Girls V Mums Xmas Special

3-3 Honours even.

Despite weeks of preparation - by which I mean Lisa F's design and production of glittery fairy skirts - Foxy Mums failed to out fox the massed ranks of the Westbury Park Foxettes and beat them at their own game (football).

It was end-to-end action - which for some Mums didn't end quickly enough - a game of two halves ("What? We have to play another 20 minutes?!" - Linda H) and indeed, we woz robbed.

Great fun was had by all and there were some notable performances: Melissa D squeezing into her 10-year-old son's Foxes shirt (!), Jo-The Terminator-P booting the ball and any small child - or indeed small adult - when the chance came her way, EllieB goalkeeping and goalhanging with equal determination, Alex and Marta LP proving that sisters can actually get on, and the mass defending by Phoebe, Molly, Ella and Emily.

However, the event was marred by a rather unsavoury incident and a police investigation is already under way. We are expecting a lengthy ban for Christine-Flasher-Thrasher for her over-zealous goal celebration - or as some people might describe, indecent exposure.

Many thanks to everyone who joined in.

Happy Christmas and New Year.

Year 3's Vs Coombe Dingle - Match Report

What a wet day - and I was there this time.

A last minute switch from a watterlogged Stoke Lodge to the waterlogged Downs saved this round of fixtures. The Foxes were able to field three teams, each of which played two games against Coombe Dingle. In total we lost five and won one against two strong teams.

Overall the Foxes played with spirit throughout and were not embarrassed in any of the games. A couple of the results swung on the odd-goal in 5, 6 or 7. The day saw some lovely football in poor conditions as both sides scored a number of good goals - none better than Barney's run up pretty much the whole length of the pitch and cool finish or the old fashioned 'route-one' goal -Archie's goal kick being knocked on by Ollie K for Danny to finish expertly.

Well done to everyone.

Are your contact details up to date?

Saturday's late re-organisation of venue for Y2,Y3 and Y4 matches emphasises the need to make sure the coaches have update contact details for parents. If mobile phone numbers are provided coaches can text parents with any change to published plans. Also, if in doubt, please contact the coaches or look at the blog.

WPF Year 2 vs Combe Dingle Colts

Sataturday started badly with Combe Dingle Colts pitch being waterlogged and the venue switching from Stoke Lodge to The Downs. The Y2 squad was also depleted in numbers but at least this gave a chance for everyone to have more time on the pitch and less time as a substitute.

In the first match WPF seemed a little timid and Coombe Dingle Colts ran away with the match 0-8.

In the second match WPF had begun to warm up and the deficit was restricted to 2-4.

In the final match I think WPF deserved a positive result. Although WPF eventually lost 2-3 the game was very close and a magnificent solo run from Josh nearly resulted in the equaliser.

Players : Harrison, Joseph, Sam, William, Eddie, Felix, Henry, Matthew, Josh, jago, Toby, Teya

Saturday Update - Dec 13

Matches against Coombe Dingle Colts for Y2, Y3, and Y4 have been moved from Stoke Lodge to the Downs.

Please meet at the Downs, in full kit, for the usual warm up at 10am.

Year 4 Away Fixture Against Coombe Dingle Colts - Sat 13th Dec '08

Year 4 have an away fixture against Coombe Dingle Colts this Sat 13th Dec. Please be there for 10.15am sharp in full kit boots & shin pads. They play at Stoke Lodge playing fields which can be accessed via either:
West Dene, Stoke Bishop which is a cul-de-sac opposite the entrance to Coombe Dingle Sports Complex (see attached map)
A small car park at the bottom of Parrys Lane where it meets Cross Elmes Lane.

http://www.multimap.com/maps/?qs=BS9+2BQ&countryCode=GB

Year 3 vs Ashley Down

Goodness me it was cold - and I wasn't even there. Year three's first chance to play on our new 'home' pitch at RGS ended in an aggregate win for the Foxes of 9-3, although with one victory each Ashley Down never made it easy.

The first Foxy Squad (Jack, Archie, Omar, Harry F, Sam L, Ollie C, Aidan, Max) took a little bit of time to warm up and by the time they had, found themselves 2-0 down. A third goal after the break made a come-back unlikely but in the words of Dave Thrasher: " we got a goal back when we passed from defence with four players involved and Sam L. finishing with a good goal. We pressed for the rest of the match but needed an extra 10 mins". So 3-1 then

The second game went a little bit more our way. Team 2 (Owen, Seb, Nick, Ollie K, Alec, Danny, Sonny, Barnabas) came out of the blocks like wild animals - perhaps being in the 'practice' cage for half an hour before the game gee-d them up and romped to an 8-0 win. They won almost every ball in every area of the pitch. Sonny had an outstanding game, not just for his six goals, but his movement up front, ball retention and passing. Danny and Sebastian (bursting forward from defence) got the other two goals. Special mentions also to Ollie K and Ollie C but without a doubt Sonny was the Foxy Man of the Match.

WPF Year2 No Football Saturday 6th December

No football training on Saturday 6th December because you'll all be enjoying yourselves at West Park Primary School Christmas Bazaar.

WPF Y2 v Ashley Down Y2

Seventeen Foxes turned out to play six players from Ashley Down so team selection was a little challenging! It was a bitterly cold day with quite a few parents being overheard saying "I wish I'd brought some gloves!". It was decided to play two games to give our Foxes as good a run as possible. Both matches were quite close although the opposition were probably helped at half times by the number of substitutes the Foxes needed to use. In the first game Josh kept up his goal poaching with a well taken goal. At half time, TJ made way in goal for Henry, yes I'll repeat that - Henry in goal. TJ scored Foxes' second goal with Ashley Down also scoring a consolation goal. It was good quality football, the Foxes enjoying playing on the astro turf. Result 2 - 1. Team: Eddie, Henry, Isaac, Jack, Josh, Ludo, TJ, Teya, Grace.

