Under 10’s
April Newsletter
Promotion!!
Well played boys, you have been amazing all season, you deserve to be in the top league, we are all unbelievably proud!! A massive thank you again to everyone who comes down to support the team, week in week out, what ever the weather, it really is appreciated. Time to celebrate!!

Presentation Night’s

Club presentation night (Layton institute): Presentation booklet: £6 (details below)

Tuesday 25th May, Its upstairs, doors open 7pm for 7:30pm start. Numbers are restricted to only immediate family for max occupancy reasons. Each child will receive a trophy and get to go up on stage (hopefully to meet a Blackpool player or two!!). Also we have some special awards to give out!!
For those who don’t know, a presentation night booklet is produced for the event with photographs and write up’s on each section and every player. I mentioned at the parents meeting this could be funded by sponsorship, however we have not managed to raise any.
They cost £6 and will be given out at our own presentation night on 5th June. They contain the special award winners so it would be a bit of a give away if given out on this night. I will be ordering one for everyone so if you don’t want it please let me know ASAP.

Section presentation night / party (Thornton YMCA): Saturday 5th June 7pm.

To help fundraise for the section: Adults £3 Children £2

On the night we will give out some special awards ,It’s also a good opportunity to get together and celebrate the year’s events. Please let me or Simon know ASAP if you will be coming. As usual please pay Simon. To cut out the formalities there will be no raffle or buffet this year but we will be running a couple of football cards. The more there the merrier, family and friends welcome.

Club Fundraising night

Saturday 17th July at the Old England, Bispham. Tickets are likely to be £7.50 each.

To include Disco, Singer, Buffet and a late bar till 1am!
The more support we can get for this event the better. Please spread the word to family and friends it should prove to be a great night! Hope you can all come?


New under 11’s Team ‘BJFF Barbarians’
I have spoken with the chairman at BJFF and expressed my concerns about releasing players to soon after the season has finished. It has been agreed that mid June would be the most appropriate time to reduce down the squad size. This will allow us the opportunity to have a good look at all the players in the 11 a side format and also time to celebrate together a great season. I cannot stress enough how hard this decision will be, but I feel that’s testament to the quality of the squad we now have.

11 a side friendlies
It’s our intention to continue playing matches in the 11a side format once the current season is over. I have spoken with several clubs including Clifton, Bjff, AFC, Wyre, Foxhall and Lytham about potential friendlies, but nothing has yet been finalised. One game which has is:

22nd May: Kirkham (location not confirmed)

Telford

I have spoken to the Hotel this week, people can check in after 2pm but if you arrive earlier you will be able to leave your bags at reception. Attached is a list of the names supplied to the Hotel for your check in purposes.
Rob has arranged for us to play some local teams in a mini tournament for a few hours on the Saturday morning. The Hotel have requested we book meal times for whilst we are there. I have booked us all in for 18:30 on Saturday night, this should allow enough time to move to the function room for the Disco afterwards. On the Friday I thought it best for everyone to sort their own meal arrangements with the Hotel when you arrive. To confirm; Dinner, Bed and Breakfast and a packed lunch are included in the price you have paid.
White Polo shirts for the trip have been ordered at a cost of £6 per child and £10 per adult. They should be ready for training a week on Tuesday.

Finally
It’s been a very successful season, semi finalist’s in the Coulton Cup, an all Blackpool Rangers final in the Foxhall Tournament (plate competition) and then all this capped off with promotion to the top league. Fantastic stuff !!
I am conscious though that throughout this newsletter there are recurring cost implications, I am really sorry about this but I can assure you that it is done to help provide the best facilities we can for the kids within the club. The more we can support that the better it is for our children. Any feedback or ideas anyone may have on the newsletter or anything we have done over the season or even ways we could make improve things further, please let me know.

Thank you for your continued support



My 40th Birthday ……..Just a reminder the party is next Saturady 1st May 7:30pm at my house: 3 Garnet Close, near Norcross. We are making a bit of food (Curry and Chili), but, BRING YOUR OWN BOOZE!

Whitehouse Hotel Check in Details
Blackpool Rangers 7th May – 9th May 2010

Parents Name (Child in brackets) Adults Children
1. Joanne Hewitt
(Danny Carr) 2 2
(adjoining room)
2. Stephen Simms
(George Simms) 2 2
3. Charles Peill
(Mathew Peill) 2 2
4. Steve Bowker
(Adam Bowker) 2 2
5. Lee Arliss
(Jack Arliss) 2 2
6. Paul Miller
(Thomas Miller) 2 2
7. Rob Thornton
(Adam Thornton) 2 2
8. Lee Knight
(Sam Knight) 2 2
9. Graham Mullin
(Jacob Mullin) 2 2
10. Paul Hocking
(Johnny Hocking) 2 1
11. Domonic Cooper
(Leon Cooper) 2 1
12. Phil Rawcliffe
(Spencer Rawcliffe) 2 1
13. Will Rumming
(Lee Rumming) 2 1
14. Simon Galloway
(Edward Galloway) 2 3
15. Steve Brown
(Will Brown) 1 1
16. Dean Cheeseman
Jacob Cheeseman 1 2
17. Emma Parkinson
(Liam Atkinson) 1 2
18. Terry Robinson
(Liams Atkinson’s Grandad) 2 0



