Redgate Rovers primarily is a Junior Football Club.
Because of the success however the club is run by a
Committee - and on the administration front The committee,
consisting of team
managers, meets
monthly. Chairman Derek Dreaves, Secretary Tony Francis
and Treasurer Bob Prescott
ensure the smooth running, whilst the kids enjoy playing
football under the safety and security of a well run
Football Club.
Brief History, taken from the Redgate Rovers Official
Site
The history of the club as seen through
the eyes of George Holcroft, founder member and Honorary
President:
After many enjoyable years of playing football locally
George finally hung up his boots in 1966. From then
until 1974 the only sport he took part in was snooker
in the Formby League and the Liverpool Business League
Following 8 years of sporting inactivity he decided
it was time to get out of the armchair and once again
become involved in football. He was aware that an ex-Birkdale
Athletic playing colleague, Frank Warner, had formed
the Dales Football Club for boys and he encouraged George
to assist with the running of one of his teams during
the 1974/75 season
The experience gained was invaluable and George decided
to form his own team, from the Redgate area, for the
following season. He had always harboured an ambition
to run a team and he was mindful that such a team would
be encouraged to play with skill and flair - the main
aim was that those involved would gain the maximum enjoyment
from the sport. He always felt that anyone who played
in his team would have to maintain a high standard of
behaviour both on and off the field of play. It is extremely
gratifying to be able to note that the Redgate Rovers
Club has upheld these traditions right up to the present
day.
So, on the 17th June 1975, Redgate Rovers Junior Football
Club was born. The boys who played in the first season
chose the club name and despite several discussions
on the subject over the years, the club name remains
in respect of the founder members.
During the 1975/76 season, the club played friendly
matches at under 10 and under 11 operating from George's
front room. The first team ever to represent the club
in a friendly match against Smithy Green on 06.07.1975
was: -
Simon Hammond, Paul Mills, Gary Hurst, Steven Moores,
Peter Jones, Ian Fewtrell, Stephen Sutcliffe, Richard
Holcroft, Robert Allen, Andrew Holcroft, Peter McGreevy.
Subs - David Mills, Ian Catherall, Gary Greer
We lost by 12 goals to 10, with goals from Peter McGreevy
(6) and Steven Moores (4) In a return match on 10.07.1975,
with the addition of Neil Bickley, Mark McGreevy and
Andrew Brunskill to the squad we earned a 6 - 6 draw.
We gained entry to the Craven Minor Under 11 section
for the 1976/77 season and we also continued to play
friendly fixtures for our Under 10's. Because of our
inexperience we had a difficult start to the season,
but we gradually improved to finish in a creditable
4th position in the league and we reached a Cup Semi-Final.
It is interesting to note that Peter McGreevy scored
60 goals in the first competitive season.
The 1977/78 season saw the club expand to 3 teams,
under 10, 11 & 13. At this juncture it became obvious
that it was not possible to run the club in an informal
manor so a formal committee was formed. Fred Jones was
the club's first Chairman, Mike Groughan (Treasurer)
and George Holcroft (Secretary). Several interested
parents also came forward to join the committee.
From that moment we became a democratic organisation
that provided a formal structure with a view to the
future development of the club. From these early beginnings
we have expanded to our current position with a vibrant
committee of dedicated members.
We have benefited greatly from running an "open" system
of management, which has placed the club on a sound
basis, with new members coming along each year with
new ideas, enthusiasm and innovation.
Over the years we have been very fortunate to have
a loyal band of hard working ladies who have brought
that essential feminine touch to our many social events.
Their buffets, table decorations, etc are legendry and
have brought great credit to the club. We are greatly
indebted to them.
The committee meets monthly to clear a heavy agenda
of items and all matters are discussed openly. Decisions
are reached either by unanimous agreement or by a vote.
We hold an Annual General Meeting when the club plans,
ideas and future developments are discussed. Audited
accounts are presented to the meeting and officers are
elected for the coming season.
About ten years ago we were given the use of the playing
field, situated off College Path, by kind permission
of the Mill Hill Fathers. This base is used for training,
which takes places under floodlights during the winter
months.
A great deal of effort has gone into the development
of teams at the lower age range. (i.e. Age 4 to 11).
A total of 20 FA qualified coaches undertake the training
and our match results have improved greatly to reflect
the level of coaching involved, which strengthens the
future of the club.
On the playing side the club has 14 teams from under
5 to under 18 sections. Also included are 2 Open Age
teams.
Our Annual 5-a-side tournament is held at the College
Path Ground each May. The tournament has become a prestigious
event for teams at under 8,9,10 & 11 sections.
To fund an operation as big as Redgate Rovers J.F.C.
requires an Annual turnover of £20,000. Money is raised
from several sources:
- Each team has a sponsor and we are greatly indebted
to the many individuals and companies/organisations,
which support us financially, and by the provision
of kit and equipment.
- We hold several functions each year, e.g. Discos,
Sportsman's Evenings, Ladies Nights, Rave Nights,
etc,
- The club runs a 200 club with a monthly draw for
members.
- Playing members pay an Annual subscription.
The club also fund several activities for the benefit
of members:
- Trips/matches at other clubs in other Towns and
also more recently, annual trips abroad (recently,
to Holland, France and Ireland)
- Trips to International School Boy matches.
- Soccer Schools run by the FA Qualified coaches.
- Visits by clubs from abroad, i.e. Belgium and USA
It is envisaged that these events will be increased
in the coming years.
In November 1996, the club celebrated its 21st Birthday
at Formby's Royal British Legion Club with 150 members,
both past and present in attendance.
Our 25th Birthday Celebration took place on the 13th
October 2000 at the Prince Of Wales Hotel, Southport.
In conclusion, George was delighted and honoured to
be made President of the club in 1986 and still attends
every monthly meeting, and as many games as he can to
see the lads. |
