abf2517753fe481583ac3604e1488414

U14s win Cup in impressive victory!

Tue, 16 May 2023 08:28:21 GMT

More trophies to come for this talented group?

It was the first final that this side had ever reached and the crowd, including our shark mascot, didn’t disappoint, making the atmosphere one that the team will remember for a long time.

We found ourselves one nil down early on in the game and needed something to turn the tide as the current was strong and without our solid defence and outstanding keeper, Sam, we would have been further behind. The moment came to equalise when a defensive error allowed the ball to run back to Albury’s keeper who was pressurised and missed the ball, leaving the goal wide open for a well slotted finish into the net by Miles, giving us the adrenaline rush that was needed for the remainder of the game.

Both teams battled on, fighting hard to win the ball but struggled to convert the chances. With half time approaching fast, someone needed to take the lead to try and settle the game a bit as it was too intense. The chance finally fell to George, outside of the box, who struck an absolute rocket to give us the advantage at half time.

A powerful half time speech by the Elstead coaches resulted in Albury equalising straight away, to make it once again a draw. The coaches should stick to their day jobs.

Game was tied and the possession was definitely favouring Albury until a foul was committed about twenty-five yards outside of their box. Up stepped Miles, to strike the ball over the keeper into the top left corner, resembling David Beckham’s 2001 free kick against Greece.

Albury did score a third but luckily the linesman flagged for an offside. It didn’t stop there, they threw everything at us, but we kept answering all the questions and managed to hold on to secure the victory and our first trophy.

It was a fantastic performance by the squad and a well-deserved win, all the effort that has been put in this season Paul and I couldn’t be prouder of them.

U18s in NEHYL Cup Triumph

Wed, 10 May 2023 09:30:09 GMT

Sharks finish with glory

Elstead Sharks U18s took on Headley in the NEHYL Youth Cup Final at Hartley Wintney

FC and won a tight, tense match 4-3. An early penalty put the Sharks ahead and we

looked the best team, moving the ball quickly and having the majority of possession, but

Headley's direct, aggressive style was tough to deal with and they equalised with a long

ball over the top and a nice finish. Headley were flying into challenges and giving away a

lot of free kicks, one of which saw us deliver a lovely cross that was headed in powerfully

by Joe off the cross bar. 2-1 at half time. Early in the second half we went 3-1 up with

another beautiful header from Joe, this time from a corner. Maybe we relaxed a bit, but

Headley hadn't given up and got more into the game. Another long ball resulted in them

bringing it back to 3-2 and shortly after, a speculative long range effort flew into the top

corner, 3-3. Still half an hour to go. Headley hit the bar, Elstead had a few half chances.

Headley picked up 4 yellow cards, including the coach, but Elstead kept calm and Joe

completed a hat-trick of headers with the winner from a corner.

A lesson in keeping yourheads when all about you are losing theirs!

Sharks Fun Quiz Night is Back!

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 10:40:57 GMT

Music, Banter, Fun questions, Full Bar !

Oh Yes! It's happening - the Sharks Fun Quiz . Officially the biggest event in the UK in May, after someone's coronation.

Leave your car at home as the alcohol will be flowing - a full Pavilion Bar along with drinks prizes.

Music, mayhem, fun picture rounds, brilliantly crafted rounds of questions (even if I do say so myself!), dessert auction, "sexy" heads or tails, banter and heckling - a perfect night out!

Come and see what all the fuss is about.

Only 12 tables of 8. Tickets sold in whole numbers of 8 only, so get a team together and get your chance at a medal!!

Contact me directly by message, Facebook or email for tickets. pauldavidjudge@gmail.com

See you there! Saturday May 20th

Sharks Fun Day - Saturday 15th April

183:813367582 (Paul Judge) — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 12:50:08 GMT

Thursley Road Recreation Ground

Keep the date in your diary - Saturday April 15th ! Timings from 10:00am - 12:00pm for the fun football stuff.

And the venue? Thursley Road Recreation Ground, Elstead .

It will be the Sharks Fun Day - the end of season celebration of all things Sharks.

Your team coach will be in contact with you nearer the time with details on your team's playing slot but you can expect at least an hour of football activity, a BBQ from 11am -1pm ,, a bar, soft drinks, teas and coffees, a sharks kit exchange for grown out of Sharks kit, witty repartee with your friends and the most exciting thing of all - a farewell and appreciation of the team by your team coach.

