We at Fry Club JFC would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.  We hope that you all have a safe and enjoyable time, and that Father Christmas brings you everything on your list, and here's hoping that Santa Claus is planning on Grassroots football being able to fully resume in the foreseeable future.

Fry Club JFC have just released its updated Values and Standards document.  These values are the characteristics which underpin our Codes of Conduct, signed each year by every person in the Club from Player to Parent to Coach to Committee Member, which all are expected to abide by as part of our and the FA's RESPECT programme.  This document, along with all of our most up to date Club policies are available to view on the Constitution and Policies page.  The document includes our three, Values & Standards Icosagons, as seen here. Feel free to have a look, and if there is a policy which you feel that the Club should have which it doesn't, please let your Manager know and we will review the requirement.

     

Fry Club JFC U13's took full advantage of the return to football training, taking no time at all to get back into the swing of things as they dusted off the cobwebs and got on with the business of football.  It's been a difficult summer with two lockdowns disrupting our football, but hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel, and for the U13's, it was great to see them laughing and enjoying their football. For more on the U13's, click on their Team Page.

After the second National Lockdown and the postponement of grassroots football in England, Clubs can now get back to football again.  Even though there are Tiers in place, the Government website explains that there are exemptions for organised team sports and all supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s. What this means for Fry Club JFC is that, as long as we observe Covid etiquette such as social distancing and those in bullet point below, then we can resume, and this is reinforced on our County Website which includes the need to support Test and Trace. Speak to your Managers for more information and please remember to...

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

For more information please visit the official NHS and UK Government websites. Please stay safe.

With the Government’s Announcement on Sunday 1st November 2020 of a second National Lockdown and the postponement of grassroots football in England many Clubs have been anxiously waiting for news of how we will return once the 2nd lockdown is lifted. Now there has been an announcement of the new Tier system we are awaiting direction from The FA on how we at Fry Club JFC will be affected, with players and coaches living in BANES (Tier 2) as well as South Glos and Bristol (Tier 3). As soon as we know, we will update all of our Social Media channels. Remember to...

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

For more information please visit the official NHS and UK Government websites. Please stay safe.

Back in February 2020, the FA announced updated heading guidance for all age groups between U6 and U18. The updated heading guidance which was introduced immediately, provided grassroots clubs, coaches and players with the recommended heading guidance for training sessions only. The guidance did not make any changes to the way matches are played. This issue has come to the fore recently with the passing of World Cup Winners Jack Charlton, Ray Wilson, Martin Peters and Nobby Stiles, all who suffered as well as the recent diagnosis of Sir Bobby Charlton, with Sir Geoff Hurst supporting a ban on children heading footballs.  Professional Clubs such as Chelsea are considering restricting heading during training until more is understood on the impact and implications of repetitive heading of the ball and the long-term damage that it may cause. To see all of the age groups or to download the whole document Fry Club JFC have created a dedicated Heading Page.

Have you ever wondered what pathway lies before you? Fry Club JFC offer a variety of exit routes through football for girls and boys as part of our Player Pathway development strategy. The player pathway is the professional term used to describe a football player’s career. It reflects the different paths you can choose to become a professional footballer. It explains the ideology and ethos behind the coaching you will receive as you progress through your footballing journey.  To read the Fry Club JFC Player Pathway you can click the link as well as viewing all of the key Fry Club JFC Policies.

Fry Club JFC wish to pay their respects to those fallen soldiers who paved the way for the freedoms which we enjoy so much today.  On Sunday 8th November if this had been a normal year, players up and down the Country would have stood with heads bowed and observed a minute's silence to reflect on that sacrifice, however with all Grassroots football cancelled due to Covid-19, all we can do is pay our respects in our own private ways, and remember the sacrifices those young men and women made.

Following the Government’s Announcement on Sunday 1st November 2020 of a second National Lockdown, The FA issued their own update advising that all grassroots football in England is postponed until Wednesday 2nd December. Remember...

