon to present the girls’ Under 11s football team with a special c2c-sponsored Southend United kit which they will wear in the National League Trust final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 1 June. Bournes Green girls’ football team, who will be representing the Shrimpers, have made it through to the Wembley final having won both the National League Trust local schools’ tournament run by Southend United Community Foundation and the regional competition earlier this year. The 6-a-side final will be played against AFC Fylde (winners of the northern region) at 13:00 on Sunday 1 June at the world-famous home of football, Wembley Stadium, ahead of the National League Promotion Play-Off final between Oldham Athletic and Southend United at 15:00. Southend United Head Coach, Kevin Maher, added: “It was an absolute privilege and honour to be able to present the Bournes Green Junior School girls’ football team with their special Southend United Wembley final shirts. “To be playing on the biggest stage in world football at just 10 years old is simply incredible, and testament to the dedication of the sports staff at the school who have worked so hard to get them to the final. “Everyone at Southend United wishes the team the very best of luck, and we look forward to cheering the girls on ahead of our play-off final match with Oldham.”

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Changing Lives FC Team Feature Who are the team? Team Name: Changing Lives FC Location: Based in Harlow, Essex League: Essex Alliance League Changing Lives FC is a unique football team consisting entirely of migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees who have escaped difficult circumstances. What began as a recreational activity has evolved into a competitive squad that serves as more than just a football team – it's a social hub where young men from diverse backgrounds build friendships, support each other, and find belonging through sport, despite language barriers. My Story and Journey My name is Sanchit Singh, and I am a 32-year-old football coach and sports scientist from India. My love for football began with street football in Vadodara, Gujarat, and grew as I coached local teams after an injury ended my professional playing ambitions. I studied psychology while working at a football academy, then pursued sports science to deepen my understanding of athletic performance. My journey took me to Spain for my degree and a fellowship at a professional youth academy, before completing a master's in coaching sciences at the University of Essex. While working as a performance analyst and coach with AFC Sudbury Women's team, we made history by earning promotion to the National League. This success caught the attention of David Simmons, Director of Changing Lives Community Services, who invited me to work with Changing Lives FC. His commitment to the community inspired me, providing both purpose and challenge.

grassroots magazine How it started Changing Lives FC was founded by David Simmons, Director of Changing Lives Community Services, who recognized the power of football to bring together people from different backgrounds and provide a sense of community for those who had fled difficult circumstances. What inspired its creation: The club was born from a desire to use football as a vehicle for integration, community building, and personal development for migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees in the Harlow area. Organisation's goals and values: Our team values are respect, responsibility, discipline, and resilience. These values guide everything we do, both on and off the pitch. Key figures who shaped the journey: o o o o

David Simmons (Club Founder & Director)- Director of Changing Lives Community Services, who has consistently supported the team with resources and opportunities to grow Fethi Ahmed (Assistant Coach) - Reinforces behavior standards through regular communication about discipline expectations Julie Griffiths (Kit Manager and Minibus Driver)- Ensures safe travel to matches and keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Ronni Harrison (Finance Manager) - Ensures players have the resources they need while going above and beyond in times of need Liubov Liushnenko (Sports Coach) - Networking skills and scouting efforts have helped us find top talent

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How it's going Recent seasons summary: In previous seasons, the club faced significant challenges with injury problems and many players moving on, which resulted in a mid-table finish. We also experienced the disappointment of losing in the cup final last season. Additionally, we struggled with players losing control of their emotions. However, our consistent focus has been on developing positive behavior within the club. This has been our driving motive, and we have improved constantly over the years, recognizing that building the right foundation with our values would eventually lead to success. 2024-25 Season - A Historic Achievement: The transformation paid off spectacularly in the 2024-25 season. The team finished second in the league, just one point below the winners, which secured our promotion to Division 2 of the Essex Alliance League. But the crowning achievement came when we lifted our first-ever silverware by beating the league winners in the cup final at Dagenham & Redbridge Stadium – a victory that demonstrated how our focus on positive behaviour and team unity had transformed the club. Current progress: We've successfully implemented a comprehensive behaviour management system that focuses on the important distinction between emotions and actions. We help players understand that while emotions from taunts or negative experiences are valid, responding with misconduct is not acceptable. Special mentions: Leadership and Behaviour:

