January 2014 Newsletter

!!Also, as you will see later in the newsletter, we are delighted that Woking FC has chosen to support the club. All the kids are eligible for a free ticket to the upcoming home match on 8 March. Woking FC will also be visiting us at training that morning to give the boys and girls an opportunity to take penalties against their mascot, KC the Cat, in a fund raiser for Chase Hospice. !On the weekend of 7/8 June GPR will host our annual tournament. 2013 was our biggest ever tournament, with over 1,000 children visiting us over the weekend to play football. Thanks to all the volunteers that helped make it such a success, lets hope we can top this in 2014! !I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lorraine Walton, who is stepping down as club secretary. Lorraine has done great work for GPR including being instrumental in setting up our thriving girls section. Alex Grant, club treasurer, is also stepping down from the committee at the end of the season. Having been treasurer for a number of years Alex leaves with the finances in a great position. Please join me in thanking Lorraine and Alex for all they have done for the club. !Andy Morgan has joined the committee as secretary, but we still have a vacancy as treasurer, if anyone would like to volunteer.   Finally, on a personal note, it is great to see our u12 Eagles coach, Danny Edser back on his feet again after his illness - welcome back Dan! !Lee Swain, Chairman Chairman@GPRFC.orgp.s. to keep up to date with GPR you can like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/GPRFC

Many thanks to LPFPhotography for the various team photos in this newsletter. LPF Photography is run by our under 7 coach Louis Freullet and over recent months Louis has taken shots of all GPR’s teams. These are available to buy, with profits going to the club and to date, thanks to Louis’s generosity, we have raised over £300. Photos are still available to buy, please email Louis on louis.freullet@sky.com for more details, or to see a photo proof of your child’s team.

Chairman’s letter

Dates for your diary 8 March - Woking FC Day 7/8 June - GPR tournament 28 June - End of season awards night

Goldsworth Park Rangers FC

A belated Happy New Year to everyone!   I hope that all the boys, girls, parents, family and friends are enjoying the season so far.  The first half of the season has been a successful one for the club both on and off the pitch and we hope to continue that in 2014.   On the pitch we now have 20 teams, our highest number of teams ever.  This is thanks to the hard work and dedication of our coaches and I would like to say a big thank you to them all, as well as all of you that support and help the coaches at training, on match days and behind the scenes. !As I watch teams training and playing matches I am always struck by how all the boys and girls are enjoying themselves – our aim as a club is to develop players to fulfil their potential, in an enjoyable environment, and I hope that you all share my view that we succeed in this.    Testament to  this is the loyalty that we see from our members.  Players that have joined Goldsworth Park Rangers aged 6 or 7 are still playing with us now in their teens.  Already this season we have seen a large number of kids play their 100th game for the club – a great milestone and something that can only be achieved with the support of their families, acting as taxi drivers and cheer leaders from the touchline, often in the wet and cold.  Thank you to you all. !Off the pitch we have also seen the club continue to develop.  This season has seen a raft of local business support the club through donations and sponsorship, as you can see from this newsletter. If you have the chance, please support them in return. !

Goldsworth Park Rangers FC, proudly sponsored by: www.GPRFC.orgwww.facebook.com/GPRFC

Alex wins the Matthias Barker award

Club Secretary Lorraine Walton has recently stepped down as Club Secretary after many years of fantastic work for Goldsworth Park Rangers. Lorraine has been central to making the club what it is today, including setting up GPR’s thriving girls section. On behalf of all our members, thanks go to Lorraine for everything she has done for the club.

Below is an introductory note from Lorraine’s replacement, Andy Morgan….

A massive thank you to Lorraine Walton for her advice and support during the smooth 'handover' period for the Club Secretary role. There will definitely be a drink on the bar for you soon!

Having really enjoyed this season watching my two boys play in the under 8's and under 10's section, I am delighted to join the Committee in an official capacity. I have spent much of my working life within the banking and football industry and hope to use this experience to move GPR FC forward for many years to come. I am fully supportive of the Clubs ethos of providing  a safe and friendly environment for the children.

