Sat 18/06/2005
BRILLIANT BRYN LOVES LORENZO
There's great news from Bolivia.
After a friend took him to a training session with semi-pro San Lorenzo, the club have given him a contract and he has started playing.
San Lorenzo play in a town called Trinidad (without the Tobago) on the edge of the rain forest near Brazil.
They train 5 times a week and play in a large stadium (8000 capacity).
There is a lot of local suport and each game has radio and television media coverage.
When I heard that his new teammates have nicknamed him 'Beckham', I immediately thought that it was because he's a superb English footballer, but my source corrected me. Apparently it's because he promises much and rarely delivers.
Here's a question for you.
Q?:What do Bolivia and Claverham have in common?
A: Just like Claverham, in Bolivia it's inappropriate for men to dye their hair.
Men with dyed hair are seen as iffeminite so, guess what, Bryn's had to shave off all his beautiful locks.
(If you read this Bryn, send a team photo back to the UK. Alternatively, head and shoulders shot will do)
Bolivian managers are obviously astute people because Bryn's contract means he only gets paid when he scores. (Jokes on a postcard to ....)
Bryn's debut game didn't start well. He wondered whether he'd blown his chance when he was substituted at half time, having been yellow-carded in the first half (probably for scorching the pitch with his blistering pace).
In his second game, Bryn shot to the heights of Bolivian stardom.
Having started on the sub's bench, Bryn came on in the second half to replace an injured striker.
Bryn's first goal was a "tap-in" but hey, they all count, and the money would have gone some way to paying the loan on his boots.
For his second goal. Bryn was put through one-on-one with the keeper and earned his fee more earnestly with a neat finish.
His team went on to win 3-0 and Bryn had to do a post match interview on Bolivian radio.
Now when Bryn walks through the town, he's immediately recognised by the fans and treated like a celebrity.
(Message from Tom - This doesn't beat having your photo on the back page of the Battle Observer)
Now, for those of you who don't believe in God, or those who do believe but think that miracles don't happen in our times, I just want to make a couple of points here.
Firstly, finding the only team in the whole wide world who would play Bryn having seen him train must have been an act of God!
Secondly, training 5 times a week in equitorial conditions doesn't seem to equate with the Bryn that we know, who struggled to go 3 times round the Library block on a cool Autumn's evening.
And, most significantly than anything... Bryn scoring a one-on-one chance...well, I rest my case.
Being serious now, what has happened to Bryn is absolutely superb and in those exciting moments of elation and those equally awkward moments of self-doubt, I'd like Bryn to know that Battle Baptist Football Club are with him all the way supporting him and encouraging him.
Remember your roots Bryn! The highs and lows of East Sussex League Division 5.The lows of losing to Northiam away and the highs of beating Little Common away. Let's hope that such experiences are valuable to you and pray that you continue to grow stronger and stronger in your purpose for Jesus.
And I pray that you come back a South American Superstar so that we can change your nickname from Beckham to Pele. We all love you.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Wed/15/6/2005
MEN'S BREAKFAST
The next Men's Breakfast is on Saturday 25th June, 7:45 to 915am in the Manna House.
Remember the last one! Several of us in the Football Club attended and enjoyed a great early morning crack!
I think it would be great if 6 or 7 of us can together at this event and support our Church. After all, the Church has supported our Club throught the year.
What do you think? Why not give it a go? It's only £3 a head for a super breakfast and terrific fellowship.
Give me a call or email me if you're interested in coming. Tickets are on sale at the office but it's easy for me to go down and get one for you if you want.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun/12/6/2005
BBFC AWARDS EVENING
A massive THANK YOU to everyone who came to our 1st ever Presentation Evening at Leeford Place on Friday!
It was a superb night...the best I've ever been to (and I've been to a few!)
Lots of people made their individual contribution to the night and they all deserve great praise for their work.
Our Football Club has been blessed with talented people who gave up their time voluntarily to make it a very special event.
May God's blessing coninue to shine on everyone associated with our club.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sat 04/06/2005
Message From Bryn
How are you all doin my guys,
Despite being the other side of the world immersed in the long hard struggles of a young christian missionary, - I´ve far from forgoten you all and kept upto date with results and club news. I was sad to see a couple of the final results hit my computer screen here in the amazon, however in retrospect the team has done amazingly this season. I can quite happily say its been the best season of football I´ve played in my life - that´s referring to the friendship and laughs we all shared as opposed to the actual quality of play!
