PRESENTATION EVENING 2019
The Evening was a great success -
see MANAGERS' SUMMARIES & TEAM PHOTO SLIDE SHOWS BELOW - scroll down.
see MANAGERS' SUMMARIES & TEAM PHOTO SLIDE SHOWS BELOW - scroll down.
Full details of this year's PRESENTATION EVENING on SATURDAY 22nd June are below.
Invite from the Cholsey Bluebirds FC Committee, to:
THE 2019 CHOLSEY BLUEBIRDS PRESENTATION EVENING
You are cordially invited to the annual Cholsey Bluebirds Presentation Evening, at the Cholsey Pavilion, on Station Road (OX10 9PT), on Saturday 22nd June, 2019. Doors open 5.30pm. It’s an event that we all look forward to because it allows us to bring the whole Club together – players, parents & guardians, managers and friends - to celebrate another fantastic season of football. See below for practical details. Do note that we’ll need a hand from parents to staff the bar as it’s a sociable occasion! Rota for helpers below.
We would be grateful for everyone associated with Session 1 or Session 2 to arrive for the start of that session and to stay to the end of that session. However, this year, we’ll be doing a whole-Club Bluebirds photo at 7.00, so we’d be grateful if everyone could be at the Pavilion for that time. Note that the photo would be posted on our Club website and could be used for the likes of the Forty magazine too.
All the best,
Mark Toal, Chairman of Cholsey Bluebirds FC
5.30pm – Doors open & bar opens
Session 1 – Timings for presentations
- 5.45 – Welcome from Mark Toal
- 6.00 – Rising Stars
- 6.10 – Under 7s
- 6.20 – Under 8s
- 6.30 – Under 9s
- 6.40 – Under 9s Girls
- 6.50 – Under 10s
Session 2 – Timings for presentations
- 7.15 – Welcome from Mark Toal
- 7.30 – Under 11s
- 7.40 – Under 12s
- 7.50 – Under 12 girls
- 8.00 – Under 13s
- 8.10 – Under 14s
- 8.20 – Under 15s
- NB: U16s are away on their end of season camping trip – couldn’t help the clash
8.30 - 9.00 – ANY HELP WITH CLEARING UP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!
BAR ROTA
5.30-6.00 – Managers/Committee/friends
6.00-6.30 – Under 9s & Under 9 Girls parents
6.30-7.00 – Rising Stars, Under 7s & Under 8s parents
7.00-7.30 – Under 10s & Under 13 parents
7.30-8.00 – Under 14 & Under 15 parents
8.00-8.30 – Under 12, Under 12 girls & Under 11 parents
NB:
The Summaries below will be added after the Presentation Evening together with PHOTO SLIDE SHOWS for each age group.
The Summaries below will be added after the Presentation Evening together with PHOTO SLIDE SHOWS for each age group.
CHAIRMAN & MANAGERS' SUMMARIES for the 2018-19 Season
& TEAM PHOTO slide shows from the evening.
NB: You should be able to copy images/photos from this website but if any parents wish to have the originals, contact Dave Evans (dave.vans@virgin.net specifying which team and the order number of the photo in the slide show. It is the policy of the Club to NOT publish names of children.
& TEAM PHOTO slide shows from the evening.
NB: You should be able to copy images/photos from this website but if any parents wish to have the originals, contact Dave Evans (dave.vans@virgin.net specifying which team and the order number of the photo in the slide show. It is the policy of the Club to NOT publish names of children.
CHAIRMAN's REMARKS
What a fantastic 2018/19 season it’s been! It’s difficult for me to pick out highlights & talking points from the past twelve months because there have been so many ! As in previous years, the most rewarding aspect for me about being associated with this Club, is how I feel when I’m standing behind the respect line, watching our players give it everything they’ve got, for their mates and for their Club, week-in, week-out, in league matches, friendlies and tournaments, in all sorts of weather, all across our region. I have not been more proud to be part of such a great community endeavour in my life. You’ll see from our managers reports below why this past season has been so full of passion and drama, so I won’t spoil any of our management teams’ views on the highlights of our year.
I’ll instead take this brief moment of your attention to say a huge thank you to a number of very important people.
Starting with our sponsors, both for our individual teams and for our special events, I can’t thank you enough for contributing to our Clubs outgoings. Your generous donations help to keep our subscriptions affordable and our football great value for money for families across our community. I want to also thank our incredibly supportive Parish Council for hosting the Bluebirds throughout the year and I thank our village residents for their support & understanding too, on match days and at our yearly Tournament.