Club Treasurer There is currently a vacancy on the Committee for a treasurer, if anyone is interested in volunteering to help the club.

Alex Grant the current treasurer has done a great job over many seasons of keeping us on the straight and narrow.  The club’s finances are in good shape, with the current membership at a record high. After helping lead the club through this growth Alex has announced his plans to step down as treasurer at the AGM, to concentrate on his other role of cheering on his son in the u12 Hawks. Many thanks to Alex on behalf of Goldsworth Park Rangers for all his hard work and dedication over the years.

There is therefore a vacancy for anyone that would like to get more involved in helping the club run by becoming Treasurer.  If you are interested the intention would be that you could work alongside Alex for the rest of the season to learn the ropes.  There is also a lot of support from other members of the Committee.

If you are interested in finding out more, please email Lee Swain on chairman@gprfc.org

….. So what have I done so far you may ask?

In recent weeks I have been looking closely at funding opportunities from various sources, attended several meetings with FA Officials re our Charter status, held discussions with Council Officials re our facilities, looked at options for links with many local businesses, web site issues, final stages of producing an all colour A5 size Club brochure, introducing a club 'shop' for clothing plus organising an evening social but more importantly met a lot of great people whom are currently involved and some whom may become involved!

I very much look forward to helping GPR FC and meeting many more people along the way!

As with the rest of the Committee I am open to any ideas, questions or suggestions that anyone has. Please feel free to come and say hello on Saturday mornings or on matchdays but in the meantime if you’d like to contact myself, please email me .........andymorgan243@sky.com

If you have any suggestions, questions or comments on GPR FC please contact one of the following:

Your Committee Honorary Life President - Dick Wright Chairman - Lee Swain Club Secretary - Andy MorganTreasurer - Alex Grant Vice-Chairman - Ian Leighton Vice-Chairman - Simon Barron

Goldsworth Park Rangers FC is a team effort both on and off the pitch Thanks to all the kids, parents, volunteers that make this club what it is

Your Goldsworth Park Rangers FC team coaches

U18 - Ashley BrabrookU16 - Carl Barker U14 Albion - Lee Swain U13 Saxons - Ian Leighton U13 Sapphires - Aaron VardyU12 Falcons - Andrew Bidnell U12 Hawks - Brian Curr U12 Eagles - Danny EdserU11 Sapphires - Lloyd Wye U11 Dons - Reza Yassini U11 Spartans - Colin Vincent U11 Tigers - Dave McHugh / Hugh Thacker

!

U10 - Ian Hill U10 Dragons - Juan RingU9 Crusaders - Richard Allison U9 Lions - Simon Barron U9 Hotspur - Dave Lane U8 - Yvonne NewlandU7 Raptors - Louis Freullet U7 T-Rex’s - Gareth GriffithsU6 Youth Development - Ellie Beagley

The boys and girls started the season as a single team, but given the popularity of the club the u7’s soon grew to be large enough to operate as two teams.

The Raptors are coached by Louis Freullet with Gareth Griffiths coaching the T-Rex’s. Their weekly training sessions are held every Saturday morning on Goldsworth Park Recreation Ground.

Both teams play matches, every Sunday, in the Surrey Primary League. Under the FA’s new youth development guidelines under 7 teams play 5 a side football, on appropriately sized pitches with small sized goals.

... and the next generation .... Do you know any energetic boys or girls aged between 3 and 6 - i.e year one at school or below?

As part of our continued aim of providing fun through football in the local community Goldsworth Park Rangers under 6 youth development section is recruiting local youngsters to the club’s weekly sessions run basis by FA qualified coaches.

At this age the emphasis is on having fun as well as developing as a player. For those that enjoy it and want to continue, this age group provides the future of the club, as the boys and girls progress to the under 7 team and beyond.

The 3-6 year olds train every Saturday morning from 10.00-11.00 at Goldsworth Park Rec. If you're interested please feel free to come down and join us or email chairman@gprfc.org for more details.

The sessions are run on a pay and play basis, with no joining fee. The cost is just £2 per session to cover our admin, insurance and equipment costs.

