The Newsletter of Chester Nomads Junior Football
This news letter is sponsored by: The Mini Makery
Incredible, Edible arts & crafts adventures
Ellie and Kate deliver creative, “food-art” workshops to both primary and high schools throughout term time and school holidays, ensuring all children have access to nourishing foods. All of their ingredients are natural, healthy, and definitely edible!
When they are not busy championing healthy eating in schools, you can find them delivering their other passion; craft workshops for children. They collaborate with lots of businesses and co-host spectacular events to entertain and delight the whole family. You can also experience one of their magical birthday parties, or hire them to entertain children at your wedding/christening or a private event
Link to book tickets for upcoming events
To sponsor future newsletters please contact chris.bain@chesternomads.co.uk
Welcome to our second newsletter!
Chester Nomads Association Football Club
Chairman's Words
Football is back
The season has now begun in earnest for all of our junior teams, in case you are wondering that is a total of 37 teams from U7 to U18s. The work that goes on behind the scenes to make sure that all of those 37 teams have a pitch to play on at the weekend, footballs to kick and a place to train is absolutely phenomenal. You will notice a trend in my opening words: I'm always keen to thank the volunteers who help to run our fantastic club. Not a single penny is paid to any of us, we all do it for a love of the club and to make sure all of those 37 teams are able to play every weekend.
We still have a number of voluntary positions that people can help with, there is absolutely no obligation for any role and if you think you may be interested then please drop me an email, every single person that volunteers makes a huge difference. We are always looking for fundraising volunteers, even if it's just within your own team. If you think you can help then please let your team manager know?
I do have some exciting news to share for all in the junior section, on the 18th November Club Legends will be on site to photograph all our players, further details are listed below. All photos can be purchased and a small % commission will be returned to the club from all sales made, an easy win for the club and a chance for some memories to be captured
On a slightly less positive note I must comment that the first junior get together held on Friday 15th September wasn't as well attended as we had hoped. Although we managed to cover costs we didn't make any money from the event and more importantly we had less people in the club to see what fantastic facilities we have available. I cannot stress enough how important it is for us to fundraise to help cover costs, if you have any feedback then please just drop me an email and I will get back to you.
As you read further on you will see there are some changes happening in the club, Alex retiring is a huge change after all his years of service. This leaves a gap that as directors we need to make sure is filled by the right person, to ensure that our grounds are kept to the same standard that Alex has maintained over the years.
Chris Bain
Junior Chairman
Club Legends Photo Day - 18th November 2023
How it works
All teams will be given a time slot
All players to arrive in club kit
Approximately 1 minute per player required for photographs
All images are then redesigned to include club colours and badge
Within 7 days each parent will be sent a secure code to log in and view and or purchase photos
Prices start from £10 with no obligation to purchase
Ideal Xmas present for grandparents?
Click on the picture below to visit the club legends website
So long, but not quite farewell (just yet)
After 20+ years of service, our groundsman Alex (Keggy) Kegg has decided it's time to hang up his mower, retire the roller and put away the wickets for the last time. Alex has not only looked after all the grounds at the club but he also played on them too, turning out for the cricket first eleven for over 30 years with outstanding success
Alex first joined the club in 1994 and initially was tasked with making sure the grounds of Boughton Hall looked as fantastic as they do today. In the last few years the remit was expanded to include the Garrison ground. This has meant Alex towing a mower on a trailer across Chester on a weekly basis to ensure the pitches are prepped and ready.
I'm sure we can all agree that the pitches we have at both grounds are in fantastic condition and that is a testament to Alex's ongoing hard work and dedication to the club. Although he has now retired he has committed to looking after the Garrison over the winter months whilst we try and find a replacement. Tom Evans will look after Boughton Hall during this same period.
All the best to you Keggy, enjoy your retirement and thank you for your years of service to our club
P.S. Don't enjoy retirement too much, you've still got the Garrison to cut this winter!!
P.P.S. Did you know that as well as preparing fantastic pitches and wickets and also playing first eleven cricket, Alex also enjoyed a spell as first team goalkeeper in the mid 90's!?
Picture of Keggy preparing his last wicket at Boughton Hall
Chester Marathon 2023
Chester Nomads has always been known for its strong community spirit and once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering positive relationships within the city by participating as volunteers in the annual Chester Marathon. An annual tradition for the club since 2011
This year, Chester Nomads continued their tradition of supporting the Chester Marathon by providing volunteers to manage a crucial water station along the marathon route. The enthusiasm of these volunteers was truly commendable. They braved the Sunday morning hours, ensuring that runners were well-hydrated and motivated to push through the gruelling 26.2-mile race.
What made this year's contribution even more exceptional was the sheer number of volunteers from Chester Nomads. Having over 30 individuals come together to support the marathon is a testament to the strong sense of unity and camaraderie within the club. Their presence not only benefited the runners but also added a vibrant and supportive atmosphere to the race.