In the second game Ashley Down showed they had benefited from warming up in the first match. They looked quite threatening but Harrison took some wind out of their sails by scoring first. Ashley Down pressed hard and their pressure eventually brought a goal: 1-1. It was quite an even game with chances at both ends, very entertaining which kept the parents from freezing on the touch line. The Foxes' second goal warrants a special mention. Fine work from Jago down the right taking the ball from the half way line towards the advancing goalkeeper before looking up and slipping Harrison a perfect pass for Harrison to make it 2-1. A fabulously worked goal, shame the MOTD cameras weren't present. Result 2-1.Team: Caston, Harrison, Jago, Joseph, Sam, Stanley, Oskar, Matthew.

Top Scorer: TJ, Top Defender: Joseph

WPF Y5 Girls 5 Ashley Down 0

After last week's triumph the Foxes can't stop scoring, notching up another five goal haul on a bitterly cold morning. This time away, back on grass, at Ashley Down, the girls went one better than last week and kept a clean sheet.
It took a while for the girls to get warmed up enough, but it was clear from early on that there would only be one result as the Foxes dominated both possession and territory. Midway through the half the deadlock was broken with a cool strike from Captain K. Soon the lead was doubled as Jodie finished off another slick Foxes attack. Despite all the territorial advantage the half ended without further scoring. Conkers hadn't touched the ball all half.

The tie was finished off within a minute of the restart with Marta starting and finishing a slick Foxes move to go 3-0 up and the lead was extended further when Daisy's shot crept in under the keeper. There was to be no let up as the Foxes continued to attack down both flanks, with plenty of support in the box. At the back, Annie Wright stopped any Ashley move before they could threaten, meaning Bonkers only touched the ball once in the half.

The Foxes added a fifth when Bryony popped up at the back post to coolly slot home a cross from a metre out. Annie took over between the posts to stop Ellie freezing to the spot and allowed her a rare outfield chance as the girls saw out the final minutes of the match.

Bring on the Mums.....

Scorers: Martha, Jodie, Marta, Daisy, Bryony. Star Player: Daisy. Player of the Week: Marta.

Kit orders

The pre-Christmas kit order will be dispatched on Monday. Any last minute orders should be sent to sals_newman@yahoo.co.uk by Sunday evening.

Many thanks.

Saturday 29th November

A quick (for me) run round of what's what for tomorrow.

Reception - on the Downs as usual
Year one - on the Downs as usual
Year two - game against Ashley Down at RGS school on astro. No studs. Trainers or astro boots.
Year three boys - game against Ashley Down at RGS school on astro. No studs. Trainers, etc, etc.
Year three girls - on the Downs as usual
Year four - game against Ashely Down on the Downs
Year five boys and girls away against Ashley Down

All clear?

Year Threes vs Sonics - 15/11

What a successful day. The Foxes managed to field three mixed teams, each playing the Sonics once each (and then the other Foxes teams too for good measure). All of the teams did really well.

In the first game we drew 0-0 but had a couple of close efforts from Danny and Sam L. Archie had little to do in goal mainly due to excellent defending throughout from man of the match Harri T-D. In the second game Barney (1 goal) and Sonny (2) passed and dribbled us to a 3-1 victory although Ollie K's tackling, running and all round performance made him the stand-out player. In the final game we went 2-0 down and then three-one behind before super Archie Watts followed up his earlier goal and a great finish from Omar to score a last-gasp equaliser and crown a man of the match performance.

The best thing about the whole day was the way that all the boys and girls played so well together in each team, supporting each other and playing some great football throughout.

Y5 Girls Goal Bonanza

The Year 5 Girls got off to the best possible start in their first game at the RGS Arena, the new home of Foxy football. The green and white hoops beat a weakened Bristol Ladies Union side 5-1.
The first half was totally dominated by Westbury, with confidence growing as they quickly adapted to the new playing surface, and we were a couple of goals to the good within the opening 10 minutes. More hard running on the expansive surface particularly from Jodie, Marta, and the ever reliable Captain Kieran, resulted in the Foxes effectively finishing off the tie with a further 2 goals, including a first from a set piece, coolly slotted home by Briony Dale.
After that, the Foxes were able to play around with formations, even sending Ollie Platt up front where she ran tirelessly chasing all causes. At the back Tilly, Anabelle and Imi effectivly blocked out all BLU threats, leaving Conkers with little to do.
The second half was only 5 minutes old when the Foxes went further ahead when Briony was given too much time in the box and scored from close range. The second half showed some great passing and moving from the girls, but credit must be given to the BLUs whose heads didn't drop and who came back stonger as the game progressed. They had been limited to a couple of long range efforts before the excellent Bonkers was beaten by a cruel deflection, as Annie tried to clear. One particularly pleasing aspect of the game was Ellie's great distribution both long and short, invariably finding a Fox.
So a fine performance, and great preparation for next week's away fixture at Ashley Down.
Scorers: Marta, Jodie, Imi, Briony(2). Star Player Captain K.

Saturday Nov 21 - Update

There is no update for football this week.

Just to say that training will take place as normal for all the years.

And party tickets and the End of Season team/club photos will be available. Look out for a stall near the Reception footballers.

See you there.

Year 2 Foxes Blast Golden Hill Sonics

22 little foxes played their hearts out today. In a long awaited fixture against Golden Hill Sonics they played 4 matches. The results:
Match 1: Foxes 3: Sonics 0
(Goal scorers - William, Matthew, Josh)
Match 2: Foxes 2: Sonics 0
Goal scorers - Harrison (2)
Match 3: Foxes 2: Sonics 1
Goal scorers - Harrison (2)
Match 4: Foxes 1: Sonics 2
Goal scorer - Matthew
The Foxes completely dominated the first 2 games and deservedly won the third with some stunning goals. In the fourth we came back really strongly and were seconds from an equaliser when the final whistle went - a fantastic performance after nearly an hour waiting for their final game. From goalkeepers through to strikers, everyone showed unbowed determination and great team spirit. Well Done!!!!

