Swanscombe Tigers FC pledges to be deaf friendly
Swanscombe Tigers FC, the current Kent Football Association Charter Standard Club of the Year are delighted to have become one of England's first 'deaf friendly' football clubs by signing up to the NDCS Deaf Friendly Football Club Pledge. By signing the pledge recently launched by the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS), the Club has committed to opening up the sport to deaf people.
The Deaf Friendly Football Club Pledge is part of a ground-breaking NDCS project designed to make football more accessible to all deaf children. The pledge has been developed to ensure that FA Charter Standard Football Clubs are Deaf Friendly and are committed to creating equal playing and coaching opportunities for deaf people.
Hayley Jarvis, NDCS Sports and Leisure Activities Manager explains:
“We know there has been a severe lack of football opportunities available from grassroots to elite level for deaf children and young people in the UK in the past. Deafness makes it harder for children to communicate which can be very isolating. Many deaf children and young people find it difficult to participate in football because clubs are not set up to provide good communication.
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Latest Tigers' news
Xmas Bucking Bronco Disco
20th December
A Night At The Dogs
29th Sept 08
Lets see if we can do better than last time out on the track, I am assured that the donkey we had last time has been retired off.
Feb Night at the dogs results......
Well we turned up on mass some 70 Tigers attended Crayford Dogs to see our dogs run in 6 races. We got off to a slow start (I am sure one of them was a Donkey in disquise). it all came down to the last race and we were in 2nd plae so needed a win and we needed the leading dog to fall over, go for a walk, or just simply not finish in the top 3. Well the money was layed down for Trap 1 to win. The Tigers cheered and screamed the house down, but to no good as we limped in a sad 5th, so tickets torn up and thrown in the air. We finished 2nd on the night to Samual Montgue dog.
A great night had by all and it was great to see so any of the Mens and Reserves Team out on the jolly. A great success and a request by many to maybe do it again wih a meal next time. I will keep you posted........
Thanks to everyone who supported the night which helped to raise a great sum for the Club.
RACE NIGHT
Well the race night which took place on the 5h October went well with all that attended having a great time, despite numbers being down on previous race nights. This really is a great night enjoyed by both children and parents.
Many thanks to Costas for the great pledge of £100.00 which was phoned in at the last minute just in time to buy the last horse in the auction 'Chelsea' which came romping home in first place which would have paid out a further £88.00 but was generously left in the kitty.
A big thanks to all that helped support this event, it is all for the players.
Ability Tournament at the David Beckham Academy
We were invited to play in a tournament organised and sponsored by the Daytippers charity at the David Beckham Academy in Greenwich on sunday the 21st October and this was to be a six a side competition in 3 groups with 2 age groups. We were able to enter 1 x U12's and 1 x U 18's side. There were teams from all over the country including Fulham and a team all the way from Bournmouth. The U12's had a particular tough challenge as they did not have any subs so no fresh legs could be had or time to rest any of the players who played some great football. Their hard work payed off and they finished runners up in their group which earned them a medal each and a fantastic Runners Up Trophy well done to all the lads in the U12's
The U18's also had a great day and had the luxury of 3 subs and were able to rest players periodically. We played some of the best football that we have seen yet, with outstanding passing and set piece plays like we have never seen. They played some great teams but we were 'Simply The Best' on the day as we went on to win our group also earning them medals each and a fantastic Winners Trophy well done to all the lads in the U18's sqaud.
Special congratulations to Peter who was nominated by the various match officials as 'Player of the tournament', earning him a very special Daid Beckham Academy Medal and goodie bag. Well done Peter.
We would like to thank Daytrippers, the David Beckham Academy team and all our Parent/Carers for there great support on the day.
Pictures to follow.
Halloween Family Party
Halloween Family Party held on the 27th Oct produced some fantastic costumes by both Parent/Careres and the children. Have'nt quite worked out who were the biggest kids on the night. We saw a Dancing Competition entered by all the little monsters gouls and ghosts and our resident DJ Paul www.dj-mobile.com carried out the jugding and 2 winners were awarded Prizes.
