28 July - Southampton Senior Cup Draw

After a change in regulations this year, Sholing will enter two teams in the Southampton Senior Cup.  This season, both the 1st team and Development Squad will take part in the 98 year old Competition.  The Boatmen will be looking to lift the Cup for the 10th time in our history, we have won it more times than any other club.   Once again, the Final will take place at Southampton FC's St Mary's stadium.

1st Round : AFC Botley v Sholing Reserves (to be played on or before Saturday, September 19)
2nd Round : Lymington v AFC Botley or Sholing Reserves  /  Sholing 1st Team v Bush Hill or Braishfield (to be played on or before Saturday, October 17)

27 July - Reduced Prices for Friendly

Club has reduced admission prices for the pre-season friendly against Petersfield Town on Tuesday 4th August.  Entry for Adults is just £3, Concessions (Over 65's, Students & Disabled) £2 and Kids get FREE admission (with fee paying adult).  Kick off is 7:45pm

14 July - Annual General Meeting Notes

Thank you to all the supporters who attended last night's Annual General Meeting.  Below are a few notes :

  • Dave Diaper's term as Chairman (2 years as per clubs articles of association) came to an end
  • Gerry Roberts was voted in as new Chairman
  • Mick Brown was voted in as Vice Chairman
  • Dave Diaper & Malcolm Stokes (club treasurer) received long service awards to local football from Southampton Divisional Football Association
  • Sholing FC is now fully self-financing following the end of the cushioning payments from VT (Babcocks)
  • This means the club has to pay for all its Utilities (same goes for the Cricket Club) and pitch maintenance
  • However, we do now keep all the money raised from bar sales (previously it went into the VT Sports Group pot)
  • There will be some work before the start of the season to improve the bar area
  • We also hope to stock a larger range of drinks
  • Confirmed the club has a 50 year lease on the ground.  If in the future the ground was sold for housing etc, the club would get a sizeable amount to build a new ground elsewhere
  • Having a club membership was discussed and will be looked into
  • Still ok to park in Veals car park when the main car park is too wet
  • Dave Diaper thanked Vanessa, Vicky & Jenny for their help over the years running the tea bar
  • Elle & Adam will be running the tea-bar this season. Welcome to the club!

DaveMalc

 

1 July - Ryan Gosney joins the Boatmen

RyanGosneyDave Diaper has swooped quickly to snap up goalkeeper, Ryan Gosney.  "Gos" was on Winchester City's books after joining them from Folland Sports in the summer.  However, he couldn't commit to the additional traveling involved in the Southern League following Winch's last minute promotion and the Boatmen stepped in to offer him a place in the 1st team squad.   The 24 year old (in August), has long been described as one of the best keepers in the Sydenhams Wessex League and prior to joining Follands, was part of Winchester's title winning side in 2011/12.

21 June - Annual General Meeting

Will be held at the Silverlake Clubhouse on Monday 13th July 2015 at 7:00 pm for a 7:15 pm prompt start.  Please note 14 days notice required for Officers post so any nominations are required by Tuesday 30th June in writing/email to the club Secretary secretary@sholingfc.com Officers are as follows: President, Vice President, Life Members, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Asst Secretary, Treasurer, Auditors.

Anyone wishing to join the committee can be nominated on the night.  Fans & sponsors are more than welcome to attend.  Media can attend, but please let yourselves be known to Greg Dickson in advance.

18 June - Club Statement regarding Southern League

With regard to the Southern League statement from their chairman Ken Turner on their website yesterday where they stated : "Sholing tendered their resignation from the League and were not relegated from Division One South & West for failing to complete the work required to attain the necessary grading following their promotion"... Sholing FC Vice Chairman, Gerry Roberts has responded with the following to put our side of the story :

When Sholing FC applied to the Southern League in the 2013/14 season, they sent their grading officer to our ground and we were informed that we passed the grading inspection. Later, approximately 8 or 10 weeks into the 2014/15 season, we were told that we had failed a second inspection, although nothing had changed at the ground!  Had we failed the initial inspection, Sholing FC would not have accepted promotion into the Southern League.

Once we were told of the second grading inspection failure, we were informed that, unless we immediately installed further toilet facilities for use of the clubhouse patrons only, we would be forced to play our home games away from our ground or ground share with a suitable local club.

We asked for leniency as we thought we had already passed the grading and would have had 18 new toilets as soon as the new development was completed. This was turned down flat. Therefore, we were forced to install new temporary toilets at the cost of approximately £90 per week.

We tendered our resignation in March as, if you do not tender this by the 31st of March, (although you are still able to withdraw this later) the Southern League are at liberty to fine clubs a fee to be decided by their committee, up to a maximum of £5000!