So come along and say thank you to your coaches, thank you to the barmen for your drinks and thank you to the BBQ chefs for your burgers and hot dogs. A whole day of thank yous!

N.B. Parking will be a major problem so please try to leave your car at home or drop everyone off and park elsewhere in the village. More details of this to follow nearer the time.

Look forward to seeing you all there - come and have a chat about Sharks or anything else you fancy. You can even buy the committee members and coaches a drink - we will let you!

Want a Blue Sharks Travel Mug?

183:813367582 (Paul Judge) — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 15:42:48 GMT

It's kinda funky ain't it? Get discounts at Cafe 172

See the post about Cafe 172 discounts on drinks on Saturdays and Sundays? Then if you want to take advantage of these you need to have a Travel Mug with the rather natty Sharks logo on the front!

These mugs are durable plastic and will last a long time - they are NOT dish-washer recommended however.

I will need a minimum order of 50 mugs for the Club to make this work - so if you would like to purchase mugs for yourself and your family please reply to pauldavidjudge@gmail.com with the number you require. If I get the minimum quantity I will place an order and get back to you for payment. Delivery time will be approximately 3-4 weeks, so order now for the start of the season.

Grab a discounted Hot Drink from Cafe 172

183:813367582 (Paul Judge) — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 15:39:20 GMT

Take your Blue Sharks Travel Mug on Sat/Sun

Great News! Discounts are back for Sharks at Cafe 172.

With the welcome return of Cafe 172 we are pleased to announce that upon presentation of your Sharks mug at Cafe 172 on a Saturday or Sunday you will get a 10% discount on all hot drinks!

That will keep you warm during the match! Or after!

You must present a Sharks Travel Mug - there are plenty out there and I have a few in reserve at £5 a pop. If we have enough orders to make it worthwhile ordering more then I will do so.

One mug per drink - in a few weeks it will have paid for itself!

Let me know if you want to buy a Sharks Travel Mug

Mini Soccer School and U7s Kit Sponsorship

183:813367582 (Paul Judge) — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 12:34:04 GMT

Thanks to Hey! Broadband for generous act

Some wonderful photos of the Elstead Sharks Mini Soccer School and the Elstead Sharks u7s were taken this week to celebrate the generous kit sponsorship from Hey!Broadband.

By sponsoring the Minis and the u7s team, Hey!Broadband have made a real difference in the teams looking absolutely fantastic in smart shirts, with their logo perfectly emblazoned.

I heartily wish to thank the staff and management of Hey!Broadband for getting involved in grassroots football in the village - indeed you can't get any further down to the roots than the Minis!

I wish you all the best in your endeavours in the immediate rollout of Ultrafast Broadband in the village. I for one, will certainly be taking up your amazing offer!

Sharks honoured at Surrey FA Awards Night

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 10:18:49 GMT

Club Secretary Paul Judge - Volunteer of the Year

Elstead Sharks were honoured on Wednesday 24th August at the Surrey FA Awards Night, when Club Secretary Paul Judge was awarded the Grassroots Volunteer of the Year.

In a lavish ceremony, attended by the bigwigs of Surrey Football, ex-players and the Chairman of the FA, Paul was presented with his coveted award by ex-player and football pundit Mark Bright.

"It was an honour just to be nominated for the award, let alone win it out of approximately 4,000 Grassroots Clubs in Surrey," said Paul. "This is indeed a reflection of all the hard work that the Committee has put in over the years to grow the Club from a bunch of lads and dads, some 16 years ago, to the 250 players we have now in both the boys and girls games. I would personally like to thank Club Development Officer Jackie Bisley for all the hard work she has put into the development of the Club and ex-Chair Peter O'Donnell for the vision and leadership in my early years as Club Secretary. And of course it goes without saying the biggest thank you has to be to all our volunteer coaches and managers who donate so much of their time to ensure we have a safe and fun space for as many kids as possible to enjoy this beautiful game"

The citation reads as follows:

" Paul has multiple roles in grassroots football; one is Secretary for Elstead Sharks and the other is Discipline Officer for the South Surrey Youth Football League. Paul is the heart of Elstead Sharks, his work there includes organising the coaches, managing registrations, fielding enquiries from new players, organising kit, arranging sponsorship and so much more. Paul has unrivalled energy and passion that drives him to give hours of time both on and off the pitch. He is the heart of the Club and without him the Club would struggle. At the start of the season the Club Chairman had to step away and Paul seamlessly stepped in to cover the extra responsibilities without complaint. He is the first person that people would go to if they needed any football related help or advice and is the connection between the Club and the local community. In his role as Discipline Officer for South Surrey Football League, Paul supports the League to manage match day issues and improve the experience for all involved. He is more than deserving of the award of Volunteer of the Year."

