After a weather induced lay of over two months, our local football teams were are back in action in late February and what better way to resume hostilities than a Local Derby between Longlevens AFC and Gala Wilton. Both Clubs are competing to become County League champions this season. The “derby” was expected to be a thrilling encounter; however, on the day it was the Longlevens team that rose to the occasion and the match resulted in a resounding 6-0 thrashing of their closest rivals. Craig Martin scored the opening goal, before Brother Brad, a Former Gala Youth player and striker, Shaun O’Connor added 2 more goals each, before a late goal from substitute and Player-Manager James French, completed the rout.
Although, there is a back log of fixtures, and therefore, nothing can be taken for granted, Longlevens, have the added incentive of a place in the Hellenic league if they win the league. They are determined to go all the way!
Gala Wilton too, will not be giving up the title chase, however, for the “neutrals” in the Community, what a tremendous position for these clubs to be in and what a tremendous advertisement for the standard of football being played in the Longlevens.
As we go to press all the Longlevens Men’s teams are enjoying successful seasons too, each team is currently, in the running for promotion either as Champions or as Runners Up.
Further growth of the Youth section continues, with 2 -3 Youth teams being welcomed to Longford lane from the Infants football academy for next season. The Youth section is thriving and with the help of funding from the Gloucester City Council for equipment there is a regular monthly Youth Club Night, which allows both Players and Parents to enjoy a night out in the club house.
The Club is developing strong links with the University of Gloucester through several, separate initiatives which include: Student Coaches assisting with the Youth teams; The players from the University Ladies Team having the option to play for Longlevens Ladies at week- ends and the Longlevens Youth Coaches in conjunction with the University will offer a weekly Football “Mash Up “ event probably at the University Campus. Basically, the “Mash Up” encourages boys and girls, in the 14 -16 years age group, to come along and enjoy an organised “kick about”.
This activity is due to commence after Easter once arrangements are finalised. It is proposed to canvas local schools to take part also.
For more details contact: Dennis Barnsley 01452 611694 or 07880 784596.
Monday, 24 March 2014
Longlevens RFC: Off to Twickenham?
At the Longlevens Rugby Club we have a similar story for the 1st XV team are through to the semi- finals of the National Junior Vase; a competition open to the leading teams, representing each County in England. Longlevens became Gloucestershire County Champions back in October last year and since then they have beaten the representative Club teams from Somerset, Cornwall and Wiltshire to become champions and representatives of the South West Area.
On Easter Saturday, April 19th, the Club is to play away at the London Area champions, Battersea in the semi- final. The match is expected to be an epic encounter with both teams playing for the opportunity to play in the final at Twickenham in May. Over 200 supporters will make the journey, all with the same aim: to see their team reach the Vase final!
The squad has a good blend of youth and experience, and is made up predominantly of players who have progressed through the club’s junior ranks to the senior squad. Of these, there are 6 young players who are in the 17 -19 years of age group; including Team Captain Jed Jones, who leads the team, both by example and authority. Jack Beck, Ross Preedy and Oliver Deacon are tremendous young players, whose fathers have also, represented Longlevens RFC. Club President Rich Yorke has sons Mike and Harrison in the team, whilst in Tom Griffiths; they have an England International at U16 level. These players certainly endorse the success of the clubs Youth policy!
Richard Rudge, the 1st team Player Coach, U14 Coach and Club Chairman has been associated with the rugby club for over 30 years, since joining as a junior at 12 years old. Richard is tremendously proud of their achievement, but he too would love his team to play at Twickenham and allow this team to demonstrate just some of its potential. I’m sure we all (footballers included) wish everyone at Longlevens RFC every success in their Semi Final and hope that they achieve their ambition and reach the Twickenham final.
Finally, how fortunate we are as a community, to have such successful sporting teams in Longlevens. With both Football and Rugby Clubs enjoying success, and demonstrating that they can each provide a platform for all budding players to achieve their full potential within the sport of their choice under the Supervision of Qualified and Experienced coaches.
On Easter Saturday, April 19th, the Club is to play away at the London Area champions, Battersea in the semi- final. The match is expected to be an epic encounter with both teams playing for the opportunity to play in the final at Twickenham in May. Over 200 supporters will make the journey, all with the same aim: to see their team reach the Vase final!