Parents Meeting for U10’s 17/03/10

Introduction
A total of 18 (out of 20) families were represented tonight – a much improved turn out from the last meeting in July. Steve thanked everyone for coming and reflected on what has undoubtedly been a successful season so far – and isn’t over yet!

Team Selection for this Season
Steve gave a quick recap on what had been agreed at the last meeting and how that had been fulfilled during the season so far. There followed a discussion about the use of substitutes. Steve reaffirmed that players were picked to start each game purely according to how the coaches felt they would perform on the field and that anybody could be taken off if they weren’t doing as well as desired. Unfortunately, this inevitably means some players get less time than others to develop their match skills but this has clearly been stated as the section policy. Inevitably, parents have different views about this depending on their own child’s situation. Steve mentioned that some clubs were more ruthless about the match opportunities given to those players felt to be less effective than others and that current policy would continue.

Squad Selection for next Season
There were 3 main options as we enter the 11-a-side format…

o All 20 current children to be signed up for the 2010-2011 season. This was not favoured by Steve as in any given match only 11 starting players plus a maximum of 5 subs can be used – leaving up to 4 players taking no part at all in the match each week.
o 16 or 17 players to be signed up. This would mean 3 or 4 players would have to leave the club – which the coaches did not feel good about – but was far more realistic and should lead to a more successful and effective team.
o 16 or 17 players to be signed up but the others to have the opportunity to join a new U10’s section team – either affiliated to BJFF or Blackpool Rangers. Some prior discussion about this has taken place and on the night Lee Knight expressed his willingness to help out as a coach if needed. A volunteer manager is wanted. Anyone interested please step forward!


Preparation for 11-a-side
11-a-side matches next season will be on Sunday afternoons (2pm kick off) and are of 30 minutes duration each way. This is quite different to the current 7-a-side matches and Steve and the coaches feel plenty of friendly matches are needed to maximize our preparation. The first one is against Thornton on 28th March. We have also entered an 11-a-side team into the BJFF summer tournament.
Steve intends us to play at least 8-10 of these friendly matches, whilst giving an opportunity to all players to see how they measure up to the demands of this different format.

Training and Match Day
Steve gave a brief reminder about the importance of punctuality and good mental and physical preparation for matches. Parents have an important role to play in this.

Our Pitch and Norbreck
Steve explained the reasons for playing there.

Telford Trip
A discussion took place about possible activities when we are there, ranging from football to bowling to shopping (!).
Everyone present was reminded about payment being due asap.

New Home Kit and Possible Sponsors
A sample of the proposed kit was shown by Steve and people seemed to like it! Alan is chasing up possible sponsors and as usual if anybody else knows someone who would be willing to sponsor our section let Steve or Simon know.

Fundraising
If anybody knows somebody who would like to place an advert in the Blackpool Rangers presentation booklet, please let Steve know asap.
Other possible fundraising ideas were briefly discussed, including football cards and another sponsored walk.

Any other Business
There will probably be a short break from football around the end of July.
Our section end of season party is to be arranged.
Last date for Parents Player of the Year nominations is 20th March 2010. Let Simon know (07527 792350) if you haven’t yet voted and wish to.

Newsletter March 2010

Parents Meeting
Wednesday 17th March 8pm Old England (Please try your best to attend)

It’s our intention to discuss a number of issues including:
1. Squad selection (next season)
2. Team selection for this season.
3. Telford trip itinary and outstanding balance collection.
Family of 5 - £130 TOTAL for the weekend,
Family of 4 - £110 TOTAL for the weekend,
Family of 3 (2 adults + 1 Child) - £90 TOTAL for the weekend,
Family of 3 (1 adult + 2 children) - £60 TOTAL for the weekend,
Family of 2 (1 adult + 1 child) - £40 TOTAL for the weekend.
4. New Home Kit & possible sponsors.
5. Fundraising.
6. The pitch & Norbreck
7. Any other business. Including any issues people may wish to discuss.

At the end of the season we are faced with the dilema of possibly reducing the size of the squad. Having had two players last season leave unexpectedly we want to make an informed decision on the best course of action to take. It would be greatfully appreciated if you could all let me know who would like to re sign for us next year, either verbally or via text, before the meeting on the 17th. Many thanks!