I think all involved can agree that the Chester Nomads had a fantastic time participating in this event. Their energy and positive attitude were infectious, spreading a sense of joy and encouragement to both the runners and fellow volunteers. The experience was not only about service but also about having a great time while doing so.
As Chester Nomads looks ahead, they eagerly anticipate the opportunity to continue supporting the Chester Marathon in the future. The club's dedication to volunteering at the marathon serves as a shining example of how sports and community can blend seamlessly to create a positive and uplifting environment for all involved. Well done Chester Nomads
A huge thank you must got to Aaron Wilton-King our very own Grounds & Pitch Co-ordinator, it appears that Aaron can not only coordinate football pitches but also a fantastically enthusiastic band of marathon volunteers. Well done Aaron and volunteers
Volunteering Opportunities
Please don't just scroll on past, our club always needs more volunteers, every single role helps in some way to keep the club running
Health & Safety
Do you work in H&S or have previous experience in a role? We need someone to help with ongoing H&S inspections and risk assessments. Suggested time allocation of a couple of hours a month. You will also get to work directly with myself which must be seen as a bonus? (Tumbleweed blowing...)
Email – chris.bain@chesternomads.co.uk
Pitch Coordinators
In your role as a Pitch Coordinator, you will collaborate with team coaches to schedule junior football matches, the role is split between 4 different sections so there would be a maximum of 9 teams per person
Full training will be provided on how to use the system and manage bookings and it is envisaged that the role will take no more than 15-30 minutes per week, all of which is online. No previous experience necessary
Email – aaron.wilton-king@chesternomads.co.uk
Social Media
Do you know your Facebooks from your X? We’re looking for someone to update our social media and increase engagement across all our platforms. Encourage managers to provide updates, interact with local and national accounts and generally just help to promote our club
Email – chris.bain@chesternomads.co.uk
Welfare Officer
We are looking for someone to help out our existing welfare officer to ensure compliance across all our teams. The role would involve attending training sessions and interacting with coaches, parents and children. Full training would be given and a background in education or public office would be advantageous but not absolutely necessary
Email – Welfare@chesternomads.co.uk
Fundraising
We are always on the lookout for more people to join our fundraising team. We always have a steady stream of ideas but we also need some people to ‘do the doing’. If you are passionate and enthusiastic about our club and want it to thrive then please get in touch.
Email – juniormembers@chesternomads.co.uk
Grants & Sustainability
We are looking to form a group that encompasses the whole club including cricket and senior football. We need to ensure that we maximise any grants that we apply for and are aware of any future projects within the club that would be eligible for funding. This role would involve working with members of the board from other sections of the club, if you are interested then please contact me in the first instance
Email – chris.bain@chesternomads.co.uk
Our Teams in Action over the last few months - scroll to view more photos
Read Our Blogs
Team in focus
Team Focus: U8 Lions
Coaches: Dan O’Donnell, Steve Connah
How long have you been involved: I’ve been involved since the very start at u7’s. Having coached at Princes Villa in Ellesmere Port I was really keen to get my boys to Chester Nomads when they started playing. Steve and his son Theo have joined this season as we’ve moved into u8’s and are a great family to have involved.
The Team: a strong and competitive side as we proved last year and through summer tournaments, but even with new players joining this season the boys are a great group of friends and the parents are an incredibly keen, patient and supportive bunch
Supporting Volunteers: all the parents do a great job of helping - goals, warm ups, lift shares, bacon butties and brews; they all chip in where they can. Special mention to the teams social secretaries Lauren Connah and Natasha Ward for helping to bring children and parents together!
Sponsor: Yokogawa. Sourced for the whole age group (4 teams) by fellow coach Kev Warren from u8’s Leopards
Your favourite thing about the club: : Facilities. Having spent too many years clearing too many items off pitches that were barely playable and with no toilet or wash facilities - what’s on offer at The Garrison and Boughton Hall is the envy of most clubs throughout Cheshire. Something we shouldn’t forget or take for granted. Amazing spaces for children to learn their sports in a safe and welcoming environment
Future Plans: Personally I’d like to complete my UEFA B License and Steve is working towards his Level 1. For the team, to keep the group of players together and increase their friendship and trust with one another ahead of adding more children ahead of 7v7 next season. Results wise the team have made an unbeaten start in Eastham League Division 2, so a move to Division 1 will be welcome to encourage their playing development
Football Boots Recycling Scheme
Bring them along to Boughton Hall and drop them in the box at the bottom of the stairs
Nomads Dads
This year the senior section would like to include a team from Nomads Junior parents in the annual Jewsbury Cup.