The squad has a good blend of youth and experience, and is made up predominantly of players who have progressed through the club’s junior ranks to the senior squad. Of these, there are 6 young players who are in the 17 -19 years of age group; including Team Captain Jed Jones, who leads the team, both by example and authority. Jack Beck, Ross Preedy and Oliver Deacon are tremendous young players, whose fathers have also, represented Longlevens RFC. Club President Rich Yorke has sons Mike and Harrison in the team, whilst in Tom Griffiths; they have an England International at U16 level. These players certainly endorse the success of the clubs Youth policy!
Richard Rudge, the 1st team Player Coach, U14 Coach and Club Chairman has been associated with the rugby club for over 30 years, since joining as a junior at 12 years old. Richard is tremendously proud of their achievement, but he too would love his team to play at Twickenham and allow this team to demonstrate just some of its potential. I’m sure we all (footballers included) wish everyone at Longlevens RFC every success in their Semi Final and hope that they achieve their ambition and reach the Twickenham final.
Finally, how fortunate we are as a community, to have such successful sporting teams in Longlevens. With both Football and Rugby Clubs enjoying success, and demonstrating that they can each provide a platform for all budding players to achieve their full potential within the sport of their choice under the Supervision of Qualified and Experienced coaches.
Hucclecote Netball Club: A National League Team!
In line with our aim to promote local clubs in our Community, in this edition we focus on the Hucclecote Ladies Netball Club (HNC). The club is unique in that from its humble beginnings as a village team it has developed into an “elite” Netball club now recognised both regionally and nationally, as a Netball hub for any players with the ambition to succeed at Netball.
The club has been in existence for over 30 years and now boasts 7 senior ladies teams, 5 teams for girls from U12 to U16 and for the younger ones between 7 and 10years old Fun games and friendlies are organised.
The 1st team are in the National Premiere League 1 which involves travelling to play teams in London, Bath, Leeds, Oldham and as far away as Hartlepool! The squad are currently in 4th place in the league and expected to finish there with one game to go! They always “hold their own” in what is a very competitive environment. The squad has a blend of youth and experience, including players who have represented their country at International level. These include: Paige Reed, An England U17 player and Rosie Allinson who is the U21 Shooter for England!
Premier First Team Manager and current Chairperson is Sue Wainwright who helped to start the club back in the early 1980’s, she was instrumental in initiating Hucclecote’s success, by encouraging the club to grow and open its doors to the many talented younger players at the club today. Sue and Coach Chrissie Weaver, have a very talented and well organised squad.
In line with the club’s ambition and continuous improvement policy, Chrissie was recruited before the start of this season on the basis she was best equipped to take the club forward. Her previous role as a Welsh Junior Coach gave her the credentials Hucclecote were looking for! Chrissie is from Cardiff and travels each week to attend Coaching sessions in Cheltenham and matches wherever the location may be, whilst being paid travelling expenses only! Apparently, this is typical of the Netball players and officials at the Hucclecote club. Although local players are involved, there are also several players who travel from Cardiff, Bath, Marlborough, Swindon and Worcester to train and play at HNC.
The HNC Youth policy is certainly paying dividends. Weekly training sessions are held at Cheltenham Ladies College as there are no suitable facilities in Gloucester. All age groups are always well attended, as ambitious players and parents devote both time and expense to ensure that these young players get the best coaching and playing opportunities that are available. The junior section is particularly strong with over a 100 players attending the Coaching sessions every week. That is quite a commitment, but it is a standard expected of netball players with the ambition and potential to become Internationals and that in itself epitomises exactly what the Hucclecote Netball Club can offer!
To put this clubs achievements into perspective, consider this: HNC is recognised as a feeder club and stepping stone to the England National Team! The Super League teams of Bath and Loughborough will gladly send players to Hucclecote to gain experience before they move to Super League and England duty! Despite their success in this sport, HNC have considerable expenses to meet each year and without any current sponsorship, self-funding is essential. Players, Coaches and Officials contribute extensively to meet costs of playing, coaching and providing their own personal kit!
HNC, is undoubtedly, a Community treasure, but, does any business in the Gloucestershire area realise what a hidden gem we have in our midst? Perhaps someone may recognise the sponsorship opportunity on offer by HNC, who are already are established in the Top National Netball league, just one level below the Super League which is now being televised on Sky sports! Surely, it cannot be long before the coverage is extended to National Premier League 1 which of course will include HNC.
