News


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Mon 26/06/2006

ESFL League Constitution!
 Check out who and where our teams will be playing this coming season.
Go to the NEWS section at ESFL

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sun 18/06/2006

TRAINING HAS STARTED!!
 Wednesdays...6:30pm ('till 8:30ish)...Battle Recreational Ground

Training starts up again this Wednesday (21st).
Naturally, we'll be putting emphasis on regaining some of the lost fitness that we've experienced over the closed season in preparation for September, when the 1st team start their campaign in Division 3 and the newly formed 2nd team begin in Division 6.

New players will be made welcome and are encouraged to give us a try.
Not all Battle Baptist players are Christians. The Club operates a Code of Conduct which encourages respectful behaviour and we do expect a high level of sportsmanship in the way we play.

There is a charge of £2 to train with us (half price for students, unemployed and OAPs). This goes towards the annual running costs of the Club and enables us to provide playing equipment and training materials.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Fri 16/06/2006

Awards Night Photos
The photos from Saturday night are now up in the pictures section under 'Social Events'. Also up are the photos from last year, which I found on my hard disk this week! Click Here.
A brief review of the evening and winners, with photos of the squad and Pete are in the Battle Observer out today.
Well done to all the organisers and winners on a succesful evening. See you all at training next week (6.30pm at the Rec).

Posted by: Steve Mumford

Tue 13/06/2006

ENGLAND V TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
 Hello England Supporters

On Thursday at 5pm England KO against T & B hoping to secure a place in the last 16 of the World Cup.

I'm inviting you to come to the Church to support the England team together with all your Battle Baptist Football Club mates.

We had a great time last Saturday watching the 1-0 win against Paraguay on the enormous screen in the Chapel (the biggest screen in Town)... ...and OK, some might complain that there's no booze on offer, but you can drink in the tremendous atmosphere with friends. Think what's important here! The screen is so massive you could almost be there in Germany!!!

Hot dogs are on sale from 4:30pm so you've no excuse about eating.

So come on...let's share the experience together.
If we do win the World Cup this year, we will look back on these times with wonderful memories!!

God Bless You

bbfcmanager

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sat 11/06/2006

AWARDS NIGHT
Thanks to everyone who did their bit to make Saturday a memorable and successful night. The food was superb (as we've become accustomed to when the Clive and Margaret organise it), and the entertainment was great.

Thanks again...I had a really enjoyable time - a fitting finale to a wonderful 2005/6 season.

Player's Player of the Season...Pete Cooper
Manager's player of the Season...Andy Mills
Most Improved Player...Dominic Fowler
Young Player...Tom Frere-Smith
Sportsman of the Season ...Pete Cooper
Clubman of the Year...Richard Ahsam

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sat 08/06/2006

AGM and FOOTBALL EXTRAVAGANZA!!!
Saturday offers to be a spectacular day.

England's World Cup campaign finally begins and I'm looking forward to watching the game at the Church on the biggest screen in Battle with all my footballing friends.
Get there early for your hotdog or burger and ensure that you get one of the best seats...it'll be a great atmosphere... one that we'll we'll be glad that we shared together. Come on England!!!

After the game it's all systems go as I head off to the Memorial Hall to help set up for the Club's big night.
Our Presentation Evening starts at 7pm with our AGM for payers and supporters. This is usually a quick affair - we'll be sitting down to eat at 7:30pm.
The bar is available if you want to enjoy a pre-meal social drink. A glass of wine is provided for your meal which will be served to you at your table by a team of volunteer waiters/waitresses.

We've had a fantastic season and have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for. The votes are all counted and there's a lot of anticipation about who has won the top awards...
...Player's Player of the Season
...Manager's player of the Season
...Most Improved Player
...Young Player
...Sportsman of the Season and
...Clubman of the Year
But look out also for some other 'unusual' presentations.

See you Saturday!

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sat 20/05/2006

Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile July 15th 2006
A chance for anyone interested to be involved

Forgive those who I mentioned this to at the last match but I know many were thinking about other things ...like celebrating promotion.

Sport Relief, which has been extremely highly publicised on the BBC, is "sports" chance to make a difference. It is held every other year alternating with Comic Relief. One of the biggest ways people interested can get involved is through the Sport Relief mile.

