Officials Christmas Meal

Fancy a break from Turkey over Christmas?

Then join us on Sunday 28th December for a 'Ruby Murray' at the Café India in Chippenham.

This is also the evening of our coaches match which takes place earlier in the day at BSG (talk to Jon Hayton if you want to know more about this), so it may offer a good opportunity to discuss how your finely honed football skills have only marginally dulled over the ravages of time!

All Derry Hill Club officials and partners are welcome. The restaurant is not licensed to sell liquor so you are welcome, and encouraged, to bring your own. We anticipate the price of the meal to be somewhere between £15 - £20 a head.

The evening starts at 7pm please let Pete Weston know if you want to join us by Saturday 20th December so we can reserve our seats.

Age Appropriate Coaching

Age Appropriate Coaching
Details Here

I have attended this new style of FA Coaching course. It is highly recommended especially for those who are/will be coaching groups younger than 12.

The course focuses much more on the how rather than the why and offers much guidance about how to build and develop your sessions to be appropriate to the needs of the your group.

The Club will pay your course fees.

This course is exclusively available to Charter Standard Clubs for the next week, after that places will be made available to Clubs throughout Wiltshire.

If you want to attend please:

1. Contact me and advise which course you want to attend
2. Download the relevant enrolment form, complete and return to me

Half-Term Break

Half-Term Break

Derry Hill United is closed to all activities the weekend 25th/26th October. This closure is in alignment with our standard policy of giving all squads the opportunity to have a break from football the first weekend of the school holidays.

I will be sending a message re-iterating this policy to our membership shortly but please take time to advise your players and parents at the weekend also.

The DHUFC calendar which offers details of all Club events can be found at http://www.dhufc.org/calendar.html

Squad Photographs

Our new Club Photographer, Frances McCormack will be Bowood Sports Ground on Saturday 18th October between 10:30 and 12 to take squad photographs. Please let your parents know that their child will need to come to training in Club uniform for squad photographs to be taken. Be prepared to be summoned by Frances to the photograph area sometime during your session.

We will arrange an alternative opportunity for those squads who are not at the ground on this day (please contact me if your squad is not available).

Pitch Use

Would all those responsible for booking pitches/arranging matches please take care to ensure that no more than two games take place at BSG at the same time. The ground is unable to accommodate enough cars to make such a situation viable. The ground is available throughout the day on Saturday, so there is plenty of time to stagger your matches to avoid this situation.

Car-Parking

Please encourage use of the Soho Inn car-park for anyone who is dropping off/picking up. The Soho is available for Club use as long as it is clear of football traffic by mid-day.

Coaching Equipment

I have had a number of requests for coaching equipment. If you've not emailed with your requirements please do so now so that I can fulfil your request.

Referees

The Club has a number of referees who are not being given opportunity to develop their confidence and experience. Please be sure to share refereeing opportunities around so that we retain as many referees as possible.

Remember referees are available to all squads from U9 to U16. Sorry but our budget only allows for referees to be available for League and Cup matches - friendlies are not covered.

Coaching Courses

If you are interested in developing your skills then book yourself on an FA coaching course. DHUFC offers bursaries for certified courses. A full list of Wiltshire FA courses can be found here:

o http://www.wiltshirefa.com/Development/Courses/

Also, the Coaches Association is holding a good opportunity for any coach that is working with, or about to work with, 11 a-side teams. The session is at Stanley Park, Chippenham on Wednesday 29th October and will be delivered by FA Regional Coaching Manager, Tony McCallum. The session will feature an experienced squad of Under 16s who will be coached on the topic "Improving Combination Play".

The session runs from 7pm - 9pm and is highly recommended. Attendance is free to all DHUFC Coaches.

September Update

As we move out of our first month of football I can say that generally things have run pretty smoothly from a Club stand-point, Wendy and myself thank you for your commitment and support to making this happen. I just wanted to update you on a few points of administration and process to help us all work together at the ground, with our players and their parents, and with the Club and Leagues:

1. Squad Pages
2. Ground Use Guidelines
3. In-Service Day
4. Squad Kit-Bags
5. Training Equipment
6. Clubhouse Cleaning
7. Springfields Use

If you have any questions or concerns please get in touch.

1. Squad Pages
Details of match and training times. Also has team calendar and news for those using these features

2. Ground Use Guidelines
Please take care to ensure that no more than TWO matches are scheduled to take place at BSG any one time.

3. In-Service Day
This has been postponed.

4. Squad Kit-Bags
Please email with any deficiencies in your kit bag. I will get items to you over the next few sessions.

5. Training Equipment
Please ensure you stow used training equipment in the Dug-Out tidily in the assigned location.

6. Clubhouse Cleaning
Please ensure that one of your team's parents sweeps it out after you or your opposition use it.

7. Springfields Use
Ensure your parents don't exceed the speed-limit, park only in the correct place. They are also not allowed to smoke anywhere on the site and need to be responsible for the behaviour of any younger siblings.

