GrassRoots Magazine September 24 Issue 23

SEPTEMBER 2024 ISSUE 23

This Months Content Chelmsford Sunday League

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Broomfield FC

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AFC United

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Team Message

DT38

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We have finally reached the big KO, it feels like so long ago that we were out completing around the County.

Kit Aid

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So many people have put hours of work in to putting the leagues together over the summer & its now time for us all to enjoy the amazing effort they have put in.

Prostate UK

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Adult Leagues

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I would like to wish everyone involved with AFC Brentwood the best of luck for their debut season, we have followed them for some time & we know how much this team & the people behind mean to so many people. We look forward to seeing what this season brings.

Youth Leagues

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Essex FA

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Heybridge Swifts

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grassrootsmag@btinternet.com Good Luck for the Season

The Grassroots Team

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Sponsored by : Grassroots Magazine

Grassroot Magazine speaks to Chelmsford Sunday League Fixture Secretary about how he sets the League up & the work he does through the close season.

Dave just wanted to know a little bit of background of how you got involved in the first place with the Chelmsford Sunday league.

When I first got a job at Marconi's back in 1982, they had a few people there that I worked with who played on a Sunday for East Hanningfield, I would go and watch my colleagues play on my free weekends. I was soon must by running the line and I quite enjoy that. I wanted to play, but I'm never really very good at playing, It wasn’t long, and I was helping on the admin side. After one Sunday game, the club secretary said he was moving away, and we need someone to be club secretary? So, I made the mistake of saying I would do this, I didn't have to say anymore. I was in, so I became Club secretary for East Hanningfield.

They were in the Maldon Sunday league at the time, after a few years in the northern Sunday League I left work and needed a new challenge, the Chelmsford Sunday league were looking for the secretary and I thought that my official secretary role in the Maldon League and the Chelmsford Sunday league married up quite well because we shared a lot of pitches, so the easier to do both leagues. That was the start of my role of Secretary with the Chelmsford Sunday League in year 2000.

How's has the league changed in the 24 years you've done the role?

In the in the job that I do as fixture secretary not a great deal because I still do it the same way, Even though technology has moved on with social media and applications I still do the fixtures, the same way I've always done them.

Teams don't understand that during the close season you're still a busy man during that time. So, what sort of task do you have to do?

Well, I’m the sort of person that wants everything done properly and if you want it done properly, you've got to do it itself. So, I've sort of taken over Adam's role as the secretary and do all the donkey work. I do all the preparation for the AGM, I prepare the handbook after the AGM once all of the constitutions have been sorted out, there is a lot of chasing teams that have missed or not sent in information, Its usually around August time that I finally say let’s print the Handbook.

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Chelmsford Sunday League

After all that I get stuck into starting to prepare the fixtures, I start by looking at what teams are sharing pitches, what pitches are available, what pitches don’t hold up well in the winter, teams that share pitches with teams in other leagues must be negotiated with those leagues. Its not possible to do the whole season fixtures at once as the weather messes things up, the County Cups take priority & you never know who is going to win each tie. I was doing the whole season to start with, but I found it more work with all the changes.

What would you say would be the biggest frustration within your role?

Trying to get the information from the teams, they all want to go off for their summer holiday’s & I’m busy trying to get everything together. Now that all the information is put on FA electronic portals is difficult to get them to know how it all works. The FA send out emails, but no one seems to read emails anyone & we are racing against time. We managed to get everyone on just in time to get the league sanctioned & then we can transfer it all over to full time, so all the cup competitions are in there, the leagues & teams are in the right places., it’s a lot of work.

Do the FA input the fixture into ‘Full time’ or do you do it manually?

I still do the fixture the way I did in 1987, with a pencil & paper, I do it that way as I understand that way, there are programs that do it for you, but they only do the easy bits.

With the technology now, where & team sheets can be submitted by phones, has that reduced fines etc?

