What The Club Means to You

A personal note of thanks from Wendy and myself for your kind comments about Derry Hill United FC and what it means to you and your child.

We have received many wonderful statements that provide excellent examples of what your Club means to you.

Many of the comments are centred around the themes of community, development and participation. What heartens me is the number of you who believe in, support and recognise the value of our participation and development above results philosophy. I believe your feedback provides brilliant testimony to the Football Foundation and Football Association that their confidence in us was founded, their grant funding was well spent, and that many people within this community value their investment.

This is not a solo effort, but one of communication and collaboration involving many people. One thing that shines through in the feedback is that the efforts and commitment of our volunteers is greatly recognised and appreciated. My sincere thanks and those of our membership go out to you, our volunteers.

Not wanting to be complacent I feel it important that I say that our door is always open to hear of your experiences and views of what goes on at the club. We may not be able to address each and every issue but your feedback will be taken seriously and considered for implementation.

Thank you once again for each person who contributed to our feedback request. Your time and comments are truly valued and frankly leave me more than a little humbled and full of pride for what we mean to you.

Regards,
Alan and Wendy Crocker

Assist Your Coach Support Your Child

As we commence League activity this weekend I find it an appropriate time to ask for your help and support. 

Our coaches are a dedicated and energetic group. They turn out week-in, week-out to offer your child the opportunity to train, develop and play football. Each of our coaches has to provide references, undergo football, emergency aid and safeguarding workshops as well as submit themselves to an enhanced CRB check to participate as a Club coach. Their dedication and commitment to support our Club and your child are the foundation of Derry Hill Utd's inclusive, friendly, philosophy to community football. 

Now an appeal to you. Match preparation is an important part of football, it is essential that our coaches get time to do what they are trained to do; facilitate and support their squad of players. Much work and effort goes into their planning for each match. You can help them by ensuring they get the time to prepare the players prior to the kick-off. There are many coaches who are hampered in this activity because they have minimal parental support in preparing the pitch for match readiness.

Can I ask that you consider what you can do to help free our coaches before each match.

There are a number of tasks which you can help with: 

1. Put up goals (or attach the goal-nets) 
2. Erect the RESPECT barriers (we have to have these now to meet League rules) 
3. Put in the corner and half-way flags 
4. Grab the wheel-barrow to repair rabbit holes and pitch divots in the field of play Of course they would also appreciate your help returning this equipment after the match has been completed (the work does not end for coaches post game as they have debriefings and paperwork to complete). 

Please do help out, there are many parents and few coaches. 

Help your coaches support your child. Thank you for your help.

Welcome to Season 2011-12

Hello and welcome to the start of season 2011-12. 

Bowood Sports Ground opens it's gates to the season this Saturday, the 3rd September. Most squads commence their training this weekend. 

I'd like to thank all of those volunteers who once again have stepped forward to give their time, energy and enthusiasm to supporting your child participate in community sport. In particular I would like to offer a big thank you to Kevin Powell, coach of the Pyros, who has agreed to give more of his precious free time to football by joining the committee in the role of the Young Players Representative. Thank you Kevin your support is much appreciated. 

Please ensure that you abide by our Club Code of Conduct and philosophy of player participation and support. We have a great reputation for playing fair and supporting our children in the true spirit of sport development. Let's continue to build this reputation through the new season. Some short tips to help you support your child get the best out of their football:

• Always stay on the sideline, never enter the field play
• Supporters must stay behind the barriers and stand on the side of the pitch away from the coaches
• Please support your child, never instruct, criticise or coach them
• Treat the opposition as you would your own team. Keep your views to yourself, they are here to play, learn and enjoy too 
• Support the referee. If you don't agree with his decision keep it to yourself, do not shout out, it is not your role to do this 
• Help your coaches by asking to erect goals, nets, corner flags and don't run off at the end leaving the coach to clear these items away 

Remember - we are a learning centre focused on teaching team, social and football skills to your child. Please respect the supportive environment we are trying to create for all our members. I thank you for reading and I appreciate your support in driving our standards and philosophy. 

I hope your child has a wonderful season, increasing their skills and experience as well as having lots of fun. 

Alan Chair,DHUFC

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