Website Updates

You may find the following website updates useful:

1. Each squad page has links to your fixtures and League table
>>>> Navigation = www.dhufc.org > Home > {Squad Name}
2. Game Format, Age, League and Division for each of our squads
>>>> Navigation = www.dhufc.org > Home > Our Squads
3. Weather, Traffic and Maps of our grounds
>>>> Navigation = www.dhufc.org > Home > Find Us

Remember every squad page has the facility to support a squad Blog (News page). If you, or a member of your squad, wants to use this facility then please get in touch and I'll explain how to use it.

Age Appropriate Coaching - Introductory Module

A one day course aimed at anyone who is primarily coaching children of ages 6 - 11.

I have completed the full 4 day module of this course and can highly recommend it. This one day workshop will help introduce the FA Skills Programme and how it addresses the needs of the young performer. The Club would be delighted for you to attend the day and reimburse your fees as encouragement to attend. We feel the information on offer will provide some great foundation values for coaching children during the "FUNdamental" and "Learning To Train" phases.

If you fancy going please complete the application form and post.

Once you've attended please ensure you provide your attendance certificate so we can reimburse your fee.

• Title: Age Appropriate Coaching - Introductory Module
• Venue: Sheldon School, Chippenham
• Date: Saturday 20th September
  
• Duration: 9.30am - 4pm
• Cost: £10 (reimbursable from DHUFC upon completion)

Pitch Booking System

You will shortly receive information about your fixtures for season 0809. Your next task will then to be reserve a pitch for your home games and contact a referee to officiate.

I am currently working on a process to notify our qualified Club referees of match opportunities. It is important we utilize all of our refs rather than selecting one favourite throughout the season. Our goal must be to keep all of them employed officiating matches, building experience and confidence. Selection of one or two favourites could mean that some give up and we will then have less referees to share between us.

I will shortly be announcing how the referee notification process will work but in preparation can I ask that when logging into the Pitch Booking System (PBS) you select "User List" at the top right of the screen. Once selected please review the email address that you have listed, and correct if necessary.

If the correct email address is provided you should receive confirmation of each pitch booking you make. It is this mail that will be used to contact the referees (so don't delete the mails just yet, you will need them to make a referee request).

If you don't know your PBS login name or password then please get in touch. As you can appreciate the PBS is a key element in sharing our limited pitch resources without the conflict of four teams appearing at the ground to play on the same pitch. Remember, all matches should have a PBS reservation to avoid this awkward situation.

WWGL Fixtures 2008-09

The fixtures, rules and all required forms for season 2008-09 are now available on the Full-Time web site for reference and download.

The WWGL Full-Time web site can be found here

Members Season Welcome

I will shortly be emailing all of our members to inform them of the start of our season. The first session starts on Saturday 30th August. My message will inform all members that the first training session starts on this date. If your squad is not going to start on this day then please ensure you contact your squad members to update them of your exact schedule so that we do not have "stray" players appearing on the 30th with no coach to train them.

Timetable

Squad training and match times have been updated to reflect the new season's programme and are now available for viewing at the Club website. Visit "Home" -> "Our Squads" then select your group from the table provided.

Coaches and Secretaries Handbooks
Currently being refreshed and will be posted as soon as complete.

Squad Lists and Player Contact Details
Currently being refreshed and will be posted as soon as complete.

League Programme Start
WWGL: TBD
MWYML: Saturday 13 September

Not all teams will have a fixture in this first week. I will advise you all as soon as the schedules appear.

Only players who have been registered for League football are eligible to play. Not all players have provided the requested documentation and therefore could not be registered. Lead coaches will be notified of those players who have yet to produce the relevant documentation on the first weekend.

Equipment Refresh

Please review your equipment bags and advise on what equipment requires refreshing. If you are short of an item of equipment let me know. Also, if you need to replace your 'away' strips due to their size then please ensure you return the full strip to me, washed ready for re-distribution.

In-Service Event

We are hoping to arrange a short Club in-service event for coaches and secretaries before the end of September. The purpose of the event is to cover a few essential Club guidelines as well as explain the FA's new RESPECT advice and how it may impact your activity.

We are also keen to solicit your views on what you want to hear about so we can better address your needs. If you have ideas please let me know so we can see if it can be accommodated.

The event is likely to be timetabled for a Saturday afternoon, we'll be seeking your input shortly. We are also to looking to end the event with a short, adults FRIENDLY match if this is something that you would consider an enjoyable and worthwhile activity.

Have a great summer break

Thank you to everyone for your commitment and energy to facilitating football development here at Derry Hill. The committee and myself really do appreciate your support.