I want to say a big thank you to all the parents and guardians who have cheered on our players throughout the year and who have helped our managers with practicalities and logistics on match days & in training. You have also been hugely helpful at special events like the Tournament and on our recent ‘jobs day’ at the Pavilion. You probably don’t know how disproportionately positive and helpful your input is, in terms of ‘spreading the load’ and I thank you for it, on behalf of the Club.
Penultimate thanks go to my priceless colleagues on the Club Committee and to our assistant managers. You all go the extra mile for your teams and for the Club as a whole and it’s a true privilege to be working with you.
Final thanks are reserved, of course, for all of our wonderful players!! Huge respect to you for displaying such exemplary team-spirit this year & I’m looking forward to more of the same next season – GO BLUEBIRDS !!!!
Mark Toal
What a fantastic 2018/19 season it’s been! It’s difficult for me to pick out highlights & talking points from the past twelve months because there have been so many ! As in previous years, the most rewarding aspect for me about being associated with this Club, is how I feel when I’m standing behind the respect line, watching our players give it everything they’ve got, for their mates and for their Club, week-in, week-out, in league matches, friendlies and tournaments, in all sorts of weather, all across our region. I have not been more proud to be part of such a great community endeavour in my life. You’ll see from our managers reports below why this past season has been so full of passion and drama, so I won’t spoil any of our management teams’ views on the highlights of our year.
I’ll instead take this brief moment of your attention to say a huge thank you to a number of very important people.
Starting with our sponsors, both for our individual teams and for our special events, I can’t thank you enough for contributing to our Clubs outgoings. Your generous donations help to keep our subscriptions affordable and our football great value for money for families across our community. I want to also thank our incredibly supportive Parish Council for hosting the Bluebirds throughout the year and I thank our village residents for their support & understanding too, on match days and at our yearly Tournament.
I want to say a big thank you to all the parents and guardians who have cheered on our players throughout the year and who have helped our managers with practicalities and logistics on match days & in training. You have also been hugely helpful at special events like the Tournament and on our recent ‘jobs day’ at the Pavilion. You probably don’t know how disproportionately positive and helpful your input is, in terms of ‘spreading the load’ and I thank you for it, on behalf of the Club.
Penultimate thanks go to my priceless colleagues on the Club Committee and to our assistant managers. You all go the extra mile for your teams and for the Club as a whole and it’s a true privilege to be working with you.
Final thanks are reserved, of course, for all of our wonderful players!! Huge respect to you for displaying such exemplary team-spirit this year & I’m looking forward to more of the same next season – GO BLUEBIRDS !!!!
Mark Toal
RISING STARS
I have been delighted with how Rising Stars training has gone this season. Attendance levels have been consistently high and the effort and behaviour from everyone has been really good. Most pleasingly, each boy and girl has made progress with skills such as movement, ball-control and passing and all the children have been enjoying the training sessions.
Of course, training only happens because adults make an effort each Saturday morning to bring their children along. I would like to thank all the adults for the effort they make and commend them for the positive and friendly way they have conducted themselves each weekend. In particular, the help provided by assorted adults with specific training exercises has been of great benefit to the trainees.
The older children will move up to form an U7s team next year which will be run by Jon Swindell.
The youngsters will remain as Rising Stars for a further year. Training will start again on Saturday 7th September and we are looking for new 4 and 5 year-olds to join in with us. If you have a child that is interested in taking part, please contact me: glenn@clearconstruction.co.uk
Glenn Hawkins
I have been delighted with how Rising Stars training has gone this season. Attendance levels have been consistently high and the effort and behaviour from everyone has been really good. Most pleasingly, each boy and girl has made progress with skills such as movement, ball-control and passing and all the children have been enjoying the training sessions.
Of course, training only happens because adults make an effort each Saturday morning to bring their children along. I would like to thank all the adults for the effort they make and commend them for the positive and friendly way they have conducted themselves each weekend. In particular, the help provided by assorted adults with specific training exercises has been of great benefit to the trainees.
The older children will move up to form an U7s team next year which will be run by Jon Swindell.
The youngsters will remain as Rising Stars for a further year. Training will start again on Saturday 7th September and we are looking for new 4 and 5 year-olds to join in with us. If you have a child that is interested in taking part, please contact me: glenn@clearconstruction.co.uk
Glenn Hawkins
U7s
The season kicked off with a 2-0 loss for the newly formed U7s team, however the second game we found our feet and won the next two matches scoring 14 goals! Unfortunately, we lost our last game, but the team were making big strides and starting to understand the game and confidence was growing.
We then took part in our first tournament at the Oxford City 3G pitches and made it to the semi-finals before being knocked out by Florence Park! The winter league came next and the boys continued to put on a great performance winning the first game 8-1. However, we knew the next match was going to be tough as we faced Florence Park again.
