GrassRoots Magazine Nov 24 Issue 25

NOVEMBER 2024 ISSUE 25

This Months Content

Team Message We are proud to announce that we have added Vinnie Bowman to our growing list of Sponsors. Vinnie is a new signing at Heybridge Swifts & is hoping to establish himself in the 1st team Managed by West Ham Legend Julian Dicks.

We are still on the look out for Clubs that want to feature in the coming editions contact us on the details below for more information. Please click the links for all our social media accounts, you can support us by following us & passing on our details to anyone who may be interested in the beautiful game in Essex.

Chelmsford Sunday League

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Kick it Out

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Lionesses

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Harwich and Parkeston FC

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Kit Aid

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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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Beer Lanyard FC

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Don’t forget to check out our Club incentive offer on page 18 a great way of earning funds for your Club & supporting our work at Grassroots Magazine, Missed a previous edition? All issues are on our website grassrootsmag@btinternet.com

Thanks, The Grassroots Team

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Sponsored by : Grassroots Magazine

Firstly, we must send all good wishes to Priory Sports who take on Moreton Hall Ferals FC from the Bury and District Sunday League next Sunday November 10th in the National Sunday FA Cup; Priory once again carrying the league’s colours with distinction.

Our league has a proud record in the Essex County Cups, and we have good representation again this year with 4 teams competing in round 3 of the Sunday Premier Cup, 5 in round 2 of the Junior Cup and 8 in round 2 of the Junior Trophy. We wish all our teams well and will watch their progress with interest.

The league’s various internal cup competitions are all underway with teams having an eye on the finals to be played once again at Heybridge Swifts. In league action most divisions appear to be very competitive this season, even in Division 3 apart from Old Chelmsfordians who are one of 2 sides to have a 100% league record at this stage of the campaign. All three new sides in this division; Old Chelmsfordians, Maldon & Tiptree Athletic and Great Baddow Reserve appear to have the right quality to succeed at a higher level.

In Division 2 once again it is 3 sides pulling clear with Woodham Radars Athletic, Draco and Hatfield Peverel looking the clear leaders but only Melbourne United, still to win a game, cut adrift at the bottom. With an impressive 22 goals scored to date, Steven Welsh is the master marksman for Woodham.

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Chelmsford Sunday League

No easy games in division 1 so far this campaign, with most sides capable of beating each other. Ramsden Scotia sit top of the pile but Broomfield with maximum points from 5 games so far sit poised just behind. From my observations so far it could be a clash of the keepers with MATES and Broomfield both fielding outstanding goalies which will certainly help their cause.

Atletico Maldon continue to top the premier division pile and are unbeaten, but 2 draws from 7 games so far will give hope to the chasing pack of whom Eagle and Hind are the nearest, with FFB and Beret not far behind. Beret’s Tyler Tredgett leads the scoring charts so far and it is refreshing to see these new sides at this level proving that they are more than capable of competing. Priory Sports are not often found as low as 5th in recent years but with games in hand on teams above they can certainly put themselves well into the mix. With only one draw to show for their endeavours, Redstones are bottom of the table but one win will surely kick start their season.

On the 17th November Beret v FFB and Priory Sports v Atletico Maldon are likely to be clashes that will surely help in defining the future campaign.

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

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Kick It Out has today launched a campaign to combat sexism and misogyny in football, with new research commissioned by the charity showing that over half (52%) of women fans have experienced sexist behaviour or language on matchdays.

The vast majority (85%) of 1,502 women and non-binary fans surveyed by the anti-discrimination charity also said they had never reported sexist or misogynistic abuse, with many saying it was because they didn’t think it would be taken seriously or make a difference.

Although 77% of women said they felt safe when attending matches, almost one in four said they felt unsafe at games. The research overwhelmingly found that underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, LGBTQ and disabled fans, as well as younger supporters, were more likely to feel unsafe on matchdays and experience sexism in a football setting.

The campaign, supported by Sky Sports, Her Game Too and White Ribbon, will focus on challenging and reporting sexism following a marked increase in reports of sexism and misogyny to Kick It Out over the last two seasons.