I will be making an announcement toward the end of August reminding our members that we are going to start again on Saturday 30th August, please inform your squad if you are delaying your start to the season. Also make sure everyone in your squad knows what day/time they are due to train.

Please review the messages below and get in touch if you have any questions.

Have a restful and enjoyable summer break.


1. Ground Closure
Bowood Sports Ground closes on Saturday 19th July
Please do not use the ground after this date
The ground will be available to use on Saturday 23rd August


2. FA Charter Standard Club Festival
Sunday 31st August: open to U7 - U10
Contact me before Saturday 5th July if you wish to enter a team


3. MWYML Registration Forms
We have passed the deadline for forms to be returned to the Club.
Due to a heavy workload we have not yet processed the forms and as a consequence have extended the deadline.
All League Registrations must be completed and returned by Friday 11th July. Those that are not in will not get processed until we return to football at the end of August. Anyone not registered by 11th July is unlikely to be available for the first match of the season.


4. Coach Qualification
FA Rules and government best practice insist that all coaches must have a minimum of Criminal Records Bureau check, Child Protection Workshop and Emergency Aid Certificates. Please check your personal records to ensure that you are up to date with each of these requirements (CRB is permanent once done, but the CP Workshop and Emergency Aid Certificate requires updating after 3 years).

We really want to support you in your coaching activities but we cannot put the players, qualified coaches or the Club at risk by allowing adults without these three requirements to work with children. Let us know what you need updated and we'll find a workshop for you.


5. BSG Facilities Development
Come along and view our plans for a permanent Clubhouse at Bowood Sports Ground. We will be having a public meeting on Tuesday 22nd July 6.45pm - 7.30pm at the Lansdowne Hall, Derry Hill.


6. Season 08/09 Training and Match Times
a. Match Times
Team Day Time Venue
Pyros Saturday 12:30 BSG
Beacons Saturday 12:00 BSG
Flares Saturday 10:00 BSG
Inferno Sunday 10:45 BSG
Burn Saturday 10:45 BSG
Blaze Sunday 10:45 BSG
Sparks Sunday 2:00 BSG/SPR
Flames Sunday 2:00 BSG/SPR
Fire Sunday 2:00 BSG/SPR
Phoenix Saturday 9:30 BSG
Lightning Saturday 11:00 SPR
Thunder Saturday 11:00 SPR


Training Times
(Saturday unless otherwise stated)
Team Time Venue
Pyros 11.15 - 12.30 BSG
Beacons 11 - 12.30 BSG
Flares 11 - 12.30 BSG
Inferno 11 - 12.30 BSG
Burn 10 - 11.30 (Sun) BSG
Blaze 11 - 12.30 BSG
Sparks 9 - 10.30 BSG
Flames 9 - 10.30 BSG
Fire 9 - 10.30 BSG
Phoenix 9 - 10.30 BSG
Lightning TBD (Tue) BSG
Thunder TBD (Tue) BSG

Ground Closed (Saturday 21st June)

Please be aware that due to the Derry Hill Mini-Festival Bowood Sports Ground will be closed to all groups from the morning Friday 20th June through to Sunday 22nd June.

Only those teams participating in the festival itself may use the ground.

Broaden Your Experience, Build Your Coaching Knowledge - WCFCA Events (May)

The WCFCA has two events this month. I encourage you to attend if you are able. Each event is very different in its own way, the first a coaching session at Stanley Park, Chippenham on Monday 19th May the second is a visit to the biggest grass roots football show in Europe.
Grass Roots Live is held at the NEC, Birmingham and offers great opportunities to buy equipment, talk to pros, see exhibits, watch pro coaching sessions or participate in clinics. It's a good day our and I highly recommend it.

If you intend going to Grass Roots Live ensure you register for your ticket early as I know coach seats are limited (the WCFCA is offering pick-ups in Swindon and Chippenham).

Developing Teams
Monday 19th May (7.15pm)
The WCFCA presents a session entitled "Developing Teams" led by coach Tony McCallum, FA Regional Development Manager. The event takes place at Stanley Park, Chippenham at 7.15pm and will include a practical session on grass as well as a short classroom intro, so remember to bring your boots! This is a event that will add value to your coaching and is offered at this time in readiness of your pre-season preparations. There's no need to register to take part, just turn up.

Grass Roots Live
Saturday 31st May
Visit Grass Roots Live, Europe's biggest grass roots football exhibition. Tickets on the door cost £17.50, the WCFCA is offering coach transport with pick-ups in Swindon and Chippenham, and a show ticket for the price of £20. This represents great value for a full day out at what is sure to be an interesting and enjoyable event. Make sure you register for your tickets today.

End Of Season Squad Events

DHUFC is pleased to once again be able to fund a squad end of season activity.