After a very exciting 30 minutes we narrowly lost 3-2. The team went on to complete the league with a loss, draw and 5 consecutive wins bagging 101 goals this season in league and cup.
The team competed in the Cup competition and made it to the final where they faced Florence Park again! The team started off the stronger side and scored the first goal, however Florence Park managed to claw 2 goals back with the final score 2-1. The boys put in a great team performance and were very happy with their runners up trophies.
The boys have currently taken part in four tournaments, winning the fair play award at Stonesfield and Harwell & Hendred and, I am pleased to report, that in our own Tournament we played Florence Park and beat them 2-1! A well-deserved win finally.
It has been a fantastic first season with amazing saves, corners, tackles and goals. Thank you to the boys for their hard work and commitment, the parents for their support and our kit sponsor Jolly Electrical.
Laura Spiller & Simon Powis
The season kicked off with a 2-0 loss for the newly formed U7s team, however the second game we found our feet and won the next two matches scoring 14 goals! Unfortunately, we lost our last game, but the team were making big strides and starting to understand the game and confidence was growing.
We then took part in our first tournament at the Oxford City 3G pitches and made it to the semi-finals before being knocked out by Florence Park! The winter league came next and the boys continued to put on a great performance winning the first game 8-1. However, we knew the next match was going to be tough as we faced Florence Park again.
After a very exciting 30 minutes we narrowly lost 3-2. The team went on to complete the league with a loss, draw and 5 consecutive wins bagging 101 goals this season in league and cup.
The team competed in the Cup competition and made it to the final where they faced Florence Park again! The team started off the stronger side and scored the first goal, however Florence Park managed to claw 2 goals back with the final score 2-1. The boys put in a great team performance and were very happy with their runners up trophies.
The boys have currently taken part in four tournaments, winning the fair play award at Stonesfield and Harwell & Hendred and, I am pleased to report, that in our own Tournament we played Florence Park and beat them 2-1! A well-deserved win finally.
It has been a fantastic first season with amazing saves, corners, tackles and goals. Thank you to the boys for their hard work and commitment, the parents for their support and our kit sponsor Jolly Electrical.
Laura Spiller & Simon Powis
U8s
Another year playing in the very competitive A league, and, as always, our players rose to the challenge, improving throughout the season. We reached the semi-finals at the Oxford City Spring Trophy event losing to league winners Horspath. We also got to the supplementary final of the knockout cup. We had some tough games in the league but had some great wins against top opposition - notable wins over Oxford Blackbirds, Kidlington and Harwell & Hendred. We also saw two of our players scouted for Oxford United which was fantastic to see.
The squad were able to be mascots for Oxford United back in April, thanks to our very generous sponsors Belinda & Lawrence at Thames Construction. We all had a great day and I’m sure it was an experience the players will never forget. A huge thank you to you both for all you have done for the team, and your continued support.
We have been at full squad size capacity all season which has made it difficult to give everyone equal game time. However, due to the continued interest from new players we are happy to announce that from next season there will be two Under 9’s teams - Cholsey Bluebirds Blues & Cholsey Bluebirds Whites. We are looking forward to the new challenges Under 9 football will bring in September.
We would like to thank all of the parents for their continued support, help and understanding. Thank you to Andy Lewis for being our fantastic referee for all of our home matches. Finally, and most importantly, a massive thank you to our players for their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm every week.
Nick Gesner and Adrian Lee
Another year playing in the very competitive A league, and, as always, our players rose to the challenge, improving throughout the season. We reached the semi-finals at the Oxford City Spring Trophy event losing to league winners Horspath. We also got to the supplementary final of the knockout cup. We had some tough games in the league but had some great wins against top opposition - notable wins over Oxford Blackbirds, Kidlington and Harwell & Hendred. We also saw two of our players scouted for Oxford United which was fantastic to see.
The squad were able to be mascots for Oxford United back in April, thanks to our very generous sponsors Belinda & Lawrence at Thames Construction. We all had a great day and I’m sure it was an experience the players will never forget. A huge thank you to you both for all you have done for the team, and your continued support.
We have been at full squad size capacity all season which has made it difficult to give everyone equal game time. However, due to the continued interest from new players we are happy to announce that from next season there will be two Under 9’s teams - Cholsey Bluebirds Blues & Cholsey Bluebirds Whites. We are looking forward to the new challenges Under 9 football will bring in September.
We would like to thank all of the parents for their continued support, help and understanding. Thank you to Andy Lewis for being our fantastic referee for all of our home matches. Finally, and most importantly, a massive thank you to our players for their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm every week.
