Chairman Chat OCTOBER

28/09/2022

Last month saw us return to arranged fixtures in our respective leagues but that excitement soon turned to shock with the untimely death of our Queen, Elizabeth II.

This obviously brought a lot of emotions to people up and down the country but also showed a sense of togetherness that I see everyday in grassroots football. Families came together, people who have never met before started a conversation or even started a journey (when paying their respects) and it made me realise again this is exactly what happens when you are involved in grassroots football.

You come together, start new friendships, you share a journey.

Off The Pitch

Well Done Copes

One of our parents and helpers, Daniel Copeland, completed a 24hr walk at the club to raise awareness and funding for the Bristol Mind charity.

Unfortunately due to a calf injury the initial plans to run wasn't possible so instead he decided to walk and completed a total of 112k or 70 miles in that time, raising almost £4000.

A number of coaches and friends walked alongside him during the 24 hours and when speaking to Dan he wanted me to again say a massive thank you to all, especially to David Hill and Emma Harvey who sold raffle tickets on the day.

Miranda Get Your Boots On...Walking Ones

Another parent, my wife Miranda is also doing her own walking challenge, to reach 310,000 steps in October for Sands.

Sands offers emotional support and practical help to anyone affected by the death of a baby and is a charity close to our hearts.

She is aiming to raise £150, so please support.

https://www.facebook.com/donate/779650793323858/?fundraiser_source=whatsapp_share

2021-22 Club Demographics

As promised, I recently put out a yearly breakdown of what makes Port of Bristol Youth Football Club in terms of our players.

There are a number of segments which makes the report and if you want another look at it click the picture above.

PBA Family Halloween Party

The PBA are again putting on their yearly Halloween party later this month and we will be giving away a Port of Bristol YFC winter pack to one of our lucky players who makes a real effort.

Last years winner, won a hat and POB tracksuit, so we hope to see many of our players in attendance dressed in scary Halloween costumes at this year party...Bristol Rovers kits don't count.

On The Pitch

Good Luck U9 Green

Our U9, U10 and U11 Sunday teams are in playing the last Hanham Minor League Autumn Cup fixture over the weekend with our U9 Green squad in the medal final.

Good luck from everyone at the club

Third Girls Team Started This Season.
This week saw our third girls only team starting following in the foot steps of our U6 and U11/12 squads.

The new U9/U10 team has now taken new girls starting their journey into football with Port of Bristol YFC to 30 this season alone, something we are very proud of as we look to give people opportunities to play the game.

Some of the girls who attended have other siblings at the club, so the club is not just growing externally but internally also.

Winter Training has commenced

So the logistical nightmare surrounding our winter training slots have finally been sorted and well done to Van and Jason on this.

Every year is difficult as there is just not enough facilities to accommodate the local clubs in the area who require slots. We are lucky to have a long relationship with St Bedes, something that has allowed us to gain more timeslots as our growth has happens.

The situation wasn't helped by a cancellation at a newer venue.

Speak soon, Chris