Well the weather is now starting to play an integral part in the matches of the youth teams, we have lost a large number of games over the last few weeks as the weather has turned extremely wet and windy, though we have been very lucky that we have not had to endure some of the problems that the people in Cumbria and other parts of Britain have had to face. Please keep an eye on the website for updates to fixtures as those teams that are still in the cup competitions will almost certainly have their fixtures re-arranged as the cup games take precedent over the league matches. Please link with your individual team manager regarding the training arrangements over the festive period as I am sure everybody will want to have a break from football at this time.

The Christmas Party for the younger players takes place on Friday 18th December at the Bournemouth East Liberal Club, Holdenhurst Road, if you require tickets please see either Mary (secretary) or Kerrie (Under 9's) for tickets, there will be a buffet, disco, raffle and a visit by Father Christmas, only limited tickets available so get yours early to avoid disappointment.

I would like to say a massive thank you to all those who supported the Bonfire night held at Stanpit, we raised £140 on the night from both the penalty shootout and the drinks and sweet stall, this was despite a smaller turnout than in previous years, probably not helped by the weather but a fantastic result all the same. Special mention to those children who gave up their time to help by being a goalkeeper or by helping serve on the stall as well as those parents who supported their children, hopefully we can get even more help next year.

I hope that we will have some news early next year regarding training jackets for the players and coaches but our ambition to provide these as soon as possible can be made easier if we can attract some sponsorship, either on a team basis or as a whole club, so if you know of anybody with an interest in football or has a child actively involved with the Club then please ask them to contact me, we will try and get them as much publicity as possible and hopefully they can then see their name at football match every weekend over the season.

I look forward to seeing all of you at a match very soon and wish you all seasons greetings from the whole of Christchurch Football Club.

Mark Duffy

I would like to say a massive THANK YOU to all parents, spectators, coaches, managers but most importantly the players for the fantastic support that you are giving the Club this season, there is a real feel good factor within the Club at this time which also translates itself onto the pitch and with it we are achieving some great results.

I would like to thank all the adults that are supporting the Club with collection of subs, transport to matches, officiating at matches, supporting events, writing match reports but more importantly encouraging our players to enjoy the game, play together as a team and work for each other to try and win the game, which at the end of the day is the object of the game, but doing it in a respectful and sporting manner. I have attended many games this season and it has been truly uplifting to see the children play with such skill and determination in order to win fully supported by very generous spectators, lets keep this going.

All our teams are doing well but special mention goes to our Under 10's, Under 11's and Under 13's who have had a really great start to the season, the Under 14's are now starting to win and are three games unbeaten, Under 12's have won their last two games, whilst the under 9's are battling in difficult circumstances with a shortage of players and our under 8's are now starting to convert their enthusiasm into some excellent football helped by more players now being signed.

YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED as the Club is running a sweet and drinks stall along with a penalty shoot out competition at the Bonfire Night event being held at Stanpit, Christchurch on the 7th November, if you can help on the night please contact either myself or Mary Cameron or Tristan Chapman (under 10's Manager), all profits to Julia's House or if you cannot help please come along and enjoy the fireworks and many other attractions and help raise much needed funds for this great local charity.

It is proposed that the Club will hold a Christmas Party for the children on either the 18th/19th December, more details will follow but please pencil these dates into your diaries as we would like to celebrate with this festive time with as many players and parents/guardians as possible.

A reminder that all subs need to be paid on time for the Club to meet its financial commitments and that it is very important that we have up to date contact details for all players and parents in case of an emergency.

A reminder also that any player who wishes to attend a Wessex Premier League match at Hurn Bridge can do so free of charge with a paying adult, come along and support our senior side who are also having a great start to the season.

See you all at a match soon.

Mark Duffy