Nick Gesner and Adrian Lee
U9s
The 2018/19 season was another successful one for the under 9s. We continued to make progress up the leagues and managed to win some silverware along the way. We beat Goring Robins in a tense final of the autumn league event, with a last-minute equaliser and a penalty shootout seeing us lift our first trophy of the season. This was followed by victory in the final of the knock-out plate against Berinsfield, before winning the final of the spring / summer league event against Blackbird Leys.
All of the boys have progressed tremendously throughout the season, with their technical ability and understanding of the game continuing to develop. Our success has been based on a disciplined formation, rock-solid defence, hard-working midfielders and a lightning fast attack. Most importantly, the boys have approached every training session and every game with a fantastic attitude and a commitment to teamwork. We conceded less than a goal a game on average across the season and scored well over 100 goals in total.
Finally, a huge thank you on behalf of Paul and myself to all of the parents, siblings and other family members who have shown such support and dedication every week…we couldn’t do it without you !
Paul Neil & Neil Carter
The 2018/19 season was another successful one for the under 9s. We continued to make progress up the leagues and managed to win some silverware along the way. We beat Goring Robins in a tense final of the autumn league event, with a last-minute equaliser and a penalty shootout seeing us lift our first trophy of the season. This was followed by victory in the final of the knock-out plate against Berinsfield, before winning the final of the spring / summer league event against Blackbird Leys.
All of the boys have progressed tremendously throughout the season, with their technical ability and understanding of the game continuing to develop. Our success has been based on a disciplined formation, rock-solid defence, hard-working midfielders and a lightning fast attack. Most importantly, the boys have approached every training session and every game with a fantastic attitude and a commitment to teamwork. We conceded less than a goal a game on average across the season and scored well over 100 goals in total.
Finally, a huge thank you on behalf of Paul and myself to all of the parents, siblings and other family members who have shown such support and dedication every week…we couldn’t do it without you !
Paul Neil & Neil Carter
U9s GIRLS
The U9 girls have continued to grow in numbers since their formation in the 2017-18 season, with 16 girls now attending regularly. The girls have been brilliant all season winning 13, drawing 3 and losing 4 in the league, cup and trophy games - scoring 56 goals, conceding 19 and keeping 11 clean sheets.
Their teamwork, dedication and eagerness to learn and develop has resulted in them being runners up in the ‘A’ trophy event in December and then WINNING the Oxford Mail Girls League Cup in May for the second year in a row after, a well-deserved 1-0 win in the final.
Girls football is growing from strength to strength and we welcome any new players to join us for next season and / or any girls from 5-11 years old to join our FA Wildcats centre. For more details on girls football in Cholsey please contact me via email at jwebste1@hotmail.co.uk.
Jermaine Webster & Caroline Flakelar
The U9 girls have continued to grow in numbers since their formation in the 2017-18 season, with 16 girls now attending regularly. The girls have been brilliant all season winning 13, drawing 3 and losing 4 in the league, cup and trophy games - scoring 56 goals, conceding 19 and keeping 11 clean sheets.
Their teamwork, dedication and eagerness to learn and develop has resulted in them being runners up in the ‘A’ trophy event in December and then WINNING the Oxford Mail Girls League Cup in May for the second year in a row after, a well-deserved 1-0 win in the final.
Girls football is growing from strength to strength and we welcome any new players to join us for next season and / or any girls from 5-11 years old to join our FA Wildcats centre. For more details on girls football in Cholsey please contact me via email at jwebste1@hotmail.co.uk.
Jermaine Webster & Caroline Flakelar
U10s
Well another tough & emotional season, starting in the A League for fourth year in a row, which is a great credit to the boy’s progression & commitment since Rising Stars.
With some very strong teams within this League we struggled on occasions to match them all, although we made it through to the final of the Trophy Event, unfortunately losing out to a well drilled Easington side. after the first round of League matches, we moved into the B League, where we enjoyed many good results, which saw us finish within the top two!
Three tournaments entered this season, obviously our own, Crowmarsh and Didcot.
Cholsey: We had some great results, leading us into the quarter final, unfortunately losing out to a very strong Rotherfield side. Some awesome teamwork & passing was wonderful to watch & the boys really enjoyed themselves.
Crowmarsh: Some great teamwork saw us finishing 3rd in the League and progressing into the Plate Quarter Final, unfortunately losing to a well drilled Didcot team.
Didcot: We battled well in the League stages against some very strong sides, finishing fifth and progressing into the plate semi-final unfortunately losing out to one of 8 Didcot teams!
