Roffey Robins return to football pitch - and get a nice surprise too

Many of the kids were part of a team that formed via emails and WhatsApp groups at the height of lockdown, and only met each other when non-contact training in small groups could commence in mid-July. But they have bonded quickly and are making new friends.

Since then, restrictions have relaxed a little and competitive games at grass roots level have been allowed, and Roffey have now played several friendly games against local teams.

Because they are a new team the coaching staff have had to start nearly from scratch in terms of kit and equipment and several sponsors have come forward to assist.

Until recently the team have been training and playing matches in their own tops, which has meant an assortment of Premier League shirts running around a pitch instead of the all red of the Robins.

Kits were a recent addition and were seemingly the catalyst for their first win against Southwater.

A week later they welcomed ‘Southwater Royals’, but before the game there was a surprise for the kids. Zip-up training tops and rain jackets to help with the inevitable inclement weather in the coming months were purchased by James for Carpets Ltd.

James Essex presented them to the Boys and Girls prior to the game.

The team are now ready and raring to go for the start of the season which should commence on September 26.

* Roffey Robins are still recruiting boys and girls into their U7s (new Year 2s) for this coming season. Contact chairman Dave Wellbelove at [email protected]