In 2004 (the first year the mile took place) I was contacted to see if I could put on a local event to match the large regional events. (sorry this is where the celebs go). The aim is to allow local people to do there bit and to save the pressure off the regional events that were bursting. I did put one on and have been once again contacted this year. I think there maybe a few more arranged due to the success but I have once again offered to help arrange another local mile.

This will take place on the Downs (next to Bexhill Leisure Centre) on the morning of Saturday 15th July. It will consist of 4 "waves". People sign up online or by phone (www.sportrelief.com) and this year with Sainsbury's taking on the main sponsorship, you cannot fail to notice the signs at their stores. People are encouraged to get sponsors alongside the entry fee (I think £1 children, £5 adults) but most of the cash should be dealt with by Sport Relief. This enables organisers on the day (in theory) to set up the course, set runners (walkers, push chairs etc) off in waves and give out a goody bag at end which includes a second red sock to match the one sent in advance.

I am not a massive charities person but wanted to give local people, especially children, the chance to be involved. For the event to be successful it is useful to have more volunteers than you need (stewards, race officials etc). This email is:-

a) To let you know the event is on in case you, family or friends wish to take part.
b) To ask if anyone wishes to help volunteer to let me know.

As a final note a few local clubs decided to run as a team with their families (in shirts) or arrange linking events in schools/clubs around the day. Again this is something else the organisers are encouraging as though there is a sports link the main aim is for people to do something to raise funds for those less fortunate than ourselves through the medium of sport.

Sorry for the long email - longer than I am normally on the pitch. See you on the 10th at Celebration Eve.

Posted by: Adrian Gaylon

Sat 20/05/2006

SAD NEWS

News came through today that Doug Saunders, the Secretary of East Sussex Football League, died this morning having lost his battle against illness.
Doug was a true friend of Battle Baptist FC having received and supported our enrty inot the League 2 years ago.
He has been a dedicated servent to the ESFL for many many years...I can't remember a time without him. He knew the rule book inside out and was always quick to keep everyone on the straight and narrow.
Doug spent a ot of his retirement researching family history and, on the day that I handed in our application to the League, I spent an hour in his company as he related all the work he's done to explore his family tree. He also spoke about the history of Battle and was especially keen to tell me about the development of the site where the Zion Chapel now stands - apparently it used to be a dairy.

Doug has also been involved with Hawkhurst Football Club for many years. Indeed, I last spoke to Doug after our 1-1 draw at Hawkhurst back in March when he seemed to be in good health.

Grass roots football survives only due to the efforts and commitment of people like Doug who devote hours and hours of their life ensuring that the League runs effectively. Whether we are conscious of his contribution or not, Doug was a big character and we will all miss him.

From my time with Doug, I got the feeling that he was a believer and as our condolences and prayers go to his wife and family let us also pray that Doug passed his final test and made his way back up the tunnel to heaven's dressing room.

A funeral is to be arranged and we will arrange for a representative of Battle Baptist FC to be there.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sat 20/05/2006

NUNNY'S THE BEST!!!
Congratulations are in order for Ian Nunn who has been voted as East Sussex Football League Referee's Assistant of the Season.
After each game the referee awards a mark out of ten to his two assistants, one from each team. We're told that Ian scored miles better than any other linesman in the League.
We all know Ian is a totally great fella and it's fantastic that his dedication and honesty have been recognised by the League.
Ian will pick up his award on Monday evening (22nd May) at the ESFL Anual Presentation Evening where the guest speaker is Northiam, Spurs and England defender Neil (Razor) Ruddock.
This makes it a hat-trick season for Battle Baptists, who will also be at the League's celebratory night to receive awards for Sportsmanship and Division 4 Runners-Up.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sat 20/05/2006

10th June Tickets
Please grab your tickets for our Presentation Night. We will very soon need to know numbers for the catering.
Tickets are available from Gary Walsh, Gary Wenham, Jeanette Howard, Gary Williams, Clive Mills and Ian Nunn.