We would like to thank all the boys for the continued commitment, willingness to learn and effort throughout the season. Duncan & I are very proud of how they have come together as a team and we hope this continues. Some of the boys are leaving us to follow their paths in other sports, so we wish them the best of luck with this. Many thanks to the parents for their continued support throughout the season, as well as Freddie and of course our wives!
So onwards and upwards next season! Bring it on!
Mark Reeves & Duncan Coleman
Well another tough & emotional season, starting in the A League for fourth year in a row, which is a great credit to the boy’s progression & commitment since Rising Stars.
With some very strong teams within this League we struggled on occasions to match them all, although we made it through to the final of the Trophy Event, unfortunately losing out to a well drilled Easington side. after the first round of League matches, we moved into the B League, where we enjoyed many good results, which saw us finish within the top two!
Three tournaments entered this season, obviously our own, Crowmarsh and Didcot.
Cholsey: We had some great results, leading us into the quarter final, unfortunately losing out to a very strong Rotherfield side. Some awesome teamwork & passing was wonderful to watch & the boys really enjoyed themselves.
Crowmarsh: Some great teamwork saw us finishing 3rd in the League and progressing into the Plate Quarter Final, unfortunately losing to a well drilled Didcot team.
Didcot: We battled well in the League stages against some very strong sides, finishing fifth and progressing into the plate semi-final unfortunately losing out to one of 8 Didcot teams!
We would like to thank all the boys for the continued commitment, willingness to learn and effort throughout the season. Duncan & I are very proud of how they have come together as a team and we hope this continues. Some of the boys are leaving us to follow their paths in other sports, so we wish them the best of luck with this. Many thanks to the parents for their continued support throughout the season, as well as Freddie and of course our wives!
So onwards and upwards next season! Bring it on!
Mark Reeves & Duncan Coleman
U11s
Another season yo-yoing between the B and C Leagues cemented our position as the Bluebirds' own West Bromwich Albion. However, that reputation is now being threatened by several tournaments where we've been eliminated on penalties in the semi-finals (so perhaps more like the Bluebirds own England national team?).
Either way, form towards the end of the full season may just see us nudging promotion again, so the tradition looks like continuing . . .
Some highlights for the season were welcoming three more players into the squad which has also helped us transition into the bigger and more complicated 9-a-side format. An extra licenced coach as Garry gained his FA accreditation alongside Rich & Tom. And finally, our triumphant performance in November when we won the Autumn Trophy - lovely smiles, medals and a trophy to take home with us just in time for Christmas.
Tom Barker, Rich May & Garry Clarke
Another season yo-yoing between the B and C Leagues cemented our position as the Bluebirds' own West Bromwich Albion. However, that reputation is now being threatened by several tournaments where we've been eliminated on penalties in the semi-finals (so perhaps more like the Bluebirds own England national team?).
Either way, form towards the end of the full season may just see us nudging promotion again, so the tradition looks like continuing . . .
Some highlights for the season were welcoming three more players into the squad which has also helped us transition into the bigger and more complicated 9-a-side format. An extra licenced coach as Garry gained his FA accreditation alongside Rich & Tom. And finally, our triumphant performance in November when we won the Autumn Trophy - lovely smiles, medals and a trophy to take home with us just in time for Christmas.
Tom Barker, Rich May & Garry Clarke
U12s
Quite a mixed season for the U12s ! We started in the B league on the trail for an instant promotion back to the A league. However, we started a bit slowly in the league when we lost to the eventual Champions in a close game. We then went on a run which left us solidly in second place to confirm promotion back into the A League. Along the way we managed to gain some much needed confidence and goals which we had hoped would have seen us improve our chances at staying in the A league in the second half of the season.
The A league seems to be getting stronger and stronger. We played some really good football and put it all on the line against some much more technically gifted teams than ourselves, almost pulling off some shocks. Only losing 1-0 to the new Academy Reading United team was a particular highlight as we could have easily scored 2 goals in the last ten minutes. Sadly, our losses were close and the games we were on top of we managed to draw, meaning we went back down to the B league.
We've had a reasonably successful tournament season. Getting to a few main semi-finals and even picking up some silverware at the Harwell Tournament. We progress to 11 a side next season and the boys and I have set the target of returning to the A league as Champions. Now we are about to start the final leg of the grassroots football journey, all of the handwork and discipline will start to pay off, and we can enjoy playing the final form of the game that we all love.
Mike Collins
Quite a mixed season for the U12s ! We started in the B league on the trail for an instant promotion back to the A league. However, we started a bit slowly in the league when we lost to the eventual Champions in a close game. We then went on a run which left us solidly in second place to confirm promotion back into the A League. Along the way we managed to gain some much needed confidence and goals which we had hoped would have seen us improve our chances at staying in the A league in the second half of the season.