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

For more information please visit the official NHS and UK Government websites. Please stay safe.

Fry Club JFC U18's have created their own bit of Fry Club JFC history with the creation of the U18 Rangers, our 4th team to play at this age range for the 2020/21 season.  Never before in the history of Fry Club JFC have we had four different teams running at one age group, and this shows the strength and the attraction that Fry Club JFC has to offer.  We wish the Rangers all the very best for the coming season and thank Vice Chairperson Ryan Auchterlonie for his tireless work in setting up this team, and for taking leadership of the team at the expense of his current Wanderers team where his own son plays to ensure this new team had firm beginnings and guidance.  For more on the U18's, in all of their iterations, click on their Team Page.

Did you know that Fry Club JFC have a range of Policies which are all available to view via this website?  These range from the Child Protection Policy to the Medical Emergency Plan along with the recently released LGBT+ Inclusion Policy.  All of these, along with our most up to date version of the Club Constitution are available to view on the Constitution and Policies page.  Feel free to have a look, and if there is a policy which you feel that the Club should have which it doesn't, please let your Manager know and we will review the requirement.

The FA is asking every parent/carer with a child involved in football to take a few minutes to watch the video. It outlines what you should expect from your club and how you can play your part in safeguarding your child.  Fry Club JFC are fully supportive of this message and if you have any queries then please speak to your Team Manager or if you have any safeguarding concerns you can contact the Club Welfare Officer (Andy Glover, photo to the right) by clicking the link. Our parent County is the Somerset FA.

Fry Club JFC now have our own brand face masks which can be purchased through your Manager for those who would like to wear them and advertise their Club with pride. This is all part of Fry Club JFC ensuring that Somerdale and Manor Road are as Covid safe as possible to allow our Girls and Boys to continue to play the game we all love.

Fry Club JFC old boy James "Bakery" Baker has gone from strength to strength ever since he retired from competitive Esports to take a behind the scenes role. James, now permanently based at the Team HQ in LA has been promoted to Director of Esports for all Team Dignitas competitive teams. In his Esports career, James captained his Heroes of the Storm team to European Champions four times, and World Runners-Up twice. James played for Frys for ten years, playing for both of his age group's Colts and Wanderers teams, and received his Les Stroud 10 Year Award in 2012. To look back on his Esports Career, click the link.

Both Somerdale Pavilion and Manor Road will display an official NHS QR poster from 24 September 2020 when the NHS COVID-19 app will launch for public use nationally. The NHS COVID-19 app has a feature that allows users to quickly and easily ‘check in’ to a venue by scanning the code. The information stays on the user’s phone. If there is an outbreak associated with a venue, a message will be sent to the relevant app users with the necessary public health advice. Look out for the posters at our venues, and at away matches.

Fry Club JFC would like to wish all of the girls and boys, not just of Fry Club JFC but also all of the Teams who are embarking on the coming season, a fun, enjoyable and most importantly safe time.  Good luck everybody.

Fry Club JFC U13's started their preparation for the coming season by entering an 11-a-side pre-season tournament at Warmley.  In what is one of the few, if only tournaments to be arranged in these strange times it was nice for the boys to get back on the pitch competitively after such a long time and initially the break didn't seem to affect them, winning three on the bounce.  They lost narrowly to the hosts in the fourth match as tired legs began to show and the fifth and final group game was a battle of attrition for a 0-0 draw, enough to see them into the final.  Despite the hosts playing a division above, Frys lifted themselves for the final and it was a close run affair, going to extra-time before Warmley snatched the winner, but Frys can be proud of their performance and will take confidence ahead of the season.  For more on the U13's, click on their Team Page.

With The FA having given the green light to resume competitive football and the associated guidance on the restart of football in the UK, the Somerset FA held a webinar to answer many of the questions which had been posed. Whilst it covers all aspects including adult football, payments, refereeing, changing facilities and more, it is a good knowledge bank for answers.  It runs for 90 minutes and you will want to skip past the first seven minutes of administrative faffing... More can be found at the SFA Website.