Tournaments

We are currently only booked into 1 tournament:
Foxhall Easter weekend: Sunday 4th April (2 Teams)
I don’t know of anybody not attending?

Fixtures

The Cup semi final will be played at the neutral ground of:
Thornton FC on 20th March 2010 lets try and get as much support there as possible! Last season there was a nominal charge on the gate, but sadly no details have yet been released by the league. We don’t know who we are playing yet, the draw is on 15th March, in the hat with US will be Lytham, Poulton Youth and Foxhall!!

League fixtures are still being issued on a weekly basis! Very frustrating!!

Photographs

A photographer friend of mine (Chris) has kindly offered to take some quality photos for our web site. If anyone likes a particular picture he would be able to get the picture blown up for a nominal fee. Chris is interested in entering any really good pictures in a possible competition, but would not do this without parental permission. If anyone has a problem with this please let me know.



Many thanks Steve, Rob, Dom, Alan & Graham.

January / February 2010

Fixtures

Fixtures at present are being issued on a week by week basis. Hopefully this situation will change soon. Due to the number of fixtures cancelled over the last few weeks it is expected that we will be playing evening games (Wednesday’s) in April. If anyone knows in advance that they are unavailable for matches please let me know ASAP, it really helps. Finally could everyone endeavour to reply to my texts ASAP regarding availability. On a number of occasions we have still not had a full team confirmed by late on a Friday!! Not good for my blood pressure. Cheers

End of season trip Whitehouse Hotel 4* , Telford.
As you know the end of season trip has been booked, full payment will be due 4 weeks prior (9th April) to arrival, at the latest. Just as a reminder, Cost will include Dinner, bed, breakfast & packed lunch for 2 nights 7th and 8th May 2010. I have been in touch with 2 local teams for games whilst we are there, but as yet they have not confirmed due to fixture issues.

Money due before 9th April:
Family of 5 - £130 TOTAL for the weekend,
Family of 4 - £110 TOTAL for the weekend,
Family of 3 (2 adults + 1 Child) - £90 TOTAL for the weekend,
Family of 3 (1 adult + 2 children) - £60 TOTAL for the weekend,
Family of 2 (1 adult + 1 child) - £40 TOTAL for the weekend.

Kit
Please could we all spare a little time to sew the Charter Standard badge on the tracksuits, I know I have asked before, but have noticed some are hanging off. I have told the supplier, but getting everyone’s back and then posting them off would prove to be very problematic. Thanks for your support.

Tournament
We have entered 2 teams in the Foxhall tournament to be held on Sunday 4th April (Easter Sunday). Can you confirm your availability. Further details will be in the March Newsletter. It is also our intention to play in at least one other tournament, but as yet nothing further is booked.

Many thanks Steve, Rob, Dom, Alan & Graham


News letter December 2009
Fixtures
Saturday 5th December: Fleetwood Gym (Away)
Saturday 12th December: Fleetwood Gym (Home)
Tuesday 15th December: Last training on astro turf before Christmas.
Saturday 19th December: No Game. Training.
Tuesday 5th January: Start back training after Christmas break.

Reminders: Party Time!!
Kids Swimming Party: This Sunday 6th December 2009: 5 til 6:30 (meet at 4:50pm)
Adults Party: Saturday 12th December 2009, at 677 Devonshire Road, 7:30 onwards.
Bring Your own Booze!!

End of season trip Whitehouse Hotel 4* , Telford.
The end of season trip has finally been booked, no deposit is required, however full payment will be due 4 weeks prior (9th April) to arrival, any room can be cancelled at no charge up until that date.
Basic itinerary so far….
On the Friday the Hotel will lay on an array of giant games, music etc (Jenga, Connect 4 etc) and have a function room reserved for our use. On the Saturday we are arranging a match against a local team and in the evening we have a disco arranged with the resident DJ.
The section will be subsidising the trip on a per player basis.
Cost will to include Dinner, bed, breakfast & packed lunch
For 2 nights 7th and 8th May 2010
Prices are:
Family of 5 - £130 TOTAL for the weekend,
Family of 4 - £110 TOTAL for the weekend,
Family of 3 (2 adults + 1 Child) - £90 TOTAL for the weekend,
Family of 3 (1 adult + 2 children) - £60 TOTAL for the weekend,
Family of 2 (1 adult + 1 child) - £40 TOTAL for the weekend,