The study, which surveyed regular match-going fans, found that 42% had experienced sexist behaviour, including being questioned on their knowledge of the rules, wolf-whistling, and constant badgering or harassment. Worryingly, some fans surveyed also reported experiencing inappropriate touching, physical violence and sexual assault on a matchday.

Six in ten (60%) of women had heard sexist behaviour dismissed as banter.

Furthermore, almost half (48%) of women had witnessed or experienced sexist language in a football setting, such as in the stands, on public transport on the way to a match, or at a drinking/eating establishment. Of those who had experienced or witnessed sexist language, 53% had been told they should be elsewhere (e.g. “get back in the kitchen), 46% had received lewd requests and 27% had heard sexually aggressive language.

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Kick It Out’s campaign aims to raise awareness of sexism and misogyny, challenge sexist behaviour, encourage women to report sexism and call on football to take reports more seriously. .

Encouragingly, the research showed that fans have noticed a positive shift in their experience at matchdays over the years, with four in 10 stating that their experience has improved over time, and many found going to football a joyful experience But four in 10 (43%) also stated that stadiums aren’t providing facilities that would enable a fully inclusive experience for fans, such as access to sanitary facilities, female staff in stadiums and limited or no access to female or relevant size options in the club shop.

The study also underlined the importance of football clubs and authorities acting on reports of sexism with many women saying they would not feel safe calling it out.

Most women who had reported sexism and were satisfied with the outcome said it was because the perpetrator was punished for their actions. Similarly, most women who were unsatisfied with the outcome of reporting sexism said it was because no action was taken, underlining the importance of reporting leading to positive outcomes.

Hollie Varney, Kick It Out COO, said: “Football needs to step up to ensure sexism is taken seriously and that women feel safe and confident to report discrimination.

“We’ve seen reports of sexism to Kick It Out increase significantly in recent seasons. Reports include women telling us about hearing sexist and lewd chants at matches, having their opinions dismissed or questioned simply because of their gender, and seeing officials and physios targeted with misogynistic abuse.

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A new video has also been unveiled as part of the campaign outlining some of the behaviours identified in the research and showing how absurd they would seem if a male fan experienced them

“As part of this campaign, we want to show male fans how they can challenge sexist behaviour when they see it and ensure women fans know that sexist and misogynistic behaviour is discrimination and can be reported.

“There have been encouraging examples over the past couple of seasons where clubs have taken positive and decisive action to deal with sexist behaviour, such as bans, arrests, and referrals to Kick It Out’s Fan Education team. But it’s clear from the research that clubs and governing bodies need to do more to build trust with women supporters.”

Download full report here: Sexism and Misogyny Report 2024 Her Game Too is a movement run by female football fans, dedicated to supporting women affected by sexism in football and increasing female attendance at stadiums. With a rapidly growing network of club-based ambassadors across the UK and overseas, they offer one-to-one support on a club-by-club basis, either in person or over the phone. Their mission is to create a more inclusive and safer environment for women in football. To learn more or get involved, visit www.hergametoo.co.uk and follow them on X and Instagram: @hergametoo White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls. For more information, please visit the website www.whiteribbon.org.uk

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Following the Broomfield Lionesses: Grassroots Magazine's Exclusive Monthly Insights Another Unforgettable Month for The Broomfield Lionesses The Broomfield Lionesses are charging forward with a season full of grit, growth, and goals! This month saw the girls notch a win, a loss, and a draw, facing off against some very seasoned teams. The Lionesses have demonstrated incredible heart, skill, and sportsmanship throughout every match, with each player contributing something special to the field. It’s truly remarkable to see them perform with such focus and resilience, especially in their first year of league play.

Building Skill, Strength, and Team Spirit In training, the girls have been putting in the work on spatial awareness and passing—two essentials for building a cohesive, strategic game. The progress has been fantastic to watch. With a bit of extra effort, their skill level has visibly soared, and the camaraderie has grown just as much. But perhaps the best part? They’re having an absolute blast doing it. These Lionesses know how to balance serious practice with plenty of laughter and fun.

