Chairman Chat - APRIL

12/04/2023

On The Pitch

Port Boys Playing In...SPAIN!!!

Five of our U10 boys have had the amazing experience of playing within their local Regional Talent Centre against some of Europe's top elite acadamy teams.

Speaking to one of the players I coach 1-2-1, separately away from Port of Bristol, his highlight of this was playing against non other than Barcelona, despite the 4-0 lost.

Well done to all the boys who took part.

Guidance For Players Wearing Glasses

Our recommendation as a club has always been to parents, whose children wear glasses, was where possible purchase sport googles as these allow your child to play football safely.

As a parent whose son wears glasses and as a coach who is fully aware of the horror stories involving injuries that have led to blindness from playing football in glasses, I have brought these for my piece of mind.

The FA earlier this month released a statement, also recommending these polycarbonate lenses but also added that referees can refuse players to play if they believe there is a safety concern to players.

League Extensions

A number of our competitive teams leagues have been extended into May due to the adverse weather during Autumn, throughout the Winter and now into Spring.

A number of evening games have been arranged because of this, so to stay up to date with these check social media.

Off The Pitch

Easter Egg Excitement

Once again, this year we purchased over 450 Easter eggs to give to every player within our squads at Port of Bristol Youth Football Club an egg.

This 'tread' is something we are very proud of as I know not every child within other clubs are treated as equally. Of course some individual teams would of gave eggs, probably at a cost to their coaches, but it is so important to us as a club that we do everything, where possible, across the board.

I also had a lovely conversation with a parent who thanked the club for this gesture, as due to financial constraints her children wouldn't of received eggs this year...and every child deserves an Easter Egg.

Get Well Soon Boys

I am sure you will all join me in wishing two of our players speedy recoveries after suffering injuries away from the football club.

Coen from our U9s Green squad will not be able to play anytime soon, as whilst attending a local football camp he ended up injured and subsequently has broke his arm/wrist.

Unfortunately, Tyler from our U14s will also spend a lengthy time away from football after being involved in an horrible incident the required him to undergo major brain surgery.

Get well soon boys.

Coach To Run London Marathon

Our U6 & U9 coach, David Hill, will be running in the London Marathon later this month for the Rainbow Trust Children's Charity, a charity who do great work supporting families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness.

If you can help in anyway then please click the above link to support David in his efforts to meet his target of £4000

U11 Purple Squad On Tour

Our U11s have just returned from their annual club tour this weekend after travelling to Devon Cliffs.

These events are so important socially for both players and parents, and although the planned game was cancelled a couple weeks back the boys had great fun at a local foot golf venue.

Final Thoughts 🤔

I am always extremely proud of what we do as a football club and to the extent some people go within to give children the best chance to improve not just as footballers but as people.

This is also partly to the setting, we call home as we are very lucky to have like minded people at the POB Sports & Community Hub. The child friendly environment, enables us to develop as a youth football club and in turn many of our families enjoy the connections between the two.

As mentioned previously their are big plans for the site and to be part of those plans is exciting...but without committed people none of this is or will be possible. To finish off this chat, I would just like to thank those people who are committed, who do go above and beyond putting in countless hours per week to give opportunities.

Thanks Chris.