This hotel is modern in design and superbly appointed. Unique in layout and overlooking AFC Telford. All 90 ensuite guest rooms have been beautifully designed with the highest standard of comfort in mind and feature: colour TV with Sky & Radio channels, power shower, hairdryer, cotton duvet, ironing centre & trouser press, complimentary toiletries, tea & coffee making facilities and in-room safe. The new brasserie style restaurant has a style all of it's own, offering guests a fantastic variety of the very best English and International cuisine from light meals and snacks, to first-class lunch and dinner. The bar offers an extensive range of beers and wines from around the globe in comfortable modern surroundings for an enjoyable evening out with friends and family. The leisure centre is one of the largest hotel leisure centres in the UK and provides a facility where you can train hard, relieve stress or simply relax and enjoy the leisure environment. Facilities include an indoor pool, extensive gymnasium, sauna, spa and steam room, solarium (extra charge) and beauty salon with treatment rooms and nail bar. There is an extra charge and appointments are strongly advised for the beauty salon and nail bar. Places to visit nearby include: Iron Bridge Gorge, Shrewsbury, Ice Skating, Skiing Centre, Horseback Riding, Hiking/Nature Area, Blists Hill Industrial Museum, Cosford Air Museum, Shrewsbury Market Town, Telford town centre, Weston Park & Wonderland (Telford town centre). Please note The Telford Whitehouse Hotel no longer offer smoking rooms - all bedrooms are non-smoking.

Hope everyone has a great Christmas and New year !!

Steve, Rob, Dom, Alan and Graham

Newsletter November 2009

Web site www.blackpoolrangers.net

I have finally sussed how to put photo’s onto the web site, it’s only taken a year!! I have updated some of the pictures and gallery style areas. If anyone has any hints or tips please let me know. Also player profiles may be a bit out of date, if you would like your child’s changing please let me know with some details. Match reports are updated weekly so please take a look, they are very positive & constructive, Liam’s Grandad Terry, does a great job November’s Fixtures are on web site to!

General

If for whatever reason you know in advance your little one will not be available it would be very helpful if you could let me know. In some cases such as cub camp we may have to postpone a fixture so a bit of warning helps our cause with the league. Also if you are not coming to training please try to let me know, if possible. It helps me organize the sessions better to suit numbers. Last thing Please, Please Please try to get to matches on time, more and more players are turning up late this proves to be very disruptive for warm ups and team selection.

Kit Home: Blue & White Shirt Blue shorts and WHITE (with Blue stripes) socks.

Away: Yellow shirt, Blue shorts and BLUE socks. Enough said  !!


Christmas Parties

KIDS Due to the success of last year’s party we have booked again at Poulton Swimming baths:
Sunday 6th December from 5 - 6:30
The boys will have a swim with loads of inflatables and then a little bit of food, possibly even a pressie or two!!

Please let us know ASAP if your budding Charlie Adam!! (Blackpool player, for those who don’t know) will be attending. Cheers!

ADULTS (no kids- get the babysitters booked). Again this year’s party is being kindly hosted by Tracey and Darren (Ben smiths Mum and Dad)

Time and venue: Saturday 12h December 7:30pm onwards.
At: 677 Devonshire Rd, Bispham

To help cover the cost of the food etc. we are charging £2.50 a head. Monies to Simon if coming please, Cheers!!

PLEASE BRING WITH YOU YOUR OWN DRINKS FOR THE EVENING!!

Many thanks Steve, Rob, Dom, Alan & Graham.

October 2009 Newsletter

Training / Match day

Training on the astro turf at Bispham Technical College starts on Tuesday 6th October from 6:30pm until 7:30pm.There will be a nominal charge of £1 per week to cover the pitch fees (as per last year).

Just to confirm there is no problem leaving your children at training, however if it rains heavily during the session we may call it off.

On match days however it would be great to see as many people as possible staying and watching / supporting the team, it’s a great feeling to have family and friends watching for both the players and coaches and want to positively encourage it!! It does make a real difference.

Web Site: www.blackpoolrangers.net

There is a section of the web site dedicated to the players, within it we can put down any hobbies and interests. It’s separated from their photograph for child protection reasons. If you want to add comments or want to amend existing please let email me and I’ll sort it. steve@simms34.wanadoo.co.uk

Terry has been writing some great match reports, at the end of each one he tends to write some message’s of advice. The problem is when I asked the players about it the majority had not been reading them!! Please try to encourage them to take a look, they again serve as a good confidence boost with some very nice words of encouragement.

Note:
Kit confusion still continues!! To Confirm………….

Home kit: Blue and white Hooped shirt, Blue shorts and white socks (Three stripes).

Away Kit: Yellow shirt, Blue shorts and blue socks.

Either kit should be worn with blue thermal under layer provided (when required), if it no longer fits let me know as it may fit someone else in our team or the ages below, please don’t have it sat in the cupboard unused!!.
The winter coats: I have several spare bigger sizes if they no longer fit, again please let me know as other players can benefit from it.

Match days: New tracksuit / Rain jacket / Winter coat / Blackpool Rangers woolly hat (if it doesn’t fit let me know). I can get bigger ones (free for players) from a different supplier, they would even fit an adult now!! So if any parents want one they would be around £4.