We can’t lose sight of the fact that this is their debut season in league football. Yet, there are moments when they display such maturity and flair on the pitch that we almost forget they’re just starting out.

When one of them sends a shot curling into the top corner or pulls off a beautiful bit of skill, it’s hard not to get carried away with pride. It’s a thrilling reminder of what this young team is capable of, even this early in their journey.

The coaches have taken an approach to give each player some time in different positions on the pitch.

This has been a hit with the girls, who are eager to learn and adapt to new roles each week. It’s helping them understand the game holistically and bringing a fresh perspective to their personal growth on the field. We’ve also introduced a bit more fitness work into training, and it’s making a noticeable difference. In one match, the Lionesses were 2-0 down at halftime but surged back in the second half, looking stronger, faster, and more determined than ever. The result? A 2-2 comeback that had the whole team—and the sidelines—buzzing. The girls showed incredible tenacity, pulling together to finish strong and nearly claiming victory.

Match Highlights: Grit, Glory, and Growing Together

Each game this month has been a story of growth and triumph, even in the face of seasoned opponents.

In one particularly hard-fought match, the Lionesses emerged with a thrilling 1-0 win. They held their own against a well-coached, skillful side, creating chance after chance and demonstrating some fantastic passing and teamwork. The goalkeeper had a few standout saves that helped preserve the victory, capping off a memorable game with a hard-earned win.

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The following match, a 3-1 loss, might have looked like a setback on paper, but it was far from it. Up against a team that’s been together for three seasons and included three academy players, the Lionesses held a 1-0 lead at halftime. With a bit more luck, it could have been 3-0, as they struck the post twice and forced some outstanding saves from the opposing keeper. While they didn’t get the final result they hoped for, the Lionesses played some of their best football to date, showcasing their potential and setting the bar even higher for future games.

As we move closer to the season’s midpoint, there’s a sense of excitement and ambition in the air. The team has been gaining experience, and their confidence is growing with each game. The upcoming fixtures before Christmas offer a real chance for the Lionesses to make their mark in the top half of the table. It’s exactly what we envisioned after their hard work in training last season, and it’s rewarding to see them embrace the competitive rhythm of regular matches.

As coaches, one of the things we’re especially proud of is our tailored training sessions. Each week, we focus on specific areas for each player to ensure they’re growing at their own pace. For some of our players, this is their first season ever playing football, so we’ve carefully designed sessions to keep things straightforward but effective. The improvement has been inspiring, and many of the newer players are catching on even quicker than we anticipated.

Players of the Week This month, we’re thrilled to recognize our Players of the Week, whose performances stood out on the pitch: •

Ava and Darcey

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Thanu and Abigail

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Poppy and Ruby

Congratulations to each of them! Their dedication and spirit have been key to the team’s continued growth and success.

Upcoming Matches and Exciting Events We’ve got some thrilling matchups ahead, including a league cup game where we’re optimistic about progressing to the next round. It’ll be a new experience for the girls, and we’re confident they’ll rise to the challenge. There’s also a county cup match in the coming weeks, giving the Lionesses a fantastic chance to face off against some of the top teams in the area.

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Eyes on the Prize

The regular management meetings have been instrumental in keeping the team’s goals on track, and we’re looking forward to inviting parents to our upcoming gathering. A relaxed evening of drinks and conversation will give everyone a chance to share ideas and feedback as we continue building this amazing team together.

And as a special holiday treat, we’ve arranged a fun day at Ninja Warrior for the girls this Christmas. It’ll be a great way for them to let loose, bond even more, and enjoy some well-deserved time off the field.

Thank You for Being Part of Our Journey To our fans, families, and supporters—thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Your encouragement means the world to us and fuels these girls to be the best they can be. From cheering on the sidelines to volunteering as line judges, you are all a vital part of the Lionesses’ team.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to push forward, face new challenges, and celebrate every goal, every win, and every learning moment. Here’s to another great month and the bright future ahead!

