Sporting 87 v AFC Kesgrave

Saturday 12th January 2019 2.00pm ko

Touchline SIL Division 1

Number 8

Main Club Sponsor

Graeme Thomas and his

business partner Darren Young

are pleased to sponsor

Sporting FC and can provide you

with no obligation advice

on financial matters

Welcome to the first home game of 2019 and I hope you had a great Christmas break. Today we welcome AFC Kesgrave to the Victory Ground for what I’m sure will be a really good game of football. I am amazed at their results this season as I considered them to have one of the best squads in our league. They have a number of very good players and I have always found them to be a well run club. I rated our win against them early in the season as one of the best performances and results for a long time and I am shocked that they have struggled. I hope their turn around in results doesn't continue today. Unfortunately Jack Durey has decided to go back to Bures following his arrival at Sporting this summer. He has struggled with his fitness and so his opportunities have been limited which is disappointing as he came to the club with a big reputation. He is a really good player and once he regains his fitness and confidence I'm sure he will be amongst the goals again. I wish him well. Our last home fixture of 2018 was Sam Fennings 150 ap-pearance for the First Team during which time he has scored 39 goals. He made his First Team debut in May 2010 in the Rice Cup Final at Bacton against Salvation Army, following a good season with the Reserves. The following season he established himself in the First Team squad following a stunning goal at Old Newton in a pre season friendly. His first team goal in a competitive fixture was against the Priors in the Junior Cup in Nov 2010 with-in a 4-2 win. Well done Sam on reaching 150, he is the 5th highest appearance maker in the current First Team squad (not including Floyd Croll) with Sam Marsden lead-ing the way on 366. I hope that you enjoy todays game.

First Team Notes

Jonathan Warnock First Team Manager

Our aim is to be a caring, friendly and conscientious family practice providing high quality dental care with good customer service to all our patients and

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Firstly I hope you all have had a fantastic Christmas and wish you all a happy New Year. Been a little while since the last A Team article. It has been a fantastic season so far for the A team with us reaching the Quarter finals of the Club Colours where we’ll play Bedricks Worth which will be a tough game but one we are relishing. I am delighted with how the season has gone so far going on a fantastic run losing only 1 of our first 11 games in all competitions albeit it was frustrating to lose vs Stowup-land. We bounced back in an away victory at Somersham which as I’m sure many of you know isn’t an easy place to go. I would like to give a special mention to 2 players that play/played for the A team this season firstly I’m delighted to see that Josh Thomas has progressed into the First Team in recent weeks. Josh was outstanding for us and it isn’t a surprise to see him doing so well. The other player is Joe Banks who has been excellent for us scoring 5 goals in 12 games from midfield and he was award-ed with his fine form with being Captain vs Stowupland and at 16 years old must be one of the youngest Sporting cap-tains.

AFC Kesgrave are a football club set up in 2007 by Brendan Tuck. The club’s aim is to concentrate on the development of players, with the development of good habits, technique and team play - we are not looking to just win games but develop the fundamentals that make good players and teams. They also look to develop our coaches in order to continue and better support player development. It’s are very much a friendly and family run club and wel-come any new or old supporters/volunteers to the games. It offers football to both boys and girls from 6 years right through to senior level, via affiliated league structured foot-ball. They look to play football in what is deemed the correct way, which allows the players to play with confidence, self-expression and with respect to all those around them. The senior side are in Division 1 and won the Junior Cup last season. The Reserves secured promotion to Intermediate B and have just set up a new Adult A team to help retain youth players coming through from our U16s which is very important to the long term success of the club. They were named the SIL junior club of the year in the 2015/16 season.

A Team Notes

Will Frost A Team Manager

Todays opposition

First Team

Player Sponsors

For all sponsorship

enquiries please contact

Admin @sporting87.co.uk

Kurt Waterfield Squad No 1

Sponsorship Available

Tom Wright Squad No 2

Ryan Hyden Squad No 4

The Cross Hands Golfing Society

Ash Brown Squad No 5

Sponsored by Mark Crawford

Will Frost Squad No 6

SA Architectural Services Ltd

Elliot Chaplin Squad No 7

Sponsorship Available

Jarrad Lebbon Squad No 8

West Road Church Mens Fellowship

Nathan Banks Squad No 9

Thomas & Young Wealth Management Ltd

Luca Taylor-Footer Squad No 3

Sponsored by Mark Crawford

Cameron Brown Squad No 23

S87 Academy

Sam Marsden Squad No 10

Sponsored by

David Barker

Ben Hyden Squad No 19

Sponsorship Available

Nick Drewry Squad No 11

Luke Taylor Squad No 24

Sponsorship Available

Ollie Chaplin Squad No 25

Sponsorship Available

Rob Pettitt Squad No 14

Jacob Jack Squad No 27

Sponsored by

David Barker

Jack Edwards Squad No 15

Sam Fenning Squad No 16

Thomas & Young Wealth Management Ltd

First team Mascot Stanley

Sponsorship Available

Pedro Squad No 17

Sponsorship Available

Sam Peterson Squad No 20

Sponsorship Available

Jonathan Warnock First Team Manager

Sponsorship Available

Support the Club Please contact Linda at Admin@sporting87.co.uk to place an advert here