(None of the old all weather kit / tracksuits. I.e.: Blue Pendle Sports Jacket, Prostar Tracksuit or Navy Kagool)

Training: Football kit of your choice (except any match day kit, including socks). And then preferably the new tracksuit / rain jacket / winter coat.

Fixtures all games meet at 10:00 for 10:30KO

3rd Oct - St Annes (away) 10th October - AFC Blackpool (Home) 17th October - FC Rangers (Away)

24th Oct - Kirkham Juniors (Away) 31st Oct - Fleetwood Gym (Away)

September 2009 Newsletter

Kit

We will soon be getting new tracksuits and rain jackets for all the players and coaches. Towards the end of last season we also issued each player with two pairs of socks (1 white and 1 Blue). This will result in every player having lots of different kit (old and new). I thought it best to clarify what we should be wearing and when.

We have been kindly sponsored by THREE different companies and should wear the appropriate kit as agreed with each of them:

Home kit: Blue and white Hooped shirt, Blue shorts and white socks (Three stripes).

Away Kit: Yellow shirt, Blue shorts and blue socks.

Either kit should be worn with blue thermal under layer provided (when required), if it no longer fits let me know.

Match days: New tracksuit / Rain jacket / Winter coat / Blackpool Rangers woolly hat (if it doesn’t fit let me know).

(None of the old all weather kit / tracksuits. I.e.: Blue Pendle Sports Jacket, Prostar Tracksuit or Navy Kagool)

Training: Football kit of your choice (except any match day kit, including socks). And then preferably the new tracksuit / rain jacket / winter coat.

Sponsored Walk

This takes place on Sunday 6th September Drop the kids off at Devere Hotel (Shelter in front of Hotel)
10:30 am and pick them up from outside the model village near Stanley Park at 1pm. Please bring with them a packed lunch and a drink.
Any sponsor money raised needs to be in by 20th September to decide who gets the FREE wrist bands for the pleasure beach. It closes in early November and the tickets have to be used by then

Social Events

I know it may be a little early to mention Christmas Parties, but Darren and Tracey have kindly offered to host a party at their house again 12th DECEMBER. It was a great success last year and hope to see as many of the parents/family there as possible this year (No Kids). More details will be sent nearer the time.

BJFF Tournament

Monday 31st August 2009, Meet at 8:45am!! Blue Kit !! (I know it’s early!!)

Many Thanks

Steve, Rob, Dom and Alan
April Newsletter

Coulton Cup (Plate) FINAL !!!!!!!!!

It has been decided by the league this morning !! to revert back to the original date of 2nd May for the Coulton Cup/Plate Finals, the day will go as follows:

Under 9 Coulton Plate Final Kick off 9.30AM Pitch 5. - meet 8.45am.

All presentations will take place inside the Clubhouse please make sure kids wear trainers.


Presentation Night (CLUB)

This takes place at Layton Institute (upstairs) on Wednesday 27th May, 7pm for a 7:30pm start. It is restricted to only immediate family for max occupancy reasons. Each child will receive a trophy and get to go up on stage (hopefully to meet a Blackpool player or two!!). Also we have some special awards to give out!!

Presentation Night / Disco (Our Section)

To cover the DJ and buffet: Adults £5 Children £3

This takes place on Saturday 6th June at Thornton Sports centre (YMCA), 7pm start. On the night we will give out some special awards for individuals as well as a little something for every player. It’s a good opportunity to get together and celebrate the year’s events. Please let me or Simon know ASAP if you will be coming, as we need to know numbers for catering. As usual please pay Simon. There will be no raffle this year but we will be running a couple of football cards. Numbers restricted to 100!! Get in fast!

Foxhall Tournament Saturday: 11th April Arrive by 09:00am BOTH KITS!!

The U9 section is to be played on Saturday 11th April, with 16 teams registered. We will have 2 groups of 8 with the top four in each group going into the Q/F of the Cup. Fifth to Eighth will go into the Q/F of the plate. All group games a straight 10 mins, Q/F 7mins each way, S/F will be 8 mins each way and the Final 10mins each way.

Please note that in order to keep to a strict timetable, the games must commence at 10.00am and therefore teams must arrive at 9.00am at the latest to register. Parking is available at the near-by Highfield School but Foxhall F.C. will not be held responsible for loss or damage caused to vehicles or goods left on these premises (I hasten to add there has never been a problem at previous tournaments.)

The local resident committee have asked that parents try not to park on the local streets and especially across driveways and across corners of local streets. The local Community Liaison Officers and Police will be on duty on the day and will book anyone violating this.

