Ringmer AFC look to future - and are quite enjoying the present

After a successful first season at their new facility, the Caburn Community Ground on the King’s Academy site, Ringmer AFC are already taking the next steps to develop as a community club.

With four men’s senior sides, veterans’ team and ladies’ team, the club are looking to build for the future with a new under-18s team for the 2021-22 season.

The emphasis of the new youth team, to be led by Ringmer Rovers Junior FC under-16s coaches Rumen Petrov and Richard Barber, is to progress players to the first team, with a player pathway programme matching ability and experience to the club’s adult teams.

The youth team will train alongside the first XI with a view to enabling a seamless transition into adult football.

The team and supporters will share equal provision to that of the senior team at Ringmer’s new facility.

The Caburn Community Ground continues its development this summer with the addition of a further 75-seat stand and spectator balcony which will complement the state-of-the-art 4G pitch, two-storey clubhouse featuring bar, pitchside food service kiosk, six changing rooms and boardroom.

On June 1, the club will be holding an open trials evening for the new youth squad. Anyone in school year 11 or 12, currently playing U16s or U17s football, is welcome to attend. Prior regristration is vital. The evening will start at 7pm with tour of facilities followed by trials from 7.30 (alternative training evenings can be offered for those unable to attend).

For registration and more information please contact the club before Wednesday, May 26 at [email protected]

* Ringmer AFC thirds - pictured above, by Andrew Hazelden - ended their season with their fourth successive victory, beating Wivelsfield Green 3-0, securing fourth spot in a tough Mid Sussex Lague division three south.

An early change saw sub Sam Bines introduced and he set up top scorer Noah Simmons-Botelho for his 17th goal of the season. Bines opened his club account by smashing home free-kick from 25 yards.

The second half started with skipper Charlie Branton making it 3-0. Chances were spurned and Wivelsfield started to create a few too.

Good saves by keeper Stu Mouland and a good display from the back four maintained a clean sheet. MoM was Hayden Newell.

The young RAFC thirds have won praise for their football this season.