The Jewsbury Cup is an annual 11 a side competition that involves all 3 of the social sides and this years fixtures are proposed to be in December & January. If you are interested in pulling on your boots, having a game of social football and maybe even a pint in the club afterwards then please get in touch with Matt or Charlie
Matt Bithell 07470 478 756
Charlie Farley 07789 804 275
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Who's Who - Junior Committee
Matt Bithell - Junior Secretary
Hi Matt Bithell, kindly nominated by Baino to give a bit of info on me and my involvement at the club!!
In truth I’ve been part of the club since growing up, not officially though!! I used to live on Neville Road in Boughton, so from about the age of 12 me and some of my mates used to cross Whitchurch Road and jump the front gates on evenings and weekends and have a game on “Wembley” rather than jumpers for goalposts on the field that back onto Neville Road!! I can confirm that even then, the nets weren’t always put away
By day I work for Amey Consulting, I’m a Chartered Civil Engineer, Chartered Manager and NEC4 accredited. I look after a team of about 140 people in the North West and South West (Warrington and Bristol) and we manage the motorway network on behalf of Highways Agency, so if you come across bridge works, pavement works on the M56, M53, M6 and a load of cones out slowing you down….i probably had something to do with it!!
I’m married to an amazing lady, Jade, who teaches in Higher Bebbington. We live in Guilden Sutton with daughter Edie (12) and son, Travis (8). Both love football and is how I found my way into Chester Nomads. Edie used to play at primary school but gave up after school club as she was the only girl. When we then moved to Guilden Sutton (some 5 years ago), the school entered a girls team at a competition at Christleton High….and that was it. Edie had the bug!! We contacted the club and were invited down on a Friday evening. From there and under the watchful eye of a few club talismans the girls game at Nomads grew exponentially!!
It was then I spotted a familiar face from primary and secondary school, Linford Brown, a man of many Nomads talents!! After a couple of weeks, he sold me the dream….you could help coach the team “Only takes an hour a week”. I now Coach and Manage Chester Nomads U12 Jaguars, although could not do it without Neil Zarac and Jamie Renshaw!! I was taken under the wing of Charlie Farley about 3 years ago, and took notes and tips from him at Wildcats, Mini kickers whilst helping drag goals about. This season and now UEFA C qualified (which I’d recommend to anyone), the Jags are flying and it’s amazing to see such a wonderful group of girls blossom into fantastic people and players
Whilst walking the dog (Buddy) round the village I was collared by Chris Bain (Baino) “thinking of taking on Chairman at Nomads, "if I had a couple of little jobs would you give me a hand…only an hour a week”. And now I find myself Junior Secretary, which in truth I’m starting to get to grips with and it’s good to be able to give a bit back to the community. Especially being a local lad literally growing up metres from Boughton Hall
Hobbies and bits about me, I used to cycle at a pretty decent level around the north west of England, but my passion, the sport that I absolutely love is snowboarding…there’s no other sport like it. I’m a first chairlift to last chairlift kind of guy, have done a few snow park camps, some off-piste training and there’s nothing better than a POW day
Best thing about Chester Nomads….I'm going to say what you put in, you get out. Club offers such a diverse range of football, club, social. Kids want football, done!! You want football, there’s 1st, vets, parents of kids teams, done. Want to coach, you’ve come to the right place. Want to get fully involved and on the committee you’d be welcomed.
I’ve genuinely loved what the club has been able to do with my young kids….for Edie a real passion for football and aspirations (at 12) to be involved in the game at some capacity. For Travis, he’s in it for the social side of football, goal celebrations, hanging round with his mates….a bit of fun!! Chester Nomads and football has provided both those things, and to see my kids with smiles on their faces, telling me about the game, the goals, the tackles, the high fives…love it
My nomination for next months edition is: Charlie Farley
Who's Who - Around the club
Mustafa Muhashash (Musti) - Senior Football Chairman
I first came to Nomads at the age of 15, invited down by my PE teacher who I prefect for, Graham 'Angry' Anderson. His side was short of players and I was available. I played ok, 10 minutes in i hit the bar with a shot from 20 yards out, Angry, in usual modest way announced to all "i told he was good, didn't i?!".
Age 27 i was lucky enough to captain and manage the 2nds. I quickly saw the importance of channelling the talent of the youth teams, promoting 4 u18's in to my side, all of which went on to play West Cheshire and/or semi pro.
From then on its all been about getting the very best for everyone involved at Chester Nomads. I'm committed to ensure we're the very best grassroots club we can be! Whether it's developing young footballers talent or ensuring those that just want a run out, I'm committed to providing the best possible football for all involved with the club. And not just in the pitch, football for me extends beyond what happens on a pitch or in training, the club his the heart of it and for those who's playing days are behind them, the club and football still remains a big part of their lives and our club has a responsibility to ensure they're a part of it.
With the club in the eve of celebrating it's 120th anniversary we need to push now more than ever to continue the amazing work of those who've gone before us.
I'd like to nominate Rob Taberner
f you have any feedback on this newsletter please send to chris.bain@chesternomads.co.uk or phil.tucker@chesternomads.co.uk
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