Many thanks, Steve, Rob, Dom & Alan

Newsletter January 2009

Welcome back after the Christmas break, I hope everybody had a great time and are eager to get going. Sadly the fixtures are a little slow at the moment, with enforced cancellations due to the weather and a lack of fixtures from the league. We have been handed a bye in the first round of the plate and can confirm that we are in the Quarter finals already, facing Warton Typhoons at home for a place in the last 4!!!!

Tournaments

We have entered two tournaments so far this year, with 2 teams in each one.
Dates For your diary:
Saturday 11th April, Foxhall. (Highfield Road)
Sunday 10th May, Spirit of Youth (Common Edge Road)
Please let me know if you and your little one will be available.

End of Season mini tour

I have made enquiries with Haven regarding the availability at some of their caravan parks. Initially I priced up for the 15th May and would cost between £95 and £130 per family, depending on the site. Blue Dolphin in Yorkshire was an option on East coast, North Wales was another option or Northumberland to Hagastan Castle.
In that price you would get:
1. 2 or 3 bed superior caravan.
2. Friday through to Monday morning. Sadly term time.
3. Bed linen
4. Entertainment passes, including use of the swimming pool.

The intention is to have lots of fun and play a match against a local team on the Saturday (if that can be arranged). We would also try and subsidise the cost by some fundraising events e.g. a bag pack at a local supermarket?? Ideas are welcomed. I have had a response from several people already but could do with knowing from everybody. We would need an initial deposit of £50 per family to secure your place.

Many thanks Steve, Rob, Dom and Alan.

December Newsletter

Performances keep getting better and better, we appear to be playing with some real confidence. The two performances against Foxhall last week epitomised that (wow that’s a big word for me) and made us all as coaches and I’m sure parents/supporters very proud. Well done!!

New Players

On Tuesday nights we have two boys who come down to train with us but do not play in matches, Robert (Keeper) and Jack A (left sided defender/midfield). We have asked them to sign for the team on a purely play as required basis. On a number of occasions recently we have had to change the shape of the side to facilitate a change of keeper, Robert has agreed to come and play when one of the regular keepers are missing. Jack who has come to us from BJFF has also agreed to do a similar thing but will come down when an outfield player is missing. This will give us an opportunity to see them play in a competitive situation without disrupting the current team. They are both fully aware this does not automatically mean they will be signing for us next season.

Kids Christmas party

This year we have booked a swimming party at Poulton Swimming baths:

Sunday 21st December from 4:30-6:00

The kids will have a swim with loads of inflatables and then a little bit of food, possibly even a pressie or two!!

Training/ Christmas break

Tuesday 16th December is the last training session before Christmas, we start back on Tuesday 6th January at the usual time 18:30-19-30. Our last match before Christmas is Layton at home next Saturday, fixtures for January are not available yet however if we have no game we will still start back on Saturday January 3rd. I will send details nearer the time.

Confirming Availability

Last thing, I can’t stress enough the need to let me or one of the other coaches know if your child is available to play on the Saturday. The earlier I know the better. Cheers.

I would just like to take this opportunity to wish everybody concerned with our section a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year!! See you all in 2009!!

Many Thanks Steve, Rob, Dom and Alan.

November 2008 Newsletter

We have had a mixed start to the season with results becoming increasingly unpredictable. However, I do feel like we are playing reasonably well and have suffered as a result of a number of enforced changes to the starting line up’s. Continuity is very important to our success and we endeavor to try and field two settled teams to help re- discover some fluidity to the sides.

I would also like to welcome Liam to the team who I’m sure you will agree had a very impressive debut and was instrumental in a 2-0 victory over Layton last week.

Last week was bitterly cold and wet. As a result of this, and to help keep the boys warm and dry, we have purchased a winter coat for all the team. They are shower proof, machine washable and can even be tumble dried!! As with the majority of the kit, these are the property of the club and would have to be returned in the event of a player leaving. We are also considering purchasing some ‘Prostar’ thermal base layer clothing, to help further protect the kids from the elements. I am awaiting a response from the supplier before ordering. I have some samples to try for size (they are supposed to be skin tight).

Christmas Parties

KIDS

This year we have booked a swimming party at Poulton Swimming baths:
Sunday 21st December from 4:30-6:00
The boys will have a swim with loads of inflatables and then a little bit of food, possibly even a pressie or two!!

Please let us know ASAP if your budding Ronaldo will be attending. Cheers!

ADULTS (no kids- get the babysitters booked)

This year’s adult’s party is being kindly hosted by Darren and Tracey (Ben smiths Mum and Dad)
Time and venue: Saturday 6th December at 7:30…….. onwards ???
677 Devonshire Rd, Bispham
To help cover the cost of the food etc (Curry and Chilli) we are charging £2.50 a head. Monies to Kellie if coming please, Cheers!!

PLEASE BRING WITH YOU YOUR OWN DRINKS FOR THE EVENING!!
Many thanks Steve, Rob, Dom and Alan.