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Harwich and Parkeston FC Wembley and Beyond Like most clubs, Harwich and Parkeston had to rebuild after the Second World War, both on and off the pitch.

The Shrimpers’ Royal Oak ground had been used by the Army and was in a sorry state by the time peace had been declared.

Things were soon put right as football resumed for the 1946/47 season and two years later the current grandstand was built and opened by then FA secretary Stanley Rous.

The most famous day in club history arrived in April 1953 – a trip to Wembley for the FA Amateur Cup final in front of a non-league record crowd of 100,000. After winning six ties to reach Wembley, including a stunning 4-3 upset of Leytonstone in the quarter-finals, the big day sadly brought a 6-0 defeat to Pegasus, a team made up of Oxford and Cambridge University players of the past and present.

The final appearance earned Harwich a third shot at the FA Cup first round, the first two having come in the 1930s. This time the Shrimpers received a home draw but blew a two-goal lead in losing 3-2 to Headington (now Oxford) United.

At the start of the 1960s, there were two more appearances in the FA Cup ‘proper’. In 1961, a trip to Torquay United ended in a 5-1 defeat, while two years later a visit to Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park brought an 8-2 drubbing.

Harwich’s long membership of the Eastern Counties League ended in 1964 when the club moved into the Athenian League and there was immediate success with the Division Two title captured in 1964/65 under manager Eric Armstrong, father of current club chairman Tony.

It remains the last time the first team won a league.

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There was also another Amateur Cup run, this one ending at the quarter-final stage as Whitby won a replay 3-2 after a goalless draw on the Oak.

Floodlights were added to the Oak in 1968, switched on by England World Cup winner Geoff Hurst as West Ham visited the ground for a celebratory friendly.

The club switched to the Isthmian League in 1973 and enjoyed some memorable days during their decade as members.

In 1975/76, Harwich had their best-ever run in the FA Trophy, beating Stowmarket, Great Yarmouth, Aveley, Barnet, Stourbridge and a Weymouth team including former England international Jeff Astle, before losing to Bedford in the last 16.

The following season saw the club’s sixth and most recent appearance in the FA Cup first round. Many felt the hard work had been done when Enfield were held to a 0-0 draw on their own patch but three days later the non-league giants won 3-0 on the Oak. Harwich narrowly missed out on promotion to the top tier of the Isthmian League that season, a third-placed finish being regarded as their highest-ever in the non-league pyramid.

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Promotion to the Premier Division was achieved the following season as the club competed well with teams across south-east England.

The early 80s saw a decline in fortunes with relegation to the Athenian League for one season before that was disbanded and so the Shrimpers returned, after a 20-year absence, to the ECL.

Next time: Back from the brink!

Harwich Parkeston Women | Harwich

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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 lack of access to resources.

Massive - 1.1m Items now shared worldwide Over 1.1m items of kit & equipment have been donated from across the UK to poorer communities around the world.

Kit & equipment donations over the years 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 ... "

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Essex Clubs have made their own tremendous contribution to the KitAid cause over the years: from Broomfield to Wivenhoe Town, from Colchester United to Leyton Orient. Clubs have also gone the extra mile promoting KitAid: advertising at their ground (Runwell Sports and Bowers & Pitsea); organised a Charity Football match (Runwell Sports - raising £545); provided for features in match day programmes (Heybridge Swifts, Maldon & Tiptree and Wivenhoe Town) and last year, during KitAid's 25th Anniversary, 25 Clubs supported the Great KitAid Road Trip helping raise over £600.

Amongst local Club kit donations in recent weeks there have been substantial and quality kit donations from Ashingdon FC and from the former East Thurrock United FC Lions team, and a multi-sports kit donation from Team Anglia Ruskin University (Cambridge, Chelmsford, London, Peterborough, Writtle):

Ashingdon FC

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Essex caring to share

Team Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)

Crofton, ARU Clubs & Performance Sport Manager

Former East Thurrock United FC - Lions

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USA

Launched just a few weeks ago, KitAid USA has begun its work in Wisconsin before it plans to expand to other States. You can follow KitAid USA on 'X' @kitaidusa or on Instagram @KitAid_USA. Kit & equipment is already being collected and a first delivery of that kit shared with communities in Thailand.

