Sholing FC News Archive - 2016/17


23 March - League Cup Final Details

Details have been released for our Wessex League Cup Final appearance against Baffins Milton Rovers.  The game takes place on May Bank Holiday Monday (1st May) with a 3pm kick off at AFC Portchester's ground.  Admission prices are Adults £7, Over 65/U16's £4. Sholing will be in Red & White.

Savings can be made by buying tickets in advance with 1 Adult & 1 Child tickets at £7 or a Family Ticket for 2 Adults and 2 Children at £12.  A hospitality package is available at £25 per person which includes a three course meal.  To book or buy advance tickets, please phone Greg Dickson on 07496 804555 or alternatively email secretary@sholingfc.com


22 March - Coach to Portland

We are running a coach to our away game at Portland United on Saturday 8th of April and there are a limited number of seats available for supporters on a first come first served basis.  Cost is £20 and if you are interested, please phone Dave Diaper on 07770 873555


21 March - RIP Cyril

Once again the club has some sad news to share as long time supporter, Cyril Cantello, passed away recently.  Cyril worked in the Electrical department at Vospers and was a regular at home and away games.  A great character, but a lovely chap, he will be missed by the club.  RIP Cyril


11 March - RIP John Alford

Club is deeply saddened by the death of supporter, John Alford. Quietly spoken "ArgyleJohn" was one of the original Ultras and although not as loud as some of his fellow fans in the Ultras Shed, he loved watching the Boatmen whilst also supporting his boyhood team, Plymouth.  Everyone at Sholing send our deepest condolences to John's friends and family.  We have lost yet another good one.


8 March - Corey & Sam move on

Corey Cherrett has joined Whitchurch United. Corey has seen his 1st team action reduced with TJ's return to the club and to see him continue his development, Diapes agreed that he make the move to Whitchurch for the rest of the season. Corey made 16 appearances this season since joining us from Alton.  Also moving on recently, was Sam Jenman, who made 4 1st team appearances at the start of the season, but mostly played for the Development Side.  Sam has joined Fawley AFC.  All the best to both players.


28 February - Planning Permission approved

Further to the below news item on the proposed new changing room facility, happy to report that Eastleigh Borough Council have approved the plans.  Our thanks to them.  Now begins in earnest the process of raising the money to build it.


25 January - New Changing Room proposal

An application has been submitted to Eastleigh Borough Council for a new changing room facility at the ground.  This is the first step down a road trodden many times before, and if planning permission is granted, the raising of funds will be the next challenge.  As most of our fans know, we've tried several times over the years to improve the clubhouse/changing rooms with a new building.  The current one dates back to the 1960's and is just not economically viable to refurbish and is costly to maintain. 

The application is a joint one with the Cricket, Bowls & Pigeon Clubs, who along with the Football club, make up the VT Sports Group who oversee the management of the ground.  The new facility will have two changing rooms for use by both Football & Cricket teams. Two changing rooms for match officials (as is required under FA regulations), a treatment room and a "club room" with attached kitchen.  The club room would act as a pavillion for the cricket club and probably a hospitality area for the football club.  All of these facilities are desperately required for both the Football & Cricket clubs to continue to grow.  Hopefully with the help of Sporting grants, we can progress these new plans and give ourselves and the local community a much improved facility.

The Planning Application is on the Eastleigh Borough Council Website here

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23 January - U18's play Japanese side

Sholing U18's took part in a prestigious international friendly on Saturday against Kagoshima United U18's from Japan.  The visitors are in England as part of a club anniversary tour and will be facing several Premiership academy teams.  They originally wanted to play Southampton's U18's, but that wasn't possible, so Sholing stepped in.  With the Universal Stadium pitch frozen, the game was switched at short notice to the 3G at Test Park (thanks to Paul Warrilow & Greg Dickson for sorting).  The game itself was a close fought affair, played in a good spirit with Kagoshima edging it 3-2.  They received a commorative trophy from Sholing Youth Chairperson, Carly Kinsey.

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20 January - TJ is back!