I can´t wait for next season, I should be in Chester most of the year but any chance to get down I´ll be there. God has used this club so much this year and its obvious there has been some sturdy foundations layed for the future.
-I expect massave things next season so keep it up this summer - early start to pre-season training boss! Anyhow, in preperation for the few games I might get next season I´ve kept up the footy over here. Last week I signed for a local semi-pro team called San Lorenzo. They play tuesday or firday nights at the Beniana stadium, in Trindad. It holds 8 thousand capacity but is very rarely filled. Thats not to say it demands an army presence, lots of food and drink sellers, radio and occasional television cameras.
My debut is due next friday and it still seems abit of a dream. I´ve never played such a standard of football in my life! I´ve been placed in the starting line up each session before a game but haven´t yet been able to start due to ´contractual issues.´ I´m convinced they´re just being nice to me cos I´m two feet taller and wider than them all but we´ll see! We train five days a week - I take the weekends off. Anyhow I´ll appreciate your prayers and I hope to represent you all well.
Keep in touch,
see you soon
Bryn
Posted by: Steve Mumford
Fri 03/06/2005
APPOINTMENTS TO THE COMMITTEE
The following positions will become vacant at the AGM on 10th June.
Club Secretary
Social Secretary
Player's Representative
These are fabulous opportunities to join a successful and sociable Club Committee.
If any of these positions takes your fancy please talk to Gary, Gary or Jeanette before the AGM.
Over the last year the Club has benefitted enormously from having playing and non-playing members who meet once each month to keep the club business running smoothly.
If you don't think you can fill a position yourself, think again!
The level of committment is not that great when we can share it out between many. Experience is less importance than enthusiasm because there is plenty of help and support from other Committee members.
You will also have an influence over the decisions we make and the direction of the club (both on the field as well as off it).
In our very first year of football, we have formulated and developed The Club Constitution, Code of Conduct, Player Sactions, as well as developed ideas for social events. We have discussed team selection strategies, discussed and purchased equipment and resources, and managed our financial budget (including setting the level of membership and playing costs).
These are significant and satisfying achievements...and there's still great opportunity to build on this in the year ahead.
Why not give it a go for a year and see how you enoy it?
If you have thought twice and still don't feel able to commit, can you think of anyone else (currently inside or outside the club) who you believe would fit the bill.
THIS IS YOUR FOOTBALL CLUB!...ITS LONG TERM SUCCESS DEPENDS JUST AS MUCH ON THE NON-PLAYING WORKFORCE AS IT DOES ON THE PLAYERS.
Please give the positions serious consideration and prayer, and ask for more details if you are interested.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Thur 19/05/2005
Notice of AGM on 10 June 2005 commencing 7.15pm prompt!
At the AGM it is our intention to elect the officers for the club for the season 2005/2006.
Gary Williams, Gary Walsh, Alison Laing, Jeanette Howard and Steve Mumford are happy to continue on the committee in a similar capacity to that last year.
We need to appoint a Secretary and Social Secretary as both Katie Morse and Doug Turner will be stepping down from their current roles – Katie is moving to Cambridge and Doug needs to spend valuable time with his extended family.
In addition the committee would like to appoint a Players Representative to be a channelled voice for the squad.
We would like to make appointments at the AGM for these positions to enable us to plan next season’s activity together. The committee meets monthly through the football season and concludes shortly after the AGM until September.
If you wish to be appointed onto the committee could you please let Gary Walsh, Gary Williams or Jeanette Howard know by 27 May 2005. If you wish to discuss any aspects of the role then again please feel free to ask.
A vote will be taken on the night of the AGM for the election of officers and this will be on a show of hands unless others wish a secret ballot!
The other matters at the AGM will include a Chairman’s and Treasurer’s Report albeit the main review of the season will be made during the club dinner.
Any other matters that wish to be raised must be made in advance and submitted to Gary Williams or Jeanette Howard no later than 27 May 2005. There will not be an opportunity on the night to bring other business. If the committee feel that a further club meeting may be appropriate then this will be done.
Posted by: Gary Williams
Thu 12/05/2005
TRAINING TOPS DELAYED
The printing of the BBFC training tops has been slightly delayed because Chris Mammone is sending his back from Bristol.
