Season 2023/24 Newsletter

 

Welcome back to the new season at Stratton United, we hope everyone had a great summer

 

We have lots of opportunities for new players, coaches and other volunteers so please get in touch (HERE) for more information

 

Team News
Stratton United has grown from just one under 7s team two years ago, then three teams last season, and now we have five teams competing in two different leagues this coming season. This growth is a tribute to the coaches, players and parents who have given their time, effort and trust to the club.

 

Last season’s u7 development team managed by Andy Coombs will be entering the Midsomer Norton Youth Football League (MSNYFL) as Under 8s. This is for players in school year 3 from September ’23 and matches are 5-a-side, 40 minutes long and usually kick off at 10.30am on Sundays.

Our u8s are currently seeking a team sponsor

 


Last season’s u8 Red and Blue teams will merge this year as Under 9s, playing in the MSNYFL, managed by Simon Matthews.
 Under 9s is for children in school year 4 and is 7-a-side.
Matches are 50 minutes and usually
kick off at 10.30am on Sundays.


 

 

Our u9s are sponsored by
the Poundland Foundation


This season we have a brand new Under 10s team entering the Midsomer Norton league. The u10s are managed by Chris Bridges and players are from school year 5 and the stronger year 4s. Under 10s is 7-a-side, matches are 50 minutes long and usually kick off at 10.30am on Sundays.


Our u10s are sponsored by
Bratton Transport Solutions

Training for the u8s, u9s and u10s is every Friday 5.30-6.30pm at Stratton until we move to Writhlington floodlit astro for winter training every Friday at 5pm from 6th October.

Matches for all three teams will usually be Sundays at 10.30am but kickoff times might need to be adjusted from time to time if two teams are home.

This season’s Under 11s grow from 7 to 9-a-side with the introduction of the offside rule being enforced. The default kickoff time set by the league is Sundays at 2.30pm and games are 60 minutes. Under 11s is for players in school year 6 and the stronger year 5s. Training is on Mondays 5.30-6.30pm at Stratton until we move to Norton Hill astro for floodlit winter training from Monday 2nd October.

  The u11s are sponsored by Plumbergy UK

Our third brand new team is our Under 12 Girls who’ll be playing in the Somerset Girls’ League. This new girls’ team is completely separate from Wildcats and Squad Girls. Matches will be Saturday mornings and the team will be managed by Ash Preece but we are looking for volunteers to get involved, particularly on match days.
Training is every Wednesday at Stratton until winter training at Midsomer Norton Sports Centre at 7pm from 1st November.

Our u12 girls are sponsored by Arnold Clark 

Wildcats and Squad Girls
With Tom Bona at the helm, our girls' football provision has grown massively in the last twelve months and has been so successful that the FA invited our girls to St.George's Park to take part in a memorable day.

Stratton United was one of only six football clubs from the entire country invited to attend and take part in this fantastic day of fun and football in the indoor, full size astro pitch at this incredible facility, the home of England football.

We had a fantastic day and it was truly an experience we'll never forget. Our girls were phenomenal in their performances as well as their behaviour and maturity and were a credit to the club.

We are aware how important it is for the girls to have access to toilet facilities whilst training and so from Saturday 9th September, Wildcats and Squad Girls will be moving just 7 minutes (3.4 miles) up the road to the football pitch at Oakhill Village Hall BA3 5AN for their weekly sessions, same time, 10-11am every week.


There are toilets, a play park, large car park and a café there so will be a much more comfortable environment in which to train and spectate. This is a permanent move and will help save wear and tear to our pitch at Stratton as well as providing essential facilities for the girls and parents. The final session at Stratton is 2nd September.

This season, as well as Wildcats and Squad Girls, we can offer regular, competitive football to any girl up to school year 7


School year 2 - u8s - mixed
School year 3 – u8s/u9s - mixed
School year 4 – u9s/u10s - mixed
School year 5 – u10s/u11s - mixed
School year 6 - u11s - mixed
School year 6/7 – u12s - girls


If your child might be interested in having a go at playing in a proper team against other local clubs, please let us know.


Here’s to a happy and successful 2023/24 football season.
Simon Matthews
Club Secretary/Coach

www.strattonunitedfc.co.uk
strattonunitedfc@hotmail.com
www.facebook.com/strattonunitedfc

Chairman
Kevin Smith

 

Welfare Officer
Anna Parry

Head of Girls' Football

Tom Bona

 

Coaches

Andy Coombs
Ash Preece
Simon Matthews
Chris Bridges
Megan James

Lottie Matthews
Colin Jolley