With the new season fast approaching, it would seem like a good time to give you an update on how the club is progressing……..
It’s just over two years now since the merging of the Sutton Rangers (youths) and Mepal Sports (adults), and we’ve well and truly settled into our new identity. Last season was tremendously successful for Mepal & Sutton FC, for so many reasons.
We had a record number of teams in all competitions, with youth teams in 8 out of 10 age groups. Teams including: 8 mixed teams, 2 dedicated girls teams, a Ladies team in the Alan Boswell League, 2 men’s teams in the Cambs County League, and a fantastic new Sunday side.
The younger sides in the mini-soccer leagues seem really popular at the moment. Just two years ago we had a single U9 team. Such was the interest in that age group, we’ve now formed 3 teams from that one side alone! Add to that a new U8 team and we’ve got a full quota of mini-soccer teams from U8 to U11.
There were several promotions in the colts league teams, the U12’s, U14’s and U15’s, all earning promotion with the U14’s topping their division.
The men’s Sunday team also achieved promotion in their first season. To top it off they also reached 2 cup finals, winning one of them and losing the other by a fine margin.
All-in-all a successful season that was celebrated in style at our annual, end of season event. Once again this was a roaring success in the sunshine and enjoyed by all who attended. Huge thanks to everyone who supported the event and congratulations to all of the worthy award winners.
For 25/26 Mepal & Sutton FC looks to continue it’s growth by adding a Veterans team. This team of legends (ahem) will be gracing the Brooklands on Sunday mornings to keep the crowds entertained with their lightning speed and boundless energy! Be sure to come down for a watch and (more importantly) share a beer in the Legion after the game.
The Sunday team have been nominated (by Cambs FA) to represent the county in the National Sunday League Cup in recognition of last season’s exploits. These lads have well and truly put Mepal & Sutton on the grassroots map, so please keep an eye out for these fixtures. The standard of play is about as good as grassroots gets, so well worth a watch. Your support will be essential in helping them achieve what we all know they’re capable of. Exciting times.
The numbers in the men’s Saturday teams look healthy again. We’ve made some good signings to improve some weak areas of the 1st team, so we’re expecting a significant push for promotion this year. We have players that are more than capable of playing higher up the league, so anything less will be a failure in my eyes!
The focus of our reserve team is always about youth. It’s main objective is to provide our younger players, and local colts players, with a pathway to men’s football. We have several promising young players joining the men’s teams this season so the future is bright. We aim to provide them with the encouragement and guidance necessary when they move up from Colts, into the early years of men’s football, before (hopefully) progressing to our first team & providing us with a conveyor belt of talent for many years to come.
We’re working hard to overcome some of the challenges that we face away from the pitch. Things such as rising costs for training facilities, ageing equipment and football kits, and the sheer workload of running such a big club, are all a constant challenge. We’re in desperate need of new goalposts & footballs, so sponsors (the more the better!) will always be welcome. We now have lots of pitches: 5v5 and 11v11 pitches at Sutton; 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11 pitches at Mepal. It takes a lot of work to maintain all these facilities, so any extra help will always be welcome.
We need to significantly increase our fundraising efforts so we’re looking to establish a seperate fundraising committee, which will help us to fund our dreams as a club, and provide our members with best facilities and equipment in the area. None of this can happen without the help of volunteers, so we’re desperate for others to chip-in and help. Currently we’re looking for the following:
- A coach for Mini Strikers – we’re looking to bring back this previously popular club for the little ones.
- Veteran’s team Manager – to run the new team
- Fundraising Committee members – to plan/deliver events & apply for grants
- Management Committee members – to help with club communications, social media posts, and pitch/equipment maintenance
- Sponsors – banners, match kits, balls, tracksuits & events. Lots of opportunities to help us while getting your brand out there.
Last but not least, we wouldn’t be where we are without those that already help us with their generosity, and those that continue to dedicate their time to ensure that there’s a game on when Saturday (or Sunday) comes. Your commitment is much appreciated.
Special thanks must go the Royal British Legion – who’ve kindly offered to support the club through their upcoming events, and also to ALL of our sponsors, supporters and players. As one club we are stronger together and we couldn’t do it without you.
On behalf of the MSFC committee, thanks for your continued support. We look forward to an exciting and successful 25/26 season. UTM&S
Jamie.
Chairman, Mepal & Sutton FC.