​LATEST NEWS  2020/21     done

As the season progresses, Latest News items will be added with the latest at the top and will include the date posted and who was responsible for posting it.

For the LATEST COVID-19 CLUB & FA GUIDANCE plus any other related information, please visit the separate new page COVID LATEST NEWS - see menu bar or click HERE.
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A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE.
Did Skydive on Friday 4th June - bloody brilliant. But the best part is that through your support, you have raised almost £3,000 (including gift aid) for The Samaritans - a WONDERFUL EFFORT - thank you again.

We don't know what the future holds so be daring - go and something you've always wanted to do - I did and it was even better than ????? . . . . . sorry, forgotten what comes next ! Memory's faded !
Dave Evans : 5th July 2021

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CHARITY TANDEM SKY DIVE - DAVE EVANS

Dear Bluebirds supporter/parent/friend,

My son, Paul, gave me a Tandem Sky Dive voucher at the GO SKY DIVE Centre in Salisbury for my 70th birthday last August, Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions and lockdowns, I could only now actually book a date – FRIDAY 4th JUNE 2021.
I have decided, I would like to use this opportunity to support a charity – The Samaritans - in memory of my daughter who tragically died in June 2000, just before her 21st birthday.

If you would like to make a donation, this is the link :

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DavidEvans238

Dave Evans

PS. If by any chance the parachute doesn’t open, in lieu of flowers, please feel free to make or just increase your donation !!!!!
Sorry for those of you who wanted the parachute to FAIL . . . . . IT DIDN'T and I'm STILL HERE !!!

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Hey Supporter, who are your grassroots heroes of 2021?
Are you willing to give 10-15 minutes of your time to make a nomination ?

Nominate them now to give them a chance of NATIONAL recognition at
The McDonalds FA Grassroots Football Awards.
There are 10 categories :
​
Grassroots Coach of the Year (Adult team)
Grassroots Coach of the Year (Youth team)
Grounds Team of the Year
Grassroots Club of the Year
Grassroots League of the Year
Grassroots Volunteer of the Year
Rising Star of the Year
The Spirit of Grassroots Football Award
Grassroots Match Official of the Year
Grassroots Project of the Year
The Bobby Moore Award
​
But hurry - nominations close on Tuesday 4th May.

NOMINATE NOW

© The Football Association 2001 - 2021. All Rights Reserved.
​
Dave Evans : posted Tuesday 27th April 2021
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​NEW TREASURER WANTED for 2021-2022 SEASON

Dave Evans : posted Tuesday 20th April 2021


RESUMPTION OF TEAM TRAINING SESSIONS

WILDCATS on SUNDAYS at Cholsey Rec 10 - 11 am
GIRLS U7/8/10/11s squads on MONDAYS at Cholsey Rec 6 - 7 pm
U7s squad on THURSDAYS at Cholsey Rec 5:45 - 6:46 pm
U8s BLUES on WEDNESDAYS at Cholsey Rec 5:45 - 6:45 pm
U8s WHITES squad on WEDNESDAYS at Cholsey Rec 6 - 7 pm
U9s squad on FRIDAYS at Cholsey Rec starting at 4 pm
U10s WHITES squad on WEDNESDAYS at Cholsey Rec 5 - 6 pm
U10s BLUES squad on WEDNESDAYS at Cholsey Rec 5 - 6 pm
U11s squad : NO SPECIFIC DAY/TIME due to flexible work commitments - manager will inform parents as and when
U12s squad on FRIDAYS at Wallingford School Astro Pitch 6 - 7 pm
U13s squad on SUNDAYS at Cholsey Rec 10 - 11 pm until end of May (no further league matches)
U14s squad on TUESDAYS at Cholsey Rec 6 - 7 pm
U16s squad on WEDNESDAYS at Cholsey Rec 6 - 7 pm
U17s squad on THURSDAYS at Cholsey Rec 6 - 7 pm (Training Area)
U18s squad on THURSDAYS at Cholsey Rec 5:45 - 7 pm (Front Pitch)

NEW CLUB GUIDELINES FOR AWAY TEAMS
(for managers/players/parents/spectators)  
Also includes VERY important NEW CAR PARKING INFORMATION for both HOME and AWAY managers, players, parents & other spectators.
See COVID LATEST NEWS PAGE (on menu bar left) or download    HERE.