October 2008 Newsletter

Match Days

On match days as you may have no doubt noticed the coaches and players are standing on the opposite side of the pitch to which we have previously done. This is a directive from the league. The pitch should be either fenced or coned off to prevent parents/coaches etc entering the field of play.

The poor behaviour of our players has been noticed at recent matches. We have endeavoured to find a happy medium between having fun and playing football, sadly this is becoming increasingly difficult to manage, especially now we are standing on the opposite side of the pitch to family members. To try to alleviate the issue we have started to implement the following actions:

1. All players will be asked to watch there team mates play.
2. Obviously the kids would like to go and see parents or go to the toilet etc. All we would ask is that when they are done you send them back over to us.
3. We have a great parent base and team spirit and wish to encourage the good family atmosphere we have. We as coaches would sincerely appreciate your continued support in helping us implement these ideas, which we feel will help match days run smoother and help develop the players.

New Players

Blackpool Rangers has a policy of football for everyone and it is something we wish to actively encourage. We have a current squad of 22 players to which I’m sure you will agree is quite large. However we are looking to the future and as discussed at the last parents meeting the squad will be reduced in size as we approach 11 a side football. We have several none squad players who train with us on a Tuesday night, when they first come down it is made clear that we can not offer them a place in the squad, however if we feel that they would be a real asset to the team and significantly improve our squad then we may make room for them (as we have done in the past).

Training

Training at Blackpool & the Fylde College Astroturf (follow the floodlights) starts on:

Tuesday 21st October from 18:30 – 19:30

Suitable footwear and shin pads will be required (no boots). As with the indoor football last year there will be a small charge of £1 to cover the extra cost. This is outdoor training so rap up warm. PS. Jackets and hats need to have a name in please as they all look the same!!!

If anybody would like to discuss any issues raised please let me or one of the other coaches know.

Many thanks: Steve, Rob Dom and Alan.

League results 4th October 2008
Oct 4th 1A
BJFF 4-1 5-0 Kirkham Juniors
Clifton Rangers 1-5 2-4 Foxhall
St Annes 0-1 0-11 Poulton Youth
South Shore Youth 3-0 0-0 Lytham Juniors
Thornton Cleveleys 0-1 2-3 Fleetwood Town

1B
AFC Blackpool 9-0 9-0 Fleetwood Gym
Blackpool Rangers 1-0 7-0 FC Rangers
Warton Typhoons 0-6 0-1 Staining Juniors
Wyre Juniors 0-3 1-3 Spirit of Youth
YMCA 3-0 1-0 Layton Juniors

Training and Match days

I realise that it is difficult with work commitments etc to attend training and match days at the time specified, but it has become apparent that players are being dropped off for training in excess of 40mins after the session has started. We are trying to improve the team collectively as a unit and it is important that when we start everyone is there. At 6 o'clock last week we had only 6 players and 4 of them were the coaches kids, granted the weather was terrible but by the end of the session we had over 20. On match days it is similar we need time to prepare the kids but on occasions some get dropped off 5 or 10 mins before kick off.

I hope it does not come accross like I am moaning, but I just want what is best for the kids and if people are going to be late there is not a problem as long as I know. I am starting sessions thinking we only have 7 or 8 players and then gradually over the next 40 mins that goes up to 20 something, resulting in the training having to be adjusted to suit.

Cheers Steve............ (Rant over!!)

Newsletter September 2008

I hope everyone has had a great Summer and are itching to get going and play some football. As the new season starts we are required to pay the referee (£20) for every home game we play, on top of this we will commence outdoor training at Bispham college on the astro turf in late October (Tuesdays 6.30 to 7.30 details to follow). With these extra cost implications we will have to increase the monthly payments from £10 to £12 and when we move to the college a further £1 to be paid at training to cover hire costs.
We have now set up a bank account, if parents would like to pay their monthly fees by direct debit / standing order please see Simon or myself for details so this can be arranged.

The early fixtures have been released and are detailed below. The Poulton primary league has its own web site www.poultonprimaryleague.org.uk with league tables, results and reports updated on a regular basis. Paulette has added some sections to our web site as well which will show results, scorers and league tables. With the use of the 2 sites we should be kept well informed.

Fixtures

Saturday 6th Sepember - Wyre Juniors (A)

Saturday 13th September - YMCA (H)

Saturday 20th September - AFC Blackpool (formerly Squires Gate) (A)

Saturday 27th September - Staining (A)

Saturday 4th October - FC Rangers (H)

Saturday 11th October - FC Rangers (A)

Saturday 18th October - Fleetwood Gym (H)

Saturday 25th October - Layton (A)

Many thanks Steve, Rob, Dom and Alan.