The Club is delighted to welcome back TJ Cuthbertson.  Dave Diaper snapped up TJ after he became a free-agent and it will be his second spell with the Boatmen.  He first joined us in January 2014 and although cup-tied for the FA Vase run, played a big part in winning the Wessex League that season.  That made it three title wins for TJ, his others coming with Blackfield & Winchester.  He played a full season in the Southern League South & West for us, being voted both the Managers & Players Player of the year.  In total, TJ has made 70 appearances for Sholing, scoring 3 goals and after a difficult month or so, he's itching to be playing again.

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14 January - Tony Court

Club is very sad to hear that long-time supporter, Tony Court, passed away on Friday.  Tony started watching us back in the Vosper's days and was a regular at home and away games, as well as volunteering his time during pre-season tidy ups at the ground.  A big lover of local football, Tony also watched Follands when we weren't in action.  Deepest condolences to his grandson Jack and to all his family.  There will be a minute's silence ahead of the home game v Winchester City on Tuesday


13 January - England U18 Call up

Congratulations to Sholing Development player, Jean-Luc Ramdin (wearing No 2 in the photo below), on being selected for England U18 Schoolboys.  After impressing in trial matches and a training camp, Itchen College student, Jean-Luc, was included in the final squad of 16 players.  He will remain in the squad for the remainder of the season, firstly for a friendly against Australia at the end of January, before taking part in the 5 nation Centenary Shield competition.  England will face, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Wales in matches spanning February to April.  A brilliant achievement & opportunity for Jean-Luc and we wish him all the best.  Official announcement here

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20 December - Darren Burdle

We have collected some of the many tributes to Darren, alongside some photos, on a new permanent section of the Sholing website.  They can be viewed by Clicking Here

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Sholing Football Club are shocked and devastated to hear of the tragic death of our First Team Coach and Friend, Darren Burdle. Our hearts go out to his Family and Friends, especially his children Dylan, Brooke & Connor.

Football seems so trivial at times like this, but Football was a massive part of Darren's life. One that he lived to the full. After a discussion between the First Team players, we have decided to go ahead with tonight's home game v Hedge End, in honour of our Dear Friend. There will be a minute's applause for Darren before kick off.

Darren joined Sholing from Follands in 2015 after many years both playing and coaching in local football.  A larger than life personality, his pre-match warm-up drills were always lively and although he put the lads through the wringer at times, it was always done with a smile and many jokes at the players expense.  Was no co-incidence that we started games positively as a result of his infectious enthusiasm.

We have lost another good one. We will miss you Dazza.


15 December - New Signings

Sholing are pleased to welcome Micky Hubbard & Luke Dempsey to the club.  Both players were signed this week and are available for Saturday's home game with Bemerton Heath.  The squad has been down on numbers for a while due to the long term injuries to Jack Smith & Pete Castle, so these new additions bring in both quality and experience to help the club for the second half of the season.

Dave Diaper said "I am pleased to announce two new additions to the squad, Luke Dempsey and Mick Hubbard have put pen to paper and both will be available for selection for our match this Saturday with Bemerton. Both players will strengthen our squad with Luke being a "proper defender" with a presence and Mick bringing the quality and technical prowess to create the chances for our front three. Welcome to Sholing, guys."

Micky Hubbard is a 30 year old Central Midfielder who is well known around Southern League & Wessex League football. Micky started at Hamworthy Town but will be best remembered for being part of the Poole Town team that won the Wessex title three seasons in succession, where he played alongside Charlie Austin.  Micky has also had spells at Blackfield & Winchester and most recently, Bemerton, who he will face on Saturday.

Luke Dempsey is a 24 year old Central Defender who started his career here at Sholing (when VTFC) in our successful Reserve team in 2008/09. Luke then moved on to Romsey, Hayling Island, Alresford & Winchester before spending the last two seasons at Andover.

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18 November - Derek Brewster

Everyone at Sholing FC are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Derek Brewster.  Derek was a long time supporter and friend of the club and a very popular figure throughout local football.  A senior steward at Southampton FC for many years, Derek was also a registered local referee and a big fan of Hampshire County Cricket club.

He would often help out his son at the Saturday soccer schools held at our ground, and we will always remember the huge pride Derek had, seeing Kevin play and win at Wembley for the Boatmen.