To submit team sheets, you still must log in to full time to people still need educating, we don’t like fining people, we just want people to play football. I’ve done it for 30-40 years but for some Club secretaries its their 1st season, they don’t know how it all works & although I’ve said it over & over again for some it’s the 1st time, they will hear it, so you must take that into account. The system that’s in place where the FA send out a text to reply with a result works well if people read it & reply properly.

So monthly fixtures work well until the weather upsets things?

When the weather starts & the County Cup fixtures are around in November, I do the fixtures on a fortnightly basis because I need to get our cup games in as well & can’t leave it for another month. Depending on how it goes the dreaded double headers come into play, no one likes double headers, but you almost need to plan for them. If everyone played everyone once in the 1 st ½ of the season there would be no way we could have any, so I need to think about who may have the cup runs etc. Some clubs can afford to miss a couple of weeks & others you know need to be playing every week or they will have a fixture pile up.

Check out the link below for all the information on the Full Time set up.

https://fulltime.thefa.com/home/index.html

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Following the Broomfield Lionesses: Grassroots Magazine's Exclusive Monthly Insights Grassroots football has always been the heartbeat of the beautiful game. It’s where passion, community, and the love for football come together, often without the glamour and glitz seen at higher levels. It’s in this spirit that Grassroots Magazine is excited to announce our season-long coverage of the newly formed Broomfield Lionesses. This is not just any team; it’s a project spearheaded by the dynamic coaching duo of Ross Buck and Jodie Ramcharitar, who have built the team from the ground up with a vision of community, empowerment, and a shared love for football.

Meet the Broomfield Lionesses The Broomfield Lionesses represent more than just a football team; they are a testament to what can be achieved when passion and dedication come together.

Established in the summer of 2024, the Lionesses are a fresh and exciting addition to the local football scene. Ross Buck, known for his tactical acumen and ability to develop young talent, teamed up with Jodie Ramcharitar, whose background in player welfare and mental well-being brings a unique dimension to the team's development.

Together, Ross and Jodie have assembled a diverse squad of players, each with their own story, ambitions, and love for the game. From seasoned players looking for a new challenge to newcomers eager to make their mark, the Broomfield Lionesses are poised to make a significant impact in their inaugural season.

At Grassroots Magazine, we believe that football is about more than just the results on the pitch. It’s about the journey, the stories, and the people who make it all happen. Our monthly insights into the Broomfield Lionesses will provide readers with a comprehensive look at what it takes to build and sustain a grassroots football team.

Player Profiles: Each month, we’ll spotlight different players, sharing their journeys, what brought them to the Lionesses, and how they’re contributing to the team’s growing identity. These profiles will give you a deeper understanding of the individuals who make up this unique squad.

Match Reports and Analysis: Follow the team’s progress throughout the season as we bring you detailed match reports and tactical analyses. We’ll break down the highs and lows of each game, offering insights into the strategies employed by Ross and Jodie, and how the players are adapting and growing as a team.

Team Well-Being and Mental Health: In line with Jodie Ramcharitar's expertise, we’ll also focus on the importance of mental health and well-being within the team. Football is as much a mental game as it is a physical one, and we’ll explore how the Lionesses are fostering a supportive environment both on and off the pitch.

Community Engagement: The Lionesses are not just a team but a part of the Broomfield community.

We’ll highlight the team’s efforts to engage with local fans, their participation in community events, and the support they receive from their growing fanbase.

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What to Expect from Our Monthly Coverage

Coach’s Corner: Every month, we’ll sit down with Ross Buck and Jodie Ramcharitar to get their insights on the team’s progress, challenges, and their vision for the future. This section will provide readers with an insider’s perspective on the decisions and philosophies driving the Lionesses forward.

A Journey of Growth and Discovery Following the Broomfield Lionesses promises to be an exciting journey filled with moments of triumph, learning, and growth. As they navigate the challenges of their first season together, Grassroots Magazine is proud to be there every step of the way, bringing you exclusive content and behind-thescenes access that you won’t find anywhere else.