GPR’s under 6s are kindly supported by sponsorship from Greenoak Housing Association. We would liketo thank them for their donation towards our kit and equipment..

Goldsworth Park Rangers FC, proudly sponsored by: www.GPRFC.orgwww.facebook.com/GPRFC

Both teams also seem to be well matched - a recent friendly between the two teams saw a thrilling, end to end 5-5 draw!

Good news has come with both teams attracting sponsors, who have donated kit, training tops and jackets to the boys and girls. The Raptors are sponsored by LPF Photography, with T-Rex’s sponsored by local builders Joyce Chapman Developments. Thanks to both companies for their generosity.

The Don’s get moving Thanks to a generous sponsorship donation from Bisley Removal Services our under 11 team, GPR Don’s have new kit.

The Don’s are now in their fifth season at Goldsworth Park Rangers, having started at under 7 in 2009/10. They have gone from strength to strength since then, and are currently in division one, vying for promotion to the premier division.

They recently picked up sponsorship from Bisley Removal Services and are pictured here with the owner, Cav Grainger, looking smart in their new kit.

Thanks to Bisley Removals for the support!

Meet Goldsworth Park Rangers’ newest teams…. The club has two under 7 teams, the GPR Raptors and GPR T-Rex’s, enjoying their football in their first ever season.

Games are played as four periods of 10 minutes each, within a non competitive league. This ensures that the aim is on fun, participation and development, rather than win at all costs. This format gives all the kids plenty of opportunities to get involved and learn new skills and they are all loving playing football. Despite only being playing together for a few months, it is great to see the teamwork developing between all the children in both teams.

Goldsworth Park Rangers FC, proudly sponsored by: www.GPRFC.orgwww.facebook.com/GPRFC

The Hawks take flight

Goldsworth Park Rangers under 12 team GPR Hawks, recently played their fifth season at the club, which was their most successful to date, finishing runners up in their division. With 8 of the team also celebrating playing their 100th game for the club this season, we thought we’d commemorate their achievements by giving their coach Brian Curr the opportunity to update us on the boys progress….

The group of boys that eventually went on to form GPR Hawks started training under the auspices of Dave Langran in the under 6 youth development section in the September of 2007.

Ray Rehman and Brian Curr were eagerly put in charge at the start of the under 7 season in 2008 and the journey had begun! The early keenness was diluted by some dodgy early results, a 17-0 mauling at the hands of a slightly over zealous cougars team being the worst!The Hawks started their GPR career back in 2008

Rays "work" commitments soon got the better of him and he departed to start Maybury FC, leaving the Hawks to struggle on.

Through the seeding seasons one thing became apparent, the boys had a real bond, not blessed with exceptional talent they had a never say die attitude that would stand them in good stead for later years.

After mixed results we were placed in division 4 for our 1st competitive season as u9’s in 2010/11. Having lost our first 8 games,  we went to 2nd placed Send with confidence rock bottom. Having gone a goal down, somehow we turned it around and our first competitive league win ensued much to the annoyance of Sends manager!! The final whistle was met by a "David Pleat" style pitch invasion and a feast of Jaffa cakes! This was our epiphany , although we only finished the season 3rd bottom the stubbornness was there for all to see.

2011/12 brought a new coach Steve Blackman who propelled the Hawks into the 21st century . Suddenly we were tweeted, facebooked and sprawled across the back pages. Results improved with the team winning as many as they were losing, after 3 tough seasons a chink of light was appearing.

Brandon Bax joined the coaching team in 2012/13 and with the squad strengthened hopes were the highest ever. After a slow start we ended up chasing eventual champions Abbey Rangers all the way. The Runners up spot meant promotion to division 3 where we currently lie 2nd, having only lost one game so far. this season. The highlights are beating last year's champions Abbey away 4-0 and Milford (currently top) at home also 4-0.

Of the originals, 8 of the boys have stuck together through thick and thin, 7 of those have played over a hundred games for us and the other will have done, by the end of the season.

To be honest, all the boys are a credit to Goldsworth Park Rangers Football Club, the resilience and determination never cease to amaze me.

