Tring Athletic vs Crawley Green

Official Programme

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Tring Athletic v Crawley Green

Saturday 15 April 2023, 3pm

Spartan South Midlands Premier Division

Match Sponsor— Rennie Grove Hospice

Good afternoon & welcome to the Grass Roots Stadium for the visit of Crawley Green. We welcome their players, officials and supporters and wish them a safe journey home afterwards.

Since the last programme, we continue to have some rollercoaster results. On paper a home banker against bottom of the league London Colney, saw a surprise 3-2 defeat but the lads made up for that with a 2-0 win away in the Dacorum derby at Leverstock Green. Our last home game is on Thursday with Harpenden as or visitors before we finish the league campaign at Risborough Rangers on Saturday. We still have interest in the cup as we visit Oxhey Jets in late April.

This afternoon’s sponsor are our Rennie Grove Hospice who do some amazing work in the community. You can find out more about them on page 4, 13 & 14. Just click on their advert to take you to their website or to make a donation. We still have match sponsorship availability for the game against Harpenden so please speak to Graham Bright if you are interested.

If you are able to volunteer for the club on a regular basis or even just occasionally please speak to a committee member. We are always grateful for extra support.

Many of our home supporters will have heard of the story of our U18s player Ryan Earle who was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia earlier in the season. We are delighted that Ryan has been in touch and sent a message of thanks to those who have help him & his family through this difficult time. Read more on pages 6 & 7 of today’s programme. Click on the Just Giving banner if you are able to make a donation towards his family.

This is the third season of producing online only programmes. If you click on any of the logos or adverts it should direct you straight to our sponsors websites. This also means we can bring you features such as match highlights at the click of a button.

Today’s programme includes

• Page 7 - A selection of items on show from our club shop

• Page 23 — Today’s match squads

• Page 26—The latest winners on the 100 club. You can join for just £1 a week.

• As always keep an eye on our website for all the latest information, fixtures and results.

Our Match Sponsor Rennie Grove

Ryan Earle, 17 has been a Tring Athletic FC youth player for 3 years and also attends Ben Herd football academy so has links with Hertford Town FC. He was diagnosed with Acute myeloid leukaemia last week and is now at UCL hospital undergoing treatment.

Ryan began this pre-season training with our first team, a testament to how well he is developing as a player with a very bright future. A few weeks ago Ryan took a knock to his head during an u18 friendly game against Leverstock Green FC, he had a small lump and also had a dizzy spell and to be on the safe side he attended where he was advised the lump was a cyst. A couple of weeks later we were playing Balham FC in the FA youth cup and Ryan felt unwell during the day and so presented himself at A&E where he collapsed.

Ryan was admitted and tests would reveal he has Acute myeloid leukaemia & is now receiving his treatment at UCL hospital in London.

All those who know or have have met Ryan know what a infectious joker he is, full of life and always laughing. The diagnosis has come as a huge shock to us all but no more so than for Ryan's family.

We have started this page to allow people to donate. The aim being to take some of the families financial stresses away so they can concentrate on supporting Ryan as he faces 6 months of treatment to overcome this diagnosis. The family will have huge expenditure with travel, accommodation, food amongst other things on top of keeping the home going. If you can help in anyway no matter how small you will make a huge difference in helping to concentrate on getting Ryan better and back home

Update from Ryan February 2023

"As I’m sure you all know I am having treatment for AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia). I’ve had three rounds of chemotherapy to date and have responded well to treatment. There have been a few set backs during treatment, catching covid after round one which delayed my second round and having infections from the chemotherapy have also caused delays in between rounds. After finishing round 3 of chemotherapy a week ago the doctors and nurses are very happy how it’s all going and looks to be positive.

I would also like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Tring Athletic FC including teammates who have regularly checked in on me to see how everything is going. I would also like to thank David Lawless especially who created the just giving page that create a large amount of money which helped support my family massively financially over the last few months. I'd like to thank everyone who donated and also to Aylesbury Vale Dynamos who fund raised for my family too.

I hope to finish my treatment in the next 6 weeks and looking forward to hopefully get back to possibly playing again for Tring next season. Ryan"

TAFC—Club Shop

Take a look at our new club shop in association with O’Neills. Click on any of the items below to take you to our page with branded leisurewear and accessories.