The thoughts and condolences from everyone at Sholing are with Kevin and all the Brewster family & friends.  

There will be a minute's applause before kick off on Saturday at home to Whitchurch United.


12 November - Family Day Video

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27 October - Worty's back!

Welcome back Lee Wort, who has rejoined Sholing from Poole Town

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16 October - Soton Senior Cup

Southampton Senior Cup Third Round Draw:

Hedge End Rangers Reserves v Sholing 1st Team
Sholing Development Squad v Hedge End Rangers

Possible the 1st team game is switched to the Universal Stadium.  Ties have to be played by 19th November


15 September - 500 up for Barry Mason

Barry Mason is all set to clock up his 500th appearance for the Boatmen on Saturday at Bournemouth Poppies!  He joins Marv McLean & Marc Diaper in the "500 Club", having joined VTFC 10 years ago after releasing himself from contract at Eastleigh FC. 

"Baz", who is 32 next month, started his career as a 17 year old at Salisbury, playing under Saints legend, Nick Holmes before moving to Eastleigh and scoring goals for fun for their U21's. That prompted them to put him on a 2 year contract, but Barry was unfortunate that the Spitfires then started to spend big in an attempt to move up the Pyramid when Paul Doswell was in charge.  Barry said "The signing of Justin Bennett pushed me down the pecking order, so after a chat with my cousin Marv McLean (who was already at VT), I opted to make the move."  "Ironically, Bennett then suffered a bad injury, but I have never had any regrets moving to the Boatmen."  

Barry started up front for VT and continued to bang in the goals.  He jokes, "for one game I was asked to fill in wide right by Diapes... and I've been there ever since!"   He played a big part in both Byron & Dan joining the club and between the Mason brothers, they currently total an astonishing, 1,142 club appearances.  (It's over 1,700 if you include cousins Marv, PJ & Marlon).  

Baz has been a huge part of Sholing's success, both in the Southern & Wessex  Leagues, and of course, the FA Vase victory in 2014.  In fact, it was Barry who got the whole thing started in the First Round by scoring the only goal in a tight 1-0 victory at Winchester City.  

Another highlight was the "Three Masons" when all the brothers scored against Shortwood Utd a couple of seasons ago and received a lot of media coverage, including the BBC.

Barry remains a big fan favourite and everyone at the club congratulates him for reaching 500 appearances for the Boatmen!  There will be a presentation at an upcoming home game (probably Saturday 24th v Newport).

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5 September - Zach leaves Sholing

Zach Glasspool announced on Twitter this morning that he has decided to leave Sholing.  Zach said : "Due to my back injury, I don't know if I will ever play again. I have decided to leave Sholing and pursue a different role. Thank you to everyone connected to the club. All the best for the rest of the season."

Club wishes Zach all the best for the future.  Sadly, his time at Sholing was restricted to 10 appearances and just the 1 goal, before a back injury flared up in the summer.  Zach underwent injection therapy, but it was seemingly unsuccessful and he was left mulling over whether to go down the route of an expensive operation.  Hopefully he will be able to pull on the boots again at some point.


1 September - Dave Diaper FA Cup Preview

Sholing v Havant 3 Sep 16Welcome to our supporters & those of Havant & Waterlooville, to the Universal Stadium for the FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round tie. Havant now play in the Ryman Isthmian league Premier Division, two leagues higher than us so we come into the game as massive underdogs.

It's national Non League day, so with no Saints game, we hope for a good crowd supporting Southampton's other team in Red & White Stripes.

H&W have got off to a great start winning their last five games and are at time of writing, 3rd in the League, so we know we've got to be at our best if we are to progress in the competition.

Lee Bradbury and his assistant Shaun Gale are no strangers to me as we have locked horns in various cup competitions over previous seasons. One game in particular comes to mind, when we got trounced at their place back in the FA Cup of 2011 4-1, let us hope we give them a better game today!

