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Update - December 2005

Details from our last newsletter

Reg’s Riches………....

Another long spell between Updates, but lots of things have been going on in the background. However, since our last Update in April 2005………..

Tonbridge Carnival

What a turnout – TJFC was easily the largest group, making lots of noise as they made their way up the High Street on Sunday 12 June. The theme was ‘Sport for All’, and I think TJFC was the only football float to be seen. A big thank you to Keith Baldwin for helping us win Second Place (not bad on our first attempt).

Fiesta

Thank you to all 50+ volunteers that helped at the Fiesta in July. Thanks to you, we hosted a 12th (and probably our most successful) year. Next year’s Fiesta is being held on 22/23 July, and volunteer forms will be available in the Pavilion in the New Year.

The Pavilion

We are fast becoming the envy of the League, with lots of visiting teams commenting that Tonbridge is their favourite away fixture. Long may it continue !!

The original concept was based upon our need to provide hospitality, and I am very pleased to see how welcoming the kitchen has become. 8 Ladies and 3 Men have so far volunteered to help occasionally in the kitchen on Saturday mornings but, to avoid relying on just a few, please let me know if you are willing to join this elite group.

The most recent volunteer happily set about doing the washing up (back to basics for somebody who used to run all 12 Restaurants on the QE2), but previous experience is not essential !!

Charter Standard

There have been a lot of articles in the local press about local Clubs which have recently achieved the F.A Charter Standard at various levels. We did not advertise the fact at the time but, lest we forget, TJFC became only the third club in Kent to be awarded the highest Charter Standard level achievable back in February 2004. It was the only Club in Tonbridge to achieve this level in 2004, although congratulations must go to Tonbridge Invicta JFC who were elevated to this elite group in 2005.

Girls Football

In association with 26 schools and with KCFA, we have created 2 new girls teams – allowing girls between 11 and 14 to play at Tonbridge, rather than having to travel long distances. The Football Foundation have recently grant aided this development, and KCFA / KCC have also helped with the initial funding. Anybody interested in assisting with Coaching for the girls should contact me.

Brian’s Bits………….

Fines

We have had our worst start to the season ever as regards fines – by the end of October we were asked to replenish our fines deposit with the league (£175) – and many of these fines are avoidable. Most of this seasons fines relate to unregistered players being fielded at various age groups at the beginning of the season – and this is where you the parents can help us. It is those registration forms that we send out to you in May which many of you return promptly, but a small minority leave for 3 or 4 months until September which give us the problem. To play the first game of the season a player must have registered a minimum of 10 days prior to the date of the game, and we need a minimum of 13 players registered. This is a large club with over 300 players – it’s not a small task and mistakes can be made. Our managers will be more vigilant next season but please help them by firstly filling in the forms correctly and secondly by doing it promptly!

Referees

This season we have a record 12 11-a-side teams ranging from under 11 right through to under 18 – as you can imagine this presents quite a problem in terms of referees required each week – some Sundays we have had up to 6 home games requiring referees. We pride ourselves on the number of qualified referees we can now call on which now totals 12 in number. My thanks to the following for the time they are giving most weeks throughout the season:- Chris Williams, Reg Spicer, Martin Michelmore, Dean Brown, Nick Bender, Mark Hirst (currently injured), Bob Holder, Simon Hulm, Richard Smith and yours truly. I should also add that this is unpaid!

Pitches

It cannot have missed your notice but the pitches this season, which now cover nearly the entire sportsground area are in great condition – well done to the grounds men and also Reg for his constant chivvying.

Facilities

If you combine those pitches with our fabulous pavilion there cannot be better facilities anywhere in the league – let me know if you’ve seen better – look out for a bucket full of awards this season.

Mini Soccer

Playing bigger team sizes this season at under 7 and 8 (6 instead of 5) again let me know if you think it is better. We have some very large squads developing now at most age groups and will need to start streaming our teams so that we reach 11-a-side with all the players in appropriate squads for their ability.

11-a-side

Five new squads this season (3 at u11, 1 at u12 and our u18’s) – some are fairing better than others – well done to Dean Brown and the under 11B squad – doing well in their league and now through to the quarter finals of the knock out cup. Marvellous start also by Corin McNamara and the under 11C squad. I’m sure the under 11A, under 12B and under 18 squads will have a better 2nd half to their season – it’s been a tuff start!

Girls Football

My congratulations to the girls under 13 team for winning their first game against Uckfield by such a convincing margin

Finally……… we hope you all have a very enjoyable Christmas.

Diary Dates for 2006

Sunday	April 16	Easter Sunday
Sunday	May 7	Crowborough League Jamboree At Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground, with all Under 7 – Under 11 mini-soccer teams from the Crowborough League being invited.
Sunday	May 14	Skills Coaching Day (Provisional)
Saturday	May 20	Open Day (1) All TJFC players are asked to attend, as we want anyone thinking of joining our club to be able to mix with existing members
Sunday	June 11	Open Day (2) All TJFC players are asked to attend, as we want anyone thinking of joining our club to be able to mix with existing members
Thursday	June 22	Annual General Meeting at Poult Wood
Saturday	June 24	Presentation Day
Wednesday	June 21	U11-U13 Crowborough League Presentation
Friday	June 23	U14-U18 Crowborough League Presentation
Friday	June 30	U7-U11 Crowborough League Presentation
All weekend	July 22/23	Annual Mini Soccer Fiesta at Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground

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