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Alan Valle (Vice-Captain) - Deserves recognition for his calm approach in helping teammates regain focus and maintain proper conduct when tensions rise

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Jordan Moore - Sets an exemplary standard of behavior that helps newcomers understand integration and proper conduct

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Outstanding Performers 2024-25:

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Fuad Agoro - Our prolific goalscorer led from the front with an exceptional 31 goals and 5 assists, proving to be the focal point of our attacking play

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Andrew Ohene-Poku - A creative force contributing 9 goals and an impressive 14 assists, showcasing his vision and ability to unlock defences

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Ussri Badawi (Club Captain) - Led by example both on and off the pitch with 10 goals and 6 assists, demonstrating true leadership while stepping up when needed and taking on extra responsibilities, even when injured

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Ali Abazar - The ultimate team player who consistently puts the team first, contributing 12 assists and 1 goal while taking responsibility in all situations - his selfless play exemplifies our team values

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Ismail Aziz - Delivered consistent performances throughout the season with 9 goals and 9 assists, showcasing his versatility and contribution to both creating and finishing chances

Our behaviour management approach includes: •

Training players to handle difficult situations with clear guidelines

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Assigning leadership roles to guide others through tough moments

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Teaching players to have conversations with team leaders when feeling angry

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Only allowing the captain to speak to referees, and doing so respectfully

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Encouraging players to ignore provocations and smile

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Using the bench as a reflection space when emotions run high

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Immediately recognizing and praising good behavior

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Rewarding positive conduct with increased playing time

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Intentionally making poor refereeing calls during practice to teach appropriate responses

Team Code of Conduct Our players and coaches follow these simple principles:

What's next

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Greet everyone – A simple hello builds strong team spirit

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Shake hands with opponents and officials – Show respect, no matter the result

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Take care of the environment – Clean up after matches and tidy changing rooms

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Respect referee decisions – Accept calls and keep playing, even unfavourable ones

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Be on time – Arrive as instructed, inform manager if late

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Promoting Positive Behaviour

Future ambitions: We aim to continue developing players who lack access to top facilities and coaching, while maintaining our focus on using football as a tool for community integration and personal development. Community projects: We plan to expand our positive behaviour initiatives and continue serving as a model for how football can unite people from diverse backgrounds who have faced adversity. Development goals: Our focus remains on building a respectful, disciplined, and united team that demonstrates how sport can transform lives and create belonging for those who need it most. Quote: "At our club, we lay the foundation with values - respect, resilience, responsibility and discipline combined with unity can help us overcome any obstacle on and off the pitch. That is what we have been trying to develop and finally we can see it in our results. What makes this club special is seeing people from diverse backgrounds who have faced adversity come together through their shared passion for football." - Sanchit Singh, Manager and Head Coach

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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 total had by the end of May reached nearly 1,160,000. Reaching the grand total of 1,200,000 by year end is a very real possibility. The season maybe over for many, but we are all now anticipating the opportunities ahead in our preparations for a new season. In that opportunities may also arise for kit donations of your old kit, having first secured the arrival of any new kit for the new season. If you find your Club in that position with unwanted kit, then give it an extended life with others spreading smiles for the love of the game.

Your donation of kit can make a huge impact in some of the poorest and some of the most troubled parts of the world. The projects with whom we work are committed 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, be they orphans, street children or women facing abuse. It is why we say of our work, "It's more than just a shirt ...

Super kit donations have in last month come in from Bungay Town FC, Essex County FA and the former Supreme Soccer FC down in Benfleet.