Highlights & Social Media

League Table

Officials

Life President

Life Vice Presidents

Mick Eldridge BEM

David Evans MBE, Barry Johnson, Jean & Les Robins, Ralph Griffiths, Harry Bowden, Pete Stillwell, Alan Foskett, Pete Oakley, Keith Hamilton, Barry Simmons, Dave Stacey

Chairman

Vice Chairman

Hon. Secretary

Bob Winter

Tony Stedman & Mark Weston

David Blair

Hon. Treasurer Tony Stedman

Commercial Manager

Match Secretary - South Midlands & Herts Snr

Registration Secretary

Community Officer

Club Welfare Officer

First Team Manager

First Team Assistant Manager

First Team Coaches

First Team Technical Advisor

Goalkeeping coach

Reserve Team Management

TAFC Zebras

Under 18' Management

Under 17's Management

Sports Physio

Graham Bright

Tony Stedman

Trevor Langley

Darrell Osborne

Kirstie McNeil

Ryan Sturges

Lee Groves

Mick Vipond

Ian Richardson

Gary Looker

Alex Payne, Stuart Stedman

David Lawless

Hannah Childs

Football Co-Ordinator Vacant

Press Officer Vacant

Website

Social Media

Programme Editor

Groundsman

Facilities Manager

Membership Secretary

Catering

Bar Manager

Committee Members

Darrell Osborne

Keith Eldridge , David Lawless

Keith Eldridge

Darrell Bodimeade

David Whicker

Graham Bright

Isalie

Stefan Drumea

Bob Winter (Chairman) Tony Stedman, Ian Butler, Neil Foskett, Graham Bright, David Blair, Mark Weston, Keith Eldridge, Andy Ayres., David Whicker

Our Charity Partner

Pendley Day Nursery is a brand-new nursery set in a unique setting in the heart of Tring, and provides quality childcare and development opportunities for children aged 6 months - 5 years. We have created a premier nursery, which will provide a fantastic experience for your child to enable them to 'Grow, Learn & Develop'. Just read our TESTIMONALS page to see the lovely things parents are saying about us.

The nursery has both expansive indoor and outdoor space, and provides an ideal environment for children to learn and play in a safe and secure environment.

Pendley Day Nursery is led and managed by leading childcare practitioner Natasha Young, who is also part owner of the nursery.

Natasha is Level 6 qualified and she and her team will provide the highest of quality care and development opportunities for your child.

We will ensure that your child's best interest are at the heart of everything we do.

We have invested significantly in the setting and, with lots of brand new equipment and toys, we offer the highest of standards throughout. Our excellent facilities include:

• Fully trained, dedicated staff – many at level 3 and above

• Fully equipped kitchen and trained cooks (hot lunch, tea and snacks)

• Large play areas, inside and out

• Large, safe front car park for easy drop off and collection

• Open 8.00 – 18.00, Monday – Friday (51 weeks)

• Flexible hours (mornings or afternoons)

• Dedicated to children 6 months – 5 years

The nursery is run by local owners who, through their team, are committed to providing stimulating activities in a caring environment, promoting all aspects of children’s development.

Match Sponsorship

Match sponsorship only costs £50 and includes

• Name/Logo on the matchday sign on the front of the stadium

• Two complimentary admissions

• Free pre-match drink for two people

• Company / Personal details on the front cover of matchday programme

• Overview of Company within matchday programme

• Mention on Chairman's notes and on the PA system

• Post match presentation/photo with the man of the match Contact Graham Bright on 07722 240963 or via email to tringathleticfc@hotmail.com

Match Sponsorship

Ardley United - NP Electrics & Solar

Colney Heath —Michael Anthony Estate Agents

Biggleswade United Volkstec Auto Engineering

Stotfold— Ralph Griffiths

Baldock—Dick Lovelace

Risborough Rangers—Pendley Day Nursery

Aylesbury Vale Dynamos—Tring Winery

Arlesey Town—Tring Winery

Shefford Town & Campton—Pendley Day Nursery

Burnham Ramblers Performance Adhesives Ltd

Dunstable Town—The Cook Partnership

Leverstock Green—Mick Eldridge

Walsall Wood Tring Winery

Berko Raiders Performance Adhesives Ltd

Bury AFC—Performance Adhesives Ltd

Leighton Town—Steve Johnson & Ian Ranger

Cockfosters Pendley Day Nursery

St Panteleimon Pendley Day Nursery

Potton United—NP Electric & Solar

Hoddesdon Town Tring Winery

Aylesbury Vale Dynamos Mick Eldridge

Harpenden Town—AVAILABLE

London Colney Isalie

Crawley Green Rennie Grove Hospice

Fixture List

Fixture List

Fixture List

Today’s Squads

Tring Athletic FC

Eric Negraru (GK)

Lewis Todd (GK)