 

Late on Friday 17th July 2020 The FA announced competitive guidance on the restart of football in the UK. The timeline is:

Until 31 July – When ready, you can begin competitive training, with the overall group size (inclusive of coaches) being limited to 30 people.

From August – Competitive matches to begin, for example pre-season fixtures, festivals and small sided football competitions.

From September – Grassroots leagues, men’s National League System, Women’s Football Pyramid tiers 3 to 6, and FA Competitions can commence.

There is more guidance around hygiene and COVID19 safe practice available on the website via the link and a full Guidance Document, but at last our girls and boys can safely play football again.

On Friday 12th June 2020 The FA have announced more guidance on the restart of football in the UK. This comes with a series of downloadable documents; Covid-19 Grassroots Guidance and then there is the Football Activity Guidance for Coaches, for Parents & Carers and finally for the Providers of Outdoor Football Facilities. Again, this is another step closer to the return of our girls and boys playing football again.

On Monday 1st June 2020, the Government announced new guidance on the phased return of sport and recreation in the UK. This was swiftly followed by the FA who issued further guidance for all grassroots football and informal football activity outside the professional game and included a sharable version of the guidance. What this means is that socially distanced training in small groups is allowed, although no playing of games. More importantly, it is another step closer to the return of our girls and boys playing football again.

On Thursday 28th May 2020, the Premier League announced the date for the provisional return of the rest of the 2019/20 season, and set that date as Wednesday 17th June with the catch up matches of Aston Villa v Sheffield United and Manchester City v Arsenal.  The Premier League was officially suspended on 3rd April although the last match played saw Leicester beat Aston Villa 4-0 on Monday 9th March which means there will have been a hiatus of 100 days. We do not know what this means for the return of Grassroots football, however it is the first step in the long road back to football.

Fry Club JFC would just like to say a huge thank you to all of the NHS and Key Workers who are helping to keep us safe, supplied and connected during this pandemic, and to show their appreciation, a few of our Girls and Boys have recorded some messages of thanks.  Wherever you are; thank you. Remember...

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

For more information please visit the official NHS and UK Government websites. Please stay safe.

Fry Club JFC would just like to wish all of our players and their families the very best of health, both physically and mentally during this lockdown period and hope that everyone keeps their safe distance.  We are all most grateful to all frontline workers during this crisis, from the NHS right across to key workers in supermarkets, post offices, schools and wherever you are; thank you. Remember...

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

For more information please visit the official NHS and UK Government websites. Please stay safe.

The FA have kicked off an initiative to help everyone stay occupied during the lock down period. From tips to staying safe and healthy, to football activities to keep your body and mind active they will offer online content to explore how you can make the most of football staying home. This was kicked off with a short video on Twitter featuring the two England Captains, Steph Houghton and Harry Kane. As well as daily content across their channels, The Boot Room will feature a range of insightful articles, guides and top tips from some of the most knowledgeable figures in the game. They will be broadcasting classic Emirates FA Cup and Barclays FA Women’s Super League matches back-to-back every Sunday afternoon on The FA Player. Look to the Online Hub, #FootballsStayingHome

The Avon Youth League, Hanham Minor League, Bristol U18 Football Combination League, Bristol Girls League and the Bristol Saturday Youth League have all made the regrettable but understandable announcement that the remainder of the 2019/20 football season is over. This follows the Government’s Announcement on Monday 16th March 2020 for people to avoid social contact and gatherings where possible due to the Covid-19 Pandemic after which The FA advised that all grassroots football in England initially be postponed, but now be concluded. Remember...

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

For more information please visit the official NHS and UK Government websites. Please stay safe.

Following the Government’s Announcement on Monday 16th March 2020, for people to avoid social contact and gatherings where possible, The FA are now advising that all grassroots football in England is postponed for the foreseeable future. The FA have also decided to postpone all matches across all FA competitions, including those outside of the professional game, until 3 April. This is like to be extended however. Remember...