James Cadby Squad No 21

Sponsorship Available

Josh Thomas Squad No 18

Sponsorship Available

Matt Curtis First Team Assistant Manager

Support the Club Please contact Linda at Admin@sporting87.co.uk to place an advert here

My Story George Ndah Ex-Wolves striker’s Christmas bonus December-born former Premiership footballer George Ndah has a double celebration every Christmas – his birth-day on 23rd December and then the Day itself. But in recent years, he has an extra reason to celebrate the festive season. The former Wolves and Crystal Palace

striker got help right when he needed it after going to church over Christmas 2014. George, who was forced to retire through injury in 2006, was turning 40 and on the verge of bankruptcy, so maybe his sudden decision to try church was a mid-life crisis. But George’s wife Nicole – who has written songs for the Sugarbabes – had asked him many times to try the ‘amazing’ church she’d visited with their new neighbours in Surrey. This time he went. George says: “That Christmas, I just suddenly felt this overwhelming urge to go. So, the first service of 2015, I was there- and it blew my mind. “It was so relevant and contemporary. It was almost like the pastor was speaking directly to my wife and I”. A few months later, George responded to the Christian message and asked Jesus into his life. ” It was fortunate this happened when it did, because I was declared bankrupt by May and really needed my faith to get me through it,” he says. George admits he’d lived in the “enormous bubble” of a materialistic lifestyle and after achiev-ing his goal of signing for Wolves, earning ridiculous money. Going out, partying, buying cars, clothes and jewellery, George thought he was untouchable. But like a lot of wealthy people – including high profile players – he invested in tax-break schemes when Gordon Brown was Prime Minister, “and then the new government came in and suddenly I was hit with an astronomical tax bill that had to be paid there and then”. After hitting ‘rock bottom’ and going through “seriously dark times, I just got to a point when I had to say: Enough is enough. I can’t do this anymore’. And that’s when I gave my life to Jesus. “Without him, I don’t know what would’ve happened to me. I look back on those times now and I’m amazed I’ve been able to get to where I am today”. He adds: “People know my story of bankruptcy as it’s been in the papers, but since sharing my faith story across the country I find there are many people suffering in silence. “Apart from financial bankruptcy, for many it’s spiritual bankruptcy. To have faith in Jesus is the only way forward, as without him, you’ve got no chance”. Dad of four George, who now works as a football consultant, played from 1992 until 2006 with Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Gillingham, Swindon, and Wolves, scoring 64 goals in 285 appear-ances, in an injury plagued career. In 1999, he was called up to play international football by Nigeria, but injury prevented him from making his debut. His highlight with Wolves was the promotion winning season of 2002/3, when he scored 11 goals in 30 appearances. Four of his goals helped the Black Country side progress to the quar-ter final of the FA Cup. But George, who was adored from the terraces whilst empty inside, now gives all the praise to God. He told Good News “I know I’ve changed because I have learned to trust God with everything. No matter how big the problem, fears or anxiety in my life, I fight to try and see the blessing in every storm.

Local Non league Round Up Today we take a look at the local non league scene after the New year round of fixtures. There have been lots of manage-rial changes as clubs look to change their fortunes as we enter the second half of the season. In the Southern Premier League Kings Lynn Town head the local teams in 3rd place. They had a very impressive win at Needham Market on News Years Day who themselves are 7th in the league. Kings Lynn have amazed an impressive squad including Craig Parker who continues to score gaols at that level. Leiston have dropped a few positions to 11th fol-lowing the departure of their manager Glenn Driver. It will be interesting to see where he will end up. Jamie Godbolds Lowestoft are one place above the drop place on goal differ-ence above St Neots. In the Bostik League North AFC Sudbury are in 6th position just outside the play offs, seven points and with a game in hand above Bury Town in 8th place whom they beat 3-2 on New years day. Felixstowe are in 13th following their manag-er Kevin O Donnell leaving. Chris Cornish has taken over at Mildenhall Town who are in second from bottom place fol-lowing Dean Greygooses departure. Histon are in second place in Thurlow Nunn Premier, with Stowmarket Town and Walsham Le Wil-lows third and Fourth respectively. The bottom three teams are Thetford, Hadleigh and Framingham Town. Lakenheath are in mid table in Division one of the Thurlow Nunn league (Eastern League) , with AFC Sudbury Res one place below them on 35pts. The bottom four places are taken by Diss Town, Kings Lynn Reserves, Felixstowe Res and Needham Reserves. The SIL Touchline Senior league looks like being a really tight run in with probably as many and six or seven clubs thinking that they can mount a title challenge Henley Athletic head the pack on 36, with a rejuve-nated Haughley Utd and Capel Plough both on 33 but having played two more games than Henley. Achil-lies are in fourth on 31 pts but have played 2 less games than Henley, Benhall St Mary are in 5th place and Cranes in 6th on 30 again have played two less games. Exciting league. Grun-disburgh and Wenhaston occupying the bottom two places, 5pts behind Leiston St Margaret's.