Whether you’re a die-hard football fan, a supporter of grassroots initiatives, or simply interested in the human stories behind the sport, our coverage of the Broomfield Lionesses will offer something for everyone. Join us each month as we follow this incredible team’s journey, capturing the essence of what makes grassroots football so special.

Stay tuned for our first issue, where we’ll introduce you to the inaugural squad, their pre-season preparations, and the first steps of what promises to be an unforgettable season with the Broomfield Lionesses.

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It’s happening!

As a club we have been running for 5 years now offering a safe space for neurodiverse children to play a sport they love in an environment that encourages players to be themselves.

After a conversation with Charlie (our founder) and the Chairman and media secretary (his Mum and Dad) a while ago we wanted to go up a level, we wanted to give the children who wanted to an opportunity to play mainstream league football, something that in the past has been difficult to access with teams not giving them a shot.

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grassroots magazine We have created AFC United, a fully inclusive team with neurodiverse and neurotypical players in our squad who will start in the Brentwood U15s division 4. As a club we couldn't be prouder of this next step and we must give a huge thank you to our sponsors Jag Bansal for helping this dream become a reality, thank you must go to Wayne Lowther and Paul Lorenzini for helping facilitate this.

Let’s go United! #footballforall #bcfayl #historymaker

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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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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

Essex caring to share

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Amongst the donations in the last month from Essex was a substantial and quality kit donation from Coggeshall Town FC Youth.

Their kit in the sun!!!

Mo Osman, Chairman Wivenhoe Town FC (2023)

It was a joy to meet with Mo Osman, Chairman of Wivenhoe Town FC last year and just last month we had pictures back of the Club's kit donation now in Zimbabwe.

The Dragons badge is now worn with pride in Zimbabwe spreading smiles for the love of the game.

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Wivenhoe Town FC

Heading to 1.1m items shared worldwide The 25th Anniversary of KitAid, last year, saw the number of items donated and shared worldwide pass 1 million. By the end of August this year that figure stood at 1,085,359. With your help we can get it to 1.1m by the year end.

So a new home awaits your unwanted kit & equipment - don't dump it, neglect or forget it, for it can live again, like so many before it, spreading smiles for the love of the game amongst some of the poorest communities in the world. Your donation benefits a range of projects with whom we are working. Projects that are seeking to improve health, increasing employability, education & skills, 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 ... " And increasingly our work is becoming about more than football. Recent collections have included kits from Bowls, Netball and athletics clubs. And most recently KitAid has got more involved in golf.

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Driving for success Just one of those projects to which kit has been delivered over the years is Fafali, in Accra Ghana. They are dedicated to the development of young people, giving them the best chance of success. One such young person, Afi Amezado got a 'one-off' chance to play golf. It turns out with Fafali's support she has turned out to be quite a player.

At KitAid we have been overjoyed to play the very smallest part in Afi's development with kit supplied. We have also recently had Afi over to get some experience of golf courses in the UK. She has played in seven junior tournaments here so far - 1st girl at Manor of Groves, 2nd girl at Verulam and winning nearest the pin at Welwyn Garden City. She has had a hectic schedule with more tournaments still to come. She has adapted astonishingly well to the contrast between Ghanian to UK courses. But, make no mistake, Afi comes from an economically poor community and is succeeding against the odds. May we one day she her successful in an adult European Golf tour.

KitAid are now getting golfing kit & equipment out to Ghana and the Gambia. So, if you know of any local interests in the game that might get behind donating kit & equipment through KitAid do let us know.

A big thank you to the Betfred British Masters and European Tour Group for inviting KitAid volunteers to The Belfry to promote the cause for donations of kit & equipment. Right by the entrance to the tournament they most generously and imaginatively gave us the managing of a chipping contest - a hole in one got participants into a draw for free entry next year. Many thousands of visitors to the 5day tournament filed past our display and hundreds participated in the chipping competition getting to see and hear of the KitAid cause. Some visitors brought in kit & equipment donations that will now go to the Fafali Golf project in Accra. Some great contacts were made too for future initiatives and most special, Afi was invited to experience VIP Hospitality in the Sir Nick Faldo suite.