How you can help here in Essex 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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USA

Appeal for Your Help - Kit Collectors, Storage & Transport 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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CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR PAPERBACK COPY TODAY FOR JUST £9.99

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Fundraiser by David Neill : Help Dave Beat His Cancer (gofundme.com)

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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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LOCAL ADULT

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LEAGUES Logo

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Logo Essex and Suffolk Border Football League Logo

BNESL

Southend and Basildon Sunday Football League

Essex Alliance Football League - Crest

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WOMEN'S FOOTBALL EAST Essex County Women's Football League - Home | Facebook

Weston Homes North West Essex League Essex Sunday Corinthian Football League - Crest

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Offical Thurrock Association Sunday League (@ThurrockASL) / Twitter

CLICK THE BADGE TO VISIT LEAGUE AND VIEW THE LATEST NEWS AND RESULTS.

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LEAGUES

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The logo for the Colchester and District Youth Football League

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CLICK THE BADGE TO VISIT LEAGUE AND VIEW THE LATEST NEWS AND RESULTS.

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Lorem Ipsum dolor sit LOCAL YOUTH

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ESSEX FA ESSEX COUNTY FA LAUNCH #MOVINGFORWARD 2028 STRATEGY Creating a United #EssexFootball Environment For All

“Creating a united #EssexFootball environment that tackles inequalities, delivers inspirational football opportunities and improves health For All” is the strategic goal of the Essex County FA for the next four years and beyond, as emphasised in the brand-new #MovingForward 2028 Strategy, which was launched on Monday 28th October.

A refreshed collaboration with clubs, leagues, players, parents, referees, coaches and welfare officers has been published. As the governing body for football in Essex, the County FA have reflected on the many achievements from the previous strategy period and set a new range of ambitious targets for the development of the local game.

It includes a statistical analysis of the #MovingForward 2021-2024 Strategy and a snapshot of where Essex football had progressed to by the end of June 2024. The document also features individual strategies for Football Development, Safeguarding & Welfare, Refereeing, Football Services and Marketing & Communications, as well as an overarching purpose for 2028.

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Utilising this, and The FA’s data, as well as analysis of the growth and trends from grassroots football via #MovingForward 2021-2024 Strategy performance and future growth forecasts, the County FA were able to take a local lens to the growth and development of the grassroots game in Essex. It enabled exploration of the local priority areas for stakeholders in the game up to 2028, aligning these to the FA Grassroots Strategy Framework.

The new strategic plan through to 2028 builds on the successes, progress and strong foundations made up to 2024, aligning The FA’s key strategic priorities and drivers into a bespoke strategy, tailored to meet the needs of Essex football. It also aligns with The FA’s own, newly-launched national Grassroots Football Strategy 2024-2028.

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Following The FA’s ‘A Conversation With Our Game’ national consultation series, the Essex County FA undertook a local of consultation with grassroots stakeholders via a digital platform for clubs, leagues, players, parents, referees, coaches, welfare officers, local authorities and professional and non-traditional stakeholders. This also included two inperson events in January 2024, collectively providing 4,000+ engagements of data and feedback.

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Essex County FA Chief Executive Officer, Brendan Walshe, is proud to be able to present the strategy to the local football stakeholders who played a key part in its creation: “This is an exciting and landmark day for Essex football. Each of our strategic pillars set out key objectives, which will drive the Essex County FA forward as we support grassroots football to continue to thrive.”

“This follows a strong recovery from the lingering impact of Covid-19 challenges, followed by the cost-of-living crisis, with more than 5,500 teams affiliated at the conclusion of 2023/24 season, a growth of 29% since 2018. To continue on this upward trajectory of participation, we will continue to focus on the needs of the participant, driving decisionmaking through the use of informed data and insight.”

“We are also committed to supporting those who need the most help as football faces financial challenges, with the cost-of-living crisis’ impact continuing to be a concern for stakeholders in the game. Our continued financial support assists with the costs of public liability and personal accident insurance for clubs and teams.”