Last year H&W were knocked out in the 1st Round Proper when they were beaten 3-0 by Preston North End, so I am sure a club of their stature will be eager to repeat such a run and get the financial rewards of possible TV coverage. That said, we must have self belief in ourselves that we can cause an upset as our home form until last Tuesday was excellent with us losing only 1 league game in 12 months. So, we will have a right go to try and still be in the hat for Monday's Draw.

The FA Cup is a special competition and we will need your help if we are going to progress as I am sure H&W will be well supported by Fans making the short trip up the M27, so we will need your vocal support to give the lads a boost.

You will be aware of our problems with injuries and Holidays (don't go there) since the start of the season and Tuesday we had Barry Mason (injured), Jack Smith (injured) Zach Glasspool (injured), Jake Hoole (Holiday), Nick Yeomans (Holiday) and Kev Brewster (Holiday) all missing, so it is frustrating as a manager not having a full squad at your disposal.

I am pleased to say that we have Brewy and Nick available for Saturday's game so that will be a big plus for us, so let's give it our best shot and see what happens after all miracles do happen and after all this is The FA Cup!

Enjoy the Game, Dave

PS. We are hoping for a larger than normal crowd, but we are currently short on matchday volunteers.  Therefore, we appreciate your patience both at the turnstile and also when buying refreshments.  A reminder that our volunteers are unpaid & give up their free time. Without them, we simply couldn't put on a home game.


30 July - Dave Diaper Season Preview

I look forward to the new season ahead, and one thing for sure, the quality of the League has improved with the likes of Portland United coming in with a number of players in their ranks who have had Southern League experience. The League looks like it will be even more competitive this season with all the top sides strengthening and we are one of a possible 8 clubs who will be striving to lift silverware come April.

I have never been a manager to sign-on large numbers of players for the sake of it.  I would rather go for quality rather than quantity and this pre-season has been no different with the sole addition to the first team squad of Zac Mouland. Zac has impressed me in the friendlies and I am looking forward to see him work alongside Dan and Zach Glasspool in the near future. Zach Glasspool has missed most of pre-season because of a serious back problem and it really did not look good a couple of weeks ago. However, I am pleased to say, that at time of writing, Zach has booked himself into a clinic where he will be given an injection to hopefully cure the problem, Only time will tell, but one thing you can't help but admire, is his determination to get back playing.

One reason why I have not added to the playing staff is that I am determined to give youth a chance by encouraging young players already at the Club to work as hard as they can to develop their knowledge, knowing that they will be given an opportunity to play First Team Football whatever their age. Probably earlier than many other Clubs at this level, who generally sign on players with a proven track record and reputation, ahead of developing their own.

Style of play is important and is easy on the eye and I have been pleased with the way we got the ball down and played against Totton and Winchester. Hopefully, we will try to carry on with that ethos but the most important thing is to win Football Matches by whatever means.

The "OFF" Field Team is as important as the "ON" Field Team and i am pleased to say that Marc Diaper has been added to the ranks. Marc is well known by all and is still the longest serving player of the Club and he will Assist Me and Stu in what is a long and demanding Season.

Your support continues to be vitally important. Please support the Club as much as you can this season and encourage friends and family along too. It's important not just to the players but to the longevity of the Club.

UP THE BOATMEN!

Regards, Dave

We kick off the season away at Andover Town on Tuesday (7:45pm).  Followed by home games on Friday against Bournemouth Poppies in the FA Cup, then Cowes Sports on Tuesday in the Wessex Prem (both 7:45pm).  Come along to the Universal Stadium and support the boys.


27 June - New Kit Sponsor

Sholing have signed a three year deal with Whelan Pest Prevention to sponsor our First Team home & away kits.  Full Details Here

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24 June - Squad Signs up & Starts Training

Thursday night, 40 players from the First Team & Development Squad took part in a lively first training session of the new season.  Split into 3 groups, they undertook drills from Stu Hussey, Darren Burdle, Iain Calder and his Development Squad coaches. All groups swapped between the different coaching teams to ensure a well organised session focused on basic fitness, was as entertaining as possible (although the players legs may disagree today!).