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Thur 11/05/2006

Update
The site is now fully updated with the full season statistics for 2005/6.
While training has been stopped for the 1st Teamers to give them a (well-earned) break, we are continuing with it for Second Team purposes to improve our sharpness and organisation. Please feel free to come along if you can, the more second teamers we get there, the more we will improve as a unit.

Posted by: Steve Mumford

Tues 09/05/2006

LOST BOOTS
After the Neville Barnet Trophy last Saturday, I picked up a pair of football boots that someone left behind.
Rumour has it that they might belong to Doug Morris, feeling that he might not need them again, but I can't believe that's true. So if they belong to you give me a call - otherwise they will probably be passed on to a young Walsh who will loose them at school!

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Sun 07/05/2006

NEVILLE BARNETT RESULTS

Battle Baptist Reserves 1-6 Beulah Baptist Reserves

Battle Baptist 2-2 Beulah Baptist

Beulah win 8-3 on aggregate

Watching the Reserves game from the sideline yesterday I was impressed by the quality of our younger players. They played with great enthusiasm and put together some wonderful passing moves. All the 2nd team players should be justifiably pleased with their performance, especially in the first half when they held Beulah at 2-1 - this is the team that finished 3rd in Division 6 this season, narrowly missing promotion to Div 5.
Well done fellas!

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Thurs 04/05/06

Team To Play BEULAH I - Sat 6th May, 2006. - Home - KO 3pm

 

1.Simon Cutler

2.Owen Davies, 5.Gary Wenham, 4.Doug Morris, 3.Darrell Hartley

11. Dave Mills, 9.Gary Walsh, 7.Andy Mills(c), 8.Pete Cooper,

10.Dom Fowler, 6.Tom Frere-Smith,


Subs: 12., 13.Adrian Gaylon, 14., 15.Gary Williams, 16..

I would like the players of both teams to support each other. The 2nds kick off at 1:30pm so try to get there for then. We will KO immediately afterwards so you MUST be at the rec by 2pm ready for a 3pm start.

I've kept the same starting line up that began the 8-2 win against St Helens but we've agreed on rolling subs and I expect changes to be made at half time.

We've enjoyed a fabulous season and have nothing to prove. Beulah however, have struggled to score this year and they had to wait until late in the season before the threat of relegation subsided. I imagine they will be determined to beat us to show that they are the better side.

I have a relaxed attitude to the game, prefering to concentrate on the sportsmanship aspect of the fixture than the result itself. You know me...I always want to be competitive and this is no exception - no one plays to lose!
But I would be so disappointed if we let ourselves down with respect to our conduct.
Having come second in the League's Sportsmanship Competition, behaving brilliantly all season, I want to demonstrate to the spectators (many of whom may be church members) that we have a great sporting attitude. ANY misdemeanours would undermine our achievements and make it difficult to convince anyone that we are worthy representatives of Battle Baptist Church.

Doubts were raised following last year's games about the nature of this fixture and we aim this weekend to restate its friendly spirit.

The thing that will be most remembered this weekend is the very first outing of our second team. I'm really excited about seeing the team take the field, and even more excited about watching them play. I pray God will bless their performance and that all the players thoroughly enjoy the match.

Let's get behind them and give all our support and encouragement.
From 1:30 to 5pm we expect to celebrate a wondeful season with a truly fabulous festival of football.

DON'T FORGET YOUR MONEY FOR PRESENTATION TICKETS!!

Posted by: bbfcmanager

Wed 3/05/06

2nd Team To Play Beulah II - Sat 6th May, 2006. - Home - KO 1.30pm

 

1.Tim Nunn

2.Ben Garlick, 6.Steve Chapman, 4.David Nelmes, 3.Paul Ford

8.Chris Mammone(c), 5.Matt Lee, 7.Ollie Jeffs, 11.Loksan Harley

9.Josh Mullett, 10.Stewart Calderwood


Subs: 12.Ian Nunn, 13.Jack Hunter, 14.Gordon Lee, 15.Iain Henning, 16.Lu Hai Laing.

Meet at the Rec by 12.30pm prompt. Please get there as early as possible to help with putting the nets up etc.

Richard hurt his foot at training on Monday and so will be solely managing from the touchline on Saturday.

I know those of you who are subs will be disappointed, but we are having rolling subs and it is our intention to give everyone at least half an hour on the pitch.