Under 8’s section Presentation/Disco Saturday 14th June 7.00pm - Midnight

Venue: Thornton Sports Centre (YMCA), Victoria Road, (bar upstairs).

We have a DJ booked and a hot and cold buffet arranged, the night will give us all the opportunity to give all those concerned with our section a big pat on the back. We have sold over 80 tickets and should fingers crossed be a great night. Alan has organised a raffle so all donations to the prize fund would be greatly appreciated, see Kellie (my wife) or Alan.

Summer break

We are having a rest from football for 4 weeks as of Saturday the 14th June, we will start back for training on Tuesday 15th July and hopefully straight back into some matches the following Saturday. The intention is to maintain a match every week and continue to train on a Tuesday on the gala field. Norbreck school was only ever a temporary option to give our pitches a chance to recover, however the grass was a litlle long and uneven and the pitches were not marked out.

New league and registration

We will commence life in the Poulton primary under 9’s league in early September I am led to believe. Prior to this each player must be registered and a fee of £45 will be due. I intend for us to get together at the Golden Eagle again in mid July (see below) to discuss any issues and to keep you all informed of how we intend to continue with the teams development. If anybody is not intending to register please let me know ASAP.

Parents / section meeting

Wednesday 16th July 8 pm.


Cheers Steve, Rob, Dom and Alan


Spirit of Youth Tournament

Please can we bring along both kits and a drink for your child, we will have water aswell but we are best being prepared.

We need to be there for 9:15 please so we can get well prepared and get the teams registered and set up in plenty of time.

For directions to the venue please visit the web site www.soyfc.co.uk and select “HOW TO FIND US”.

The first matches will commence @ 10:00am on both days, all managers will register their team/s at the officials hut by 9:30am at the latest.
They are currently compiling the fixtures; once these are available then these will be published on their web site. The group matches should finish around 3:00pm after which there will be the knock-out stages which are due to finish by 5:00pm. All details of the tournament will be available in the tournament programme. Please note that there is ample parking available on site which we charge a fee of £2 to cover the hire from the local council, note that this £2 will include a programme.

FA COACHING 29th May

Please see details below of some coaching by the FA, feel free to book your child on the course. Its easier than me taking names and the course filling up before i get chance to ring.

The FA Skills Team are again running a FA Tesco Skills Football Day at Palatine High School in Blackpool on Thursday 29th May 2008 during the May Half Term.

The FREE sessions last for 1 hour and the players will receive expert coaching from the FA Skills Coaches as well as goodies and certificates on the day.

The places on the sessions are limited, and the session times are as follows;

10am - 11am: 5 - 8 year olds

11am - 12pm: 9 - 11 year olds

1pm - 2pm: 5 - 8 year olds

2pm - 3pm: 9 - 11 year olds

To book your individual player or club places on the course, please contact the FA Tesco Skills Hotline direct on 0800 121 4836.

More information on the FA Tesco Skills Programme can also be found on www.thefa.com/skills

May 2008 Newsletter

Minutes for the section meeting held at the Golden Eagle were circulated last month, hence the reason for no April newsletter. If anybody did not receive a copy of the minutes and would like them then just let me know.
Fixtures are available on the web site www.blackpoolrangers.net as well as other news, both myself and Paulette update the site on a regular basis. If anybody has any ideas how we can improve it please let us know.

We will be finishing on the 14th June for a 4 week break and start back on Tuesday 15th July.

Blackpool Rangers Presentation night (Layton Institute)

As in recent years the presentation night for the club will take place on Wednesday 28th May. Doors will open at 7pm (no earlier) for a 7.30 start. There will be no charge from the section to the parents as funds have been raised through sponsorship. These funds cover the cost of the programmes that are provided (1 per family).
Last year damage was caused by the younger sections running across the chairs (I don’t think it was us) towards the back of the room, resulting in the club losing its deposit. Can we just ensure that the finger is not pointed in our direction and our kids all behave. Cheers.

Under 8’s section Presentation/Disco Saturday 14th June 7.00pm - Midnight

Venue: Thornton Sports Centre (YMCA), Victoria Road, (bar upstairs).

Cost: £3 per adult, £2 per child.

As you are probably aware all players will receive a trophy at the club presentation night in May, however no awards will be given out for player of the year etc. This will be a great opportunity to celebrate all the hard work the players and everybody associated with the section have put in over the last season. As previously discussed we have some awards up for grabs: Coaches, players and parent’s player of the year, most improved player and best attitude. We have hired a DJ / entertainer and a hot buffet will be provided.
PS. None of the coaches would take offence if you bought them a pint!!

Parent’s player of the year

Just a reminder the closing date to get votes in for parents player is Wednesday 30th April. If you wish to vote please see Simon or text him with your name and players name that you are voting for to: 07527792350

Cheers Steve, Rob, Dom and Alan