Eli Hearn

Harrison Cornick

Lennie Armstrong

Adam Sawyer

George Carbery

Jack Stevens

Harry Shepherd

Jack Harvey

Davide Pobbe

Luke Peerless

Greg Deer

Harrison Mead

Godlove Oppong

Guiseppe Delgaudio

George Wainwright

Ali Mohiuddin

Callum Shortt

Liam Mann

Manager - Ryan Sturges

Asst Manager- Lee Groves

Coach—Ian Richardson & Mick

Vipond, GK Coach - Gary Looker

Physio—Hannah Childs

Crawley Green

Daniel Gould

Brandon Carney

Mathieu Racine

Joe Hankins

Garry Jones

Brandy Makuendi

Kai McArthur

Daniel Blackman

Luke Daniel Abraham

Nicolae Trif

Joshua Adeyileka

Tra Lucas

Marius Cosmin Patru

Ernest Njoroge

Parys Smith

Tejon Browne

Joseph Grossi

Manager : Paul Blackman

Asst Manager : Matt Harding

Coach : Chris Robson

GK coach : Dean Snaith

Physio: Deep Patel

Today’s opposition

The History of Crawley Green FC - Saturday Side

Crawley Green Sports & Social Club was formed in November 1989 after arsonists caused the virtual destruction of the present building. Members of Stopsley Harriers, The Wyvern and Ramridge Rangers Sunday Football Clubs amalgamated to form the present club and were successful in securing a 99 year lease from the Council. The New Club house was formally open on 19th June, 1992 by then Luton Town manager, David Pleat.

The badge incorporates all the elements of the three founding clubs but also local history. The club badge was adopted in 1996 after many years of discussion. Maroon was the colour of the largest single club Ramridge Rangers and it was adopted as the club colour. It is incorporated in the Club badge as the bar across the middle. Stopsley Harriers were well known for their red and blue quarters, whilst Wyvern Members were predominantly blue since their foundation. Both these colours are reflected in the badge. Crawley Green FC Saturday side was formed in 1993 after another local team, Somerset Tavern came under the Crawley Green umbrella. The club colour of maroon was adopted by the team.

In 2018 Luton Town FC and Crawley Green FC further enhanced their club partnership with the announcement that Crawley Green FC will play their home games at The Brache training ground from season 2018-2019. Crawley Green, who are the only Luton based team to play at step 5 or above of the National League System, have been trying since 2008 to get permission to build a suitable stadium. Unfortunately in that time they have failed to receive the support needed from Luton Borough Council, despite there being no cost involved for the Council. This decision has meant that they have had to ground share with Barton Rovers FC for 11 years now, to enable the team to continue to play at that level.

This is a poor indictment of the Council’s attitude to football in Luton, considering that other major towns in Bedfordshire have at least one team each playing step 6 or above. Their lack of support in comparison to the likes of Biggleswade (3 teams), Bedford (2 teams), Dunstable (2 teams), Leighton Buzzard (1 team) and Kempston (1 team), means that even our local leagues have the ignominy of having to travel to local villages to host their cup finals.

Crawley Green

Luton recently installed a brand new all-weather surface down at the training ground and to comply with national ground grading criteria Crawley Green will complete the remaining requirements. This will include new changing rooms, dugouts, turnstile and spectator standing area.

Tony Talbot, Chairman of Crawley Green stated: “We would like to thank Gary Sweet and Kevan Platt and everyone at Luton Town FC for firstly affording us this opportunity and then their support in making this happen.

“In the past we have seen a number of ex-Crawley Green players go on to play for Luton, but our partnership has really continued to grow in recent years. It’s with great satisfaction for us that we are currently seeing James Justin starring for the first team. In addition the recently transferred Tyreeq Bakinson and four of the current U18s team, Josh Neufville, Joe Mead, Ciaren Jones and Michael Shamalo all came through our youth system.

“A town the size of Luton needs a successful professional club, as well as teams playing in the national league pyramid”. This gives our talented youngsters a pathway to development, without having to go outside the borough to develop. “In addition, underneath these clubs is a large community hub, which affords lots of youngsters the opportunity to play football. These community hubs ensure all young people have the opportunity to participate in football in a safe supportive environment, which preserves the dignity and respect of the individual regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, religion, disability, income and any other social deprivation.

With Government statistics showing a concerning rise in childhood obesity throughout the UK, these community hubs encourage our children to stay active and engage in physical activity. This all helps promote health, self-confidence and importantly social cohesion, and hopefully leads to the wider benefits in raising standards.”

Hatters chief executive Gary Sweet said: “We see ourselves as guardians of elite football in our region and part of that responsibility is to help – wherever possible – other local, aspirational clubs develop and thrive, staying at the core of their roots. “The challenges faced at Crawley Green were difficult and, with the great relationship we’ve had over the years, having recruited numerous young players from their excellent development structure, we’re proud to help Crawley Green retain a local home for their competitive games, just as we are happy to utilise our existing training facility at perhaps the only time when it won’t get used.”

In recognition of his services to the community and sport, Crawley Green Sports & Social Club Chairman, Tony Talbot was awarded a BEM – British Empire Medal - in the 2018 New Year’s Honours List.