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KitAid at the British Masters The Belfry 2024

KitAid volunteers at The Belfry - 'Team Friday'

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USA

Wow, is what you might say, The KitAid initiative goes State Side. KitAid is now officially registered with the IRS in America. The initiative will begin in Wisconsin before expanding to other States. It is a bold initiative, and we will be here in the UK to give our friends in the States some very practical support. You can already follow KitAid USA on 'X' @kitaidusa or on Instagram @KitAid_USA. We wish our friends from over the pond every success and if you have family or business contacts in the USA, please do ask them to give KitAid USA a follow or DM any support.

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)

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 ..."

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If you want to know more about joining the team of volunteers, contact KitAid Founder Derrick Williams MBE at kitaidcharity@gmail.com

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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Kick It Out received 1,332 reports in the 2023/24 season, the highest number ever received by the anti-discrimination and inclusion charity in a single season.

The new figures released today, incorporating reports from across the professional game, grassroots, and social media, represent a 32% rise from the previous year and are over double the 610 received in the 2021/22 season.

Encouragingly, for the fifth season in a row, Kick It Out’s reports per incident rate has increased, suggesting fans are becoming less tolerant of discriminatory abuse.

The data shows a significant increase in reports of discrimination at grassroots level, up 25% from last season (242 to 303), and on social media, where reports have more than doubled (281 to 589). There has been a small drop in reports related to the pro game (484 to 440), down by 9%, although the number of incidents reported to Kick It Out has increased.

Racism remains the most reported form of discrimination, with the charity seeing an alarming 47% (496 to 731) rise in racist abuse across all levels of the game this season, whilefaith-based discriminatory reports were also up by 34%, driven by a sharp increase in antisemitism (63%) and Islamophobia (138%).

Kick It Out has also received more player-specific discriminatory reports in the professional game than ever before, with abuse targeting players soaring by 43% (277 to 395). Figures show that over half (55%) of the racist abuse targeting players is directed at players from an East Asian background, while sexist abuse towards female players, particularly online, is also on the rise.

Following on from a huge increase in the 2022/23 season, reports of sexism and misogyny continue to surge, up by a further 44% this year (80 to 115).

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For the second consecutive season, reports of homophobic mass chanting are down, from 43 in the 21/22 season to 17 this year. This follows a change in the law and updated FA guidance where certain chants have become a chargeable offence.

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A 22% increase (111 to 143) in reports of discrimination at youth level (U18s), including a seven-fold rise in abuse in U12s football (4 to 25).

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A worrying rise in abuse toward officials in grassroots football, with over twice as many reports of this nature in comparison to last season.

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Homophobic reports received from grassroots (down 24%) and professional game (down 9%) both fell. However, LGBTQ+ hate rose sharply online, with reports up from 43 to 65. Reports of transphobia online also climbed by 183%.

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A 35% rise in anti-disability insults and language.

The figures come in a season where Kick it Out has delivered a record 117 one-on-one restorative fan education sessions, with the charity also providing academy education to over 2000 players, coaches, and staff from across 42 different clubs.

Kick It Out launched a new partnership this season with the PGMOL to provide ED&I education through Kick It Out’s online education platform, The Academy, to match officials, while the charity has also employed coach educators to give grassroots coaches the skills to tackle unconscious bias.

The data suggests fans are willing to report discrimination to the organisation in record numbers but Kick It Out wants to ensure those reports continue to drive positive outcomes for victims.

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The data released today, also revealed:

That’s why the charity has launched a new video showing how reports in the professional game are dealt with and the importance of including as many details as possible when discrimination occurs.

Sanjay Bhandari, Kick It Out Chair, said: “These figures underline the seriousness of football’s discrimination problem, with reports to Kick It Out more than doubling over the past two seasons.