The A league seems to be getting stronger and stronger. We played some really good football and put it all on the line against some much more technically gifted teams than ourselves, almost pulling off some shocks. Only losing 1-0 to the new Academy Reading United team was a particular highlight as we could have easily scored 2 goals in the last ten minutes. Sadly, our losses were close and the games we were on top of we managed to draw, meaning we went back down to the B league.
We've had a reasonably successful tournament season. Getting to a few main semi-finals and even picking up some silverware at the Harwell Tournament. We progress to 11 a side next season and the boys and I have set the target of returning to the A league as Champions. Now we are about to start the final leg of the grassroots football journey, all of the handwork and discipline will start to pay off, and we can enjoy playing the final form of the game that we all love.
Mike Collins
U12s GIRLS
Having started out about 18 months ago initially when a group of then Year 6 girls at Cholsey Primary school decided that they would like to play football and asked me if I would be their coach/ manager. I accepted the “challenge” and they and I have had brilliant and enjoyable year as Bluebirds u12 Girls. We survived the jump to secondary school and most of the original girls have continued. We’ve gained some, lost some, but we are left with a fantastic core who turn up every Sunday morning for training, with smiles on their faces and a willingness to learn (once they’ve caught up on the gossip – they are 11/12 after all!). Due to other commitments, we didn’t enter a league this season, but we did enter our first tournament – 8 of them played at Crowmarsh in early June. Well, I couldn’t have been more proud. They were fantastic. They worked hard, played fair, put their tackles in, took players on, and just did their absolute best against 3 teams who had more experience (and more experienced coaches !).
I am really looking forward to next season when we hope to arrange some friendly games. We would welcome any other interested girls who want to have a great time.
Beth Reeves
Having started out about 18 months ago initially when a group of then Year 6 girls at Cholsey Primary school decided that they would like to play football and asked me if I would be their coach/ manager. I accepted the “challenge” and they and I have had brilliant and enjoyable year as Bluebirds u12 Girls. We survived the jump to secondary school and most of the original girls have continued. We’ve gained some, lost some, but we are left with a fantastic core who turn up every Sunday morning for training, with smiles on their faces and a willingness to learn (once they’ve caught up on the gossip – they are 11/12 after all!). Due to other commitments, we didn’t enter a league this season, but we did enter our first tournament – 8 of them played at Crowmarsh in early June. Well, I couldn’t have been more proud. They were fantastic. They worked hard, played fair, put their tackles in, took players on, and just did their absolute best against 3 teams who had more experience (and more experienced coaches !).
I am really looking forward to next season when we hope to arrange some friendly games. We would welcome any other interested girls who want to have a great time.
Beth Reeves
U13s
Our move up to 11 aside started well with a friendly win against Peter’s U14s, followed by a win in our first game of the season; the happy start ended there. A long losing streak saw us lose our B League status with a final game defeat against Oxford City. Division C Spring League began with a win and two narrow defeats by the odd goal. The rest of the season was a bit more positive and saw us move up the table. A heavy defeat with a depleted side was a low point, but we ended up in 3rd place.
We continue to stick with our ethos of giving all the team equal playing time, and, although it may be detrimental to our results, we can sleep easy knowing that all the parents know that we believe that’s the way forward.
For next season, there are opportunities to welcome new players from the ever-growing villages around us.
Dave Miners & Barry Primmer
Our move up to 11 aside started well with a friendly win against Peter’s U14s, followed by a win in our first game of the season; the happy start ended there. A long losing streak saw us lose our B League status with a final game defeat against Oxford City. Division C Spring League began with a win and two narrow defeats by the odd goal. The rest of the season was a bit more positive and saw us move up the table. A heavy defeat with a depleted side was a low point, but we ended up in 3rd place.
We continue to stick with our ethos of giving all the team equal playing time, and, although it may be detrimental to our results, we can sleep easy knowing that all the parents know that we believe that’s the way forward.
For next season, there are opportunities to welcome new players from the ever-growing villages around us.
Dave Miners & Barry Primmer
U14s
2018/19 was a season of two halves, it saw us start life in the C league after promotion the previous year and we found that challenging to start with, winning just one of our first five games. Knocked out of both the league and county cups at the first hurdle. Life continued to be tough in the division with us managing just a draw and another win and by Christmas we found ourselves near the foot of the table.
Things had to change otherwise we’d be sliding back into the D league, so we decided some new signings were necessary if we were going to be competitive. The plan worked as the arrival of Adam Mellors brought us much needed strength in defence whilst Dan Reynolds brought us pace and A league goalscoring up front, after arriving from rivals Crowmarsh.