Y5 V Sonics

Y5 boys and girls should meet at Redland Green School this Saturday (Nov 15) at 10am sharp.

The boys will have matches against Golden Hill Sonics and the girls will have training - on the astro turf. Please could everyone remember to bring trainers.

Good luck and see you there!

Year Three - vs Golden Hill Sonics - Saturday 15th

By some lucky chance the year threes also have a game against the Sonics at the Golden Hill Sports Ground, Wimbledon Road, Bristol, BS6 7YA. What are the chances of that happening? Anyway - please meet there at 10.00 or at the Cafe on the Downs (if you need a lift, just like company or get horribly lost if you go further than the Kellaway Fish and Chip shop)at 9.45. Full kit, shin pads and boots.

Y2 matches against Golden Hill Sonics - 15 November

At last! Year 2 have a fixture this Saturday AWAY against Golden Hill Sonics. The entrance to their pitches is on Wimbledon Road, BS6 7YA. Meet at their ground at 10.00 for 10.30 kick off. Bring full Foxes kit, boots (grass), shinpads, drink snack and enthusiasm.

Sat 15th Nov - Year 4 away match v Golden Hill Sonics

This Saturday Year 4 have an away match against Golden Hill Sonics who play at the old YMCA Cricket Ground, Wimbledon Road, Bishopston which is linked to Kellaway Avenue by Phoenix Road. Please be there at for 10.15am in full kit, shinpads & boots.

Foxes Christmas Party - Update

Tickets for the Westbury Park Foxes Christmas Party are now on sale - in a playground near you.

A mere £5 will get you in to the biggest event to be held between the end of the school bazaar and the start of the WPSA Christmas tree sale.

The party takes place at the Bristol Lawn Tennis Club (next to Redland Green Park) on December 6, from 8pm - 1am.

Buy your tickets from Jo Platt, Lucy Nash, Clare Jarvis, Sally Newman or Gill Marshall.

Reception Football Kicks Off

Reception football will start on Saturday November 8.

All new Reception children - boys and girls - are very welcome to join the fun and games. Find us near the cafe on the Downs from 10am.

Young players should wear plenty of warm clothing, shin pads and bring a drink. We have a limited number of small sized boots available in the Boot Box. Contact our Boot Box Co-ordinator Jo Platt for more details: jo_platt@hotmail.co.uk.

Any parents interested in helping to make Reception football a success, please step forward and approach one of the coaches.

See you there!

Year 3 v Coombe Dingle, Saturday 17th

Terrible weather but four great games. Coombe Dingle always provide a challenge and overall we lost 3 and won 1 but that doesn't tell the whole story. In the first set of games we lost one 6-2 (goals from Alec and Omar) and despite some good individual moments the team didn't really play together. In the other game we dominated to win win 3-1 (Danny, Archie and Barney scoring) with good performances throughout, some great passing and the whole team supporting each other.

In the second round of games we lost both 3-2, having been 1-0 up in both and could (should) easily have won. Goals came from Raul and Omar in one game and Danny and Archie in the other. Coombe Dingle score a couple of great golas but also some soft ones. Both teams played really well and I lost count of the number of goal-line clearances at the Coombe Dingle end.

Players of the week were Owen for some great defending and brave keeping and Barney for his usual running and dribbling but also for hard work throughout.

Year 4 vs Sefton Scorpions 11th October - Match Report

Year 4 played 2 matches against Sefton Scorpions. The first was very competitive, but due to excellent defending by both teams the match ended 0-0. In the second match however we managed to not only stop the opposition from scoring, but push forward & create a number of chances with Ted, Ollie D, Hamish, Ben J & Andrew all scored to give us a fantastic 5-0 win. The Player Of The Week trophy was awarded to Andrew for his great all round performance.

Year Three Girls vs Bristol Union LFC

Our year three girls did the club proud.

It was great to see nine girls turn out (Emily T, Emily C, Anna R, Anna D, Sophie M, Sophie H-R, Bryony, Ella, Phoebe) and all play so well. For two girls it was there first ever game (Emily C and Sophie H-R) and for two others (Ella and Phoebe) only their second.

We did really well to hold the 'Blues' to 0-0 until midway through the first half when one of their team scored a quick hatrick. We came really close to scoring in the second half and the 6-0 score line didn't flatter us.

All the girls played really well. Anna D, Anna R, Phoebe and Emily T took turns in goal, Anna R and Emily T were brilliant in defence in the first half, Anna D and Bryony ran and tackled like demons, Sophie HR, Emily C, Ella and Phoebe worked really hard. The best performance, however, was from Sophie M who played brilliantly throughout.

Y3 - Fixtures Update

Please note that Y3s have two new fixtures over the coming weeks.

October 18: Coombe Dingle - Home

November 1: Coombe Dingle - Home

Could players please arrive at the Downs by 10am prompt for the usual warm-up and wear their full kit of hooped shirts, green shorts and green socks.

Y3 boys V Sefton Scorpions

Our two teams played two games each, and overall we won 3, lost 1.

Team Fox (Danny, Sebastian, Alec, Ollie K, Sam P, Jacob, Marcos, Harri) won their games 2-1 and 2-0. Alec and Danny scored in the first game in what was a good striking partnership. The team played well again in the second game - Danny scoring a scorcher - and Sebastian in particular continued to emerge as a pivotal player in defence, midfield and often attack.

Coach Ewan Paton said the boys did well but there is still room for improvement: "We need to encourage our strikers to practise really leathering some shots at goal: there's still a tendency for some of them to try and dribble the ball into the net."

Team Green and Whites (Sam L, Sonny, Owen, Ollie C, Jack C, Aidan, Raul, Max) won their first game quite easily (3-0), then played well in the second but lost 3-1 (with the third goal coming with the last kick).


'Team two' played 2 very good matches dominating the first.......goals scored by Sam L, Sonny and Raul....with lots of great passing.

