Grassroots Magazine Oct 24 Issue 24

OCTOBER 2024 ISSUE 24

This Months Content

Team Message Issue No. 24, 2 years bringing news of the beautiful game from around the County. We are all so proud of the progress we have made & the is so much more in the pipeline.

I’d like to thank everyone involve from the Regular contributors to our loyal followers, its can’t be possible without you.

Please follow us across all our Social Media Platforms & check out our new Youtube Channel @GrassrootsMagazine2022 If you would like to feature you Club in next month’s edition, please email grassrootsmag@btinternet.com Finally check out our Club incentive offer on page 41 a great way of earning funds for your Club & supporting our work at Grassroots Magazine,

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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Hutton FC

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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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Harwich Parkeston Women | Harwich

Thanks, The Grassroots Team

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Sponsored by : Grassroots Magazine Last season’s champions Atletico Maldon are unbeaten so far and lead the table on goal difference but 2 draws show that Josh Perry’s team will not have matters all their own way this season.

Promoted sides, FFB draws with Priory & Woodham Radars), Eagle & Hind (beating Priory) and Beret (with the prolific Tyler Tredget leading their line and drawing with Atletico) are hot on the leaders heels and it will be great to see how they all fare longer term, but they appear to have the pedigree and quality to make an impact in the Premier. The experienced Priory Sports and Woodham Radars will look to get some wins under their belt in the weeks to come in what looks likely to be a hotly competitive division.

Ramsden Scotia top Division 1 but look out for Broom*eld with 3 wins from 3 games to date.

Woodham Radars Reserves will always be in the mix with Joe Debell adding to their firepower; Burnham Ramblers with 1 win in 5 were expected to do better after a *ne season leading to promotion last year and there are several competitive sides for whom a good run and a slice of luck will see them climb the table.

Watch out for MATES who sit second now, their work ethic and ability to play to their strengths such as Oliver Glazebrook up top and an outstanding goalkeeper, will stand them in good stead.

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Chelmsford Sunday League

Division 2 sees Woodham Radars A leading with maximum points from 5 games, but Hatfield Peverel will expect to be in the leading pack with Asa Cansdale and Conor Walton once again banging in the goals. Do watch out for Draco who have the quality to beat anyone in the division.

Melbourne United and Ravens Legends are marooned at the bottom without a win so they will be hoping for better fortune.

Three new sides in the competition are on 12 points the head of Division 3; Old Chelmsfordians, Maldon & Tiptree Athletic and Great Baddow Reserves. All look to have the right quality to succeed.

Very well done to Maldon Social who secured their first win after going through last season without a 3 pointer and they will be hoping that can kick start their campaign.

Heybridge Social Reserves will be disappointed to lose their first 5 games and need to secure their defence to start earning some points.

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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 Broomfield Lionesses: A Season of Growth, Passion, and Teamwork Before the season even kicked off, the Broomfield Lionesses were already laying the foundation for what would become a well-organized, fiercely determined squad. We knew we had to build a management team that would ensure every aspect of the club ran smoothly, like a finely-tuned machine. Every role, every detail was carefully planned to make sure this team was set up for success, both on and off the pitch.

Today, running a football team is a whole new game compared to 15-20 years ago. Coaches must be DBS-checked, FA qualified, and, just as importantly, committed to child welfare. It’s a balancing act of creating a safe, fun, and competitive environment where the players can thrive.

Now, with the first month of the league behind us, we're beginning to see all the pieces come together. The Lionesses have been working hard, showcasing some truly fantastic football. As coaches, it’s easy to forget that only three of our players have ever played in a league before, and many only started playing football in 2024! But through dedication and teamwork, they’re growing stronger every day. We believe that by making this team a fun and supportive place, their skills will develop even faster, and they’ll grow closer together as a unit.

Meet the Management Team: The Unsung Heroes So, who helps make this team run like clockwork?

First up, my wife Lauren, who’s been a rock of support since the very beginning. As our fixture secretary, Lauren ensures everything runs smoothly on match days. She coordinates with the opposition, referees, and anyone else involved. Gone are the days of just showing up and playing— everything is planned to perfection.