RESUMPTION OF GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL

Dear All,
A big thank you to Pete McAlister for updating our Club Risk Assessment in advance of the restart - can be downloaded below.
Also below is a link to the latest covid FA Guidance supporting restart plus a download option.

Cholsey Bluebirds FC Club RISK ASSESSMENT update : Version 3 : 
Download by clicking     HERE .

FA GUIDANCE for RESTART (Link to FA site)
FA GUIDANCE for RESTART (Download directly - may take a minute to load - large document)

TO MANAGERS : Grateful if you can restart in line with this guidance and circulate this information to parents/guardians and teams. 
Note that the only major changes are as follows for 'Step One' (from the 29th) and subsequently, for 'Step Two' (April 12th):
Step one (From the 29th March)
  • No spectators are allowed, one parent / carer can attend for safeguarding purposes (parents should therefore avoid if possible coming to training and any friendlies between Step One and Step Two) 
  • The pavilion can only be open for toilet facilities 30 minutes pre and 30 minutes post-match / training session. 
Step Two (From the 12th April)
  • Basically back to how we were last session before the lockdown.

FOR PARENTS/PLAYERS : PLEASE READ the FA GUIDANCE and our CLUB RISK ASSESSMENT - appreciate they are very long but it is in everyone's interest to understand what is expected for the safety of all.
Any questions, please communicate with your child's TEAM MANAGER.

Managers will be contacting their parents regarding the resumption of training and future fixtures.

All the best and please, please take care and keep safe.
Thank you,
Mark Toal (Chairman)

​Dave Evans : posted Monday 29th March 2021

​TOURNAMENT LATEST : 
Unfortunately, it is with great regret that due to the present restrictions that are likely to continue limiting public events for the foreseeable future and well into the summer, our proposed 2021 TOURNAMENT at the end of May has had to be CANCELLED.

NB: The 2022 Tournament weekend is Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th May
​Dave Evans : posted Monday 29th March 2021


LATEST UPDATE from OYFL and Mark Toal (Chairman) 1/1/21

FROM Rob Roslyn - Secretary of the OYFL - sent to ALL CUB Secretaries to pass on to Managers

Dear all,

As you will know, the Oxfordshire Youth Football League is now completely in Tier 4, though this is split across several Tier areas which means that teams cannot travel from one area to another, and nor can referees.  In addition, under Tier 4 restrictions, teams in the U21 divisions cannot play nor train (unless all their players are under 18) as they are classed as “open age” i.e. adult.  This means that more than 10% of the League cannot play fixtures, and this will affect the other teams in their divisions whilst the restrictions are in place.

In addition, we have had numerous clubs express their concerns about playing and travelling under Tier 4 restrictions, particularly with a new, more contagious COVID variant out there, and whilst school return has been delayed for many older children.

Therefore the League Committee has decided that, with immediate effect, all fixtures across the League are suspended until further notice. 

This was not a decision we have taken lightly and it has been taken in order to provide clarity to everyone involved, and also to safeguard everyone at a time of increased risk and uncertainty.  We appreciate that this decision may be welcomed by some and not by others, but please rest assured it has been taken with everyone’s best interests in mind.

We will review this decision after the next Government review of the tier restrictions, which is due on 14th January.

We understand that the Oxfordshire FA is seeking clarification on the question of whether teams can train if matches are not taking place and we will forward that information once it is received.

Some teams may have been arranging friendlies over the coming weeks.  We have no jurisdiction over these but would recommend clubs review whether these should go ahead.