On the last day of the season, I collected in 10 of the 16 tops sold. (Two of them were not named).
The delay means that it's not too late to get your training top to me if you haven't already done so. Please act quickly though.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Tue 10/05/2005
LOST YOUR PADS?
A pair of shin pads was found in our dressing after the game on Saturday.
If they are yours you can claim them back at your leisure. You know how to find me. But don't leave it too late. They're already starting to miss you!!
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Mon 09/05/2005
RETURN YOUR VOTING SLIP
All voting slips for the End of year Awards need to be returned to me by Saturday 14th May.
Tickets for the Awards Evening on 10th June can be bought from Doug Turner, Jeanette Howard or myself.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 08/05/2005
THANKS TO YOU ALL
Thank you - to everyone who has contributed to our first season.
Players, Committee Members, first aiders, spectators...you have all played your part in the a wonderful year and I appreciate your involvement very much.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Sun 08/05/2005
BBFC 1-5 BEULAH
Beulah Won the Neville Barnet Trophy on the away goals rule.
Urrrrggghhhh!!!
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Thur 05/05/2005
TEAM FOR BEULAH - Sat.7th May - Home - 3pm KO
Meet at Battle Rec by 1:45pm latest. I know this sounds early but there is much to do and much to sort out in this last game of the season.
Ian Nunn, Owen Davies, Gary Wenham, Gary Williams, Darrell Hartley, Andy Mills, Dale Scowen, Andy Frere-Smith, Dave Mills, Gary Walsh, Tom Frere-Smith, Richard Ahsam, Ben Garlick, Pete Cooper.
We will be playing rolling substitutes and the starting 11 is still not certain.
I know everyone will welcome the introduction of Pete Cooper in his debut for BBFC. Pete worships at St Helen's Church on the Ridge and has been training with us on Wednesday nights for some time. He is eligable to play because this is not a league fixture.
Steve Chapman is unavailable because of injury.
Gary Walsh is only part fit.
THINGS TO REMEMBER ON SATURDAY.
BBFC Training top to be handed in for printing.
Money for Presentation Evening Tickets.
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Mon 02/05/2005
SQUAD FOR BEULAH - Sat.7th May - Home - 3pm KO
Meet at Battle Rec by 1:45pm latest. I know this sounds early but there is much to do and much to sort out in this last game of the season.
Ian Nunn, Owen Davies, Gary Wenham, Gary Williams, Andy Frere-Smith, Darrell Hartley, Dale Scowen, Andy Mills, Dave Mills, Steve Chapman, Tom Frere-Smith, Gary Walsh, Richard Ahsam, Ben Garlick, Sean Tottman.
It's the LAST TRAINING SESSION OF THE SEASON on Wednesday night. Let's see loads of people there. Training starts at 6:30pm and we're on the grass.
Don't forget to buy your ticket for the Presentation Evening (June 10th). Bring your money on Wednesday or Saturday. £20 per ticket. Cheques payable to Battle Baptist FC. Bring a friend or family member. A night of great entertainment and superb company to end the season in celebration!!
See the news about training tops (posted earlier today).
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Mon 02/05/2005
GREAT FINISH!
BBFC finished their first season of fixtures in Div 5 of the East Sussex Football League with a thrilling 5-4 win against Bodiam at Battle Rec on Saturday.
5 goals from super striker Tom Frere-Smith during a stunning first half display of accurate finishing was enough to see the Baptists home, despite a great effort by Bodiam who came close to equalising in the dying moments of the game.
For the full match report, go to the FIXTURES section and click on the score.
(See news item below re training tops)
Posted by: bbfcmanager
Mon 02/05/2005
BBFC TRAINING TOPS RECALLED!
Now we've come to the end of the season, we are recalling all 16 of the Prostar Training Tops that were sold earlier in the year.
At the time, the printers failed to print the BBFC ribbon on our emblem and offered to put the words 'Battle Baptist FC' on at a later stage for free.
PLEASE BRING YOUR BBFC TRAINING TOP TO THE HOME GAME AGAINST BEULAH ON SATURDAY AND HAND IT IN.
Be sure to put your name inside or ask for the marker pen to put you initials on the label. It's the only way to be sure of getting the same one back.
Posted by: bbfcmanager