It is also credit to GPR's mixed ability policy, I am sure some of our boys would have been cast aside by other clubs and possibly would have stopped playing football, but our team all get a game and the camaraderie and team spirit are there for all to see, making everyone involved very proud.

A big thank you should be given to Steve and Brandon for their hard work, but also to all the parents who turn up week in and week out in all weathers (sometimes a little the worse for wear!) who have given the team such great support over the years.

I’d also like to thank Woking Print Shop for sponsoring the team and providing all the boys and coaches with jackets, which is much appreciated.

Heres to the next 5 years! Go Hawks!!

Season Played Won Drew Lost For Against

2008-­‐2009 20 4 4 12 23 54

2009-­‐2010 20 6 1 13 22 43

2010-­‐2011 21 4 3 14 14 37

2011-­‐2012 20 7 6 7 23 27

2012-­‐2013 21 14 2 5 60 29

2013-­‐2014 10 7 2 1 34 10

The current high flying GPR Hawks squad

KC Cat looking nervous at the prospect of facing GPR

Goldsworth Park Rangers FC, proudly sponsored by: www.GPRFC.orgwww.facebook.com/GPRFC

A fun day on the Cards

We are delighted that Woking FC has chosen to support Goldsworth Park Rangers with a joint club day being held on 8 March. In the morning Woking FC will visit Goldsworth Park for a penalty shoot-out and in the afternoon we will visit Kingfield, Woking’s stadium, to take in a game.

In the morning KC Cat, the Woking FC mascot will visit Goldsworth Park and all the kids in the junior section (up to u11) will have the chance to take some penalties against him in a sponsored penalty shoot out.

Kids will have the chance to be sponsored by friends and family and all the money that the club raises will be donated to Chase Hospice. Woking FC will also donate a percentage of the money they take to this worthwhile charity.

As well as raising much needed funds for the hospice, there is a chance for the children to win some great Woking FC prizes, with the individual raising the most money winning a signed shirt. Other prizes include signed balls and goody bags depending on how much individuals raise.

In the afternoon of 8 March, Goldsworth Park Rangers will then visit Woking FC’s home ground, Kingfield, to watch Woking FC vs Southport.  All kids are eligible for a free ticket.

Team managers will be in touch with more details and sponsorship forms soon, and to take your orders for tickets.

Congratulations!

At Goldsworth Park Rangers we are always pleased with the loyalty of our players, which is vital to the success of the club.As you’ll read elsewhere u12 Hawks are currently having their most successful season to date, with a large number of the team joining GPR at the age of 6, and subsequently playing over 100 games for the club. 

We have also had a number of other players reach notable milestones so far this season.  U11 Dons have had 4 players reach 100 games, or about to do so.  Congratulations to Harry Brogan, Max Carter, Alex Scott and Amaan Yassini, on this fabulous achievement.

Congratulations are also due to GPR u11 Spartans goalkeeper Jude Silverton, who has reached 50 appearances. Jude is a popular member of the team, who works hard in training. This has helped him become one of the top goalkeepers in his division.

At under 9 level GPR Lions have had a busy fixture list over the last couple of years: six of their players received their fifty match award earlier in the season.  The boys are pictured celebrating receiving their awards.  Congratulations to Noah, Jamie, Sam, Ollie, Stevie and Zach who between them they have scored over 150 goals for the Lions. Thanks to all the boys for your loyalty and contribution to the club.

The team, sponsored by Squisitos, have made a great start to the season and so far have a proud record of played 9 won 9 in the league.

Their only defeat this season has came in the cup, but they have now progressed through to the next round of the plate.

The team always try to pass the ball and they always work hard for each other.

Their great start to the season has been based on a solid defence that has enabled the midfielders and strikers to score plenty of goals. So far in 9 games the boys have scored 34 and only conceded 7.

Lets hope that 2014 brings them the league title, that they richly deserve.

What a start for the Spartans

After a difficult season last year, our under 11 team GPR Spartans have started this year off in sensational style.

