Junior Football in Ross on the rise

There is a marked change in youth football in Ross now. You only have to be walking across the fields behind the Rowing Club to see the increase numbers of young children participant in regular supervised football across all age ranges.

In particular the main growth has been in providing football for children in current school years 1 to 4. It was only two years ago when it was decided that Ross Juniors would run a junior section to include all age groups from 5 to 9 year olds. Previously there had been separate teams in various age groups but this was the first attempt at creating a greater community feel, shared training meant siblings could train together at the same time and the club could utilise facilities better.

Two years on over 100 children are attending Monday night training at the pitches behind Ross Rowing Club. This format has encouraged parents to step forward to help coach and manage teams and in turn Ross Juniors are now entering more teams in to the local leagues. The club is inclusive and encourages players of all abilities and attempts to find a suitable team for them to play for.

Last years Under 9’s are now the undefeated Champions of the Herefordshire Under 10’s league. The Under 9 Juniors came 2^nd in their league and are through to the County Cup Final. The Under 9 Colts run by Lee Barrington and Dee Springer have improved greatly over the season and have started to win more games. Martyn Jones’ Under 8’s have recently twice defeated ABC academy, as well as beating Bristol City and Swindon Town academy sides. Martin Payne’s under 7’s are undefeated and won an invitation tournament at Bristol City’s ground. Andy Cronshaw is now running an Under 6 section which now boasts an impressive 16 players and rising. It has also been encouraging that more girls are now involved, after watching older brothers train they have decided to join.

The club due to its ever growing numbers has been invited to play Aston Villa, Swindon Town, Bristol City and Torquay United Academy sides. A fantastic experience for every child involved. The club also boasts strong links with these clubs with several boys training regularly with these professional sides. One parent whose son was playing for Torquay last year against Ross contacted the club through the website saying he was moving to Cardiff but would like his son to come along and play with Ross Juniors.

It’s not just on the pitch where the club are improving, there has been several trips to watch professional football, 153 attending a trip to watch Aston Villa, there has been an end of season tour to PGL and the launch of a new club website, www.ross-juniors-football-club.co.uk. The website has even had visitors from Australia and Costa Rica! Parents are being twittered (Twitter) about training and a facebook page is to be launched. The club has generously been aided by many local sponsors who have contributed by providing new kit, additional coaching and assistance with fundraising. The children themselves have bag packed, attended swimathons and a World Cup quiz night is planned. A club shop has now been set up and Ross High Street should soon be awash with parents and players wearing Ross Junior hoodies, t shirts and fleeces.

The growth in the clubs stature has been recognised as Ross Juniors have become a real force again in Herefordshire football. Specialist training courses in age specific coaching are now being run in Ross by the Herefordshire FA and the Aston Villa legend Dennis Mortimer is due down soon to run a coaching session.

The club with ever growing numbers are still in need of more coaches. You do not have to have a child involved to become involved yourself. The club will supply full support and kit as well as paying for your FA Level 1 badge.

The aim of the junior section going forward is to increase numbers further so Ross becomes a focal point for football in Herefordshire again. For years children form Ross have been playing for local sides outside Ross in Hereford , Monmouth and Gloucester, Ross Juniors are finally offering the facilities, coaching and club ethos which means they are now playing for their local side.

The Under 9’s are playing at Edgar Street in the Herefordshire County Cup Final on May 16^th, 9.45am kick off and would greatly appreciate any local support.

Monday night training is 6-7pm at Ross Rowing Club. For more details on coaching or joining or even becoming a much needed sponsor please call Paul on 01989 762957 

Follow us on Twitter & become a fan on facebook