Closed for Easter

As we head into our Easter break I want to thank all of our coaches and team secretaries for successfully dealing with the extra work caused by the exceptionally poor weather conditions. It is due to these folks care and attention that our pitches have come through pretty unscathed from damage whilst supporting a full League and training programme. This is a remarkable feat as is highlighted by the number of fixtures which have been postponed by our opposition over the past 3 months, whilst BSG has had few postponements during this period. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Diccon Jordan who has put in many additional hours at the ground ensuring the lines were not washed away, but straight, bright and visible for all our squads.

The Club is now closed for the next two weekends. Have a great break and enjoy some weekend lie-ins with no need to get up for football.

When we return in April we shall be recruiting for squads which currently have vacancies. Please contact me if you know anyone who wants to join us, especially if they are in the following age groups;-

• Flares (Under 7); School Year 2
• Inferno (Under 8); School Year 3
• Heat (Under 12); School Year 7
• Girls (Under 10 - 15); School Years 5 - 10

Club activity resumes on Saturday 14th April - let's hope for some bright, sunny, warm weather in which to train.

Holiday Football Activities

• Arsenal Soccer Schools
  Springfields, Calne 4/5 Apr; George Ward School, Melksham 10/11 Apr
  Tell them you are from Derry Hill FC when you book and receive £1 discount
  
  
• DHUFC @ Swindon Town FC
  Coca Cola League Division Two match versus Mansfield FC (21st April)
  Adult tickets less then half price, children £1 each
  Ticket requests in by 8th April - Go HERE to order
  
  
• Kit Orders
  All orders for shirts, shorts and socks by 11th April
  Kit Order Form
  
  
• Club Activities
  Up to date and on-line
  Club Calendar

Qualified Referees - Congratulations

I have great pleasure informing you that the following Derry Hill United players have attended a course of instruction in Football Refereeing;-

• Mary (Phoenix U15)
• Lewis (Fire)
• Jake (Fire)
• Jade (Phoenix U15)

Each of them has subsequently taken, and passed, both a written and oral exam and are now qualified as Class 8 referees.

It is most likely you will see these young people officiating at your matches in the coming months, please help them by offering your utmost respect, support and encouragement.

Football is suffering from a severe shortage of qualified referees and this is starting to have an impact on our game. Numbers are down in those attending training and many drop out due to abuse, both verbal and physical, from players, parents and officials. Please don't let the heat and passion of the moment get the better of you and keep our activity in perspective - we are charged with creating a supportive, safe, learning environment in which our players can have fun and develop as both players and young people.

Our new referees join Emma in our increasing Referee Qualified player's group.

I would like to extend my congratulations to Mary, Lewis, Jake and Jade, all of whom have given their time freely to support our Club, your children and our game. Thanks to you all.

The next Referees Course commences on April 14th and completes on April 22nd. The course takes place in Melksham, but I can find other dates and venues if you are prepared to travel further.

Any one over the age of 14 can attend and qualify.

DHUFC supports and sponsors referees through their course.

email LikeToRef@dhufc.org if you want to become a referee