To say those two signing changed our season would be an understatement - they helped the other lads fulfil their potential which culminated in us losing just two league games out of our last eight. The upturn in form left us in 7th position, 6 points clear of relegation. We also got to the semi-final of the spring cup losing to the eventual winners Oxford Irish.
Every single player has given his all this season and the team, after an indifferent start, has again progressed in its development. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my assistant Ben Davies who has helped run the team and also the parents whose support is much appreciated, they are a credit to the club and the lads.
We will continue to train throughout the summer every Wednesday 6-7pm (pitch just behind the mound and before the concrete bridge) new players are most welcome to come along and join in.
Pete McAlister & Ben
2018/19 was a season of two halves, it saw us start life in the C league after promotion the previous year and we found that challenging to start with, winning just one of our first five games. Knocked out of both the league and county cups at the first hurdle. Life continued to be tough in the division with us managing just a draw and another win and by Christmas we found ourselves near the foot of the table.
Things had to change otherwise we’d be sliding back into the D league, so we decided some new signings were necessary if we were going to be competitive. The plan worked as the arrival of Adam Mellors brought us much needed strength in defence whilst Dan Reynolds brought us pace and A league goalscoring up front, after arriving from rivals Crowmarsh.
To say those two signing changed our season would be an understatement - they helped the other lads fulfil their potential which culminated in us losing just two league games out of our last eight. The upturn in form left us in 7th position, 6 points clear of relegation. We also got to the semi-final of the spring cup losing to the eventual winners Oxford Irish.
Every single player has given his all this season and the team, after an indifferent start, has again progressed in its development. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my assistant Ben Davies who has helped run the team and also the parents whose support is much appreciated, they are a credit to the club and the lads.
We will continue to train throughout the summer every Wednesday 6-7pm (pitch just behind the mound and before the concrete bridge) new players are most welcome to come along and join in.
Pete McAlister & Ben
U15s
It has been a season of mixed emotions – great wins, hard fought draws and some disappointing defeats. Although having a squad of 18, we have never been able to put out a settled side – due to unprecedented availability issues, injuries (never had so many) and illnesses too. However, every player has given 100% effort when on the pitch, none more so than at Banbury in our last match, when we needed a win to avoid the possibility of relegation – we won 3-2 (had lost 6-1 to them earlier in the season).
The full League & Cup record is P22 W7 D3 L12, scoring 57 goals and conceding 97 - the highlights being a 6-0 win away to Cumnor Minors (they finished 3rd in the league of 9 teams, we finished 7th) and a superb Cup run, losing to the eventual winners Goring Robins in the S-F.
I am really pleased to say that 16 of the present squad have put pen to paper and decided to renew their contracts, putting up with me for another year – so I am already looking forward to next September. I am extremely confident the team will achieve the undoubted potential and success they richly deserve.
Finally, my grateful thanks go to WINTERBROOK Property Agents for their continued sponsorship and to all the parents for supporting the team in so many ways, especially Karl Hewstone, who organised the warm-up sessions before matches, and Peter Sharp, for his excellent linesman duties.
The enthusiasm and commitment of both the boys and their parents is what makes being a manager of a Cholsey Bluebirds Team so enjoyable and rewarding . . . . . . . A few “wins” always go down well too.
Dave Evans (supported by Karl Hewstone)
It has been a season of mixed emotions – great wins, hard fought draws and some disappointing defeats. Although having a squad of 18, we have never been able to put out a settled side – due to unprecedented availability issues, injuries (never had so many) and illnesses too. However, every player has given 100% effort when on the pitch, none more so than at Banbury in our last match, when we needed a win to avoid the possibility of relegation – we won 3-2 (had lost 6-1 to them earlier in the season).
The full League & Cup record is P22 W7 D3 L12, scoring 57 goals and conceding 97 - the highlights being a 6-0 win away to Cumnor Minors (they finished 3rd in the league of 9 teams, we finished 7th) and a superb Cup run, losing to the eventual winners Goring Robins in the S-F.
I am really pleased to say that 16 of the present squad have put pen to paper and decided to renew their contracts, putting up with me for another year – so I am already looking forward to next September. I am extremely confident the team will achieve the undoubted potential and success they richly deserve.
Finally, my grateful thanks go to WINTERBROOK Property Agents for their continued sponsorship and to all the parents for supporting the team in so many ways, especially Karl Hewstone, who organised the warm-up sessions before matches, and Peter Sharp, for his excellent linesman duties.
The enthusiasm and commitment of both the boys and their parents is what makes being a manager of a Cholsey Bluebirds Team so enjoyable and rewarding . . . . . . . A few “wins” always go down well too.