We are not prepared to pay out approximately £8,000-£10,000 to build a toilet block for the current ground configuration (that has not caused any issues regarding access to toilets in all the years it's been here) to pass an inspection when we have approved planning permission for a complete new clubhouse & changing block redevelopment.

At Sholing FC, we are no different to any other grassroots club trying to make ends meet by raising sponsorship whilst supporting a 1st team, Development Squad, Ladies & 15 youth Teams. Dave Diaper, myself and the rest of the committee refuse to put the club in jeopardy by spending money that we simply don't have.

Some people believe that we made a fortune from the FA Vase win. We did not. I can confirm that due to the change in rules for the 2013/14 season, the monies paid to the clubs was greatly reduced from previous years. Partly due to our lobbying the FA, this has been reverted back and future winners will receive substantially more than we did. -Gerry Roberts, Vice chairman, Sholing FC.

Chairman Dave Diaper adds : “We were never going to be able to comply with the ground grading for this season. If we hadn’t resigned by March 31, we’d have been fined. The Southern League say we weren’t relegated on ground grading, so are they saying that if we didn’t put in the toilet block for next season we’d still be allowed to play in that league? We wrote a private letter to the FA in March, so why would we come out publicly and say we resigned even before the season had finished?"

“Whatever the Southern League might say, this all comes back to that first ground grading visit. I don’t care if they say we should have checked the grading regulations. When you get an official inspection you expect them to go through things thoroughly and tick all the boxes. But the person they sent, passed us when we should have failed. If we’d known that at the first inspection, we’d never have gone into the Southern League.”

So, in summary, the club received conflicting information from two ground grading inspections. We were threatened with playing our home games elsewhere.  We paid out over £1,000 for a temporary toilet block that no one used.  Left with the possibility of receiving a large fine from the Southern League, we submitted our resignation from the league (as per their rules), but in the hope the FA would show leniency so we could then subsequently withdraw the resignation to carry on playing at Step 4 in the Southern League South & West, whilst working on a compromise or being able to push ahead with the Clubhouse Redevelopment.

As it transpired, we received an email from Mike Appleby of the FA on the 14th May stating : "I am writing to advise you that at a meeting of the Leagues Committee held earlier today the relegation of Sholing FC to Step 5 of the National League System was confirmed. The club has been allocated to the Wessex League for season 2015/2016"

Ask yourself what you would have done in our situation.

17 June - Welcome to Universal Plumbing Supplies

UniversalPlumbingLogoClub is delighted to announce that Universal Plumbing Supplies have agreed to sponsor the back of our home shirts in 2015/16.  Based in Lodge Road, Portswood, they provide Bathroom & Plumbing supplies to domestic & trade customers. You can also order online at their website : http://universalplumbing.co.uk/index.html  Quote "Sholing FC" when ordering for a great deal.

 

Sholing FC has a range of sponsorship packages available for the 2015/16 season, to suit businesses both large & small.  Get your business/shop exposure in the local community and help support local Football. An advert in the Matchday programme all season start at just £25!  A pitchside banner at the ground for a year can be yours from just £150!   Full details can be found here on the website.

13 June - Help wanted for Ground Tidy-up

Dave Diaper has requested help in getting the Silverlake Arena ready for the new season. If you can spare a few hours (probably on a weekend) to assist the club with some clearing up, cleaning and possibly painting, it would be greatly appreciated. Please let us know if you are interested by emailing : admin@sholingfc.com   Or by replying on our Facebook page.

Once we have a list of names, Dave will arrange the day of the work and will provide a BBQ (& maybe a drink or two) for those who turn up.

12 June - Season Ticket Prices Slashed

The Boatmen have reduced Season Ticket Prices for next season & are offering a very attractive "Early Bird Discount" for anyone buying one before the end of July!

With 21 home games in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier League this season, all against local opposition, including the likes of Salisbury, Winchester City & local rivals, Folland Sports... there is bound to be increased interest in watching games at the Silverlake Arena.  Therefore, the best value to be had is to purchase a season ticket.

An Adult purchasing an early bird season ticket will see 21 games for just £3.33 each (£70 early bird).  A saving of £35 from paying game by game.  You can even miss 5 or 6 home games & still not lose out financially.

Someone who qualifies for a Concession Ticket (Over 65's, Disabled & Students) will pay only £1.67 a game! (£35 early bird)

To encourage more kids to non-league local football, we are offering the fantastic deal of a "Quid for a Kid" all season, if you buy an early bird U16 season ticket.  21 games for £21! 