The great news was that all of last season's First team have signed up again for another season with Sholing.  We also have a promising batch of U18's who will be hoping to follow in the recent footsteps of Owen Roundell, Jake Hoole, Nick Yeomans and others, into the First team reckoning as the season progresses.   Only face missing was Dean Faithfull, who has decided to take a break from Football. We wish Deano well.  There were a couple of trialists at training and time will tell if they will be signed on.  Also, a photoshoot took place with our new shirt sponsor, which will be announced here on Monday.

Below is a Gallery of Photos from last night, click an image to enlarge.


22 June - Wessex League AGM

A few items of note from Tuesday night's Sydenhams Wessex League AGM.  Firstly, Sholing will be away to AFC Portchester in the 2nd Round of the Wessex League Cup (we received a bye for the 1st Round).  League cup games now go straight to penalties after 90 minutes.  3 up / 3 down was voted for between Prem & 1st Division.  The full constitution of the Leagues are as follows:

Premier Division (22 clubs) AFC Portchester, Alresford Town, Amesbury Town, Andover Town, Bashley, Bemerton Heath Harlequins, Blackfield & Langley, Bournemouth, Brockenhurst, Cowes Sports, Fareham Town, Fawley AFC, Hamworthy United, Horndean, Lymington Town, Moneyfields, Newport (IOW), Portland United, Sholing, Team Solent, Verwood Town, Whitchurch United

Division One (21 clubs) AFC Stoneham, Alton Town, Andover New Street, Baffins Milton Rovers, Christchurch, Downton, East Cowes Victoria, Fleet Spurs, Folland Sports, Hamble Club, Hythe & Dibden, Laverstock & Ford, New Milton Town, Pewsey Vale, Ringwood Town, Romsey Town, Shaftesbury, Tadley Calleva, Totton & Eling, US Portsmouth, Weymouth Reserves

The introduction of Weymouth Reserves to Div 1 was a new thing for the Wessex League.  However, under FA rules, Step 6 is as high as a Reserve side can get. So, even if they were to win Div 1, they wouldn't be granted promotion to the Prem (unless the rules change!)

FA Cup & FA Vase fixtures to be released on Friday 8th July.


19 June - Thanks Tash

Club would like to put on record our thanks to physio, Tasha Bowers, for her service to the club over the past three seasons. Tash' was very popular at Sholing and on a number of occasions, went beyond the call of duty helping not only Sholing players, but the opposition and even match officials who suffered injuries.  She sadly can no longer commit the time to cover most of our matches, but we wish her all the best for the future.


14 June - Zac Mouland & Marc Diaper

A couple of additions to the Boatmen, one a new face, the other a very familiar one.  Firstly, Zac Mouland has been signed up for this season.  The soon to be 20 year old, impressed against us last season playing for Lymington, scoring twice in our away fixture. He can play up front or out wide and came through the ranks at AFC Totton.

Returning to the club after two years is club record appearance holder, Marc Diaper.  Marc stopped playing for a year after the FA Vase victory, but pulled on the boots again for AFC Totton last season.  He will primarily be assisting his father, as Dave explained;

"Marc will come in as a Management Support Role assisting myself and Stu Hussey in taking the Club Forward. I will be asking him to sign on as well as back-up, as I still have not seen a full back who can switch the play with a diag as good as him and he will provide good cover for the defense now that Dean Faithfull has decided to take a break from playing. He is also great to have around the changing room which adds to team spirit. Marc, like Stu, has a wealth of experience to pass on to the younger members of the squad and this can only be good for the future of Sholing."

Lee Wort, who finished last season with us, has, unsurprisingly, been snapped up by a club in a higher division.  He's joined Poole Town, who won promotion to the National League South.  We wish Lee all the best.


11 June - Golf Day

SHOLING FC GOLF DAY
Sholing FC Inaugural Golf Day is booked for Friday 7th October 2016 at Romsey Golf Club and it is proposed to make this an annual event. There are spaces for 20 teams of 4 (so 80 spaces available).  The day will consist of a breakfast from 10:30 then from 12:00, a Stableford Team & Individual format (Max. Handicap: Men 24, Ladies 36) followed by a 2-Course meal and Prize giving. The cost per team of 4 will be £200 (£50 per person)

The event has been organised to raise club funds and will distributed throughout the Adult & Youth Sections.