“The game in Essex is built on a strong foundation of the dedication and commitment of the thousands of volunteers who support the game every week through clubs, teams and leagues, as referees, as coaches, as welfare officers or as parents and spectators. This helps more than 80,000 players to play each week.”

“It provides a tremendous social value impact on the local communities they serve. Consequently, we are committed to supporting the ongoing learning and development of our volunteer workforce as the game continues to evolve in the years ahead, and we look forward to being in a privileged position to be able to deliver on the priorities which local football helped to set for us during our consultation.”

Visit www.essexfa.com to read/download the Essex County FA’s #MovingForward 2028 Strategy. This is also the place to go to find out how to get involved in grassroots Essex football. Plus, you can find the County FA on X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTo

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COACHES LEARN STRATEGIES FOR MAXIMIZING TRAINING SESSIONS

One Workshop, Two Locations: Designing Effective Practice The Essex County FA’s Coach Education Department hosted two simultaneous educational workshops entitled ‘Designing Effective Practice’ at Leisure United in Dagenham and at Witham Town FC on Monday 14th October.

This workshop aimed to support coaches to consider the planning process of “Plan, Do, Review” in addition to how to consider realism, relevance and repetition, as well as other planning models to support the development of skilful players in the game.

A total of 36 coaches attended, across two events, from various clubs and youth leagues. They participated in the workshops, which were designed to equip them with the tools and knowledge to make every training session both productive and enjoyable.

Dagenham’s Parsloes Park workshop was led by Tom Sibthorpe, the Essex County FA’s Coach Development Officer, and Coach Developer, Neal Akhtar. It explored the concept behind how coaches can tailor their drills and exercises to the differing needs of their players. The Witham workshop was led by two more Coach Developers, David Streetley and Joe Prosser, focusing on the same themes.

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ESSEX FA

Tom explained: “It was really pleasing to see both events well attended. The learners were able to discuss and share how they currently plan, deliver and review their sessions, and were tasked to think more deeply about the reasons why they might do the things they currently do. This allowed them to develop their planning skills, and to really dive into what matters to them as coaches and their players. It was a positive evening!”

As the football season continues, the Essex County FA remain committed to supporting grassroots coaches with workshops like these, aimed at improving the quality of training environments and helping players reach their full potential. Coaches were encouraged to think creatively when meeting the needs of their players, in addition to considering the importance of realistic practice design, and recognising the value of reviewing, and reflecting upon, their sessions.

For more information on upcoming coaching workshops, and how to get involved, visit www.essexfa.com, interact with @EssexCountyFA and @EssexCoaches on X and search for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.

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ESSEX FA MAN V FAT GROWS FOOTBALL AND WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMME ACROSS ESSEX Empowering Men to Get Fit Through Team-Based Football

MAN v FAT, a pioneering weight loss organisation, is operating across Essex to help men improve their health and fitness through the power of football.

Designed specifically for men looking to lose weight in a supportive and team-based environment, MAN v FAT combines the love of football with a focus on healthy weight loss, creating a programme where participants can work together to achieve their fitness goals.

Their target is to help as many men as possible lose weight and improve their overall wellbeing using the power of sport. MAN v FAT are currently running sessions across Essex, making it easier for men from different areas to participate. Their operating groups in Essex include: o o o o

Group 1: Colchester, Colchester (Shrub End), Tendring (Clacton) Group 2: Chelmsford, Harlow Group 3: Basildon, Southend (Castle Point, potentially, in 2025) Group 4: Havering (Romford), Waltham Forest (Leyton), Barking & Dagenham

Over 250 men are currently participating in MAN v FAT sessions, weekly, across Essex, and 98 players have lost more than 5% of their body weight. To put that into context, 98 players represent close to around four full Premier League squads, as each team registers around 25 players for the season. In 2023, collectively, participants lost a total of 1,001kg of weight, and the biggest individual weight loss in Essex is an impressive 52kg (42% of their body weight).