“It’s deeply concerning to see how steeply reports are rising. However, we believe this increase can also be attributed to fans becoming less tolerant of discrimination and greater awareness of reporting procedures.

“Encouragingly, we are seeing stronger punishments for racist abuse in recent years, including the toughest ever handed out to a football fan found guilty of racist abuse at a football match earlier this season.

“However, we now need to see better coordination from football authorities and stakeholders to ensure there are positive outcomes for victims of abuse across the game, particularly on social media where too much discriminatory abuse still goes unchallenged.”

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UNVEILS NEW PROSTATE UNITED SHIRT AND TARGETS £1m MILESTONE Club staff, fans and media fundraisers urged to take on football’s biggest grassroots challenge in October to stop prostate cancer claiming a life every 45 minutes Prostate United, the biggest grassroots football fundraiser in the UK, has unveiled a brand-new shirt as a fan incentive as they aim to hit the magical £1m milestone for Prostate Cancer UK this season.

Former England star Viv Anderson leant his support to the nationwide fundraising initiative at a launch event in Manchester on Wednesday (September 4) to highlight the lofty ambition of Prostate United this season.

Since its launch in 2018, over 60 football clubs both professional and non-league - hundreds of club staff and now fans, have walked, run or cycled every day during the month of October to save men’s lives and Prostate United 2024 is shaping up to be bigger and better.

This year, to mark the epic fundraising, those taking part can get their hands on an exclusive money-can’t-buy shirt by raising £500 for the charity.

The striking Prostate United shirt comes from the imagination of renowned designer Ed Cowburn from Acid FC. He has previously designed kits for Leeds United in 2023/24 as well as an awardwinning offering for Walthamstow FC. Paying homage to the early 90s, the pixel patterned shirt, with a checkerboard effect, features the blue, black and white charity brand colours. The number 45 on the front represents the one man that dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer in the UK. The shirt got the thumbs up from former England, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and Arsenal defender Anderson, a long-term supporter of Prostate Cancer UK, at the launch.

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Viv, who has previously cycled from Yorkshire to Amsterdam for the charity, discussed his storied career at the event and chatted about some of the iconic shirts he wore over his 20-year career.

He said: “I love football kits, and I’ve played in some crackers myself, many which provoke strong memories of my playing career, from my debut for Man United in 1987 and the history-making Nottingham Forest shirt I played in when we won the European Cup for the first time. I’ll aways remember the first England shirt I wore back in 1978, while the shirt I played the League Cup final in for Arsenal is also important to me.

“This Prostate United shirt is special too and it comes with a serious message which all men of a certain age need to hear and it’s one I’m very proud to share. I’m also aware black men are at double the risk of prostate cancer as other men, so for me personally this is an important cause to support.”

Leeds-based Cowburn added: “I always hope my work will bring some joy and style as well as get people talking. Prostate Cancer UK have done lots of great things in football, and hopefully this is the start of fans out there looking forward to Prostate United each year and getting involved along with raising plenty of money.

Prostate United is the brainchild of Stephen Gilpin and Ross Burbeary, two performance coaches working in the EFL at Rotherham United.

In six years, the campaign they created has raised over £500,000 to help stop men dying from prostate cancer – a disease claiming the lives of one man each half of a football match. This year, the duo are aiming even higher – towards the million-pound milestone, double what has been raised so far.

“We know supporters are the lifeblood of the game and in getting as many as them involved through their clubs as possible will drive the campaign and its messaging forward. What we saw with the interaction with fan bases and communities was absolutely fantastic and that translated into numbers that participated and the amount raised. Our hope for this year is to hit the £1m mark!

Burbeary, now of Huddersfield Town, and who joined Anderson and Cowburn at the launch, added: “We want more clubs to be involved this year. We’re really trying to bring football - from grassroots level up to the Premier League - together, all with one aim of raising as much money as we can for Prostate Cancer UK.”

You can sign up for Prostate United here.

