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 and at JKHS in the winter. 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.

 Spud Jenkins has kindly agredd to manage a second Under 9's team with Jean Luc. So alongside Martyn team Ross will have two teams of this age group in the league. The current Under 8's now have enough biys for 3 teams, Martin is running one team and Dee and Amanda the other. The club would love to hear from anyone keen on running a 3rd side in this age group. The club will provide full training, support through FA Level 1 and all the assistance needed. 

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.  

It’s not just on the pitch where the club are improving, there has been several trips to watch professional football, 162 attending a trip to watch Birmingham City, there is a regular end of season tour to PGL (for 2011 140 people going) 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.

 Ross Juniors now also boast a mens side, who are undefeated in the Herefordshire Sunday League. They won their last fixture 12-0. It is great to think that boys in the Under 15's will have a team to join when they are too old for senior football.

For more details on coaching or joining or even becoming a much needed sponsor please call Paul on 01989 762957 

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