Wildfire March 09

Qualified Coaches
Congratulations go to Kevin Powell, Patrick Scott and Joe Foley who have successfully completed the FA Level 1 programme. All three joined as new coaches this season to facilitate the new Under 7s group, the Pyros.

This nationally recognized qualification, comes with the title 'Club Coach'. To achieve this standard, Kevin, Patrick and Joe completed modules in Emergency Aid, Child Protection, Club Administration, Mini-Soccer Ethics (Soccer Parent) and Football Laws, as well as considerable practical instruction on how to organize and facilitate training sessions.

I am also delighted to congratulate Chris Bogg who has completed his FA Level 2 coaching award. Chris has continued to offer his support coaching the U15 girls, even though his daughter Emily has now left the Club to play in the Wiltshire Centre of Excellence. This qualification takes significant commitment, the course is 7 consecutive days and there are 6 further days to attend, plus extra coaching work and gathering evidence to produce a portfolio for assessment. Well done Chris.

Our thanks go to all of these coaches for putting in the time and effort to improve their understanding of the game as well as the commitment they make week in week out to facilitate football for your children.

If you fancy the opportunity of helping our players develop their football skills then join our coaching team. Derry Hill United offers free access to Level 1 courses, subsidized access to those who want to take their coach education beyond level 1, and mentorship and support. Coaching is a great way to widen and develop your own skills and is extremely rewarding. Contact coach@dhufc.org for more details.


Easter Break
Due to the poor weather conditions experienced at the start of this term and the considerable impact this had on League activity we have decided to close the Club for just one weekend over the Easter holiday rather than the usual two. The Club will be closed only for the weekend of 10/11 April. There may be some squads who choose to take the following w/end off also. Please ensure you listen to messages from your Team Secretary and Coaches to establish your child's schedule over the Easter break.


Parking
As you can see construction has begun on the Clubhouse at BSG. This activity has had a significant impact on the number of car-parking spaces available at the ground. Please ensure you consider how you use what space is available to us whilst the construction continues. Apart from car-sharing, cycling and walking (for those who live in the village), I encourage you to use the following alternatives:

• Car-Park to the rear of Pine and Cane
  - Available to Club members throughout the weekend

• The Soho Inn
  - Available to Club members between 9am and 12pm Saturday and Sunday
  + Please ensure you leave this car-park before midday

Dogs At Our Facilities
Over the past few weeks we have had a couple of incidents where people have brought dogs to the ground and considered it appropriate to let them off a lead whilst children were training. We want to continue to allow members to bring their dogs to the ground but such behaviour exposes our players to unacceptable risks. Please ensure you keep your dog on a lead if you decide to bring them to the ground.

A reminder for those who use Springfields School. Dogs are strictly forbidden at this facility regardless of whether they are on a lead or not. Please do not take dogs to this facility as doing so may jeopardize our use of this much needed ground.

Derry Hill Hotshots
Football Fun for Year 1

Hotshots consists of six one-hour sessions of fun football activity. These take place on Saturdays during the school spring term at Bowood Sports Ground between 1pm – 2pm.

This is a great chance to introduce your child to a healthy, fun, outdoor activity and to see if they wish to go on to play football regularly.

Just £18 for six sessions. Numbers are restricted so get in touch now to reserve your child’s place.

For details ring Dave Oxenham on 01249 821795, email Hotshots@dhufc.org or register on-line here.


Club AGM
This year's Club Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday 13th May at 7.30pm, Lansdowne Hall, Derry Hill. This meeting is important to the running of the Club and requires a quorum of members parents to attend in order. Please support those who run the Club by attending. Put it in your diary now.