Seren Evans, Head of Events and Community Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK said: “This year promises to be the biggest yet in the history of Prostate United and we can’t wait to work with Stephen and Ross again, along with all of the football clubs and supporters that sign up. We’re also really excited to offer our top fundraisers a unique new shirt and grateful to Ed for designing it.

“From the Premier League and EFL down to grassroots level, football has been so influential in raising the profile of prostate cancer. Across the football industry, from the terraces to the touchlines, in board rooms and living rooms across the UK, as well as across pavements and parks, Prostate Cancer UK are uniting against the deadliest opponent of all.

“Whether signing-up as part of a team or going solo, every activity completed, and every pound raised helps fund lifesaving research into better tests and treatments to save men’s lives.”

To join your club and help save men’s lives this October, sign up for Prostate United 2024 at prostateunited.prostatecanceruk.org.

For more information contact: Sebastian.pearce@prostatecanceruk.org or adam.smith@sports-impact.com or call 07984 325001.

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Gilpin, who lost his grandfather Norman to the disease in 2012 and now works for Wolverhampton Wanderers, said: “Last season was really special with the clubs that got involved and not just the members of staff working at football clubs, but supporters of those clubs up and down the country.

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About Prostate United o Prostate United is a yearly fundraising challenge that invites football club staff and fans to walk, run or cycle a distance every day during October. o The challenge, founded by Stephen Gilpin, began in 2018 and has so far raised over £500,000 for Prostate Cancer UK. Stephen was inspired to begin fundraising after losing his grandad, Norman, to prostate cancer in 2012. o To date, more 300 members of staff from over 60 clubs from across the UK have taken part, including Manchester United, Leeds United, Everton and Sheffield United. Clubs pledging to support in 2024 include Derby County, Wolves, Cambridge United and Manchester United. o In 2023, Doncaster Rovers – led by manager Grant McCann - topped the fundraising league table having raised nearly £18,000.

For more information, visit prostateunited.prostatecanceruk.org

About Prostate Cancer UK o Prostate Cancer UK is the largest men’s health charity in the UK, striving for a world where no man dies of prostate cancer. o The charity works to give every man the power to navigate the disease: by helping men understand their risk through our award-winning online risk checker; by providing them with trusted support and the information they need to make the right treatment choices for them; or by empowering them to make improvements for their path ahead, and for the paths of generations to come. o Prostate Cancer UK is the driving force in prostate cancer research in the UK. Investing millions into the best researchers in the world to unravel the complexity of the disease, the charity has improved how men are diagnosed through funding cutting-edge technology like more accurate MRI scans. The charity works to give men precise and personalised care with the right treatments at the right time, for the best chance of living the full life they want and spending more time with those they love. o Prostate Cancer UK also supports men living with and after prostate cancer, providing services like a Specialist Nurses helpline to give expert advice, and working with the NHS and its Clinical Champions to change the healthcare system so men are more involved in decisions and empowered to navigate prostate cancer.

About Prostate Cancer o Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. o More than 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year on average – that's 143 men every day. o 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer. o Around 475,000 men are living with and after prostate cancer. o Every 45 minutes one man dies from prostate cancer – that's more than 12,000 men every year. o Prostate cancer is curable if caught early, but early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms, so it is vital that men know their risk. o Men are at higher risk if they are over 50, Black or have a father or brother who has had prostate cancer. o To help men check their risk in 30 seconds, Prostate Cancer UK have an online risk checker available here:https://prostatecanceruk.org/risk-checker

Anyone with concerns about prostate cancer can:

Contact Prostate Cancer UK's Specialist Nurses in confidence on 0800 074 8383, or via email, webchat or WhatsApp at prostatecanceruk.org/nurses Access online and printed health information at prostatecanceruk.org/information Speak to trained volunteers with experience of prostate cancer at prostatecanceruk.org/one-to-one

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Prostate Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1005541) and in Scotland (SC039332). Registered company 02653887.