The Club will provide up to £3 per player attending a squad event. This can be reimbursed by providing receipt(s) from the event.

Some ideas from previous seasons;-

• LaserQuest
  
• BBQ/Picnic
  
• 10-pin bowling
  

The committee ask they be informed of your intentions prior to confirming your event.

We are also keen to suggest such activity be led by someone within the group other than the coaches or secretary unless you are comfortable with doing so.

We feel the team officials offer exceptional support and commitment to the players through the season and would like to think that advertising of the Club's funding of a squad event to the group's parents might bring forward someone with ideas and energy to organize the activity.

In order to qualify for the Club subsidy you must complete your event and make your claim by 1st August 2008.

I hope this allows you to consider, plan and offer an outing for your players providing you a good social way of rounding off your season.

End Of Formal Training

The formal end of training at DHUFC is scheduled for Saturday 17th May.

I wanted to let you understand what we mean by end of formal training. After 17th May all Club programmed activity will cease and no group is committed to delivering further sessions following this date. After this date you cannot guarantee the Clubhouse will be unlocked when you arrive or that there will be other trained coaches available to assist with Emergency Aid and Child Protection cover.

However you may decide, and I suspect that many of you will, to continue training for a few more weeks. This option is available to you under the following guidelines;-

1. You communicate details of your squad activity to your squad members
2. If you train Saturday mornings you maintain your assigned training slot time
3. You ensure you have adequate cover for medical/child protection purposes
i.e. there must be two trained adults present at the session
4. You arrange access to keys for opening and locking-up
- see keyholder list below

This informal use can continue until July 18th when the ground is closed to all groups and members for any activity. The ground is a private facility and use after this date will not be covered under insurance.
Training for season 2008-09 starts on Saturday 30th August.

You can see a full and up to date list of Club events on the refreshed "Club Calendar".

List of BSG Keyholders
Adrian Gingell 815818
Jon Hayton 816411
David Thrower 817085
Graham Harris 813448
Alan Crocker 814362
Pete Weston 655538
Andy Tipping 822598

MWYML: Rearranged Postponed Games (Derry Hill United)

Rearranged Postponed Games

All rearranged games must be played on or before the new date. The list shows the new date with the old date in brackets behind it.

If a rearranged game has actually been played forward the result of the match as soon as possible to the Publicity/Fixtures Secretary. If a postponed game is not on the list, forward details of the game as soon as possible to the Publicity/Fixtures Secretary for rearrangement.

(MW) = Mid Week game: games may be played on an alternative evening that week if all parties are in agreement, otherwise the game must be played on or before the set date.

Under 15’s Red Division
20.04.08 (16/03) Trowbridge Town Youth 2nd v Derry Hill United

Under 11’s Division Four
10.05.08 (01/03) Derry Hill United v Bradford Town Youth White
17.05.08 (15/03) Trowbridge Wanderers v Derry Hill United

Under 10’s Purple Division
04.05.08 (10/02) Melksham Town Yth Eagles v Derry Hill United

Under 9’s Division Five
10.05.08 (01/03) Devizes Town Youth B v Derry Hill United

MWYML: Rearranged Postponed Games (Derry Hill United)

Rearranged Postponed Games
Please ensure all managers get a copy of the relevant rearranged game/s.

All rearranged games must be played on or before the new date. The list shows the new date with the old date in brackets behind it. If a rearranged game has actually been played forward the result of the match as soon as possible to the Publicity/Fixtures Secretary. If a postponed game is not on the list forward details of the game as soon as possible to the Publicity/Fixtures Secretary for rearrangement.

Under 15’s Red Division
16.03.08 (20/01) Trowbridge Town Youth 2nds v Derry Hill United
27.04.08 (27/01) Devizes Town Youth 2nds v Derry Hill United

Under 14’s Blue Division
16.03.08 (20/01) Derry Hill United v Melksham Town Youth Blue
24.02.08 (27/01) FC Chippenham v Derry Hill United

Under 12’s Blue Division
09.03.08 (13/01) Derry Hill United v Melksham Town Youth Blue

Under 11’s Division Four
26.04.08 (12/01) Bradford Town Youth White v Derry Hill United
03.05.08 (19/01) Derry Hill United v Worton & Cheverell

Under 10’s Purple Division
02.03.08 (13/01) Derry Hill United v Devizes Town Youth
20.04.08 (20/01) FC Chippenham v Derry Hill United
30.03.08 (16/12) Marshfield Lions v Derry Hill United

Pitch Closures (12/13 January)

Due to the amount of rain that has fallen this week I can currently confirm that Springfields is closed and unavailable throughout the weekend. I will be making a pitch inspection at BSG later this afternoon to determine if the ground is likely to be usable on Saturday.

Please keep an eye on the DHUFC Website for status of the pitch and expect a final decision to be made by 8pm this evening.