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Kit Donations

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Valley Green YFC Kit Donation

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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 Laughter Africa. Laughter Africa works with street children in Sierra Leone where ill health, abuse and even death is faced daily on the streets. The charity is committed to lift up the children out of this horror. They work for positive change in the children's lives and help each child fulfil their aspirations. Over 8 years they have worked with over 5,000 street children. To see more on the charity's work, please visit https://laughterafrica.org.uk/ The charity provides a mobile centre providing food, medicine and different activities so that children have a safe place to attend. They also provide an Interim Care Centre (ICC). The ICC is a place where children can live safely and be provided with food, clothing, health care, education, counselling, skills training and activities such as dance, yoga and music lessons. A Family Tracing and reunification service is also provided, and if families can be found the project will pay school fees or help with vocational training for the children. The charity also do campaign and advocacy work. Their advocacy work has included sexual violence support workshops across different communities, as well as launching a survivor support hotline. They have also appointed and trained community advocates who live in the communities they support offering children a safe place to go. Children end up on the streets for all sorts of reasons and the charity's work can be tough and harrowing. However, the impact of their work on those with whom they get involved is immense, with countless stories of hope and success:

• A child having had five years on the streets was provided with support, including the fee paid for a welding course, and they went on to set up and run their own welding business;

• A during the ebola crisis a child who lost his mother, ended up on the streets and on reunifciation with his family his school fees where paid, from where he went onto University to train as a Social Worker

• A child cast to the streets because of his disability, with no wheelchair had to get around on his hands and knees and was trying

to teach himself on the streets, but the charity came to provide a safe foster family for him and paid his fees for an education and with his outstanding success now at school he aspires to go into the legal profession

• A child ended up on the street following a bust up with a family member over her wanting to play football (the belief being only boys should play football), but on managing to reunite her with her family the charity provided support for her education, and she made it to University, and plays in the country's women's Premier League

KitAid is proud to play a small part in channelling your generous kit donations to such projects as well as a modest amount of funding. Laughter Africa say that sport is a very important to the street children and that it is a brilliant way of building up trust between the young people and the social workers. They may only have an uneven, stony and sandy pitch to play on, but the charity say their football "is great fun and as competitive as any Wembley Final." Sport brings out the lessons of working as a team and building team spirit, playing by the rules, learning how to win & lose well, respecting your opponent and providing fun and better health for all levels of ability. For the young woman now in the Women's Premier League, she says of her experience: "Football is my dream and my passion. Its who I am." Contact Details Laughter Africa Registered Charity Number: 1154712 Contact: James Tyrrell (Founder and chairperson of Trustees) Postal address in Sierra Leone: Laughter Africa, P.O. Box 882, Gloucester Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone. Contact Address in the UK: Laughter Africa, 124 Princes Boulevard, Bebington, Wirral, CH63 5LP. Email: info@laughterafrica.org.uk Phone number in the UK: 0151 645 7322 WhatsApp number: +232 88325224 Website address: www.laughterafrica.org.uk Facebook address: facebook.com/laughterafrica

Laughter Africa's work encapsulates why our motto is so powerful and such a great motivation for all our KitAid Volunteers, for "It's more than just a shirt ... "

Emerson & Upminster kit

How you can help here in Essex in 2025 If you can please look to:

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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

At this time, we most urgently need volunteers for our Boxing Up sessions held every few months in Hatfield, Hertfordshire - next one is scheduled for Saturday, 14th June.

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Grassroots Grassroots Football in Iceland: A Small Nation's Big Impact Despite its modest population of just over 375,000, Iceland has made an outsized mark on the world football stage. Much of this success can be traced back to its deeply rooted and well-structured grassroots football system. The rise of Icelandic football, exemplified by the men’s national team's stunning run to the Euro 2016 quarter-finals and World Cup 2018 qualification, didn’t happen overnight—it was the result of decades of investment in youth development, community engagement, and strategic planning.

Building the Foundation The transformation of Icelandic football began in the early 2000s, when the Icelandic Football Association (KSÍ) and local municipalities recognized the need for better facilities and structured youth programs. A major hurdle was the harsh Arctic climate, which made year-round outdoor training almost impossible. The solution was the construction of indoor football halls and heated artificial pitches, allowing children to train and play regardless of weather conditions. These state-of-the-art facilities were not limited to elite players. Instead, they were intentionally designed to be accessible to everyone, forming the bedrock of grassroots development. As a result, children across the country could develop their skills consistently from a young age.