For more details and to book, please contact Ian Ritchie 07768 588526 Ian.ritchie5@btopenworld.com

To Download an application form, CLICK HERE


8 June - New Ground Name : "Universal Stadium"

Sholing FC are pleased to announce that with immediate effect, our ground will now be called the "UNIVERSAL STADIUM". 

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We have partnered up with Universal Plumbing Supplies based in Lodge Road, Portswood. The company owned by Jim Brady (pictured above between Gerry Roberts & Dave Diaper) were a first time sponsor at Sholing FC last season & the naming rights of the ground became available in May. Jim had no hesitation in coming forward to put his company’s name to the ground and offer valued support to the club.

Jim said: "It is exciting times ahead for everyone and the thought of helping a local football club was very appealing, also it will be nice to see the club do what they achieved back in 2014. Sholing is a good friendly family club and play very good football and it made it easy for me to buy into the club at this level and be a part of a club that is looking to move forward."

"Hopefully, with more local support from small business's buying into to the affordable packages that Sholing have to offer rather some of the large corporate deals other clubs rely on. With opportunities and ambitions Sholing FC have, there is no reason they can't follow on and become the next Eastleigh in near future. The Wessex League is the ideal opportunity for the smaller business's to get involve with and be part of a good level of grassroots football, so Sholing FC was ideal for me to join and I'm looking forward to help grow the club."

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Chairman Gerry Roberts was also delighted with the new venture stating “On behalf of everybody at Sholing FC, I am delighted to welcome Jim and Universal Plumbing Supplies into the Sholing family." "With the new name, The Universal Stadium, we are very proud to be associated with a local expanding company, who have the same ideals that we have. We all look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship”.

Sholing FC are looking to work closely with many local businesses in the SO19 post code and surrounding areas. If you feel this is a window of opportunity for your business please contact the Sholing Secretary on 07948 832944 or alternatively email secretary@sholingfc.com to discuss the varied package deals on offer at the club.

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7 June - FA Cup & FA Vase Dates

The dates for the rounds of the FA Cup and FA Vase have been released by the Football Association.

FA Cup – Extra Preliminary Round – Saturday 6th August, Preliminary Round – Saturday 20th August, 1st Qualifying Round – Saturday 3rd September, 2nd Qualifying Round – Saturday 17th September, 3rd Qualifying Round – Saturday 1st October, 4th Qualifying Round – Saturday 15th October, 1st Round – Saturday 5th November

FA Vase – 1st Qualifying Round – Saturday 10th September, 2nd Qualifying Round – Saturday 24th September, 1st Round – Saturday 22nd October, 2nd Round – Saturday 12th November, 3rd Round – Saturday 3rd December, 4th Round – Saturday 7th January, 5th Round – Saturday 28th January, 6th Round – Saturday 18th February, Semi-Finals (two legs) – Saturday 11th & 18th March, Final – Saturday 21st May


5 June - Wyvern League Changes

For 2016/17, the Wyvern League has been split into three divisions, East, West & Midweek.  Sholing will play in the Eastern Division, which is made of 13 clubs : Alresford Town, Alton Town, Baffins Milton Rovers, Bosham, Colden Common, Folland Sports, Hamble Club, Liss Athletic, Newport IW, Petersfield Town, Sholing, Tadley Calleva & United Services Portsmouth.  Games, where possible, will be played on Saturdays.

We welcome Iain Calder & Steven Ross, who will be taking charge of our Development squad this season.


1 June - Sholing FC Code of Conduct

IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ

Football belongs to, and should be enjoyed by, everyone equally.

Sholing Football Club is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for supporters, officials, players and volunteers. This applies to everyone, irrespective of their age, culture, ability, gender, sexual identity, language, racial origin or religious belief.

Sholing Football Club will not tolerate racist or sexist abuse at our games, be they home or away.

Sholing Football Club will not tolerate bullying, verbal abuse or physical assault.

If you hear or see any of the above at one of our games or on our property, please report it to a club official immediately.

Thank you


Latest News Archive :  2015/16  -  2014/15