We will be in touch again later in January, and in the meantime stay safe and Happy New Year.

With best wishes.
Rob

FROM Mark Toal - Chairman of Bluebirds FC

Hi All,

Happy New Year to you! Hope you have all had good Christmases, under the circumstances.

With thanks to Karen for forwarding, please see the ABOVE from the League. Grateful if managers could highlight to parents that fixtures are regrettably suspended until further notice. This should not be a surprise to anyone.

Given the advice below, and public health advice generally in this phase of the pandemic (also noting cases of covid in the village), we cannot okay friendlies either.  

I also note below that the League will be providing further advice about training. Until that advice comes through, we cannot okay training either. This might seem harsh but I think that as a Club, we need to take a precautionary approach, given the dire covid situation generally at this time. 

I have not yet seen anything official come through from the Girls League, but the above advice should apply to all Bluebirds teams for the time being, until official advice changes. 

Sorry I can’t provide more upbeat news at the moment. Will do in future, but not quite sure when!

Best wishes,
Mark​

Dave Evans : posted Friday 1st January 2021
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GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL (MATCHES & TRAINING)
CAN RESUME ON WEDNESDAY 2nd DECEMBER 2020

​Following Parliament's vote this afternoon (1/12/2020), Grassroots Football Training & Matches can now resume from tomorrow (Wednesday 2nd December).

However, please note that ALL FA Guidelines & Advice that was issued prior to the last 4 weeks lockdown regarding Format/Organisation/Procedures/Social distancing/Test & Trace/etc. for BOTH TRAINING & MATCHES is STILL VALID and should be followed.

Please scroll down for the FA guidance/information/links.

Dave Evans : posted Tuesday 1st December 2020


Communication from the FA

The UK Government has confirmed that organised sports, which include Steps 3-6 of the National League System [NLS], Tiers 3-6 of the Women’s Football Pyramid [WFP] and outdoor grassroots football, can continue as an exemption to its latest planned measures in response to Covid-19.

Organised football activity is currently permitted at these levels but it is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers, and facility providers continue to strictly follow both the UK Government's latest guidance on Covid-19 and respective bespoke guidelines from The Football Association [The FA].

Re-starting the game at these levels has been a significant challenge for everyone involved and we must acknowledge the hard work, passion and commitment of the football family. However, it is vital that we all adhere to these guidelines and ensure it can continue in a safe and secure way.  

As part of this exemption, The FA can also clarify that clubs at Steps 3-6 of the NLS and Tiers 3-4 of the WFP remain permitted to accommodate a phased and limited return of spectators if they follow the UK Government's latest guidance on Covid-19and The FA’s guidelines for the NLS or WFP. 

Clubs in the Regional NLS Feeder Leagues, Tiers 5-7 of the WFP and outdoor grassroots football also remain permitted to accommodate socially-distanced spectators but they too must adhere to the UK Government's latest guidance on Covid-19 and The FA guidelines for outdoor grassroots football.

Supporters are the life force of our national sport and The FA hopes to see them return in greater numbers across the country as soon as it is safe and possible. However, we must continue to work together and play our part by following all the relevant guidelines if this is to become a reality. 

The FA remains in consultation with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, the Sports Grounds Safety Authority, leagues and competitions and will provide an update on the further returns of supporters – including scheduled pilot events – in due course. 

Dave Evans : Posted 10th September 2020


For Managers Reference : 
Our Berks & Bucks FA Affiliation Number for this season (20/21) is : W-B&B3386
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FINALISED PLANS & DIVISIONS for
ALL OYFL AGE GROUPS for the NEW SEASON (except Girls' Teams)

(NB: Oxford Mail are no longer sponsoring the league so the League's name has been changed to the OXFORD YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE  - OYFL)

League/Divisions/Teams gave been UPDATED on TEAM PAGES for all age groups except for the GIRLS TEAMS - awaiting info.
NB: The GIRLS LEAGUES/DIVISIONS are still in the process of being finalised.