Crawley Green

Crawley Green FC - A Brief History

1995-96 Joined South Midlands League Division One

1997-98 Founder members of the Spartan South Midlands League Division One North

1998-99 Left Spartan South Midlands League for Luton & District league

1999-00 Re-joined Spartan South Midlands League. Alan Clark and Eddie Downey joined Crawley Green to manage the 1st Team & Reserves respectively. Alan Burgess took over as Club Secretary.

2001-02 Division One renamed Division Two

2002-03 Spartan South Midlands League Division Two Cup Winners. Beat Buckingham Athletic 2-0. Martin Fensome and Leon Holton (pen).

2002-03 Bedfordshire Junior Cup Winners. Reserves beat Potton United 1-0 (Andy Bath).

2004-05 Gary King takes over as 1st Team Manager and wins the Spartan South Midlands League Division Two and the Bedfordshire Senior Cup beating Kent Athletic 40 with goals from John Coley 2, Adey Bascombe 2. Crawley were denied the treble when they lost a penalty shoot out to Dunstable Town in the League Cup Final.

2005-06 Neil Tattersall takes over as 1st Team Manager

2006-07 6 pts deducted (ineligible player), costing the Club runners up spot

2007-08 Started ground share with Barton Rovers FC. Spartan South Midlands League Division Two runners up to Kings Langley. Promoted to Division One

2009-10 Bedfordshire Senior Trophy Winners. Beat Potton United 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out. Scores finished 1-1 after extra time. Ryan Smith (pen). Successful penalty takers Rian MacNabola, John Cooper, Jermaine Hall, Ryan Smith and Phil Cusack

2011-12 First Team Manager Neil Tattersall steps down after 6 seasons in charge and is replaced by Darren Salton. Darren Salton resigns in September after only 1 win in 10 games. Mark Smith is appointed manager in October 2011 with Assistant Terry Shrieves.

Bedfordshire Senior Trophy finalists - lost 0-1 to Ampthill Town.

Spartan South Midlands League Division One Cup winners. Beat Kings Langley 2-1 with goals from Courtney Massey and Chris Gibson

Next Up Harpenden Town

Today’s Officials

Referee Billy Morgan

Assistant Referee Stephen Meager

Assistant Referee Russell Shacklock

The TAFC 2 Club

Support Tring Athletic, Join our 200 Club. This is one of the most popular fund raising activities in the UK, probably the easiest to enter, and the size of the weekly/monthly prize will depend upon the number of people participating. The more people the larger the prize. 50% of all takings go in cash prizes.

At the current time we have a weekly CASH prize of £20 and a Monthly 1st prize of £100 and 2nd prize of £50. It costs just £1 per week. Ask a committee member for details.

March winners

The monthly 200 club draw was undertaken recently. The lucky winners were:

£100 The Griffiths Family

£50 Dave Richards

£20 Jamie Robbins

£20 Clare Rutherford

Once again winnings will be paid directly to the winners bank accounts.

TAFC Reserves

TAFC 3-1 Buntingford Town

Click on the image below to see match highlights from last season

Our reserves are sponsored by NP Electrics & Solar

Suburban League—North Division

Results

TAFC 1-1 Uxbridge

TAFC 4-2 Marlow

TAFC 1-5 Flackwell Heath

Aylesbury 1-3 TAFC

TAFC 0-4 Welwyn (Cup)

TAFC 7-3 Hartley Wintney

Harrow Borough 1-0 TAFC

TAFC 0-2 Wokingham & Emmbrook

TAFC 1-2 Aylesbury Vale

ENTRY TO RESERVE TEAM MATCHES AT HOME ARE INCLUDED IN YOUR TAFC MEMBERSHIP. IF YOU CAN’T TRAVEL TO WATCH THE FIRST TEAM, THEN PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT OUR YOUNGSTERS.

RESULTS—CONTINUED

Flackwell Heath 3-1 TAFC

Brook House 3-1 TAFC

TAFC 1-2 Harrow Borough

Hartley Wintney 1 2 TAFC

TAFC 1 –2 Uxbridge

Uxbridge 6-1 TAFC

Wokingham & Emmbrook 3-1 TAFC

Brook House 5-1 TAFC

TAFC 2-3 Walton & Hersham

ENTRY TO RESERVE TEAM MATCHES AT HOME ARE INCLUDED IN YOUR TAFC

MEMBERSHIP. IF YOU CAN’T TRAVEL TO WATCH THE FIRST TEAM, THEN PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT OUR YOUNGSTERS.

TAFC Membership

GOLD - £99 (£75 concessions) Free entry to all home league games. 20% discount at the bar. Please see the opposite page for additional offers from local businesses.

SILVER—£50 (£40 cons) Free entry to the first six matches each season. 20% discount at the bar.

BLACK—£20 (£10 cons) Club membership and 10% discount at the bar. Click on the Gold Card below to go to our membership page & application form

TAFC Gold Membership Benefits

Team Sponsors