Visit www.manvfatfootball.org to sign-up to MAN v FAT. For additional information about grassroots football playing opportunities in Essex, and future competitions, visit www.essexfa.com, follow @EssexCountyFA on X and search for the ‘EssexFootball’ page on Facebook.

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MAN v FAT addresses a critical need for men’s health, especially around weight loss, by offering a unique environment where participants can lose weight in a fun, motivating way.

Many men find it challenging to lose weight on their own, and MAN v FAT provides a solution by combining teamwork, football and structured weight-loss support. The programme focuses on improving both physical and mental wellbeing through sport.

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grassroots magazine ✓ LOCAL ✓ FRENDLY ✓ RELIABLE ✓ NO JOB TO SMALL

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HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS F.C Here at Heybridge Swifts F.C we have a youth section, this year we once again have teams from U7 right through to U18, we are also represented with teams in the EJA at U14, U15, U16 and U18, The 2 U18 players who have followed the pathway to the first team continue to spend invaluable time with Julian and the squad to continue their growth, we can also let you know that a 3rd player from the U18’s has been asked to train alongside the first team, this is great news as it shows a real progression and pathway from youth to first team experience.

TRIALS SUCCESS We as a club are always looking to progress players, this has been highlighted this week with news that the GK from the U14’s has had a successful trial at Ipswich and has been signed for the rest of the season, so congratulations to him.

The other players who continue to trial at Colchester and Stevenage are progressing well and are still in with a shout.

FA YOUTH CUP A big congratulations to the U18’s on making it into the 3rd qualifying round of the FA youth cup, their efforts it making this far were incredible, unfortunately the game V’s Hackney Wick was decided by a penalty shoot out, this ended in hackney’s favour, despite a great game played by swifts

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Leigh Tupper, Russell Harding and Lewis Nunn will be taking part in the Manchester Marathon in April 2025 to raise funds for MS-UK, if you would like to donate to a worthy cause, please see the link below.

Leigh Tupper is fundraising for MS-UK

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CHARITY FUNDRAISING

We continue to work closely with grassroots magazine and also occupy a space in this monthly publication to reach a wider audience and promote our great club. We were please to welcome the Grassroots team to our recent home game vs Concord Rangers at the end of the game they sponsored Vinnie Bowman for the rest of this season.

If you are interested in supporting the youth section, or providing any information you feel relevant to this page then please feel free to DM our twitter account @HSYFC_official.

We thank you for taking the time to read this and we hope to see you at a youth match soon.

Many thanks Heybridge Swifts Youth Committee.

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"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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LoremBerry IpsumMedia dolor sit Chris

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With a Ripples bathroom design specialist When it comes to updating your bathroom, tiles can be a game-changer. Beyond their practical function, tiles hold the power to redefine the look, feel, and functionality of your space. Designer, Angie, from Ripples Chelmsford explains how bathroom tiles can make a significant impact on your bathroom.

Setting the Style

Tiles are a versatile design element that can set the tone for your bathroom’s aesthetics. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek modern look or a classic vintage charm, tiles offer endless possibilities.

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Modern Appeal: Large-format tiles in neutral tones create a clean, contemporary appearance, making the space feel open and airy.

Timeless Elegance: Classic subway tiles or intricate mosaic patterns provide a sophisticated and enduring style.

Bold Statements: Vibrant colors and patterns can serve as focal points, adding character and a personal touch to the space.

Enhancing Visual Appeal The aesthetic appeal of your bathroom can be significantly improved with tiles. Their diversity in style promotes artistic expression and can support the development of a unified aesthetic. There are several approaches to integrating them into your bathroom. Using feature walls composed of textured or patterned tiles is one way to create a beautiful focal point. The second is to select floor tiles that are strong, low maintenance, and visually striking. The third is to concentrate on tiling the area behind the washbasin or bathtub to add visual appeal and shield the walls from dampness.

grassroots magazine

Transforming Your Bathroom: How Tiles Can Make a Big Difference

Creating a Sense of Space

Tiles can also influence how spacious or cozy a bathroom feels. Light-colored tiles and large formats can make smaller bathrooms appear larger, while darker or patterned tiles can add warmth and intimacy to more expansive spaces.