The Best Outfit Competition was felt to be far too tough to judge an outright winner so all were voted winners and sweets for all we awarded.
Parent/Carers Best Outfit Competition well this was a tough one too, as we saw some fantastic outfits and great make up. Well it was down to the children to vote with there voices this time, instead of the parents shouting at them from the touch line for a change. Well it took a bit of time but it ended up a draw between two mum's. 'Or was it the dads that were voting also'
My ears have only just come back to normal after the voting system we used on that one, must remember not to do that again.
A real big thanks to all that supported this event, it is all for the players
Presentation’s to end season 2006/07
The Tigers have celebrated another successful year with several presentation evenings over the last few weeks for the Club's 15 teams. A proud time of year to put on the Club Tie polish those shoes and get the white shirt ironed. “Thanks Mums and Dads”
All of the events which were very well attended by parents, players and several guests saw the awarding of trophies to every player across the Club's 15 teams as well as awards to the Players in each year group, Top Goalscorer, Most Improved and Managers player of the year. Totalling more than 300 trophies presented. “That’s a lot of dusting”
On display were the numerous trophies won by the Clubs various sides that have enjoyed success at Under 7's through to our Men's Reserve team.
In addition, the Club also presented a number of long service awards to managers/players who have either played or represented the Club for a marked five or ten years. One of these awards was presented to Widow Sally on behalf of the clubs Honorary President Dave Mackenzie who past away so suddenly during the early part of the season.
The Club is now looking forward to another season when it will have over twenty teams including its Ability teams and for the first time two Girl's/Ladies teams.
Below you will find a small sample of pictures from some of the evenings.
Tigers U12’s Do the Double ‘and some’ - in Season 2006/07
Easter Cup Winners
League Cup Champions
Charter Standard Club Tournament 7 a Side Champions
This weekend has seen the U12’s put the final touch on the League Championship, picking up the last 3 points available in what has proved to be an interesting competition over the last few weeks. We have finished on 50 points.
The U12’s have only lost 2 and drawn 2 games all season, and we have witnessed some absolutely amazing football and have picked up some great comments from match officials and opposing team managers.
“How did you teach boys of this age to play like that?”
“Your corner set pieces are lethal”
“I have never seen such clinical play from boys this age before”
“In games like this there are runners up and there are champions, we were clearly beaten by the Champions”
The U12’s on occasions have not got off the starting blocks as quickly as we would like to see, but as one particular game comes to mind against our closest competition Real Gima who had us 2-1 down at half time, then 3-1 then another making it 4-1, the U12’s then switched on the ‘Eye of the Tiger’ you might say, and we witnessed one of the most exciting games we have ever seen. We not only took control of the game we brought the game back to an even keel and made it 4-4 with just minutes to go, not satisfied with a draw we put another away to make it 5-4. You would have thought we had just won the World Cup not just an important league game. Anyone of our supporters that watched this game I think will agree, this was the most exciting game that they have witnessed and will be talked about for a very long time.
This really did show the capabilities and staying power of this great side and proves again what we keep reminding the lads that, “it’s not over till its over”.
A fantastic season which has been a joy to watch well done lads ...
Phil and Pete
Under 14's win dramatic Play off final in Penalty shoot out
The Under 14's the Bexley League East divisional winners yesterday clinched the overall B division title in a dramatic penalty shoot out, after a thrilling 1-1 draw with the West divisonal winners Culverely Rangers at Crayford Arrows ground.
The game started at a furious pace and the Tigers took the lead mid way through the first half from a free kick which was met with by a firm header from Andrew Frogley which easily beat the Rangers keeper. Swanscombe continued to make chances, but were unable to extend their lead and the second half saw Culverley dominate for long periods without creating any clear goal scoring opportunities, however this all changed with only 3 minutes to go as they finally scored to take the game into extra time.