Owen White, our club secretary and stats guru, joined shortly after. Owen is the backbone of our operations, managing everything from budgets to matchday statistics. His attention to detail and commitment keeps the club on course. His wife, Fiona, has also recently taken on the important role of 'Respect Marshall', ensuring the sidelines are just as disciplined as the field—a task I’m confident she will excel at.

James Tewes was an obvious choice for Jodie and me. His tech skills are unmatched, and as the team grows, he’ll be pivotal in keeping us organized. Always ready to lend a hand with coaching or any club needs, James’s input is invaluable. He’s a true asset, always thinking of the team first.

Next, we welcomed Aaron Redmond and Dan Frostick to our coaching team. Both bring unique strengths to the table. Aaron’s calm demeanor and deep understanding of the game have been a tremendous help in developing the girls’ skills. Dan, our fitness and goalkeeping coach, has transformed Paige, our goalkeeper, into a shining star, while also improving the team's overall fitness. His natural talent for coaching has made a huge impact.

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Sponsorships: Backing the Dream Securing sponsorship is no small feat, but we’re fortunate to have the support of two fantastic sponsors.

Anglia Ruskin University recognized the incredible growth of girls' football and jumped on board early to support the team. Additionally, Ripples Bathrooms, a local business, saw the opportunity to make a difference and didn’t hesitate to lend their backing. We couldn’t be more grateful for their contributions, which are helping the Lionesses chase their dreams.

And, of course, we have to give a huge thank you to the parents who’ve gone above and beyond, not just financially, but in offering their time and endless support. From buying equipment to being parttime chauffeurs, the Lionesses are surrounded by an amazing community.

A special shoutout also goes to Broomfield FC for providing us with top-notch facilities, equipment, and unwavering support. From the pristine grounds to the well-maintained clubhouse, they’ve truly created an environment where the Lionesses can thrive. We couldn’t ask for a better home.

On the Pitch: The Journey So Far

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Nicola Shaw was another no-brainer addition. Not only does she offer a supportive presence for the girls, but she’s also introduced the brilliant ‘Casey Bag’ initiative, ensuring the players can feel comfortable and confident when nature calls. Nicola is also our go-to for event planning, fundraising, and communication between the team and parents. But one golden rule—don’t call her Nicky!

The anticipation before the season was electric. We scheduled a series of pre-season friendlies to get the girls ready, and they didn’t disappoint. With a couple of wins, a draw, and a loss against strong opposition, the team’s performances were nothing short of impressive. They played with a level of skill and maturity that exceeded all expectations, especially considering their limited experience.# When the league games finally arrived, the girls blew us away with their incredible performances. Facing some of the most experienced teams right from the start, they narrowly missed out in the first couple of matches but showed immense potential.

Then, they bounced back with a stunning 4-2 victory, proving they’re ready to take on anyone in the league.

To keep things exciting, we’ve started awarding both a coach’s player of the match and a spectator’s player of the match after every game. It’s been wonderful to see players like Thanu, Ruby, Abigail, Katie, Lana, Poppy, Téa and others earn these accolades through sheer hard work and determination.

For now, we’ll keep training, playing, and most importantly, having fun. The Broomfield Lionesses are just getting started, and there’s so much more to come.

See you

The Squad Meet the team: Paige Ramcharitar, Thanu Sriharan, Sienna Jackson, Lana Shaw, Téa De Merralls, Ava Lane, Katie Piddington, Ruby Buck, Darcey Baine, Georgia Frostick, Elsie Redmond, Poppy Wotton, Izzy Tewes, and Abigail White. Each one of these girls brings something special to the team, and we’re excited for you to get to know them better as the season progresses.

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Harwich and Parkeston FC The Early Years The modern-day Harwich and Parkeston began life as Harwich FC in 1875, a date which makes the club the second oldest in Essex.

For many years it was thought the club was formed in 1877 but, in recent times, evidence emerged that a meeting at the Three Cups Hotel – now a private residence - in October 1875 saw the club officially established. Earlier this season the club formally adopted 1875 as its year of formation.

