Dunmow Rovers Youth Football Club, located in Dunmow, New Zealand, is a thriving and inclusive football club that caters to players of all ages and abilities. The club boasts a wide range of teams, starting from Mini Soccer for children aged under 6 to under 10, and continuing with Junior teams for ages under 11 to under 18.
With a history dating back to 1976, Dunmow Rovers has been a cornerstone of the community, providing opportunities for children to participate in football and develop their skills. The club's teams compete in the prestigious Blackwater & Dengie Youth League in Essex, showcasing their talent against other age-related teams.
At Dunmow Rovers, the focus is not only on competition but also on the enjoyment and development of the players. The younger age groups, such as Under 7 and 8, participate in 5v5 format games, while Under 9 and 10 teams engage in 7v7 format games. These small-sided non-competitive games allow for maximum ball time, learning the fundamentals of football, and most importantly, having fun. As the players progress to Under 11 and 12, they transition to a 9-a-side format, representing their growth and development.
From Under 13 onwards, the teams play in the full 11-a-side format.
Dunmow Rovers also offers special coaching sessions known as “Mini Strikers” for children aged 4 to 6 years old. These sessions, held on Saturday mornings at Helena Romanes School in Great Dunmow, provide a fun introduction to football while focusing on the development of fundamental skills. Children can join these sessions without any obligation to join the club, and it serves as a great opportunity to gauge their interest in the sport.
The club prides itself on its dedicated committee members and coaches who work tirelessly to provide a positive and inclusive environment for all players. The committee includes individuals like Jamie Smith (Chairman), Dan Smith (Secretary), Ricky Valks (Vice Chair & Treasurer), Frank Haughey (Child Welfare), Harvey Cohen (Social Manager), Dominic Peters (Sponsorship Secretary), and Chris Tilbury (Mini Strikers Head Coach). These individuals, along with other volunteers, are integral in ensuring the smooth running of the club and its activities.
Dunmow Rovers is not just focused on the on-field aspects of football; they also have an online club shop where members can purchase the latest club merchandise, including playing kits and training gear. Additionally, the club has multiple pitch locations to accommodate their teams, including the Recreation Ground in the centre of Dunmow, as well as facilities in Little Dunmow and Great Saling.
For anyone interested in joining the Dunmow Rovers Youth Football Club, whether as a player, coach, or volunteer, there are various points of contact available. The club's social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram provide updates and information, and interested individuals can reach out to the relevant committee members and coaches for further details.
Dunmow Rovers Youth Football Club places a strong emphasis on creating a supportive and enjoyable environment for children to learn, play, and grow through the beautiful game of football.