Extra time saw both teams go close as the game ebbed and flowed, however neither team could find the winner and the exciting played in good spirit between two evenly matched teams played in front of a large crowd went to penalties.
The penalty shoot out saw the Tigers go 3-1(Aaron O'Brien) down, before the heroics of their goalkeeper James Allen who brilliantly saved the next three Culverely spot kicks, allowed Archie Avery, Scott Huggett and finally Jack Longhurst to seal in a sudden death penalty shoot out The Tigers first divisional title in the Bexley League.
Tigers Under 14's seal Club's first Bexley League title
The Club's Under 14's team sealed the Bexley B East division title with a convincing win over a spirited and determined Longwood side who were the only team to have beaten the Tigers in the league this season.
A strong start from the Tigers saw them go ahead in the 7th minute through Jack Longhurst who following a through ball from Scott Huggett slotted the ball home from the edge of the box. Longwood team made life difficult for the champions elect who finally extended their lead through a headed goal from Sam Mackenzie just before the interval.
The second half saw Swanscombe relax and produce some great football with Andrew Frogley the side's captain leading by example as they went on to clinch the Club's first title in the Bexley league through further goals from Sam Mackenzie and defender Robin Adams.
At the final whistle the team celebrated their second title in three seasons and the prospect of A division football next season.
League Cup Final V. Northfleet Eagles.
A fantastic cup final between two teams that have been very close all season.
Tigers started the stronger and opened the scoring through Reece Lyons.
At half time its still Tigers 1 Eagles 0. Right at the start of the second half Eagles score to make it 1-1 and it stays that way to the final whistle and so to extra time.
Still not much to choose between the two sides, so step up the referee to give the free kick to Eagles which should have been ours, they score, the final whistle blows, the game was over 2-1 Eagles.
The Tigers showed what this club is all about, never giving up and deserved more.
Today made us all feel very proud of the boy's, and to finish with the GBL giving Thomas Law the Man of the Match award which was well deserved.
WELL DONE BOY'S bring on the Bexley League.
Steve and Carl.
Congratulations U12’s
Swanscombe Tigers 3 Longfield Tigers 0
A great performance put in by everyone in the team today who have worked so hard to get to this Final.
It must have been really tough on the boys playing in what was another really warm day, and despite
picking up some injuries the U12’s did a great job, and produced a convincing win.
Well done ‘H’ who was selected ‘Player of the Match’ by the match officials of the GBL.
A special big thanks to everyone who came along to give their support for the U12’s.
Well done lads from Phil & Pete
Celebrations!
Swanscombe Tigers 2 - Rose Vikings 0
Mens Reserves put in a convincing 2-0 win over Rose Viking's today in Cup Final played at AEI Sports ground. A great performance put in by all as it must have been really tough playing in what turned out to be a gloriously hot day.
It was just great to see all the support for the Men's Reserves Cup Final.
15th April 2007.
Girls/Ladies Football
We are very pleased to announce that we shall have 2 girls teams in next seasons fixtures U11's and U16's and hope that this will encourage more girls to join Swanscombe Tigers in all age groups to build on our girls/ladies teams. Both of these teams currently train on a wednesday evening at the flood light all weather surface at Swan Valley School. If you would like to find out more about girls football opportunities please email us.
Quiz Night - Jelly Bean Challenge
Well what a night !!
With no fewer than 11 teams entering, the challenge for the Jelly Babies was definately on. With the nights questions being prepared by Kevin and Peter and the scoring was under the careful eye of Julie. "Boy were they Tuff" I hear you say.
It was really good to see so many people at this event to support the club at the new venue 'Swanscombe Pavilion'. I think the Bar facilities may have had somthing to do with the turn out.
Farewell to a ‘Local Hero’ - Dave MacKenzie
Vice Chairman, Swanscombe Tigers FC
With Martin Peters at Club's 20th anniversary dinner on 30th September 2006
Grieving friends and relatives have said a sad farewell to a man described as a local hero and a champion of the people.