Coaching Excellence Another cornerstone of Iceland’s grassroots success is its commitment to coaching education. Iceland has one of the highest per capita numbers of UEFA-licensed coaches in the world. Nearly all youth coaches hold UEFA B licenses, and many have gone further. This emphasis on quality coaching ensures that even the youngest players receive high-level instruction grounded in modern football methodology. The KSÍ also promotes a philosophy of inclusion and enjoyment at the grassroots level. The goal is not merely to produce professional players but to cultivate a love for the game among all participants. Boys and girls are encouraged to play, and there is a strong emphasis on participation, teamwork, and character development.

Football in Iceland is deeply woven into the fabric of local communities. Nearly every town, no matter how small, has a club that serves as a hub for social and athletic activity. Parents often volunteer as coaches, organiszers, or support staff, fostering a sense of collective ownership and pride. This community-driven model creates a positive and nurturing environment for young players. It also helps sustain a pipeline of talent, as clubs remain deeply invested in the long-term development of their youth.

The Results Speak for Themselves The fruits of Iceland’s grassroots system have become increasingly visible. Not only has the country produced top-tier professionals who play in leagues across Europe, but it has also built national teams capable of competing with traditional powerhouses. Importantly, this success has inspired a new generation of Icelandic youth. Participation rates remain high, and young players grow up believing that they too can represent their country on the international stage.

Challenges and the Future Despite the progress, grassroots football in Iceland faces challenges. The small population means a limited talent pool, and maintaining infrastructure requires continued investment. Additionally, as Iceland’s players become more attractive to international clubs, there's a need to balance early overseas moves with longterm development.

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Community and Culture

Still, the country remains committed to its grassroots ethos. By continuing to prioritize coaching, facilities, and community engagement, Iceland is wellpositioned to sustain its footballing momentum.

Conclusion Iceland’s grassroots football system is a shining example of what thoughtful planning, inclusive values, and community spirit can achieve. It proves that success in football isn’t solely about size or money—it's about creating an environment where young people can thrive. For nations looking to grow the game from the ground up, Iceland’s model offers valuable lessons in how to turn small beginnings into great achievements.

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ESSEX OLYMPIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE End-of-Season League Report – May 2025 Premier Division

Champions: Old Chelmsfordians Runners-up: Old Southendian Old Chelmsfordians sealed the title in style, hammering Leigh Ramblers 6-1 to confirm their dominance. ACD United made headlines with a 4-5 thriller against Hashtag United Development but couldn't mount a sustained challenge. Catholic United finished strong with a 4-0 win over Toby. Key Results: • ACD United 4-5 Hashtag United Development (07/05) • Leigh Ramblers 1-6 Old Chelmsfordians (03/05) • Toby 0-4 Catholic United (17/05)

Division 1

Champions: Corinthians Runners-up: Harold Hill Corinthians impressed with a run of clinical performances, finishing top with strong wins including a 5-0 victory over Beacon Hill Rovers. Harold Hill clinched second place despite late-season struggles, narrowly edging Herongate Athletic and Canning Town. Notable Matches: • Corinthians 5-0 Beacon Hill Rovers (03/05) • Harold Hill 0-0 Herongate Athletic (10/05) • Herongate Athletic 3-1 Corinthians (24/05)

Division 2

Champions: Rayleigh Town Reserves Runners-up: Hutton Reserves Rayleigh Town Reserves secured the title with consistent results, including emphatic victories over Leigh Town and Leigh Ramblers Reserves. Hutton Reserves earned second with a decisive 6-0 win over Old Southendian Reserves. Highlights: • Pitsea Athletic 5-2 Rayleigh Town Reserves (24/05) • Hutton Reserves 6-0 Old Southendian Reserves (24/05) • Rayleigh Town Reserves 5-1 Leigh Ramblers Reserves (27/05)