The early years involved only friendlies (played in a blue kit) and it wasn’t until 1886 that club played its first competitive game – losing 6-0 at Colchester Town in an Essex Senior Cup tie! By that stage, the club had changed its name to Harwich and Dovercourt AFC but in 1889 it merged with Parkeston FC as the current name was taken on.

It was also in the Essex Senior Cup that the club reached its first final but that 1891 clash also went badly, Clapton winning 7-0.

The following year, Harwich made some significant history when they played host to Belgian side Antwerp – now Royal Antwerp, who played in last season’s Champions League - in what has been officially recognised as the first-ever meeting of an English team and a continental European team on English soil. Move over Manchester City!

League football was played for the first time in 1895/96 when the North Essex League was entered – and won.

Having originally played home matches on Barrack Field and then at the seafront Phoenix Ground – where balls were often lost to the sea - the club moved to the Royal Oak ground in 1898 where they have remained ever since.

The 1898/99 season was to prove memorable for other reasons too with a run to the FA Amateur Cup final. Staged in Middlesbrough, the final saw Harwich defeated 1-0

by Stockton thanks to a controversial late goal.

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After playing in kits of varying colour, the club switched to its current black and white stripes in 1912.

Several local leagues were contested in the early part of the 20th League, but the club started to attract attention from further afield in the 1930s, now widely regarded as its greatest era.

The Shrimpers, as they were by now nicknamed, won back-to-back East Anglian Cups in 1933 and 1934.

Looking to test themselves against better opposition, Harwich moved into the Southern Amateur League for the 1934/35 campaign, but they League, to complete their fixtures due to their success in several cup competitions.

The FA Cup first round was reached for the first time, a trip to Bristol Rovers bringing a 3-0 defeat. The Shrimpers were beaten in the Essex Senior Cup final but won the Amateur Football Alliance Cup Senior Cup – the first of what would be a unique ‘three-peat’.

Centre forward Albert ‘Tully’ Day scored 76 goals that season, one of 402 he managed in Harwich colours. Both remain club records to this day.

The following season saw HPFC become founder members of the Eastern Counties League, and they duly won the league and cup double, albeit they were forced to share the league title with Lowestoft – the pair drawing a play-off 3-3 at Colchester after finishing level on points.

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However, just nine days later, the Essex Senior Cup was lifted for the first time with Leytonstone beaten 2-0.

The 1936/37 campaign is arguably the club’s best ever to date, four trophies being won, including the Essex Senior Cup and the ECL Cup. There was also a return to the FA Cup first round, this time current Premier League side Bournemouth proved too good, winning 5-1.

The next season saw the Royal Oak’s record attendance of 5,649 set for an Amateur Cup quarter-final defeat to Romford but soon the great 30s side would be broken up by the declaration of war.

Next time: Wembley and a record non-league crowd!

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.

Essex caring to share

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Amongst local Club donations in recent months there has been substantial and quality kit donations from Broomfield FC, Chelmsford City Ladies FC and Coggeshall Town FC.

Boxing up of kit & equipment donations to be shared around the world takes place at Hatfield, Hertfordshire every few months. KitAid volunteers from across the country come together to get the donations sorted and boxed. This time there were 5,425 items of kit & equipment boxed up and collected by our partners to be shipped.

Here are some of our Essex donations starting their journey to a new home.

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Boxing Up - 28th September 2024

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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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HUTTON

FOOTBALL CLUB Charity number: 1175495

Website: www.huttonfc.com Twitter: @huttonfc

CLUB MISSION STATEMENT

To encourage, develop and value all abilities within our football club.

To stimulate community interest in football at grassroots level and create platforms for young players to express themselves and be part of Hutton FC “To give everyone an opportunity to improve themselves through football”.

OUR VISION • • •

To build a sustainable, competitive football club which aims to achieve success on the pitch whilst meeting the aspirations and needs of our local community.

To provide the complete player pathway for male and female players in grassroots football.

To develop the Club’s options on facility provision to continually improve on what we can offer our teams.