Dave Thrasher is reported as saying: "We dominated the first game with some slick passing. In the second match we lost our shape a bit with all the boys wanting to go forward which left gaps at the back."

Big thanks to dads Andrew B, Andrew C and Paul M for their emergency help in reffing games and managing the sides.

Year 5 Girls v BLUFC Match Report

The Year 5 Girls kicked-off their competitive season against the newly-formed BLUFC, who had played as the Rockleaze Rangers last season. The first game saw some very bright and encouraging play from the Foxes, with end-to-end play, although both teams seemed to lack that cutting edge in the final third. The game appeared to be heading for a nil-nil outcome when the Foxes failed to clear the area, and in attempting to play their way out of trouble, allowed the Blues to scramble one in from close range. Despite some good attacking play from Marta and Bryony, the Foxes couldn't find a way back. Disappointing, as a draw would have been a fairer reflection on the game.

On to game two and the Blues were able to field a totally different team. The Foxes also decided to mix things up, with Martha taking over from Conkers between the sticks, Ollie going up front and Jodie, Imi and Marta running the midfield.
The changes seemed to be paying off when Jodie finished off a swift Foxes counter-attack. Unfortunately, the lead was short lived with the Blues coming back strongly and scoring. A second 'lucky' goal followed before the half-time whistle. Refreshed after the break, the Foxes tore into the opposition and spent long periods of time camped around the Blues' box. Unfortunately, we were a little wasteful in front of goal, missing three good chances. As the legs inevitably started to tire, we were hit with a sucker punch on the break and the 3-1 scoreline did not reflect our long periods of dominance.
Star Player: Jodie Thomas, for consistent hard running and a fine finish.

Sat 10th Oct - Year 4 Home match v Sefton Scorpions

This Saturday 10th Oct, Year 4 have a home match against Sefton Scorpions. Kick-off is at 10am.

Girls' Football Fun Day - Saturday October 4

All girls at Westbury Park School are invited to come along to a football fun morning this Saturday (October 4).

There will be games, competitions and prizes open to girls from all years.

Find us near the cafe on the Downs from 10am - 11.15am. And don't pay a penny - it's free!

See you there.

Y2 matches against Clifton United - a Proud Start

The Y2's very first matches of the season brought a fantastic performance from every one of the Foxes who all played brilliantly in an away fixture against a team of mostly Y3 players from Clifton United.

In the first of four matches, the Foxes dominated from the off. Clifton did not get out of their half during the first half. Stanley, Sam and Teya all got stuck in to great effect; shots from Henry and Jago went close, and Josh was immense in defence. At the end we had to settle for a completely dominant 0-0 draw, but even the Clifton coach agreed that the Foxes deserved to win.

The result of the second match, a 6-0 defeat, didn't tell the true story. Throughout the match the team played confidently on the unfamiliar astro-turf pitch. Despite a good passing game the Foxes were just overpowered by their older opponents.

The third match saw a very close and hard fought game against a strong and well organised CU team. Under pressure from the start, the Foxes eventually succumbed to a goal that just crawled over the line. The Foxes then pulled themselves back into the match and scored the best goal of the game as Henry’s pace took him past the defence before finishing with a great strike. The second half could have gone either way with both teams having chances. The Foxes defence of Harrison and Matthew worked well and there was some brilliant keeping by Felix. But a goal that crept in off the far post won it for Clifton (2-1) in the last minute. Man of the match - Jago

Despite their earlier heavy loss, the final game saw the Foxes competing magnificently. Jack scored a well deserved goal, dribbling the final third of the pitch to rifle home his shot and take a 0-1 lead. Unfortunately a stunning Beckham-like free kick brought Clifton back into the game and in the dying minutes Clifton scored again to win 2-1. Man of the match - Jack.

Every player deserves congratulating for their hard work and team spirit. We're looking forward to the next match already.

Clifton United v WP Foxes Match reports Sat 27th Sept

Year 4 - We played 2 matches against Clifton Utd on a huge pitch. In the 1st match we took an early lead when Hamish scored &, through a lot hard work & discipline at the back, held on until the last few seconds when Clifton got a deserved equaliser (1-1). In the second match Clifton took the lead, then Foxes equalised when Ollie D slotted the ball into te corner of the net beyond the keeper's reach. Clifton then scored again & got the chance to stretch their lead further when they won a penatly, however Connor made a fantastic save to keep us in the game. We continued to press for an equaliser but were unable to get it (2-1). The Player of the Week trophy was awarded to Ollie Whyte for his great all round performance.

Y2 match against Clifton United - Bridge Closure

Year 2 have their first match of the season against Clifton United at Clifton College Sports Grounds near Abbots Leigh. Meet at Downs Cafe at 10 for instructions, or go straight to the Grounds for 10.20. WARNING - Clifton Suspension Bridge is closed so allow time to go the long way round via Cumberland Basin. We expect to be playing on astroturf so shin pads and training shoes with buckets of enthusiasm.

This Saturday 27th Sept Year 4 have an away fixture against Clifton United

Don't forget that this saturday's match against Clifton United is at Clifton College Sports Ground, Abbots Leigh Road, Abbots Leigh BS8 3QD (Over the suspension bridge, right at the lights opposite Ashton Court onto the A369, straight over the Beggar Bush Lane lights & then 1st left into CCSG). Please be there for 10.15am & note that the suspension bridge is shut this weekend so you'll need to go the long way. Please wear full kit & shin pads, it should be on grass but may be astro so please bring boots & trainers.

Christmas Party 2008

Yes, there will be a Foxy Christmas Party this year and the date has been set for December 6.

We have booked the clubhouse at the Bristol Lawn Tennis Club (the tennis club next to Redland Green park).

Tickets cost £5 and will be available in the playground and at Saturday morning football soon.

Everyone welcome - get your babysitter booked now!

Year Four Invitation Day

The Westbury Park Foxes invite all Year Four children - boys and girls - to join a Football Fun Hour on the Downs this Saturday.