________________________________________ Division 3

Runners-up: Hullbridge Sports A Rawreth Lane were crowned champions after a steady campaign, including a solid 2-0 win at Manford Way Reserves. Hullbridge Sports A earned runnerup with consistent performances. AS Rawreth fell short after a mixed set of results. Standout Games: • AS Rawreth 2-3 Hullbridge Sports A (03/05) • Toby Reserves 2-1 Rawreth Lane (14/05) • Springfield Reserves 4-2 Manford Way Reserves (17/05)

Division 4 North West

Champions: Broomfield Runners-up: Hannakins Farm Broomfield stormed to the top with high-scoring performances, including a 62 win over Leytonstone United. Despite no results listed for Hannakins Farm, they secured second place. Key Fixtures: • Broomfield 6-2 Leytonstone United (10/05) • Sungate Reserves 4-3 Hutton A (17/05)

Division 4 South East

Champions: South Essex United Runners-up: BKS Sports Reserves South Essex United dominated the division, winning six straight matches and scoring freely, including a 7-0 demolition of Wakering Sports A. BKS Sports Reserves edged into second after a 3-0 win on the final day. Top Matches: • South Essex United 7-0 Wakering Sports A (17/05 • BKS Sports Reserves 3-0 Southend Collegians (31/05) • South Essex United 5-2 Ashingdon (31/05)

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Champions: Rawreth Lane

Division 5

Champions: ATF Southend Runners-up: South Essex United Reserves ATF Southend were in a league of their own, scoring a staggering 29 goals across four games, including back-to-back 9-goal victories. South Essex United Reserves took second with consistent wins over Leigh Ramblers A and Wickford Wolves. Goal-Filled Games: • ATF Southend 9-2 South Essex United Reserves (03/05) • Ashingdon Reserves 1-9 ATF Southend (10/05) • Leigh Ramblers A 0-6 ATF Southend (21/05) May 2025 delivered an action-packed end to the season, filled with goals, drama, and standout performances across all divisions. Congratulations to all champions and runners-up for their achievements. As preparations begin for the next campaign, several teams will look to carry their momentum forward, while others regroup to challenge again.

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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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CLICK HERE To Read the full Article

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THIS SEASONS ESSEX COUNTY CUP RESULTS 24/25

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LOCAL ADULT

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ESSEX FA GALLEYWOOD FC SET SUSTAINABILITY EXAMPLE WITH CARBON FOOTPRINT PROJECT Grassroots Club in Chelmsford Take Action on Their Environmental Impact Grassroots football continues to make a difference beyond the pitch, and Galleywood Football and Cricket Club are proving just that through their commitment to a greener future. In partnership with project lead Josh Felton, the club have launched a two-year environmental initiative aimed at reducing their carbon footprint. Already taking proactive steps, such as improving waste management, increasing recycling efforts and reducing landfill output, Galleywood FC are setting an impressive example when it comes to sustainable football practices. “Galleywood Football and Cricket Club are making a conscious decision to try to reduce the club’s carbon footprint with a two-year plan to address issues including recycling,” said Carrie Barfoot, Essex County FA Facilities & Investment Officer. “The club are a great example of how we can all be more aware of the environmental impact we are having, how we can all make small changes and how to protect our environment for the future.” Galleywood are addressing an important issue as the club hope to inspire others in the grassroots community by sharing practical steps and ideas throughout their journey. Whilst early in its rollout, the initiative is already drawing attention for its potential to spark wider environmental awareness across Essex football.

Further information and updates will be shared as the project continues, with a spotlight on Galleywood FC’s sustainable journey and the positive impact it’s making on both sport and society. You can get involved, too! Are your club interested in reducing their environmental impact? Let the Essex County FA know via www.essexfa.com so they can help to share your story!