Action from a Framlingham Town fixture

Happy New Year. I hope Christmas brought you all you desired. Amongst the goodies I was given at Christmas I was given a cou-ple of books, Phil Enderby’s recommend ‘Legacy’ – which is about the All Blacks, and ‘The Nowhere Men’ – which is about football scouts. I am looking forward to reading both of these. I was once mistaken for a scout when attending a game in Carlisle. However, although we all reckon we can spot an emerging talent, it is quite a skill to pick out players who will actually cut it at a higher level. Picking out the new Messi while watching a youth game is the stuff their dreams are made of. As is traditional I have also set out few resolutions for myself this New Year. Some things I want to do differently, some I want to do better, and some things I want to do for the first time. New Year is often seen as an opportunity for new beginnings, as I have men-tioned before, the January transfer window provides the exciting of ‘will my club pick up the player who will change the season?’ (I will leave Ipswich fans to answer that question themselves). For Man Utd and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer they will be hoping their bright new beginning continues. What is it you will be seeking ‘New’ for 2019 – is it a new waistline, or job, or change in priorities, or some-thing else? Many years ago the best ‘new’ I discovered was to accept who Jesus is and follow his direction for my life. The Bible teaches that to do this brings New Life, New Purpose, and New Hope for the future, I have certainly experienced this over the last 40 odd years. I believe that throughout our lives we should always be asking questions and seeking to learn, and if you have ever had questions over Jesus, the Christian faith etc I believe that one of the best ways to unpack this is through an informal course like Alpha or Christianity Explored. At the start of 2019 I would love to sign post you to a course near you if you would like to explore why millions of people around the world follow a carpenter’s son born in a seemingly insignificant town over 2,000 years ago. Or of course there are our Life Questions evenings which start up again on Monday 21 January at The Rose of Bengal, please contact Ray Balmer for more details. Whether you are indoors or outdoors, enjoy your footy today and

look forward to catching up soon.

Tim Banks Sporting 87 Chaplain

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Club Chaplain

Notes

Tim Banks Sporting Club Chaplain

Contact 07734 734573

Club Details Contact details:- Sporting 87 Office Suite 2, 1 Northern Way Bury St Edmunds Suffolk, IP32 6HN Admin@sporting87.co.uk www.sporting87.co.uk

Committee Members

Chairman Graeme Thomas Treasurer Nigel Johnson Secretary Jonathan Warnock Welfare Officer Amos Owen 07854 153258 Youth Chairman Darren Brown Club Administrator Linda Lancaster Club Chaplain Tim Banks

Plus others Caroline Owen Sam Marsden, Ray Balmer Ben Ryan

Registered Charity Number 1162311

Sporting 87 Football Club is a Christian football club dedicated to playing football to the highest possible standards of competition, ability and good conduct. The Club is committed to devel-oping the Christian growth of its members and being an ambassador of Christ to those it meets. Front Cover Picture Sam Fenning in action Photo by Blaine Peakall

This is an official Sporting 87 match day programme, but the views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Sporting 87 FC. Every effort is made to ensure the articles contained in this programme are correct at time of printing, but no guarantees can be made.

Sporting 87

Nathan Banks

Ashley Brown

James Cadby

Elliot Chaplin

Pedro Dinis

Nick Drewry

Jack Edwards

Sam Fenning

Will Frost

Ryan Hyden

Rob Pettitt

Jarrad Lebbon

Sam Marsden

Luke Taylor

Luca

Taylor-Footer

Josh Thomas

Kurt Waterfield

Tom Wright

Today’s Officials Mr Julian Gibbons

Assistant Referees Club Officials

Squads lists are subject to change

Today’s squads

AFC Kesgrave

Sean Brownell

Richard Burges

Issac Cocker

James Colchester

Alexander Coldwell

Nathaniel Coldwell

Harry Cole

Oliver Cooper

Matthew Cunningham

Brendan Daley

Lynodon Dowson-

Alexander

Chris Ely

Luke Farris

Ben Folwer

Daniel Horton

Joshua Horton

Philip Jude

Jerome Laidlaw

Luke Mullery

Nicholas Richardson

Matthew Rowland-

Hinton

Gavin Sadler

John Steele

George Tuck

Club Sponsors

For all sponsorship

enquiries please contact

Admin @sporting87.co.uk

Main Adult and Youth Team Shirt Sponsor

Getaway Cars & First Stop Travel First team Sponsors Training Tops Kent Baxhill Warm Up Tops Hazel Golding U18 Tracksuits Ultimate Driving Academy Training Tops Hazel Golding U16 Jackets Grounds Café Nowton Park U10 Sigma Littleover Apiaries Ltd

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