Everyone in Year Four is welcome for games, competitions and prizes.

Find us near the Cafe on the Downs from 10am to 11am.

Hope to see you there.

The Saturday Debrief - Year Five

Goal fest on the Downs

Year 5 Boys began the season entertaining the Golden Hill Sonics on Saturday and we were treated to two great games and something of a goal feast. A slow start in the first match meant we were two goals down by half time but a resurgent Foxes came back strongly with Gabe Kerfoot netting twice in a revitalised second half performance although the Sonics edged a tight match 3-2.

In the second match the story seemed to be following the same script. Foxes found themselves 2-0 down before Eddie Marshall finished an excellent move at the far post. Two more Sonics goals meant we had a mountain to climb in the second half but a rasping finish from Kris Carr, a great strike from Joe Feehily (rounding off a flowing passing move) and a last minute strike from Eddie Marshall, pouncing on a wayward goalkick, meant we emerged honours even in a thrilling 4-4 draw. Well done to everybody who took part.



Foxes pipped in five-a-side final

The Year 5 boys had a great tournament at the Party in the Park in Henleaze on Saturday afternoon. Playing 5-a-side the Foxes began their group matches with a 3-0 win over Bishop Road A (Eddie Marshall netting twice and Gabe Kerfoot also scoring) followed by a 2-2 draw against Bishop Road B (Eddie again getting both goals). The third match was a must-win for the Foxes and we duly saw off the Sonics 5-0 (a first half hat trick for Eddie and goals from Kris Carr and Gabe) before going down 2-1 to Rockleaze in our final match. It was enough for us to qualify for our first ever final and it was an exciting match against Rockleaze. The Foxes attacked from the start but couldn’t get the breakthrough we needed despite creating a number of great chances. Just after half-time, from a Rockleaze corner, somehow the ball agonisingly slipped inches over our goal line. Undaunted the Foxes rallied and threw everything at Rockleaze to try to force the equaliser but in the end we finished runners-up by the narrowest of margins (1-0). Well done to everyone who played.

The Saturday Debrief

Year Four got off to a great start to the season with a 1-0 win over the Sonics.

The players were set up in the tried & tested "Ted Rogers" formation and we focused on keeping our shape. Sammy made some great saves in goal, Charlie, Thea, Maddy and Jack did some excellent tackling in defence, while Ollie D, Ollie W, Connor and Hamish were all over the pitch breaking up their play and creating opportunities. All this effort was finally rewarded when Hamish put away what turned out to be the winner.

It was too hard to single out one player for the Player of the Week trophy so it was presented to the whole team. It was a real team effort. We lost the second game 0-4 but we're not focusing on that.

Minutes - Management meeting 3/9/08

Venue: Cambridge Arms

Present: Colin Domaille, Rob Jarvis, Andy Marshall, Simon Nash, Sally Newman, Ben Perry, Paul Williams, Rob Youngman.


1. Fixtures: We agreed that year coaches would liaise directly with their opposite number when arranging the details of friendly matches. Sally to co-ordinate date changes, etc.
2. Venue: Agreed we need to look for alternative pitches for our matches. Redland Girls’ pitches are fully booked on Saturday mornings. Sally to investigate alternatives: RGS, Badminton, St Ursula’s, Red Maids and Canford Park.
3. Money: AndyM estimated that we have about £600 in the bank – plenty to fulfil Wish List.
4. Wish List: Agreed to buy 20 x size four balls/ 10 x size 3 balls/ cones/ poles/bibs/poles bag. Sally to order. Agreed that rather than order First Aid bags for each year – to have a central point at training as a First Aid Post. Colin to add wipes etc to First Aid kits. Y5 coaches to take responsibility for having their own First Aid Kit on match days.
5. Kit: Agreed that we should buy large kit for Y5/Y6. Sally to action.
6. Reception football. Agreed that AndyW will email keen Reception dads in mid October to invite them to the pub. All coaches invited to pub to offer encouragement and info. Reception football to start after half term.
7. Foxy Party. Agreed that the party was most excellent. Date for next year’s event to be July 18. Sally to look into alternative venues. Lido party suggested (by whom?). Ideas for venues gratefully received.
8. Christmas Party. Agreed that there should be a party. Clare and Lucy to be asked to help organise.
9. CRBs. Colin to do a new round of forms when we have Reception dads involved. Al Sweet, Phil Gittins and Simon Lindsay all need to be CRBed. Colin requested that, rather than lose our CRB certificates, we get them photocopied for him to hold a central file.
10. FA Level One: Ben Perry interested in training.
11. Foxy orders: Deadline for the first order to be Oct 11. Sally to look at widening our range in time for Christmas.
12. Girls’ football day. Agreed it would be a good thing to repeat the dedicated girls’ day. (Oct4) Will also have a Y4 Day to try and boost numbers. (Sept 20)


AOB
Length of session. Agreed that training would be increased from 10-11am to 10-11.15am. Prompt start essential and coaches all agreed to arrive early to set up.

Rubbish. Everyone to remind parents to take their litter with them.

Responsibility. Reminder required that parents remain responsible for their children during football. Sally to place on Blog.

Penalty shoot-out: Sally to set up penalty practice during football.

It was suggested that we could ask Mr B to fill our vacant Y6 fixtures with the school Y6 team. Sally to approach Mr B and Will Ewens.

Colin raised the idea of fitness training. Decided the children were too young – and not particularly unfit. The dads on the other hand…

Suggested we collect together coaching drills to share with Reception coaches. Rob Y (or was it RobJ?) to co-ordinate.

Blog. Agreed that all coaches should take steps to update the Blog more often – with info about what has happened as well as what’s going to happen. Agreed that at least one update should be posted by Monday every week.



Meeting ended 11.30pm

Y5 V Golden Hill Sonics - match moved

The Y5 fixture against Golden Hill Sonics has been moved to the Downs.

Please meet as usual at 10am prompt.

