West Bergholt FC were recognised as ‘Team of the Year’ at the recent Colchester Sports Awards when sporting stars were honoured at a prestigious ceremony within Colchester United FC’s Weston Homes Community Stadium on Monday 1st February, the squad being congratulated for their performances in winning the Kent Blaxill Essex & Suffolk Border League and Cup double during 2008/09.
Simon Ashurst, Club Captain at their Lorkin Daniell Playing Fields base, described the honour as “a welcome surprise” as the FA Charter Standard Club continue their excellent performances with a 100% record, currently sitting at the top of the Premier Division. Bergholt lost only one league game and one other match last season on penalties in the Essex Saturday Premier Cup semi-finals to eventual winners, Holland.
The team are also believed to have had the lowest goals against figure of all the clubs at Step Seven of the National League System but Ashurst believes the award was for more than just their on-pitch achievements. He said: “The club runs a very successful Saturday morning kids football coaching club and in 2010/11 we’ll be introducing an Under 16s side so to be able to tell prospective young players they’re joining an already successful club is an added incentive. We’re looking at updating our old and worn-down facilities so this gives us a perfect platform to promote the club within the community.”
Sport Colchester’s Awards, sponsored by Official Essex County Football Association Media Partners the Daily Gazette, recognise the achievements of the area’s sportsmen and women and the accolades were separated into categories for outstanding achievement at all levels, for both teams and individuals. A tradition spanning around three decades, the ceremony has previously rewarded individuals from a range of sports including athletics, sailing, cricket, rugby and martial arts. The judging panel consisted of representatives of Sport Colchester and the sports editor of the Gazette.
“We found out a week or two before the ceremony and it came as a very welcome surprise,” Simon continued. “Although we knew we’d achieved a lot and deserved a nomination we didn’t for one moment think we’d be given the honour of receiving the award. The buzz around the club since we attended has been amazing and the players, management and sponsors are rightly proud of their achievement. We haven’t celebrated properly yet but we will do at our end-of-season presentation evening in May!”
“Our managers have brought the right blend of experience and leadership to the squad, as well as the humour that keeps us working hard and, most importantly, happy! A special mention must go to our defence and keeper as they conceded so few goals that we always felt confident teams would have to have a very good day to beat us. The majority of the players have been together for years and their hard work and dedication during training and matches have seen them develop into some of the best the club has ever had.”
West Bergholt FC are one of a growing number of FA Charter Standard clubs affiliated to the Essex County Football Association. Details relating to the benefits of the Charter Standard Programme for both leagues and clubs can be obtained by contacting Club Development Officer, Ian Bent on (01245) 393094 or via E-Mail at ian.bent@essexfa.com.