GPR Lions show off their fifty awards

GPR Spartans celebrate their great first half of the season

This spurred the girls on and when they played their first game in the Nuffield sponsored kit, the girls scored their first ever goal in a narrow 2-1 loss.  The joy on their faces when the ball went in was clear for all to see, and they followed this up the next week with a fantastic 4-3 victory in a match they were behind in twice. As the team has developed over the season, they now have 10 girls registered in the team and recently had a 5-1 victory against a team that had previously beaten them 2-0 in a cup game.  They then went two goals better the following week with a 7-3 win. A truly amazing start to their football career for the girls and just reward for all the hard work the girls have put in this season. All new girls are always welcome at Goldsworth Park Rangers.  Either contact Lorraine Walton - walton206@sky.com or simply turn up at training at the rec at 10.am on a Saturday morning.

Not Just Kitchen Ideas have recently announced sponsorship of our under 9 team GPR Hotspur.

Each member of the under-9s side received a new look kit and jackets kindly donated by the independent family business who supply complete kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms all over Surrey and Hampshire.

Goldsworth Park Rangers under 12 team GPR Falcons are now sponsored by Bright Blue Wealth. Their sponsorship donation has provided all the boys in the Falcons with new away kits and training kit.

More information on the Chertsey based financial advisers can be found at www.brightbluewealth.com.

Goldsworth Park Rangers FC, proudly sponsored by: www.GPRFC.orgwww.facebook.com/GPRFC

Thank you We have recently received sponsorship from a number of local companies. We would like to thank them all for their support for Goldsworth Park Rangers. Their kind donations ensure that the club can provide football for youngsters with quality kit and equipment.

As mentioned earlier, LPF photography are the new sponsors of our under 7 team GPR Raptors. Their fellow under 7 team, GPR T-Rex’s are sponsored by local builders Joyce Chapman Developments. Both sets of boys and girls love their new kit, training shirts and jackets.

Rose Tapper, Director of Not Just Kitchen Ideas, commented "This year we are celebrating our 21st anniversary of working in the local community. As we  celebrate this significant milestone Not Just Kitchen Ideas are extremely pleased to support Goldsworth Park Rangers with the great work they do in providing football for local youngsters."

Andrew Bidnell, the Falcons' coach commented "We are very grateful to Bright Blue Wealth for their kind donation. As a charity reliant on volunteers to operate, it is thanks to the generosity of our sponsors that Goldsworth Park Rangers can continue to provide a high quality environment for local youngsters to play football in."

Girls just wanna have fun!

GPR Sapphires are going from strength to strength this year

Alongside our existing under 13 girls team, this year GPR set up a new u11 team - GPR Sapphires. All of the girls are enjoying their season and having fun.

Although the girls had a tricky start to the season, with just 6 players registered for a 7 a side league, and lost their first few games, they all still played with a smile on their face and never wanted to quit.

A few weeks in they had more reason to be cheerful, by attracting sponsorship from Nuffield Health Woking Hospital, who generously provided kit, training shirts and rain jackets.

Thank you to all the sponsors joining the GPR team for the 2013/14 season

If you’re interested in sponsoring the club, please contact simonandmicayla@ntlworld.com

GPR Sapphires try out their new training kit, sponsored by Nuffield Health Woking Hospital

The end of last season saw all but 3 players leave the club. Pre-season training was very slow and with the league starting on the weekend of the 8th Sept I really thought that GPR U8 Panthers would no longer be part of the club … But on the weekend when the league started I had several new players come to training, then a few more the following week and all were eager to play matches. The U8 Panthers were saved and a team was quickly registered with the league.

I now have a team full of wonderful players, all gifted in different ways, and who have grown to understand each other, and me with my coaching waffle. We have only played 6 matches so far this season but what great matches they have been.

The first game saw the boys make an impressive start with a wonderful enthusiastic display with a 8-1 away win at Farncombe. All the players enjoyed the day. Second up came Meadow Sports with end to end stuff with all the players enjoying a run out, A close win at 4-3. Away to Grayshott and again both teams playing this game in great spirit, the final result of 5-5 was a fair result with our visitors scoring a dramatic last minute equaliser. Our last win was against newcomers Lyon in another close fought match with end to end action and a result of 4-3.