See you there.

Y3 V Golden Hill Sonics - Cancelled

Unfortunately, Golden Hill Sonics are also unable to field a Y3 team for tomorrow so the game is off.

Training as usual from 10am.

Golden Hill Sonics - Y2 match cancelled

After the England triumph, I'm sure everyone is keen to show their footballing talents this weekend, but sadly GHS are unable to field a Year 2 team this Saturday (13th September) so there is no Y2 match. Training as normal for all that turn up! Warm up starts 10.00 prompt.

First Fixture V Golden Hill Sonics

This Saturday is match day against Golden Hill Sonics.

Years 2/3/4 are due to play on the Downs. Please meet as usual at 10am prompt.

Year 5 will play away at Golden Hill Sports' fields, Wimbledon Rd, (formerly the home of Henleaze Sonics and YMCA cricket club). Meet at the cafe on the Downs at 9.45am or go direct for 10am. To find the pitches head for Tesco at Golden Hill, along Coldharbour Road and then Kellaway Avenue. Turn left into Phoenix Grove (about 400m before Tesco’s) and right into Wimbledon Rd.

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=wimbledon+rd+bs6&ie=UTF8&z=16&ll=51.482612,-2.600069&spn=0.006254,0.021286&om=1

The Year 1s and the Year 5 girls will train on the Downs as normal.

New Season Kicks Off Here

This Saturday marks the start of a new and exciting season for the Westbury Park Foxes.

Not only will we be near the cafe on the Downs again after six long football-free weeks.

Not only will we be extending practice by 15 minutes (we're now running from 10am to 11.15am).

Not only will we be running weekly penalty shoot-out competitions (with prizes).

Not only will we have a new intake of four-year-olds joining us - to take the reach of the Foxes from Reception to Year Five.

But, for the first time, we have joined up to the north Bristol friendly league which will give our players from Y2 to Y5 a regular programme of matches - totalling 14 fixtures over the coming months. And there will be regular matches for our Y3 and Y5 girls too.

Happy Days.

Even better - there WILL be a Christmas knees up for long-suffering Foxy parents and the date for the End of Season Tournament and Party has been agreed - so mark Saturday July 18, 2009, in your diaries now.

Very much looking forward to seeing you on Saturday.

End of Season Finale - this weekend

The Westbury Park Foxes' End of Season Tournament takes place this Saturday (July 19) at Redland High School's pitches, in Horfield, next door to Tesco.

The fun starts at 10am and all children - from Reception to Y4 - are encouraged to take part. There will be footie fun for the Reception players and two mini tournaments, between mixed Y1 and Y2 teams, and mixed Y3 and Y4 teams.

Could all parent-managers arrive promptly, with their tactics to hand.

The games will be followed by a prizegiving ceremony, penalty shoot-out contests and a picnic. Please bring food.

Team photos will be on sale, lost property will be on display (please take what's yours) and the last remaining Foxes t'shirt (size small) will be available.

See you there.

Frampton Cotterell Tournament - Result

Well done to the Y4 girls who took part in the Frampton Cotterell Tournament on Saturday.

The girls won, drew and lost on their way to the quarterfinals - only to be knocked out in a penalty shoot-out. Exciting - though ultimately disappointing - stuff.

Note to the coaches: Must practise penalties next season.

Saturday June 28 - Training as normal

It will be training as normal for all years - except Y4 boys and Y3s - on the Downs this morning(Sat June 28).

Year 4 boys will play Bristol City Academy at the City training ground in Abbots Leigh at 10am. Year 3 players are encouraged to turn up and watch the matches. Please meet at the Downs cafe at 9.30am. Full Foxes kit and shin pads required for Y4 players.

Reception children will have their end of season photograph taken at the end of the training session - 10.45am-ish.

Come on the Foxes!

Rockleaze Tournament - Results

A great day was had by all at the Rockleaze Tournament this year as we fielded five teams and played some fantastic football.

Year Four boys won three and drew one before being held to a 0-0 draw in the semi-final by Sefton Park. Unbeaten, they were unluckily knocked out on penalties. Coaches Andy and Paul promise the boys will win all their tournaments next year.

Year Four girls played some beautiful passing football and were unlucky to lose all their group matches. Even the Rockleaze coach said they were in a particularly difficult group.

Year Three boys lost 2-1, 2-0, 4-0 and drew 0-0 and 0-0. They improved throughout the tournament and gained some good experience. Coach Rob believes the boys are rapidly improving their understanding of the game.

Year Two boys came third, out of five, in their group. "They played really well (better than I've seen them play before) in two games, really badly in one and got beaten by two break away goals in the other," said coach Andy, a tad harshly.

Year Two girls lost all three games but played brilliantly in the U8s section, in which other teams were a year older. "Their performance was probably the highlight of the whole day for me," said Andy.

Congratulations to all the players and many, many thanks to all parents for their support.

Rockleaze Tournament - The Details

The Rockleaze Tournament takes place this Sunday and we have five different teams taking part.

All the teams will start at different times throughout the day. Here are the details so you can make plans.

Place: Coombe Dingle Sports Centre. Parking and programme costs £3.
Date: Sunday June 15.
Bring: Full kit and shin pads and plenty to eat and drink. There will be refreshments on site. You may want a chair or picnic rug to sit on between games. No dogs allowed on site.

Year Two Boys: Meet at Coombe Dingle at 8.30am sharp. The action will end by 1.30pm.
Year Two/Three Girls: Meet at 11.45am. Games end by 2pm.
Year Three Boys: Meet at 1pm, ending by 6pm.
Year Four Boys: Meet at 11.30am, ending at 4.30pm.
Year Four Girls: Meet at 8.45am, ending by 12.30pm.

In other words:
8.30am: Y2 Boys
8.45am: Y4 Girls
11.30am Y4 Boys
11.45am: Y2/3 Girls
1pm: Y3 Boys

Please ensure you are not late - games will start on time.