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

For more information please visit the official NHS and UK Government websites. Please stay safe.

##Update## The FA, Premier League and EFL have agreed that the professional game in England will be further postponed until no earlier than 30 April.  Grassroots continues its hiatus.

It is with much regret that Fry Club JFC have decided that we will not be holding our 2020 Summer Football Tournament.  In light of the Covid-19 outbreak, Fry Club JFC feel that holding a large public event this year would be an unwise decision, at a time when no one knows what the level of UK infection will be and the risks that this could entail. We hope to return next year. Remember...

• wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
• always wash your hands when you get home or into work
• use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

For more information please visit the official NHS and UK Government websites. Please stay safe.

Fry Club JFC U11 Girls are having a great first season under the management of Rich, their Manager.  A product of our highly successful Wildcats Centre, they started playing their first matches this season in the Bristol Girls League having started playing football just last year.  On the right you can see them resplendent in their Home kit and for more on the U11 Girls, click on their Team Page.

With Storm Ciara, followed by Storm Dennis and now Storm Jorge, Somerdale has again seen a weekend of sport completely wiped out and pitches unusable.  The video below from  a few weeks back shows the extent to which the water had reached up the field.  Somerdale is no stranger to flooding, so have a look at our historic Flooding page for a pictorial history.  As for matches... Surfing anyone?

Fry Club JFC U6's started their preparation for next season with a joint training session against St Aldhelms last Saturday at Somerdale Pavilion.  Under FA guidelines, players under six are not allowed to take part in competitive matches so to help them prepare for next season the two teams took part in a shared training session with Managers from both sides on the pitch giving guidance, coaching and encouraging the players as good experience ready for next season.  All of the players really enjoyed it along with sausage and chips in the Pavilion after.  For more photos click the St Aldhelms link and for more on the U6's, click on their Team Page.

Fry Club JFC are embarking on a Club-wide fundraising challenge to try to raise £2,500 to be split between the Children's Hospice South West and Fry Club JFC.  All of our players, from the Tots up to the U18's will take part in a sponsored run (or walk) around the Somerdale Parkrun, taking the 2.5k or 5k route depending on age and ability. If you would like to donate, then please visit our Crowdfunding page for more details.  This event is inspired by the three U12 boys (see photo) who undertook the Ironman challenge last year for the same causes and you can watch a short Video about that, or for photos of the day, click on the Ironman link.

Fry Club JFC U8 girls were fortunate enough to be the mascots late last year at the Women's Super League match at the SGS Stoke Gifford Stadium between Bristol City Women and Manchester City Women.  It was a great day for the girls, meeting many of their heroes and role models and seeing what their football pathway could eventually lead to. Unfortunately for the locals, Manchester City ran away with the match in the last five minutes to win 0-5, but the girls had a fantastic experience and you can view some photos by clicking on the Mascot link.  This BBC link has a match report and highlights of the game. To see more about the U8 Girls, click on their Team Page.

Ex-Fry Club JFC player Charlie Sutton, (click to check out her Team History) is following in the footsteps of her older brother Aaron (also an ex-Fry Club JFC player - check out his Team History) in pursuing a boxing career, and started very well just before Christmas at the England Boxing Women's Winter Box Cup 2019 competition where she won! Everyone at Fry Club JFC would like to wish Charlie the very best in her boxing career and if you would like to see a few more photos, then click on the link for Aaron and his page where you can also see the latest on his boxing career including details on his next bout.

After six years, the floods are back with abandon at Somerdale as the whole of the bottom pitches were submerged for the start of 2020.  Somerdale is no stranger to flooding, and have a look at our historic Flooding page for a pictorial history.  As for matches... Water polo anyone?

We at Fry Club JFC would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year.  We hope that this year is a fun, successful, and most importantly of all, enjoyable year. We hope to keep improving our Club, so keep checking back here to see what great things the players of our Club get up to.