Tales from the touchline

Extract  from Loddon Reach Magazine Nov 2015 reproduced with thanks.

Sport can be such a wonderful way   to bring a local community together… As a parent, I personally have loved watching from the touchline as my child made new friends and developed new skills at Shinfield Rangers FC. I wholeheartedly admire those who  have  given up their free time and have put considerable effort into running a team and, on a larger  scale, coordinated this friendly, welcoming club.

Shinfield Rangers Football Club has been at the heart of this local community for over 40 years. The simple ethos of a friendly, safe environment for all the children who join has led to the club being one of the top 100 in the country. A loyal group of volunteers have helped build the club from humble origins to its current status, FA Charter Standard Community Club (the highest rating a grassroots club can attain) and with impressive partnership links with Nike and Reading FC. They deserve recognition and our thanks for all their commitment and dedication over this time.

Shinfield Rangers  have  a  strong  community ethic and, once again, have worked with  Shinfield Parish Council to send local young people, 14 years and older, on Referee Courses. Several other 15 and 16 year olds have been assisting  the  coaches  for the past year, which we applaud and respect. We are always open to other young people coming to help, particularly if it is tied-in with other pursuits such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

As the club continues to grow, an Under-18s  team was formed this season, to help ensure a pathway to senior football. The youth teams now cover all ages from under 8 to under 18 and are guided by FA-trained coaches. Rangers are also trying to “catch ‘em young” and now offer fun “Mini All Stars” training sessions for 4 years plus on Sunday mornings from 10.30am until 11.30am.

If you are interested  in  playing  football  you  can find contact details on the website. I hope to meet you sometime soon at Millworth Lane.

Helen Davies