During the close season we have taken some time to reflect on all the highs and lows of last season - the lows mainly being all the rain that came down, making fixtures difficult to play due to waterlogged pitches!
The highs included seeing the smiling faces of all our young players week in and week out despite the weather, some fantastic victories such as our U14s winning the prestigious Sussex FA County Cup, and achieving our club vision of getting over 150 kids playing football across Sussex every week.
The close season is also a good time to focus on our vision for the future of the club and to ponder what makes Chailey and Newick Colts such a great place for kids and young people to play grassroots football.
What makes Chailey and Newick Colts a great youth football club
Being a small club run by volunteers means that we are not in this for profit but instead every single coach and every member of our committee is here by choice - simply because they love football. And because they are all passionate about giving kids the opportunity to play the beautiful game in a fun and safe environment.
As a village club we are at the heart of our community and we try as much as possible to give back to the community by welcoming all kids to join us regardless of background, gender, religion, beliefs or postcode.
We strongly believe that football crosses divides and knocks down boundaries. On the pitch there are no differences as a love of the game unites our players.
At C&N Colts, we are proud to be an inclusive club and all our teams are mixed gender, welcoming both girls and boys to play together. We have kids from all over Sussex in our teams and great friendships have been formed off the pitch as well as on it.
All of our coaches are FA trained and DBS-checked and we take the safeguarding of our players very seriously. We have a Welfare Officer, whom everyone is welcome to contact at any time if they have concerns at all over the welfare or wellbeing of a child.
The benefits for kids of playing grassroots football
We believe that being involved in grassroots football provides a wealth of benefits and opportunities for young people, including:
Being active and promoting physical fitness
Building resilience and perseverance
Supporting mental wellbeing
Boosting self-confidence
Learning cooperation and teamwork
Learning how to deal with disappointment
Learning about fair play and respect
Developing new and existing skills
Social interaction and having fun
Nurturing connections and being part of a community.
Chailey and Newick Colts club ethos
At Chailey and Newick Colts we nurture young talent and enjoy playing competitive matches, however winning isn’t our main aim. Our club ethos is to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where kids can develop their skills, make friends and have fun.
Skills development
Grassroots football provides an excellent platform for children to enhance their technical abilities and develop their skills. Through our regular training sessions and matches our players can improve their dribbling, passing, shooting, and overall understanding of the game.
Teamwork and cooperation
Our coaches are committed to providing quality training and guidance to develop players’ skills to their fullest potential but first and foremost they focus on teamwork, cooperation and sportsmanship.
Through training and matches, our players learn to work together towards a common goal, communicate effectively and understand the importance of supporting their teammates.
These valuable skills extend beyond the pitch and positively impact many aspects of our players lives.
Physical fitness and health
Kids’ football is a fabulous dynamic sport that promotes physical fitness and healthy lifestyle habits. Playing regularly helps children build strength, endurance and agility.
By taking part in training and matches, kids can stay active, improve their cardiovascular fitness and develop essential motor skills.
Mental wellbeing
Beyond the physical benefits, playing football can positively influence kids’ overall emotional wellbeing and mental health.
The physical activity involved in the game can help reduce anxiety and serves as a fantastic outlet for children to release pent-up energy and alleviate stress.
Being part of a team and experiencing personal growth on the pitch can significantly boost a child's self-esteem. As they improve their skills, young people develop a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence. Successes on the pitch, whether big or small, contribute to their overall self-worth and help players to believe in their abilities.
Through challenges faced in the game, children learn to overcome setbacks, adapt to different situations and bounce back from failures. These experiences build their resilience, teaching them valuable lessons about perseverance, determination and the ability to overcome obstacles both on and off the pitch.
Football provides an opportunity for children to learn emotional regulation skills. The game involves managing emotions such as frustration, disappointment and excitement in a controlled manner. Through guidance from coaches and interactions with teammates, kids learn to channel their emotions constructively, control their impulses and make better decisions under pressure.
Quality of life and happiness
Above all, playing football brings joy to children's lives. The thrill of scoring a goal, the exhilaration of playing in a match, the laughter shared with teammates - all these things contribute to their overall happiness.
Engaging in a sport they love and experiencing the joy of play contributes to kids’ mental wellbeing, promotes a positive mindset and enhances their overall quality of life.
Social connection and support
Participating in sports such as football promotes social interaction and a sense of belonging. Being part of a team enables kids to form friendships, develop camaraderie and build supportive relationships with teammates.
Joining Chailey and Newick Colts provides an excellent opportunity for children to make new friends and expand their social circle. Our club fosters a friendly and welcoming environment, where kids can connect with fellow players and build lifelong friendships.
Personal growth
Grassroots football instils important values and character traits in children. They learn about discipline, perseverance, resilience, and sportsmanship - all of which are vital for personal growth.
Regular participation in the game helps children enhance their cognitive skills, improve concentration abilities and develop mental sharpness. These skills can extend beyond the football pitch and benefit them in academic and everyday life situations.
Fair play and respect
Our club emphasises fair play, respect for opponents and positive attitudes both on and off the pitch. Through playing football as part of a team, kids can develop integrity, leadership qualities, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Community matters
Being part of a small club offers a unique sense of belonging and community spirit. All our players become part of a close-knit group, supported by coaches, parents, and fellow players who share a passion for the game. This sense of belonging fosters a positive and supportive environment where kids can thrive.
Chailey and Newick Colts isn’t just a football club, it’s a football family … and everyone is welcome.
If you know any kids who would like to join us to play weekly football, please pass on our contact details: chaileyandnewickcoltsfixtures@gmail.com.
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