And remember - early to bed Saturday night and a good breakfast on Sunday - for adults and children!

See you there.

Year 3 Success in the Thorbury Tournament

Well done to Year 3 Foxes A & B teams who played in the recent Thornbury Tournament. Despite the very hot conditions Team A were runners up in the Consolation Final, not bad for our first ever tournament. As you can see we do need to work on our team photo formation before Rockleaze.

Saturday June 7 - Sefton V Y4 Boys

The Y4 boys will be playing matches against Sefton Park this Saturday (June 9).

Please bring the boys in full kit and with shin pads.

Bank Holiday Weekend - Saturday May 24

There will be football on the Downs this weekend.

Reception and Y2 will have training as normal. It will be a dads, lads and lasses kickabout for all other years.

See you there.

End of Season Foxy Party - tickets now on sale

Tickets for the End of Season Foxy Party are now on sale.

The party is on Saturday July 19 at Gloucestershire Cricket Ground. Tickets cost £12.50 per person and return coach travel will be available at £5.

Get your tickets from Gill Marshall, Lucy Nash, Clare Jarvis or Sally Newman.

Foxy tee shirts now available

We have a limited number of Foxy tee shirts available - just in time for the summer.

Place your order by emailing Sally: sals_newman@yahoo.co.uk Just £10 each, sizes as with rain jackets and fleeces.

Y2 match - Clifton

The match against Clifton United today is on astroturf. Please bring trainers.

Year 3 away to Clifton United this weekend!

Year 3 have an away fixture this weekend against Clifton United at Clifton College Sports Ground, Abbots Leigh Road, Abbots Leigh BS8 3QD. Please be there for 10.30am with boots & trainers as the matches may be on grass or astro.

Y2 V Coombe Dingle - Change of venue

The Y2 boys' match against Coombe Dingle Colts this Saturday will now be played on the Downs - at the usual place.

Please bring players in full kit, with shin pads, for a 10am start.

Many thanks.

Westbury Park Foxes Accounts 2007-08

The Westbury Park Foxes reached its first financial year end on 31 March 2008.

Here are the accounts for the year.

Westbury Park Foxes Accounts
Year to 31 March 2008

Income
Henleaze Tournament £386.00
Subscriptions £1,986.44
EoS Party 2007 £900.00
Kit payments (Y2 strip and RJs) £1,500.40
Sponsorship £600.00
Other income (coffee/bootbox) £84.12
------------
Total £5,456.96

Expenditure
FA Affiliation fees £36.00
Training equipment £1,426.73
EoS Party 2007 £846.13
Medals/Foxes tournaments £141.88
CRB checks £136.75
Training kits/Foxes strips £2,029.68
First Aid kits £34.93
EoS Party 2008 (prepay) £200.00
Tournament entry fees (prepay) £240.00
------------
Total £5,092.10

Surplus £364.86

Represented by:
Cash in bank £912.62 (Statement 25.03.08)
Uncleared cheques
£20.00 (Rockleaze Tournament)
£20.00 (Rockleaze Tournament)
£20.00 (Rockleaze Tournament)
£20.00 (Rockleaze Tournament)
£20.00 (Rockleaze Tournament)
£387.76 (Linela – rain jackets)
£40.00 (St Nicholas’ Tournament)
£20.00 (Frampton Cotterell Tournament)
Total uncleared cheques £547.76

Total £364.86 (includes £80 held for T-shirts)

Prepared by Andy Marshall, Treasurer, 31 March 2008

New Term = New Subs

The final payment of subs is now due.

Just £10 will provide first class football coaching from April 27 to July 19 and entry into three tournaments (Years Two, Three and Four only).

Please give cheques, payable to Westbury Park Foxes, to Lucy, Clare or Sally.

Many thanks.

Fixture change - Y2

The Y2 match against Coombe Dingle Colts has been rescheduled to Saturday May 10 at Stoke Lodge.

More details later.

Year Twos - Game Off!

The match planned for this Saturday against Coombe Dingle Colts has been postponed.

We hope to rearrange to an alternative date.

It'll be training as normal on the Downs instead.

See you there.

Year One Pics Available

Check out the Foxy Foto website for some great new pictures of the Year Ones training on the Downs.

Click on the link in the right hand column of this blog, or go to: http://www.photocadabrastudios.com/wstprkfxs/Site/Foxes_Albums/Foxes_Albums.html

If you would like to order some photos, please download an order form from the site and pass this, with a cheque, to Sally Newman or Lucy Nash.

Enjoy.

Year 3 vs St Bonaventures

This weekend Year 3 have a home fixture against St Bonaventures. We'll start with training as usual followed by the match at 10.45ish.

St Nicks - Away

Year 2/3 and Y4 girls are playing away this Saturday at St Nicholas FC in Yate. We are playing at King Edmond Community School.

Please meet at the Downs Cafe at 9.45am for a prompt getaway - in convoy. Don't forget full kit and shin pads.

Here are the directions:

King Edmund School, Sundridge Park, Yate.

1. OK. We're heading for Filton. At which point we need to go to that big Sainsbury's/B&Q. We pass that and head for UWE. And by this time we are on the ring road - yes, it's the A4174.
2. Happily ensconced on the A4174, we go over the M32. Keep going. At the third junction we turn left onto the A432 for Coalpit Heath, Nibley and Yate. Drive through Coalpit Heath and Nibley to Yate.
3. Still on the A432. Go over the railway line at Yate station. This is Station Road, Yate. Stay on the A432 into Kennedy Way (looks like a right fork, could be some sort of appalling double-roundabout).
4. Sundridge Park is off Kennedy Way(A432) on the right. If you pass Scott Way you've gone too far - turn around!
5. The school is on the right in Sundridge Park. When you find the school, turn in and follow the road until you reach the playing fields.

Good luck, TAKE A MAP, call Sally (07947 550874) if you get lost.

Training as normal for all other year groups.