Click HERE for OYFL plans.

​​Posted 18th July 2020. : Updated 20th July 2020
Karen Silkstone/Dave Evans
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LATEST FA GUIDELINES FOR THE RETURN OF
OUTDOOR COMPETITIVE GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL
Issued by the FA on Saturday 18 Jul 2020

Practical guidance for players, coaches, officials, volunteers, clubs, leagues, parents/carers and facility providers undertaking outdoor competitive grassroots football activity in England.

We can confirm that the UK Government approved our plan for the return of outdoor competitive grassroots football late last night, Friday 17 July 2020. 
As a result, the grassroots football community now has the opportunity to return to football and prepare for the start of the new season. 
We've been working hard over recent weeks to prepare guidelines for the safe return of grassroots football and, following Government approval, these can now be published. 
Football activity can take place with necessary modifications in place to mitigate the transmission risk of COVID-19. 
We would strongly recommend a phased return to competitive football activity as follows:
• Until 31 July – When ready, you can begin competitive training, with the overall group size (inclusive of coaches) being limited to 30 people;
• From August – Competitive matches to begin, for example pre-season fixtures, festivals and small sided football competitions; 
• From September – Grassroots leagues, men’s National League System, Women’s Football Pyramid tiers 3 to 6, and FA Competitions can commence.
Clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents/carers, spectators and football facility providers should read our full guidelines, which are accessible below, in addition to thelatest Government guidance on COVID-19.
A return to competitive football should only happen once clubs and facility providers have completed the necessary risk assessments and comprehensive plans are in place. 
A summary of key points to consider from our guidelines are listed for ease below:
• Everyone should self-assess for COVID-19 symptoms before every training session or match. If you are symptomatic or living in a household with possible or actual COVID-19 infection you must not participate or attend; 
• Clubs and facility providers should ensure that their facility is compliant with current Government legislation and guidance related to COVID-19; 
• Competitive training is now permitted, with groups limited to a maximum of 30 people, including coaches; 
• Competitive match play is permitted, with social distancing in place before and after the match, and in any breaks in play; 
• Players and officials should sanitise hands before and after a game as well as scheduled breaks throughout a game or training session; 
• Ball handling should be kept to a minimum with most contact via a boot and the ball disinfected in breaks of play; 
• Youth football coaches are encouraged to limit persistent close proximity of participants during match play and training; 
• Goal celebrations should be avoided; 
• Equipment should not be shared, and goalkeepers should ensure they disinfect their gloves regularly in breaks in training or matches and thoroughly afterwards. Where possible, coaches should only handle equipment in training;
• Where possible, players, coaches and officials should arrive changed and shower at home. Use of changing and shower facilities must follow government advice on the use of indoor facilities; 
• Participants should follow best practice for travel including minimising use of public transport and walking or cycling if possible. People from a household or support bubble can travel together in a vehicle
• Clubs should keep a record of attendees at a match or training session, including contact details, to support NHS Test and Trace; 
• Clubs should ensure they are affiliated with their County Football Association. 
Separate guidance has been developed for clubs with teams competing in the men’s National League System (NLS) and the Women’s Football Pyramid tiers 3 to 6.
This will support these clubs on the safe return of paying spectators and also the applicability of the guidance to facilities under Ground Grading conditions, to ensure the safe return of competitive matches. 
Please note that at this stage, indoor football and Futsal is not permitted. We will look to work with indoor facility providers to develop appropriate guidance for indoor formats as soon as possible.
James Kendall, Director of Football Development at The FA, said: “We're delighted that the Government has given the go-ahead for competitive grassroots football to return. The past few months have been some of the most challenging times not just for football, but across society, and today’s news will be welcomed by the grassroots football community all over the country.
“Now that we are able to look ahead to the new season, it’s crucial that we continue to do all we can to follow safety measures, both as advised by the government and specifically for football. 
“I would encourage anyone returning to competitive grassroots football to take the time to read this guidance, prepare thoroughly and to adopt our recommended approach to phasing football back in. I would also like to thank you for playing your vital part in helping our great game to get going again.”
The full guidance document can be downloaded below, along with a short summary for all those involved in restarting activity.
You can also read our FAQs document around this.
USEFUL RESOURCES
​Posted 18th July 2020
Dave Evans
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​The NEW MEMBERSHIP ENROLMENT FORM for the coming season 2020/21is now available to download (both pdf & word)
by clicking below.