U12's get Free admission (with a fee paying adult) at every game, therefore do not require a Season Ticket.

We also hope to schedule some home games on Friday nights.  So you can watch Sholing on the Friday and Saints on the Saturday.

To book your 2015/16 Season Ticket, download THIS FORM and follow the instructions.  If you have any queries, please email secretary@sholingfc.com

12 June - Sholing Welcome 4 new faces

Sholing boss Dave Diaper has been busy building the squad for next season with four new signings to go along with securing many of our existing players. 

The new faces at the Silverlake Arena next season are: Jamie Bulpitt, a 20 year old Midfielder who was with AFC Totton last season.  James Davis, a 25 year old forward who joins us from Lymington Town. Jack Shiner, a 19 year old Midfielder who started at Southampton FC's academy before moving to Eastleigh FC.  Lewis Kelly, a 24 year old Londoner & forward.

The early signings of Jordan Brooks, Dan Dove & Owen Roundell were swiftly followed by Alex Sawyer & Captain Byron Mason. We are pleased to announce that more of last season’s squad have put pen to paper as well. They are Tobi Adekunle, Rory Anderson, Pete Castle, Marvin McLean, Dan Miller, Les Mwenze, Sam Olaofe and Jack Smith. With other 1st Team squad members currently away, Dave Diaper will meet up with them on their return.

Sholing commence our pre-season training on Tuesday 23rd June at 7:00 pm at the Silverlake Arena before starting our pre-season friendlies on Saturday 11th July Liss Athletic (a), Saturday 18th July Cove (a), Saturday 25th July Arundel (a), Saturday 1st August South Park (Reigate) (a) before finishing with a home game on Tuesday 4th August against Wessex League Champions Petersfield Town.

Matchday prices have also been set for the season at: Adults £5, Concessions £3, U16’s £2, U12's Free.  Season ticket prices will be announced shortly.

We are looking for matchday volunteers or people to join the committee. If you are interested in either, please email Greg at: secretary@sholingfc.com

SilverlakePitchJune15

10 June - Chris Lewis receives SDFA award

ChrisLewisSDFAAt the Southampton District Football Association AGM, Chris Lewis followed in her husband Trevor Lewis footsteps when she was presented with the SDFA Long Service award for over 15 years service to Sholing FC. In fact, Chris is in her 25th season at the Club. Chris received her award from Chairman Terry Windibank, just 4 days after Trevor Lewis had received his HFA Long service award at St Mary's.

Chris joined the Club in 1990 where she took on the role of looking after the bar and washing the kits. She then progressed to the role as Assistant Secretary to Arthur Fox and then Colin Chamberlain. During the 90’s she was also responsible for preparing food for the teams and running the matchday catering. Between 2005 & 2010 she was responsible for preparing the matchday programme and got Sholing on the internet with our first website. Currently she is the minutes Secretary for committee meetings and hosts the hospitality in the matchday lounge.

Also, congratulations to Vospers & Sholing stalwart, Bill Beaney for his long service award from SDFA.  Good luck to Bill for a successful knee operation this week.

7 June - Trevor Lewis receives Hampshire FA Award

Boatmen legend, Trevor Lewis, picked up a well deserved award for services to local football at the Hampshire FA Annual awards last night.  The event was held at St Mary's Stadium, with ex-Saints & England player, Mark Wright, the Guest speaker.  Trevor's award was for 25 years service, but in fact, he's been at the club for double that, first joining as a player in 1965.  We were called Thorneycroft FC back in those days, but through all the name changes, Trevor has been here as player, manager, general manager, vice-chairman and chairman.   He remains an active & valued member of the club committee and attends nearly all Sholing games home & away with his lovely wife, Chris.

Here are photos of Trevor picking up his award and being congratulated by Mark Wright.  Also at the awards last night was Sholing Youth Chairperson, Carly Kinsey, who picked up an award of behalf of Eastleigh Mini Soccer League.  Thanks to Greg Dickson for the photos

TrevorLewisAward

 

5 June - Wyvern League AGM News

A proposal to split the Wyvern League into two regional divisions (East & West) was voted down at the League AGM last night.  Therefore, Sholing Development Squad will continue to play in the Wyvern Premier Division next season, with a reconstituted 1st Division in the league below. 

Joining us in the Premier League will be : AFC Portchester, AFC Totton, Bemerton Heath Harlequins, Dorchester Town, Moneyfields, Petersfield Town, Ringwood Town, Team Solent, US Portsmouth, Wimborne Town and Winchester City.