Dave Evans (supported by Karl Hewstone)
U16s
Following promotion last year we were always in for a tough challenge against very strong opponents. We started with some very close matches taking a win, loss and draw from our first 3 games but putting in strong performances. This continued throughout the season but every mistake seemed to be punished and we often didn’t take our chances so failed to accrue too many more points. Our general play and effort were fantastic and as with every season to date I am extremely proud of the players. Their attitude and team-spirit are at such a level I couldn’t ask any more. We have had very vocal and encouraging support all season from the parents despite the challenges faced which is greatly appreciated by myself and the team. We look forward to going into the U17’s league next season – onwards & upwards!
Andy Chapman
Following promotion last year we were always in for a tough challenge against very strong opponents. We started with some very close matches taking a win, loss and draw from our first 3 games but putting in strong performances. This continued throughout the season but every mistake seemed to be punished and we often didn’t take our chances so failed to accrue too many more points. Our general play and effort were fantastic and as with every season to date I am extremely proud of the players. Their attitude and team-spirit are at such a level I couldn’t ask any more. We have had very vocal and encouraging support all season from the parents despite the challenges faced which is greatly appreciated by myself and the team. We look forward to going into the U17’s league next season – onwards & upwards!
Andy Chapman
2019 TOURNAMENT
The annual Cholsey Bluebirds Football Tournament took place on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th May. It was another great success, with 200 teams taking part in 773 matches over the weekend.
Whilst the tournament gives players from 6 to 24 years-of-age an opportunity to play lots of football, it also acts as a crucial fundraising event for the club. The money raised : helps keep our signing-on fees for players at one of the lowest figures in the County; enables the club to invest in kit & equipment; and pay for maintenance of the football pavilion.
For a village like Cholsey, the hosting of such a well-respected event is a remarkable achievement. The effort that goes into running of the tournament is all voluntary, so I would like to personally thank everyone that contributed during the many weeks of preparation and during the sporting weekend itself.
I also take this opportunity of thanking the many Cholsey residents who not only came to watch, but also for their understanding and patience regarding parking restrictions in Station Road, during what was a very busy weekend.
Glenn Hawkins (Lead Tournament Organiser)
NB: Tournament Charity Raffle & Auction
Also, our Tournament Charity Raffle & Auction held over the weekend raised a record £1590 which was shared equally between the Club, The Thames Valley Air Ambulance and the Barn Fitness Club Kilimanjaro Climb in aid of The NASIO TRUST - Louise McAlister, our welfare Office, is one of 16 participating in this challenge.
Since supporting the TVAA for the past 5 years, we have donated £2460 - a magnificent amount of which we are immensely proud.
THANKS to everyone who supported this effort by other buying raffle tickets, bidding for auction items or donating a prize - it really is appreciated.
NB: A list of 2019 PRIZE WINNERS appears on "LATEST NEWS" page (posting 10).
The annual Cholsey Bluebirds Football Tournament took place on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th May. It was another great success, with 200 teams taking part in 773 matches over the weekend.
Whilst the tournament gives players from 6 to 24 years-of-age an opportunity to play lots of football, it also acts as a crucial fundraising event for the club. The money raised : helps keep our signing-on fees for players at one of the lowest figures in the County; enables the club to invest in kit & equipment; and pay for maintenance of the football pavilion.
For a village like Cholsey, the hosting of such a well-respected event is a remarkable achievement. The effort that goes into running of the tournament is all voluntary, so I would like to personally thank everyone that contributed during the many weeks of preparation and during the sporting weekend itself.
I also take this opportunity of thanking the many Cholsey residents who not only came to watch, but also for their understanding and patience regarding parking restrictions in Station Road, during what was a very busy weekend.
Glenn Hawkins (Lead Tournament Organiser)
NB: Tournament Charity Raffle & Auction
Also, our Tournament Charity Raffle & Auction held over the weekend raised a record £1590 which was shared equally between the Club, The Thames Valley Air Ambulance and the Barn Fitness Club Kilimanjaro Climb in aid of The NASIO TRUST - Louise McAlister, our welfare Office, is one of 16 participating in this challenge.
Since supporting the TVAA for the past 5 years, we have donated £2460 - a magnificent amount of which we are immensely proud.
THANKS to everyone who supported this effort by other buying raffle tickets, bidding for auction items or donating a prize - it really is appreciated.
NB: A list of 2019 PRIZE WINNERS appears on "LATEST NEWS" page (posting 10).
Updated 23rd June 2019
Dave Evans
Dave Evans
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Mark Toal Chairman Cholsey Bluebirds FC |
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