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ESSEX FA ESSEX CELEBRATES FA WALKING FOOTBALL WEEK Participants Enjoy Playing in Billericay and Romford Events took place in Billericay and Romford to support The FA’s ‘Walking Football Week’ campaign from Monday 28th April to Saturday 3rd May, showcasing various elements of the growing format of the game. An Essex Walking Football League event took place at Billericay Town FC, while a Women’s Just Play also continued to run, which is does every Monday evening at Powerleague Romford. The Just Play programme provides funding, equipment and support to organise recreational football sessions around the county through an easy-to-use online platform. Essex County FA Football Development Officer, Jake Fairman, explained: “Walking Football Week was important because it generated interest in this year’s Walking Football Cup as well as spreading the word about creating a team or recreational session locally. Walking Football is a format of the game which continues to grow in Essex. We have two leagues - one for men and another for women - which have over 90 teams participating between them.” You can get involved in Walking Football by contacting your local Football Development Officer via www.essexfa.com, which is the place to book a team into the Walking Football Cup. You can also interact with the Essex County FA on social media.

Saturday 12th July: Female 40+, Chelmer Valley High School, Court Road, Chelmsford, CM1 7ER Saturday 2nd August: Mixed 50+, Billericay Town FC, Blunts Wall Road, Billericay, CM12 9SA Tuesday 5th August: Mixed 60+, Billericay Town FC, Blunts Wall Road, Billericay, CM12 9SA

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Walking Football Cup

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ESSEX FA LEIGH RAMBLERS USE NEW ‘ESTIMATOR’ TO DISCOVER SOCIAL VALUE Grassroots Club’s Value to Their Local Community Totals £2,726,600 Leigh Ramblers FC are one of the first grassroots football clubs to have engaged with the Essex County FA’s brand-new, cutting edge ‘Social Value Estimator’, which has indicated that the club’s social value to their local community equates to £2,726,600 per year. The County FA, alongside respected consultants, State of Life, recently launched the estimator, which enables clubs to quickly obtain a figure representing their social impact. Ramblers are a thriving, three-star England Football Accredited community club who have over 900 registered players, with full male and female playing pathways. The report demonstrates that Leigh Ramblers are not just a football club, they’re building a community as key contributors. Richard Ackery, Club Secretary, spoke very positively of the report’s potential: “As a club, we feel that we have a great impact on the local community, providing football for players from all walks of life, mixed abilities and a vast variety of age groups.” “We attempt to be more than just a football club, helping our members to develop as people, not just as footballers, through our longstanding, unofficial “Friendship Through Football” motto. These are things that we feel day-to-day, as we drive around town at the weekend, seeing the masses of blue and black shirts on the fields.” “But the social value report helps provide us with really tangible statistics to support that feeling, and to help show some of the things that go unnoticed by so many, such as the wellbeing benefits and volunteer time investment. The report will be extremely helpful when seeking funding from grants or sponsors, with funders really able to see the type of club they are supporting.”

The estimator then produces a report highlighting annual social, health and economic benefits. All draft reports are verified by the County FA so they can be utilised to articulate the value a club provides to its local community, supporting funding applications and updating stakeholders and local authorities. The new 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

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. 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.”

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Ramblers utilised the newly-developed and innovative estimator, accessible via www.essexfa.com, which produces automated reports to highlight and quantify volunteer-run football clubs’ 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.

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The County FA have been providing affiliated clubs with bespoke club reports for a number of seasons to help them to develop and grow, which utilised ‘Hidden Diamonds’ research to show the value of the club volunteers’ time. This new estimator elevates the club’s value to a new level. Using their expertise and experience in sport and Treasury economics, State of Life automated a lot of the analysis within the model. Reports are transparent about the values and how these are estimated, ensuring they’re open and credible. Putting this tool in the hands of grassroots clubs means they can now talk to the councils who might run their grounds and facilities. They can also talk to sponsors about the value they create to society. Essex’s thriving grassroots clubs are at the heart of their local communities, and the estimator provides a platform accessible to every club. Whether they have a single-team, or they’re a club with a 60+ teams, the reports show the value and impact they have locally. 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.

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HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS F.C RESERVES TAKE THE GLORY Congratulations to our Triple winning Reserves By winning the ESL South Cup, Ingilby U18’s Cup, just weeks after winning the league!

Well done to everyone involved!

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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 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

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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