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

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ESSEX FA GUIDELINES FOR TEMPORARY “SIN BIN” DISMISSALS Referee Procedural Updates for the 2024/25 Season

As part of football’s commitment to tackling poor behaviour in the game, and creating a positive environment, The FA have reviewed the Temporary Dismissal (Sin Bins) protocol and implemented significant change, which they believe will make it easier for match officials to administer on a match day, including Essex referees.

The change in protocol will now align with the standard cautioning and send-off procedures for match officials. The issue of a yellow card for dissent by word or action will result in a sin bin. If the player receives a second caution whilst in the sin bin, or when they return to the field of play, they will be sent off.

The FA believe this distinct change will provide referees with a simplified tool to deal with dissent by issuing a temporary dismissals to players, thus playing a pivotal role in respect and fair play. In addition to the domestic change in the protocol, IFAB (International Football Association Board) have also amended their 2024/25 Laws of the Game, which must also be followed.

Further guidance can be found at www.essexfa.com, plus the amended 2024/25 Laws of the Game can also be accessed at www.theifab.com/lawchanges/latest. Additionally, you can interact with @EssexCountyFA and @EssexReferees on X and search for the ‘EssexFootball’ and ‘EssexReferees’ pages on Facebook.

Guidelines for Temporary “Sin Bin” Dismissals: Referee Procedural Updates for the 2024/25 Season: https://www.essexfa.com/news/2024/aug/14/sin-bins-update

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ESSEX FA YOU CAN CHAMPION SAFEGUARDING DURING PLAY SAFE WEEKEND Activities in Essex on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September

Everyone in Essex grassroots football is invited to take park in this year’s Play Safe Weekend on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September, celebrating the year-round campaign which amplifies the importance of safeguarding across all levels of football.

During these two days, the local game will be committing to making sure everyone knows their role in safeguarding, and what Play Safe is all about. Collectively, Essex football can make the game safer, fun and enjoyable for everyone, everywhere, every time.

Anyone’s love of football can be taken away by negative behaviour and abuse.

Safeguarding prevents this from happening. A Play Safe Weekend around the start of each season is there to put safeguarding at the forefront of people’s minds. It reminds everyone to watch, listen, talk and act correctly in every football environment.

No matter what role an individual has in football, its important they know their role and responsibility in making it a safe space for all. Essex County FA Safeguarding Manager, Helen Hever is proud of how local football unites each year to celebrate Play Safe Weekend.

“We look forward to seeing Essex football celebrate Play Safe Weekend this year. Our clubs have really embraced the campaign previously, and it’s helped individuals really reflect on, get to know and reinforce their role in safeguarding. We want to make sure football is safe, fun, and enjoyable for everyone, everywhere, every time.”

When everyone knows their role, together we create an ever-safer game. Find out how to play your part in Play Safe Weekend, access digital content and learn more about the Essex County FA's Matchday Environment resources at www.essexfa.com. You can also interact with @EssexCountyFA on X and search for the ' EssexFootball ' page on Facebook.

Safeguarding Awareness for Parents & Carers Course

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Safeguarding is about creating safe environments and preventing children from experiencing harm or abuse. Put simply, safeguarding refers to measures we take to protect children - and to keep them safe and well. Whether that’s your kids, the opposing players or even the referee, every young person has the right to enjoy football.

Recognition for Safeguarding Work at the NSPCC Awards The Play Safe initiative was recently recognised by FA partner the NSPCC at their annual Corporate Impact Awards. The FA were awarded in the ‘Taking a Stand’ category, which recognises organisations who have tackled issues which are difficult to confront, doing so in a way which influences and promotes that work across the wider society to effect change.

Not only is Play Safe endorsed by the NSPCC, it is also supported across every level of English football, including: Premier League, English Football League, Barclays Women’s Super League, Barclays Women’s Championship, National League. Additionally, Play Safe aligns closely with the Essex County FA’s #PlayYourPart Matchday Environment resources.