​Message from our chairman:
Dear Bluebirds Community,
As is often said these days, we live in challenging times. It is, however, great to see a number of our teams training again after several months of lockdown and I am sure that you and your players are looking forward to a new season when we will see the return of competitive football for Cholsey Bluebirds FC. Thank you so much for all your support over this season and I hope to see that support continue when the 2020/21 season kicks off.
The Oxfordshire Youth Football League are planning to start fixtures in the new season from 12th/13thSeptember. This is obviously subject to further guidance from the FA and ultimately, from the Government, about COVID-19 and public health. Your managers will confirm the situation with you closer to the time, in early September.
In the meantime, please see the 2020/21 Membership form attached. Grateful if you could complete and return this form to the Manager of your team and make the relevant payment as soon as you are able. You will note that the Club has had to slightly increase our enrolment fee. The reason for this is because of a range of increasing costs for the Club as we enter the new season, both in terms of day-to-day costs and due to a significant capital investment we will make this year, as we intend to replace the floodlights on our training pitch. I hope you can understand this and see that when we look at the fees charged by many youth football Clubs in our region, Cholsey Bluebirds provides fantastic value for money.
I hope that you and your families stay safe and keep well over the rest of Summer and I look forward to standing with you, at the respect line, cheering on our fantastic players in the new season!
Best wishes,
Mark Toal
​7th July 2020

Cholsey Bluebirds MEMBERSHIP FORM 2020-21  pdf
Cholsey Bluebirds MEMBERSHIP FORM 2020-21  word
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PROPOSED PLANS & DIVISIONS for
ALL OYFL AGE GROUPS for the NEW SEASON 
(NB: Oxford Mail are no longer sponsoring the league)

This will be updated when finalised before the end of July.
Click HERE for plans.

NB: The GIRLS LEAGUES/DIVISIONS are still in the process of being finalised.
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​​Posted 6th July 2020
Karen Silkstone/Dave Evans
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​CRC NEW GUIDANCE for
MANAGERS, ASSISTANT MANAGERS, COACHES & OFFICERS

Please find the process for submitting DBS checks by clicking HERE. All new coaches etc will need to ensure they complete this. Once you've submitted online, please get in contact with me so that I can verify your documents. 
Thanks
Lou
07423 579308
​​Posted 6th July 2020
Louise McAlister/Dave Evans
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Very IMPORTANT
​U15s UPDATE
My assistant Baz and I have made the difficult decision to fold the team for next season which breaks my heart after 17 years managing CBFC. Most of the team will be staying together with new U15 AFC Brightwell squad.
I tried persuading the coaches to come to Cholsey and take over from us but they were keen to make a new start with Brightwell.

I would like to continue being on the committee and will continue with all kit and equipment orders , chef for quiz night and general tournament activities if voted in. ​
​Posted 6th July 2020
Dave Miners
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​E-MAIL from the OMYL SECRETARY sent to ALL Club managers & Officials regarding NEXT SEASON - for reference

Hi Everybody, 

Its been a few months and I hope everybody is safe and well. 

Football was temporarily suspended by the Government and the FA, and the season was decided to be null and void. All results from last season have been noted and recorded but there will be no final tables. This is inline with most amateur and youth football in the country. 