Before meeting with Sue, I did not realise the status of the Hucclecote Netball Club in the National Netball arena. However, we should all recognise the important role that this club plays in our Community and the high esteem and recognition placed on the club by the National governing body – England Netball.
Finally, potential sponsors, why not take the plunge and contact Sue Wainwright on: 01452 619106 / 07760 491703 to discuss this sponsorship opportunity!
The club has been in existence for over 30 years and now boasts 7 senior ladies teams, 5 teams for girls from U12 to U16 and for the younger ones between 7 and 10years old Fun games and friendlies are organised.
The 1st team are in the National Premiere League 1 which involves travelling to play teams in London, Bath, Leeds, Oldham and as far away as Hartlepool! The squad are currently in 4th place in the league and expected to finish there with one game to go! They always “hold their own” in what is a very competitive environment. The squad has a blend of youth and experience, including players who have represented their country at International level. These include: Paige Reed, An England U17 player and Rosie Allinson who is the U21 Shooter for England!
Premier First Team Manager and current Chairperson is Sue Wainwright who helped to start the club back in the early 1980’s, she was instrumental in initiating Hucclecote’s success, by encouraging the club to grow and open its doors to the many talented younger players at the club today. Sue and Coach Chrissie Weaver, have a very talented and well organised squad.
In line with the club’s ambition and continuous improvement policy, Chrissie was recruited before the start of this season on the basis she was best equipped to take the club forward. Her previous role as a Welsh Junior Coach gave her the credentials Hucclecote were looking for! Chrissie is from Cardiff and travels each week to attend Coaching sessions in Cheltenham and matches wherever the location may be, whilst being paid travelling expenses only! Apparently, this is typical of the Netball players and officials at the Hucclecote club. Although local players are involved, there are also several players who travel from Cardiff, Bath, Marlborough, Swindon and Worcester to train and play at HNC.
The HNC Youth policy is certainly paying dividends. Weekly training sessions are held at Cheltenham Ladies College as there are no suitable facilities in Gloucester. All age groups are always well attended, as ambitious players and parents devote both time and expense to ensure that these young players get the best coaching and playing opportunities that are available. The junior section is particularly strong with over a 100 players attending the Coaching sessions every week. That is quite a commitment, but it is a standard expected of netball players with the ambition and potential to become Internationals and that in itself epitomises exactly what the Hucclecote Netball Club can offer!
To put this clubs achievements into perspective, consider this: HNC is recognised as a feeder club and stepping stone to the England National Team! The Super League teams of Bath and Loughborough will gladly send players to Hucclecote to gain experience before they move to Super League and England duty! Despite their success in this sport, HNC have considerable expenses to meet each year and without any current sponsorship, self-funding is essential. Players, Coaches and Officials contribute extensively to meet costs of playing, coaching and providing their own personal kit!
HNC, is undoubtedly, a Community treasure, but, does any business in the Gloucestershire area realise what a hidden gem we have in our midst? Perhaps someone may recognise the sponsorship opportunity on offer by HNC, who are already are established in the Top National Netball league, just one level below the Super League which is now being televised on Sky sports! Surely, it cannot be long before the coverage is extended to National Premier League 1 which of course will include HNC.
Before meeting with Sue, I did not realise the status of the Hucclecote Netball Club in the National Netball arena. However, we should all recognise the important role that this club plays in our Community and the high esteem and recognition placed on the club by the National governing body – England Netball.
Finally, potential sponsors, why not take the plunge and contact Sue Wainwright on: 01452 619106 / 07760 491703 to discuss this sponsorship opportunity!
Holy Trinity Church: Fund Raising event
Since locating to Longlevens in July last year, the reverend Gwyneth Gibbens , the vicar at the Holy Trinity Parish church has been delighted at the generous contributions, made by her parishioners towards the upkeep of the church. The latest Charity event is planned for Saturday evening 26th April when a Family night is planned in the church hall. There will be professional entertainers in the form of a singing duo: Turquoise Nights and Phoenix, a local belly dancing troupe that will ensure the evening caters for everyone. Peter Braun, Chairman of the Neighbourhood Partnership, is organising this event for the parish and is hoping to add a significant donation to the Church Electrical Fund. So put the date in your diary and contact Peter via the Holy Trinity Church for more details.
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