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This short course is designed to help you make an informed choice about the football setting you enrol your child into. It starts by explaining the importance of safeguarding in football and the childcentred approach the game takes. It will then guide you through questions you should ask to ensure the club or venue where your children play football has the correct safeguarding policies, people and practices in place. Find out more about the course at www.essexfa.com.

https://www.essexfa.com/news/2024/aug/16/play-safeweekend

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ESSEX FA ESSEX SUPPORTS FA LAUNCH OF ‘THE ENGLAND FOOTBALL FAMILY’ Celebrating Local Grassroots Football Volunteers

The Football Association have announced the national launch of a new brand platform, the England Football Family, which aims to recognise, reward and celebrate grassroots football volunteers, supported by the Essex County FA. The England Football Family launched at the Grassroots Football Awards, a ceremony celebrating grassroots volunteers from around the country which took place at Wembley Stadium connected by EE ahead of the recent FA Community Shield. The new, vibrant brand identity and voice will raise the profile of volunteering across the country to retain, recruit and reward grassroots volunteers from all communities, all year round.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of grassroots football, with around 860,000 people supporting and growing the game they love. Through the England Football Family, The FA are highlighting the importance of these individuals aiming to connect the volunteer workforce.

Alongside this, as members of the England Football Family, volunteers will gain access to development opportunities for a wide range of roles across the game, supporting them to thrive and grow. Volunteers will also have access to rewards like ticket offers, exclusive England Football partner offers and priceless experiences for themselves or their club or league.

Lana Gillard, Essex County FA Football Development Officer, commented: “The England Football Family is a fantastic platform to help celebrate and recognise the outstanding contribution of grassroots volunteers who dedicate themselves to ensuring football flourishes. I would encourage onand off-field volunteers in our county to sign-up.”

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“We’ll be continuing to invest in our valued volunteer community as we recognise the passion, talent and dedication from every volunteer, in every club, through every league. This new brand platform enables us to bring together and empower volunteers, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and inspired to make lasting impact in their community. The best part is that anyone can get involved in grassroots football and become part of the England Football Family.”

From coaches and referees, to groundspeople and club secretaries, there are volunteering opportunities for all. To find out more information on how you can get involved with, and become part of, the England Football Family, visit www.englandfootball.com/volunteer. You can find further opportunities at www.essexfa.com. #Essex Supports @FA Launch of ‘The @EnglandFootball Family’: Celebrating Local #GrassrootsFootball Volunteers: https://www.essexfa.com/news/2024/aug/29/england-footballfamily

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James Kendall, The FA’s Director of Football Development, said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of grassroots football, who dedicate their time to ensure that England Football is a safe and enjoyable environment for people to flourish. We see and hear the value of our volunteer network every single day, which is why I’m delighted to announce the launch of the England Football Family.”

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HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS F.C Heybridge Swifts FC have had an eventful start to the 2024/2025 season. We are unbeaten in the league, all be it all draws, but we unfortunately exited the FA Cup after a replay and lost on penalties. This week we unfortunately lost a closely contested game with our local rivals Maldon in the FA Trophy where they ran out 1-0 winners after a late goal. So, we are looking to see if we can put things right in our next game and continue the unbeaten league run.

Our youth section started back playing this week and had some very positive results, which is encouraging. We will be keeping tabs on these as we strive to try and get some through the system that will hopefully be seen playing for our reserves and hopefully the first team. Our U18 EJA team played in the FA Youth away at Hullbridge, and ran out 1-0 winners, and they are now at home Wednesday September 18th against Wingate and Finchley, kick off 7.45pm. This will definitely be a competitive game so if you are free, please come down to the First Call Community Stadium where admission is only £5.00 for this game.

In addition, our social sides were in action and our social 1 st team ran out 2-0 winners but sadly the social reserves were beaten 6-3 away from home.

We also unveiled our new ball plinth for the Maldon game. A huge thank you to our sponsor CMS Freight Limited for getting this for the club to use. We will utilise this on home match days to keep everything professional.

Well, that’s about it for now, and again thank you to the Grassroots Magazine for inviting us to work with them.

Many thanks Steve Spreadbury – Chairman

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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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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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