ABOUT THE CLUB Hutton Football Club was founded in 1928 and has been a prominent Club in local football since that time. The Club was further enlarged in 2005 by the merging of Hutton FC and Hutton Medway YFC (established in 1969).

The Club holds the FA three-star accreditation which means we offer the full player pathway for male and female players and disability football.

The Club is proud to have been awarded Community Club of the year twice by Essex County FA. We have been accepted into the FA Club consultants’ program which is designed to support and develop Clubs. There are only a few clubs in Essex in the scheme and no club in Brentwood.

There are 70 teams who are part of Hutton FC from the youngest age groups all the way through to adults.

Hutton is an aspirational Football Club. We are always looking to improve.

The Club became a Charity in 2017 to promote a good governance regime and to take advantage of the tax benefits that are available.

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The Club has been developing its own 15-acre site off Chelmsford Road in Shenfield over the past 9 years. Having our own ground will really help take the Club forward.

Hutton FC plays its matches on School and Council pitches across Hutton and Shenfield. We train on 3G pitches mainly at Shenfield and St. Martin’s schools but also outside the Borough of Brentwood.

The Club has been developing its own 15-acre site off Chelmsford Road in Shenfield over tentereds.

Having our own ground which we can call home will really help take the Club forward and help develop that sense of belonging and community spirit.

The ground has been financed with a grant of £655k from the Football Foundation and £200k of the Club’s own funds.

We thank the Flints family from Wynbarns Farm for allowing the Club the opportunity to develop this ground and to all those that have supported us along the way.

It has not been easy to take an agricultural field and turn it into a good playing surface.

We have faced many challenges to get here and there have been times when we thought this would never happen.

Thank you to all those in the Club that had a hand in the project or who kept the Club running whilst others moved this forward.

It would have been easier to do this on an existing sports field but having spent many years looking for this and engaging with the Council this was our only option.

The ground will provide pitches for a range of teams across the club and will enable us to hold social events, club meetings, coaching sessions and fundraisers.

We all look forward to seeing out footballers playing the beautiful game at Flint’s Community Hub.

CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS

Apart from the new ground project and improving the facility offering, which is a priority, the Club is also focused on engaging and supporting our community through key partnerships.

We have been recognized as a key player in Girl’s football with the granting of the Wildcats Girls Development Centre.

The men’s first team have been promoted to Step 6 of the National League System and the Ladies first team already play at a similar level.

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THE NEW GROUND – FLINTS COMMUNITY HUB

With the new ground about to come on stream the Club will now move to engage with our community to offer opportunities for all and to build a sustainable, community football club.

The Club has recently entered into a partnership with West Ham United FC which helps our reputation and marketing as well as offering opportunities for players and coaches.

SUMMARY

Hutton Football club is one of the premier community football clubs in Essex with a long history.

Hutton FC is an asset to the Borough of Brentwood and provides an opportunity for young people to engage in healthy sport, develop disciplines and friendships and even go on to play at higher levels.

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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

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ESSEX FA LOCAL COUNTY CUP DRAWS REVEALED FOR NEW CAMPAIGN Essex Clubs Discover Opponents for 2024/25 Adult and youth clubs, both in male and female football, can visit the Essex County FA website to see who they’ll face as they start their 2024/25 County Cup journey.

Essex teams can now discover who they’ll face in the opening rounds of the cup competitions after the highly-anticipated pairings were published at www.essexfa.com. The ultimate aim is to reach one of the finals, which take place between March and May each year at senior grounds around Essex.

As well as seven male open-age competitions embracing Saturday and Sunday football, there are three veterans, seven female and seven youth cups. Following a full consultation process, a brand-new Essex Under 13s Girls Cup has been introduced for the forthcoming season, further recognising the steady growth of female football participation within the county.

The draws for all of Essex’s 24 County Cups can be found at www.essexfa.com. You can also interact with the Essex County FA by following @EssexCountyFA and @EssexCoaches accounts on X, or by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.