Make no mistake, this is a baptism of fire (pun intended). Beulah will be very orgainsed having played in the league for the last couple of years. They conceded very few goals this season while scoring plenty, but they are giving a go to a new young keeper on Saturday so he is bound to be nervous. Lets have plenty of shots for him to deal with, both from the forwards and Matt and Ollie in the centre.
It is obvious we are not the biggest side physically, but we must make up for this is our work-rate and our desire. It is going to be hot, the ground will be hard, but if we come off knowing we have done our best the pain will soon go.
Tactically, we need the front two to keep making runs into the channels to receive the ball from the midfield, and Ollie is tasked with getting forward to add to the men in the box. Although Matt has more defensive responsibilities, his long-range shooting ability will have a big part to play. We have natural balance with two energetic full-backs in Paul and Ben who will support Loksan and Chris whenever possible. Steve Chapman is in charge of the defence and will make all the calls and provide lots of encouragement to his less experienced team mates. Tim had a stormer in goal at training tonight, and as long as we stay organised and together we will be fine.
Richard will go through any finer details on the day. Please play the game in the right way, the Vice-Chairman of the League will be one of the referees and we don't want to scupper our application for next season!
Don't forget to bring a pair of shorts with you if you have a drak blue or black pair as there are not enough of the old Calverham FC ones to go around.

Most importantly - have fun!

Posted by: Steve Mumford

Mon 01/05/2006

2nd Team Squad
After a very productive training session I am pleased to announce the following 2nd Team Squad:
Tim Nunn, Ian Nunn, Ben Garlick, David Nelmes, Steve Chapman, Paul Ford, Gordon Lee, Richard Ahsam, Chris Mammone, Lu Hai Liang, Jack Hunter, Matt Lee, Loksan Harley, Ollie Jeffs, Josh Mullett, Stewart Calderwood, Iain Henning.
I am sorry I cannot make the game but duty calls this weekend. Richard Ahsam will take charge in my place. I am hopeful all 17 players above will play some part on the day, and the starting 11 will be announced after training on Wednesday.

Posted by: Steve Mumford

Mon 01/05/2006

1st TEAM SQUAD TO PLAY BEULAH I - Sat 6th May, 2006. - HOME - 3pm KO

Simon Cutler, Owen Davies, Darrell Hartley, Doug Morris, Gary Williams, Gary Wenham, Dave Mills, Adrian Gaylon, Andy Mills, Dominic Fowler, Gary Walsh, Tom Frere-Smith, Pete Cooper.

The final team will be posted by Thursday night, following training on Wednesday.

I haven't included Ian Nunn, Chris Mammone, Richard Ahsam, Steve Mumford, Ollie Jeffs, Paul Ford and Steve Chapman because they are all involved in the 2nd team squad which Steve Mumford will put out soon.

We have decided that both games would be full 90 minutes games. The 2nd team fixture will KO at 1:30pm and the first team fixture will start immediately afterwards (close to 3pm). We have Dave Barden and Paul Hammond lined up as referees - I'm not certain which will do which game.

We've also agreed that we will be allowed to play rolling subs which enables multiple changes to take place if necessary but my own philosophy is that no one really benefits when lots of subs break up the play. However, my attitude to this game is more relaxed than most and I want everyone to get the chance of a good game.

Although there is always keen competition for the Neville Barnett Trophy, the main reason for the fixture is to get the 2 Baptists Clubs together in football and friendship. I'm as pleased with our 2nd place in the Sportmanship League as I am with our second place in Division 4 and I hope that both the good sportmanship and the good football is reflected in our attitude to the Neville Barnett Trophy. Neville Barnett himself will be there to present the trophy at the end of the day.

Cream teas will be on the menu afterwards and, although it will be a long afternoon, it would be great if you could get along to support both teams. We've oredered great weather for spectators!

The seconds had a great training session at the rec this afternoon in which they organised some set pieces so that everyone will know what's what. It's exciting times for BBFC.

Don't forget your tickets for the End of Season presentation Night on 10th June. Bring the money to the game on Saturday and get partners and friends involved too. It'll be a great night.

Posted by: bbfcmanager