In Division 1 will be : AFC Stoneham, Alton Town, Bashley, Downton, Fawley, Hythe & Dibden, Laverstock & Ford, Lymington Town, Tadley Calleva, Romsey Town, Verwood Town, Alresford Town and Totton & Eling.

There is a possibility of further additions, with Salisbury one of the rumours doing the rounds.

After winning the League 3 seasons in a row, the Boatmen narrowly missed out in April to AFC Portchester, but will be determined to regain our crown next season.  However, the bigger picture is to develop local talent from the club's successful Youth system to enable them to bridge the gap to the First Team.  As the likes of Byron Mason, Mike Carter, Lee Wort, Alex Sawyer and most recently, Owen Roundell, have proved, if you're good enough, you'll get a chance at Sholing.

Season will kick off on Saturday 15th August

 

1 June - Alex Sawyer & Byron Mason sign

AlexSawyerSigns1Alex Sawyer has put pen to paper to pledge himself to the Boatmen for another season.  The Supporters player of the season had attracted interest from a number of other clubs, including Southern League ones, after an impressive season in the heart of the Sholing midfield. 

However, having come through the ranks at Sholing, Alex has stayed loyal and will hopefully be joined by a few more familiar faces and perhaps some new ones in the coming days & weeks.

 

 

ByronMasonSignsByron Mason was next to sign on the dotted line.  The club Captain & talisman, was also approached by several clubs after the end of the season, but he said : "I'm going nowhere, I have a new baby on the way so this is ideal for me and the family"

As Byron closes in on 400 appearances for the Boatmen, his signing and that of Alex Sawyer are a big boost the club following our enforced demotion from the Southern League.

 

28 May - TJ moves on up

TJ Cuthbertson has signed for Conference South Gosport Borough. The versatile defender was snapped up by Gosport after an impressive season for Sholing where he picked up two awards. One as Dave Diaper's player of the season and also his fellow teammates choice for best player.  TJ joined us from Blackfield & Langley in the back half of the 2013/14 season, but it was last season where he established himself, not only at right back, but also in the centre of defence when called upon.  He barely missed a game all season and always gave 100%.

Everyone at Sholing FC wish TJ all the best at his new club.

13 May - Four players pledge their future to Sholing

Sholing have had much success over the years developing players from a very early age. The youth set up has been paramount to the success of the Adult sides for a number of seasons.  Formerly Dave Fear & Gavin Dobson successfully produced players who have gone on to further their careers at a higher level like Lee Wort & Mike Carter.

Chairman/Manager Dave Diaper has benefited from these players development in the past, on the other hand he is desperate to move on with the ground development and turn the Community Club into a worthwhile venue to help benefit every player in the club right down to the under 7’s. We currently have a very successful Saturday mini soccer school run by Kevin Brewster and his coaches. At the moment we are frustrated in the fact that we can’t move forward as fast as we would like to.

Last Saturday the club hosted its end of season presentation night and it was obvious that development was the key word everyone was using. Firstly, Reserve Manager Martin Tongs spoke articulately about the youthfulness of his current side with many of the players around 17 years of age and how they have developed up through the u16’s and is relishing the opportunity to take charge of the side again next season. Then Chairman Dave Diaper and Vice Chairman Gerry Roberts both spoke of Sholing FC being one and wanted the Reserves to be known more of a Development squad than a reserve side. Everyone was reminded that the reserve side still had one more match left to play in the John Stimpson Memorial Shield against AFC Totton. Sholing youngsters were able to put their misery of losing the Wyvern Challenge Cup Final five days earlier at Winchester City by beating AFC Totton by 1-0 at Romsey Town.

RoundallDoveBrooks

With the development of the club the main focus 24 hours later were highlighted when 20 year old Tobi Adekunle confirmed he would be staying in Southampton for another 12 months and is eager to prove himself at the Silverlake Arena. This was swiftly followed by 18 year old centre back, Owen Roundell,19 year old Midfielder Dan Dove and 17 year old goalkeeper Jordan Brooks committing themselves to stay at the club for the next two seasons. Dave Diaper said the key to the future success of the club can benefit immensely from within the infrastructure we currently have and that players are developed through the development squad. He likes to think we can produce another Lee Wort or Mike Carter soon and raise the awareness of our successful setup on the East side of Southampton.

10 May - End of Season Award Winners

  • Supporters player of the Season : Alex Sawyer
  • Top scorer : Daniel Mason
  • Young Player : Owen Roundell
  • Manager's Player : TJ Cuthbertson
  • Players Player : TJ Cuthbertson
  • Development Squad Top Scorer : Macaully Smith
  • Manager's Player : Dan Dove
  • Players Player : Josh Oxlade

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