Hundreds of Greenhithe and Swanscombe residents turned out to pay their final respects to Dave MacKenzie, the vice Chairman of Swanscombe Tigers Football Club, on Friday 17th November.
The father of two died suddenly on the morning of Sunday the 5th November 2006 aged only 43.
Proudly wearing the club tie, players and committee members were joined by coaches, manager’s family and friends at the funeral in Eltham.
Dave from Halsted Close, Greenhithe, had dedicated the last decade to running the junior club as well as spending hundreds of hours organising the clubs social activities and securing funding for top coaching facilities for the 15 teams.
The avid Arsenal FC supporter leaves behind his beloved wife Sally and two sons Jamie, 16 and Sam, 13 who both play for the club.
Dave was a Governor at Knockhall Primary School for many years. Dave was also a Bursar at The Helen Allison School in Meopham, and somehow found time to also Coach at Community level for Charlton Athletic FC.
Kevin Basson, Chairman of Swanscombe Tigers FC, said “Dave was so full of life, he was a friend to everyone he met. He was someone who was devoted to his family, but still found time for others”
The club plans to provide a fitting memorial to keep the memory of its beloved Vice Chairman alive.
“Dave MacKenzie will be missed by so many”
Xmas Disco Success
Well the Tigers Xmas party went off really well. It was great to see so many getting in the spirit of Xmas with the amount of hats and Xmas accessories being worn on the night. This has been the first big Xmas party for some time as securing venues of this size is not always easy.
The little Tigers enjoyed themselves by the looks of it and maybe it was a blessing in disguise that all matches were rained off the next day, as I am sure there were going to be a few Little Tigers with very tired legs as the amount of dancing going on was very impressive.
Well as for the Mums and Dads well they were also getting in the sprit of things but I think they misunderstood my meaning of ‘getting in the spirit of Xmas’ but there you go…….. Maybe that’s why the bar had to shut down for what seemed a lifetime to some, but was only for about 20mins to re-stock and sort a technical hitch with the glass washer.
Well done to Big Al who seemed to be doing a great job collecting glasses and assisting with the re-stock. “I hope you got a beer or two for your trouble”. “wink wink”.
Well done to all who attended and who helped to make this a very successful and uneventful evening (no incidents or accidents) - thank you for supporting the raffle as this is a very important part of the clubs fund raising programme for all the players within the club. All the little Tigers, brothers and sisters all received a very special 20th Anniversary Frisbee Xmas gift to go home with and annoy the next door neighbour’s dog with.
I hope you will all agree with me, that DJ Paul did a great job for us again, with not only the music but the lights, lasers, bubbles, glow sticks and we even had snow. Here are his contact details as I have been asked for them on many occasions - www.dj-mobile.com,info@dj-mobile.com, mobile 07983 330701,
Please see below for a few pictures that show the evening and the stars that attended.
20th anniversary dinner
The Clubs 20th Anniversary Dinner which was held at Priestfield Banqueting suite on 30th Sept 2006 was, judging by feed back that we have had, was a fantastic night and enjoyed by all who attended.
We were very pleased to announce the Club Kit Sponsorship from Land Securities Rowena Collins atteneded who is Community Relations Manager for Land Securities, which was launched in spectacular fashion by Mike Delaney changing into the new kit during his performance.
 | Mike is one of the world’s most respected football skills performers.
He has played professionally in Germany and Switzerland, performed skills shows in front of 90,000 fans and choreographed some of the best football commercials ever!! Mike has demonstrated his skills to the world’s very best players such as Ronaldo, Beckham, Zidane, Ronaldinho and even Sir Bobby Charlton! |
Our guest speaker, Martin Peters MBE, told us about his playing career with West Ham, Spurs, Norwich & Sheffield United as well as a great insight into playing in the 1966 World Cup.
Then onto our presentations to 4 particular individuals who have now given 15 years continued service to Swanscombe Tigers F.C. - Chris Baker, Leon Simpson, Danny Matthews and Club Secretary Kevin Matthews.
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