Goldsworth Park Rangers FC, proudly sponsored by: www.GPRFC.orgwww.facebook.com/GPRFC

Thank you We would also like to say a big thank you to our existing sponsors for their generous donations to Goldsworth Park Rangers that support us in providing football in the local community.

The new look under 8 Panthers

Our under 8 team has seen some change over the last couple of seasons, their coach Yvonne gives us an update below….

We’ve then realised that losing 2 matches in a row isn’t as bad as it seems when everyone gives 100% throughout, and no matter how many time we try for goal there are just times when it won’t get in the back of the net for us but will for the opposition (Meadow again and Worplesdon). Not once have the players given up, or dropped their heads when we’ve been down in any match, they always fight hard, and always stay determined for the whole 40 minutes. I’m so proud of them all.

I have really amazing players who happen to have some amazing parents too - dads who are happy to get wet and muddy assisting me with the coaching and setting up the goals for matches. And great mums too, in particularly 2 mums who managed to set up 1 goal in the same time it took 4 dads’ to set up the other – in the rain - ‘Go Mums’.

I want to give a BIG Thank You to the players for saving the squad this season, playing wonderful football and for listening, and a BIG Thank You to the parents for offering to help me in all sorts of ways and for keeping me sane this season!

Woking Printshop sponsors GPR under 12 Hawks. The boys are very grateful for the kit and training jackets, provided by their donations.

Aviator Farnborough is a long standing sponsor of GPR Albion. The local hotel has provided the under 14 team with a variety of kit, hoodies, jackets and training gear.

Basing Cycles sponsor GPR Lions. The local cycle shop’s donations have provided the under 9 team with match kit, hoodies, rain jackets and training kit over the last couple of years. Their fellow under 9 team GPR Crusaders are sponsored by Waterfall Sales & Lettings, who provided kit, training shirts and jackets to the boys earlier this season.

Sponsorship from business travel specialists, Global Travel Management has provided kit and jackets to GPR’s under 10 team.

Earlier this season, under 11 team, GPR Dons, gained a new sponsor in Bisley Removal Services. Their generous donation gave the team new kit, training jackets and other bits and pieces. Horsell based takeaway restaurant Squisito sponsor their fellow under 11 team GPR Spartans providing kit, training tops, hoodies and rain jackets.

Nuffield Health Woking Hospital has generously provided sponsorship to both of the clubs girls’ teams, GPR Sapphires. The Woking based healthcare provider’s donation earlier this season gave the girls a new look kit, training kit and jackets.

Goldsworth Park Rangers looking smart! Over recent months the club has taken delivery of new kits, thanks to generous donations from our sponsors. Sponsorship donations have also provided training kits, jackets and away kits for a number of teams as modelled here ….

Goldsworth Park Rangers FC, proudly sponsored by: www.GPRFC.orgwww.facebook.com/GPRFC

GPR Crusaders in their new training kit supplied by Waterfalls Sales & Lettings; their

donation also provided jackets and kit.

GPR Sapphires (above) try their new jackets on for size, thanks to Nuffield Health Woking Hospital, who have

sponsored both our girls’ teams

GPR Lions have a new training kit which doubles as an away kit thanks to a donation

from Basing Cycles

Bright Blue Wealth’s sponsorship included a new training kit for GPR Falcons

GPR Hotspur are pictured in their new training kit, thanks to a donation

from Not Just Kitchen Ideas, who also provided jackets and match kit

LPF Photography’s donation provided the GPR Raptors with hoodies and beanie hats, as well as training shirts and rain

jackets.

Goldsworth Park Rangers make the news

Over the last few months the club has been regularly featured in the local newspapers. Goldsworth Park Rangers has been covered in the Surrey Advertiser, the Woking News & Mail and the Woking Informer. It is great to see the press recognising all the hard work that goes into supporting the local community and all the kids that have featured have loved seeing themselves in the paper. Many thanks to all the newspapers involved.

If you have any comments on this newsletter or suggestions for future articles please contact simonandmicayla@ntlworld.com