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Small Bathrooms: Light and neutral tiles can visually expand the space, making it feel more open and inviting.

Large Bathrooms: Rich textures and bold designs can make large bathrooms feel more intimate and comfortable

Adding Luxury and Comfort

Tiles can elevate the luxury and comfort of your bathroom. Features like heated floors or natural stone tiles can transform a standard bathroom into a spa-like retreat.

Tiles are more than just a functional element; they’re a transformative design feature that can elevate the style, functionality, and comfort of your bathroom. By choosing the right tiles, you can create a space that not only meets your needs but also reflects your personal style and adds a touch of luxury to your daily routine.

Visit Ripples Chelmsford at Unit 5, 8 Bond Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1GD, call 01245 287977 or visit ripplesbathrooms.com

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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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Beer Lanyard Legends Charity Team Football for a Cause Football isn’t just about the goals, tackles, and glory; it’s also about community, camaraderie, and giving back. That’s exactly what inspired me to set up the Beer Lanyard Legends Charity Team. My name is Jack Whiting, and I’m the proud founder of this incredible group of ex-professional footballers and passionate individuals, united by our love of the game and a shared desire to make a difference.

How It All Began The idea for Beer Lanyard Legends came about in 2023. I’ve always been passionate about football, but I wanted to find a way to use the sport to give back to worthy causes. It started as a simple conversation over a pint (and a beer lanyard—hence the name!) and quickly grew into something much bigger. From that moment on, the goal was clear: to organise charity matches that bring people together and raise money for those who need it most.

Playing for a Purpose Our team’s mission is to support meaningful causes through football, and our primary focus has been on raising funds for Cerebral Palsy Plus. This incredible charity provides essential support for individuals and families affected by cerebral palsy, and we’re proud to play our part in helping them continue their vital work.

To date, we’ve raised over £15,000 over two matches, thanks to the generosity of our supporters and the dedication of everyone involved. Every match brings us closer to making a real difference in people’s lives, and that’s what drives us to keep going.

A Star-Studded Squad One of the unique aspects of Beer Lanyard Legends is the incredible lineup of players we’ve been able to bring together. Our squad features some of the biggest names in football, the list keeps growing! We’re always adding more ex-Premier League stars to our roster, along with a special guest manager to guide us from the touchline.

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Sammy Root

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Monty Panesar

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Lee Trundle

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Nicky Shorey

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Luke Guttridge

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Rickie Lambert

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Aaron McLean

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Paul Konchesky

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Derek Asamoah

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Charlie Austin

While the players might grab the headlines, it’s the team behind the scenes that makes it all happen. From securing venues and coordinating logistics to promoting matches and running the events, it’s a real team effort. I’m incredibly grateful to the volunteers and supporters who work tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Organizing these matches isn’t always easy but seeing the smiles on people’s faces and knowing we’re making a difference makes it all worthwhile. This team wouldn’t be what it is without their hard work and dedication.

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Behind the Scenes

Upcoming Matches We’ve got a big game coming up that you won’t want to miss: Beer Lanyard Legends vs.

Tekkerslovakia at Heybridge Swifts FC in Essex on 24th November 2024. It’s going to be an incredible day out for football fans and families alike, with all proceeds going to Cerebral Palsy Plus and other worthy causes.

Tickets are just £5 for adults, and kids get in for free, so it’s an affordable way to enjoy a game packed with entertainment and star power. And don’t forget—after the match, you can join us in the bar to meet the players and celebrate together. - Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.beerlanyard.com/collections/beer-lanyard-legends-football-team-vstekkersloavakia Beer Lanyard Legends isn’t just a football team; it’s a movement. It’s about bringing people together, celebrating the beautiful game, and making a difference in the world. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan, a casual supporter, or someone who simply wants to contribute to a great cause, we’d love for you to join us.

So grab your tickets, cheer us on, and be part of something truly special. Together, we can make a difference—one match at a time.

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