This Saturday

Tomorrow Y2 boys will be playing at HOME against Coombe Dingle. Please meet at the Downs at 10am.

The girls will have matches against Boco on the Downs. Please meet at 10am.

It will be training as usual for all other years.

See you there.

Sport Relief - Well done and thank you

Big thanks to everyone for braving a less than hopeful weather forecast to join the Sport Relief run.

We raised exactly £300 for Sport Relief. Congratulations!

Special thanks to Colin Domaille for planning the course and leading the running.

Year 3 Match against Ashley Down postponed!

This Saturday's away game against Ashley Down has been postponed so that we can take part in the Sport Relief event on The Downs.

Join the Foxes in Soxes - for Sport Relief

This Saturday Colin Domaille (Oliver Y4, Josh Y1) has kindly agreed to lead a mile-long run in aid of Sport Relief.

Everyone is welcome to join in - mums and dads, grannies and grandpas, brothers and sisters, babies in pushchairs.

Just remember to bring £2 and we'll give you a pair of Sport Relief socks to make the run more comfortable.

The run starts at 10am - please leave enough time to get your socks on!

See you there!

Foxy Update

Y4 boys play Rockleaze Y5s away this Saturday(March8). Please meet at the Downs Cafe by 9.50am or go straight to Coombe Dinge for 10am. Remember full kit and shin pads, please.

Training will take place as usual for everyone else.

Furthermore, did anyone picked up Bryony Wade's (Y2) Foxy fleece in error after the matches last week? Please check the true ownership of your Foxy gear.

Cheers.

Match Day Madness

Everyone's a winner this weekend with matches for all our teams AND the Year Two kit has arrived!

GIRLS: Y2-3 and Y4 play Rockleaze at HOME. Please arrive by 10am - don't forget shin pads.

BOYS: Y3 play Ashley Down at HOME. Please arrive by 10am - don't forget shin pads.

BOYS: Y2 and Y4 play Ashley Down AWAY. Meet at the Downs Cafe at 9.45am or go direct to the ground by 10am. Lifts can be arranged. Ashley Down play at the Civil Service Sports Ground, Filton Avenue, Horfield. From Tesco at Golden Hill - Head towards Gloucester Rd - Turn right at traffic lights onto Wellington Hill - Cross Gloucester Rd onto Muller Rd - At the first set of traffic lights, turn left into Filton Avenue (careful - 2 roads on lhs here - Filton Avenue is the second road) - Sports ground is 50m on the right. We have been asked not to park in the first car park you come to but to head for the bottom left corner and follow a concrete drive into a second car park. Good luck.

What's happening this week...February 23

Many of the coaches will be away this Saturday but there will still be plenty going on. Please come along and join in.

Y4 boys have a home match against Henleaze Sonics - please arrive by 10am with full kit and shin pads.

Fixtures Pile Up

We have added more matches to an already confusing schedule so please take a careful look at the fixtures list on this page.

In brief, the Y2-3 and Y4 girls will be playing Rockleaze away on March 1 and home on April 5, and the Y2, Y3 and Y4 boys will play Clifton United away on May 17.

We are hoping to arrange more matches for the girls, so please watch this space.

New Fixture - Year Two

We have arranged a Year Two fixture against Bishop Road for this Saturday (Feb 16).

The match will be on the astroturf at Redland Green School (the new school). Please arrive before 10am and bring trainers rather than football boots.

Don't forget your shin pads.

See you there.

Fixtures Latest

Please be aware that the annual Westbury Park V Henleaze football tournament will take place on Sunday April 27, 2008. Kick-off is planned for early afternoon and the tournament will be followed by the highly entertaining WP V Henleaze dads' match.

Super Smashing Update

Super Smashing Saturday has been downgraded to "Nice" after Boco cancelled the girls' matches and Y3 arranged to play their games away at Rockleaze.

Nice Saturday will feature Y2 boys and girls playing Ashley Down and Y4 boys against Rockleaze.

Training as normal for everyone else.

See you there.

Super Smashing Saturday

Yes, this week footie fans is Super Smashing Saturday on the Downs with matches for Year 2/3/4 boys and Year 2-3 and Year 4 girls. Phew, that's pretty much everyone. In the words of BennyBob Wistow, "Why?" Good question - there is no answer I'm afraid.

I'm sure we'll manage.

Please come prepared with full kit, shin pads and a drink - at the usual time.

See you there!

Latest News

There is no news this week - training will take place as usual on Saturday.

Just one plea. If you haven't already, please pay your subs for the next two terms (Jan - April) before the end of January. Ooops, too late! Cash or cheques (payable to Westbury Park Foxes) to Sally, Clare or Lucy, please.

Many thanks.

See you on Saturday.

Matches Update

Details for tomorrow's planned matches are as follows:

Y2 boys and girls - GAME ON. Please meet at the Downs at 10am for a home fixture.

Y4 boys and girls - GAME OFF. The Ashley Down game will be rearranged at a sunnier time.

Sorry for any disappointment.

See you tomorrow.

Foxes in cancelled matches shock

Unfortunately, due to the inclement weather, we have cancelled the planned girls' matches against Rockleaze tomorrow morning (Jan12).

Sorry.

Happily, training will, in all likeliness, go ahead as normal.

Watch this space for further updates.

The Future Starts Here!

Welcome to the all new and shiny Westbury Park Foxes blog.

The aim of the blog is to keep everyone informed about what's on and what's planned for the Foxes over the coming months.

Let's hope it works.

January is going to be a busy month with matches planned every Saturday. Here are the details:

January 12: Y4 and Y2/3 girls V Rockleaze (Home) 10am
January 19: Y2 boys V Rockleaze (Away) 9.45am at the Downs
January 19: Y4 boys and girls V Ashley Down (Home) 10am
January 26: Y2/Y3/Y4 boys V Coombe Dingle (Home) 10am

Please add to your new diaries the End of Season Tournament and Parents' Disco - on July 19

That's it for now, but please keep tuning in for updates.