We are planning to play the Cup Semi Finals & Finals as soon as the restrictions are relaxed and further details will follow in due course. 

I am currently planning the format for the new season and will take into account that we may not start on the usual weekend. We would usually start the season on 5th & 6th September, but this may be delayed for a number off reasons and we will have to take this into account when we form the new divisions. We may need to make some of them smaller than last season to be able to get the games into the timetable. 

I will base the divisions on the results from the Autumn & Winter Divisions from last season. Usually we have automatic promotion and relegation of 2 teams from each division, but this time around we will need to consider this very carefully. It is important that teams play in the correct division for their ability to ensure competitive games. 

The AGM is taking place on 1st July and I hope to have the divisions ready by then. But we still have a number of Clubs who haven't entered for the season and this information may therefore be delayed. 

Paul Lyon. 
League Fixture Secretary

NB: Bluebirds have already entered their teams.

​Posted 17th June 2020
Dave Evans
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URGENT

UNDER 15s & UNDER 10s BLUES

NEED SOME NEW PLAYERS

With a number of last season's squad unable to re-join this year, we are desperately looking for new players in order for the team to continue - the only criteria is "enthusiasm" and a "willingness to learn".

CONTACT :
U15s Dave Miners : dm1967@sky.com
U10s Blues Adrian Lee : adrianlee2811@gmail.com

Dave Evans
Posted 11th June 2020 : updated 23rd June 2020
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VERY IMPORTANT
​
GUIDANCE & RESTRICTIONS FROM THE FA & Club covering
​
TRAINING for Coaches, Payers & Parents/Carers
The above Club Guidance can be downloaded HERE  (pdf)

Individual TEAM MANGERS will contact their team regarding when they plan to start training and the format they will adopt in light of the FA Guidance http://www.thefa.com/news/2020/jun/01/grassroots-football-covid-19-guidance-update-010620
and any further Club additions/advice as stated above.
​
​The Club are grateful to Pete McAlister (U16s manager) for initially drafting the above and amending following discussion involving all managers and officials of the Club.

LINKS to OTHER FA GUIDANCE for :
PLAYERS :
https://link.service.thefa.com/u/nrd.php?p=kwYAfDba62_226541_416494_1_4&ems_l=510377&d=MjUzOTM3MDg%3D%7Ca3dZQWZEYmE2Mg%3D%3D%7C
COACHES :
https://link.service.thefa.com/u/nrd.php?p=kwYAfDba62_226541_416494_1_3&ems_l=510377&d=MjUzOTM3MDc%3D%7Ca3dZQWZEYmE2Mg%3D%3D%7C​
PARENTS/SUPPORTERS :
https://link.service.thefa.com/u/nrd.php?p=kwYAfDba62_226541_416494_1_5&ems_l=510377&d=MjUzOTM3MDk%3D%7Ca3dZQWZEYmE2Mg%3D%3D%7C

Posted by Dave Evans on behalf of the Club Committee : Tuesday 9th June 2020 
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​ 
​Re- Cholsey Bluebirds Tournament 2020
It is with deep regret that this year’s Summer Tournament, due to be held on 23/24 May 2020, had to be cancelled due to ongoing disruption amid the COVID 19 outbreak.
Each and everyone one of us at Cholsey Bluebirds will endeavour to make next year’s Tournament on  29/30  May 2021, our biggest and best ever.
Any teams that paid their entry fee will be refunded as soon as possible.
We thank all our Sponsors, Advertisers & Raffle Donors who had promised to support us this year and sincerely hope you will be able to help us in the same way next year.
Raffle Donors who have already donated a prize will be contacted soon by Dave Evans.
We would like to thank you all for your continuing support.
Stay Safe
Dave Miners (Vice-Chair on behalf of the Committee)
Posted Tuesday 23rd March 2020   : UPDATED 19th April  & again 11th June 2020 : Dave Evans