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ENGLAND FOOTBALL PROVIDE ‘DISABILITY FOOTBALL INTRODUCTION’ COURSE Football For All: Amplifying an Inclusive Environment in Essex England Football Learning provide a free, online module designed to help you upskill and support the individuals in your team, regardless of their ability. Aimed to nurture an all-inclusive environment, the ‘Disability Football Introduction Course’ will provide best practices to follow when working with players with a disability in football.

Demand for coaches to have knowledge on how to support players with a disability is increasing, with coaches wanting to ensure participants have the best experience possible.

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.

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ESSEX FA

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 indepth 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 by following @EssexCountyFA and @EssexCoaches accounts on X, or by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.

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ESSEX FA AWARDS EVENING RECOGNISES ESSEX GRASSROOTS VOLUNTEERS Mementoes Presented to Local Heroes at Prestigious Ceremony Colchester United Manager, Danny Cowley, presented trophies as a special guest when the Essex County FA recognised decades of service and dedication from local football volunteers at their annual Awards Evening on Friday (20th September).

Dozens of deserving individuals enjoyed the prestigious event and took receipt of mementoes from the U’s coach at the JobServe Community Stadium. Accolades such as the England Football Grassroots Awards and recognition for long service and community activities were handed out to valued volunteers, whose efforts keep the game alive at the lower levels.

The award winners were treated to fun activities, a meal and a special event supported by Hospital Radio Chelmsford to add to the prestige.

Also in attendance were Spencer Owen and Emma Samways, who relived the glory of Hashtag United’s FA Women’s National League Cup win when they beat Newcastle United in March’s final at Luton Town’s Kenilworth Road home.

Romford were an additional success story for local football in 2023/24, and Chairman Steve Gardener was joined by the FA Vase silverware his club won against fellow Essex club Great Wakering Rovers at Wembley Stadium in May. He recalled some of his memories from the day, and highlights videos were played as a reminder of Hashtag’s and Romford’s achievements.

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During a ‘Question and Answer’ feature of the evening, former Braintree Town, Huddersfield Town and Portsmouth Manager Cowley was able to reflect on many achievements throughout his path in coaching, from an award-winning time at FitzWimarc School to three promotions at Concord Rangers and further success at Lincoln City.

Though he rates watching young people achieve success themselves as one of the main highs: “I still coach in grassroots, and I love my time working with young players. I’d say it’s important to make it fun, then they will learn and develop. The best players teach you the game.

Emile Smith-Rowe was at Huddersfield when he was 18, on loan from Arsenal.”

“He was quiet until he stepped onto the pitch, then he taught me the game. How he found space was incredible. Put the players first. It’s our job as coaches to find the best way for them. Celebrate what they can do, rather than focussing on what they can’t do. We like what we can do, so help them to do that more often.”

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The Essex County FA Youth Forum later took to the stage to detail some of the development activities they’d recently been involved with as they attempt to give young volunteers a voice in grassroots football.

Chair Sian Hillis was able to announce the launch of a progressive new Youth Forum partnership with Anthony Nolan, a charity who save lives through stem cells.

To get involved in grassroots Essex football, please visit www.essexfa.com.

Photos from the Awards Evening can be found by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook, you can also interact with the Essex County FA by following @EssexCountyFA and @EssexCoaches accounts on X, or by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.

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HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS F.C We would like to thank Grassroots Football Magazine for attending the game last Saturday and working on drone footage to us to show at our sponsors day that will be held on Saturday Nov 2nd, which is the home fixture v Concord Rangers.

Steve Spreadbury – Chairman

Last week saw us have our first Heybridge Swifts Golf Day, which was arranged by Rob Bowyer and Gary Perkins, our Facilities and Bar Manager. Although it was a tad wet, it was a great day and well done to Rob and Gary for the whole day. Great prizes, money made for the Youth Section and also great dinners served up by our new sponsors Bengal Nights Indian Cuisine. They served up a great meal, enjoyed by all, and we look forward to seeing them visit us again in the near future.

Many thanks

Steve Spreadbury – Chairman

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AROUND THE GROUND

CLICK HERE TO LET GRASSROOTS FLY YOU AROUND

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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.

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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.

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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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