Sherfield English
Hampshire
Covid Update
Unfortunately the Children's Gardening Club will not be running for the 2020 season
Happy new year to you all, I hope you all managed to get out for some lovely frosty walks over the festive period!
Just before Christmas, I walked around Mill Lane Meadows with my rescue dog Luna (who of course was wearing her festive attire), and it was a beautiful day – the red kites were out in full force, and we saw a lovely little kestrel perched on the power lines. The birds of prey are thriving there. Talking fauna – I will be setting up some refugia at MLM with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Amphibian and Reptile Group (HIWARG) in the coming months for surveys. This will help us understand what species we have, and how we can improve the habitat for them on site. It is exciting, and I will tell you more about our findings as the year progresses! We are also welcoming some corporate volunteers to site on Thursday 29th January, where we will be working on the dense hedgerow to the right of the back field. We plan to trial out some scalloping – a traditional technique that involves creating crescent-shaped chunks of vegetation at intervals along the hedge. This enhances biodiversity by providing varied conditions along the hedgerow, for example shaded areas, areas with increased
sunlight and enhanced wind protection. Please be aware that parking may be limited that afternoon.
Finally – remember to keep an eye out on the notice board for any updates on works on site or volunteer party tasks!
Gemma
Formed just two years ago, Sherfield English Football Club (SEFC) has already made an impressive start to life in local football. In this short time, the club has achieved league promotion and lifted a cup final trophy, building a strong and promising reputation within the local footballing leagues.
SEFC is more than just a football club. It is a welcoming place for everyone – a club to call home. At its heart, the club prides itself on being one big family, offering players, supporters, and volunteers a place to enjoy football, forget daily worries, and feel part of something special within the community.
Chairmen Sam and Rhys are committed to continuing the club’s positive growth. What began as a single men’s Saturday team has quickly expanded to include a men’s Reserves side and a Ladies Sunday League team managed by Mickey Lovell. The men’s teams currently compete in the Southampton District League, while the ladies represent the club in the Hampshire leagues. Progression remains firmly on the agenda. Plans are already underway to further expand next season, with the introduction of a Ladies Reserves side and an
additional men’s team, either a Thirds or an Under-23 Development squad.
As a local grassroots club, SEFC understands the financial challenges involved in running community football. Costs this season alone have been significant, and the club would welcome the support of local businesses wishing to become part of the SEFC family. Sponsorship opportunities are available, including pitch-side advertising boards, with all supporters and sponsors promoted across the club’s social media platforms.
The club would also love to see more local residents supporting the men’s team on Saturday afternoons and the Ladies team on a Sunday afternoon. A great deal of time and effort has gone into building Sherfield English Football Club, and there are no plans to slow down its growth any time soon. For more information on sponsorship or how to get involved, please contact: sherfieldenglishfootballclub@yahoo.com