Elstead Rovers for ex-Sharks players

183:813367582 (Paul Judge) — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 09:13:44 GMT

Calling all ex-Sharks players at University

A great idea from the men's Elstead team - a casual team for all ex-Sharks to indulge in a few friendly matches when you get back from University! Time to meet back up, socialise, have a few beers and a curry maybe, oh and play some football too!

I hope my ex-lads will take full advantage - I would love to see them play again

Weetabix Wildcats at Elstead Sharks

183:813367582 (Paul Judge) — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 13:28:49 GMT

Girls football fun from 5-11 years old

We are delighted to announce that Elstead Sharks have been awarded a Weetabix Wildcats school. This was after a lengthy application and selection procedure that shows that Sharks has the right environment, coaching staff, structure and leadership to be selected for this prestigious programme. This is open to girls aged 5 - 11 years, with limited or no experience, to be attracted to play the game and get into the sport. These sessions are due to start in April at Burford Lodge on Sundays. Timings are to be decided. If you are interested or know of girls who may be interested please email the Club Secretary. Spaces are generously provided but limited.

Sharks receive grant for Pitch Maintenance

183:813367582 (Paul Judge) — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 13:51:20 GMT

Football Foundation 6 Year Grant awarded

After a long application process that involved sending photos of core samples of all our playing pitches at both Thursley Road and Burford Lodge, we are pleased to announce that Elstead Sharks have secured funding over a 6 year period from the Football Foundation to improve the quality of the pitches at our two sites. With the support of Elstead parish Council we are able to get some much needed treatments for all the playing surfaces, enabling a long term plan to keep the standards as high as possible. We will be able to provide fertiliser, herbicides, decompaction, vertical drainage and some much needed repairs to goal mouth areas. Along with the bore hole project at Thursley Road, we should be seeing lush green grass on our pitches for many years to come, enabling many players to enjoy a good game of footie!

Sharks Kit Exchange

183:813367582 (Paul Judge) — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 14:43:59 GMT

Hand down your outgrown kit for a larger size

We understand that for many people it can be expensive to pay for both Sharks registration and a new kit each season. Therefore, we would like to set up a system for passing on unwanted or outgrown Sharks football shirts to younger players in the Club, that may help the finances and help prevent waste.

If your child grows out of their kit, or no longer needs it, please could you pass it on to your coach, who will pass it on to Kate Clipsham-Miles (mum to Archie in U11s and Stan in U7s in Sept), who has kindly agreed to help run the exchange system.

If you would like to know what is available please email her on kateclipshammiles@gmail.com . Kate will also put available kit up on the Sharks Facebook page and run a sale at the end of the season.

Please note when arranging to obtain a used kit from any donations that you will need to ensure that the number on the back of the shirt is available to use in your team . Please contact your coach to let you know what numbers are available in the squad. The FA and the Leagues are trying to ensure that all teams have unique numbers and that there are no repetitions in the players on the pitch. This may mean that your child may not get the number that they would like. We hope that this will not be a major stumbling block to what will be a useful service to many families.

When picking up a used kit we would like to ask you if you would make a small voluntary donation to the Club.

Hopefully we can help reduce waste, raise a few pounds for the Club and provide kit for those who need it.

Sharks : a 3 Star Accredited Club!

183:813367582 (Paul Judge) — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 11:45:55 GMT

Elstead Sharks has been rated the top marks!

The FA has totally rebranded Grassroots Football. Out goes the old "FA Chartered Standard Club" and in comes the new classification of "FA Accredited". The processes are similar and we are still graded and judged on our administration, safety policies, coaching standards and other criteria as before.

We are very proud to announce that we have been rated 3 Stars - the highest level achievable! That means that we have to commit to the highest standards we have set for ourselves to enable your children to have the best possible experience on the football pitch AND the safest.

Lets all do our part - players, parents and coaches to continue to achieve this prestigious honour.