PREVIEW: Birmingham v Shropshire
27th November 2000
Birmingham County FA Youth face a tough challenge as they start their Midland Counties Cup defence on Saturday 2nd December.
Then, just 7 days later, the team face their 3rd Round tie in the FA County Youth Cup, where they will meet East Riding who beat Cheshire 3-2 on Saturday.
The Birmingham squad for both games has a similar look to the team that came from behind to beat Northumberland in the 2ns Round of the national competition, including Marconi (Coventry)'s Matty Lewis.
The hattrick hero from the Cup Tie is joined by teammate Scott Lower, alongside Nuneaton's Gary White and Joe Hanney.
The Midland Counties Cup is played on a league format, with competing teams from Shropshire, Staffordshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire joining last season's winners of the trophy. Birmingham expected to be away from home for the start of their defence, but the tie was switched to Ray Hall Lane after yet more bad weather affected the Shropshire pitch.
The two teams fought out a 2-2 draw in October's Gilbert Trophy, but Birmingham Spokesman, Steve Poole sees this as a very different challenge:
"We have made several changes to the squad that played at Shrewsbury last month, and have since been tested by Northumberland," he said "That means we are stronger and better equipped for the game.
Of course, Shropshire have had time to gel too, so we must take nothing for granted. We are looking for that same commitment that helped us fight back against Northumberland - if we can play like that every game, we are going to be a tough team to beat!"
Girls' PE Positively Prospers!
13th November 2000
A local college has joined with a team of highly qualified coaches to play its part in increasing girls' participation in sport. Students at Sutton Coldfield College are being offered an opportunity to combine participation with qualifications, alongside their more traditional academic studies.
For 8 hours each week, staff from the Birmingham County Football Development Scheme pass on their footballing expertise to pupils who not only play the game, but can gain FA awards including Junior Team Manager, Treatment of Injuries, and Referee Certificates.
The course was previously only on offer to boys, but this is the first year that female pupils have been given the chance to participate. Sessions are proving extremely popular, with students encouraged to develop their interest in football to benefit the wider community. Many have taken up work experience projects in the area, whilst others are looking to take their skills further afield and become coaches in the US.
Ian Badger, Academy Co-ordinator at Sutton Coldfield College is delighted with the response: "We wanted to offer our students a chance to gain some very useful qualifications whilst playing the game at a competitive level. Thanks to the BCFDS, we have caught the girls' imagination and expect even more to take part next year."
In a culmination of efforts so far, teams from all over the country, including Liverpool and their Coach - England Ladies' Captain, Mo Marley - will converge on the College to take part in an Academy Tournament on 6th December.
Mike Pennick, Secretary of the Birmingham County FA is keen to see similar projects find the same success: "We know girls want to play football, but sometimes the option is not available to them at schools and colleges, with other studies taking priority.
"In this case, everyone benefits. A real value has been put on the learning process with students rewarded for becoming more involved in the sport, whilst football gains more qualified coaches, referees and players."
Lewis Sees Birmingham Safe
6th November, 2000
Three goals from Marconi (Coventry) FC's Matthew Lewis helped the Birmingham County Youth team continue their bid to retain their prestigious FA County Youth Cup crown.
After early pressure, Birmingham made the breakthrough on 15 minutes with Lewis picking up his first after wrong-footing the Northumberland goalkeeper. Further pressure from Lewis and Sutton Coldfield's Andy Cameron kept Mark Whitley busy throughout the first half, with the Northerners growing in confidence but seeing their own efforts well saved by Birmingham's Elliot Richards.
Emerging with new determination, Northumberland equalised within the first minute of the second half, and just 5 minutes later won a contentious throw in which found the net via the head of Jason Bates.
Chris Woodall's fresh legs kept the Birmingham attack hopeful, and the side were rewarded with their own equaliser from a Gareth Picknell volley with 72 minutes on the clock.
Then, up stepped Lewis who produced two stunning goals - a low drive from 18 yards out on 75 minutes and a fantastic solo run on 81 minutes - completing his hattrick and taking Birmingham to the third round of the competition.
"We brought Matthew [Lewis] into the squad because we knew what a great talent he was, and he certainly proved that," said Birmingham Spokesman, Steve Poole. "But you have to give the whole team credit for never giving up on this game - they dug deep and showed just what they are capable of against such tough opposition."
Birmingham have been drawn at home for their third round tie at Ray Hall Lane on 9th December but will have to wait to see who their opponents will be after the tie between East Riding and Cheshire had to be postponed this weekend.
Credit For County Team
30th October 2000
As the Birmingham County Youth Team prepare for the vital 2nd Round replay in their defence or the FA County Youth Cup against Northumberland, the backroom staff responsible for recent successes have been rewarded by the Association at the October Members' Meeting held at County HQ in Birmingham.
Last season the side scooped 3 out of 4 trophies, including the prestigious national trophy that they aim to defend on Saturday 4th November at Ray Hall Lane. Lifting the silverware ended a glorious season for the team who have been forced into a major re-shuffle this year when the majority of the players reached the 18 year age limit set for squad members.
The announcement of the squad for the forthcoming replay sees Marconi (Coventry) FC's two Matties - Lewis and O'Rourke replace Evesham's James Brown and Paget Rangers' Simeon Smith from the first tie, which ended in a goaless draw. Hednesford's Elliot Richards is recalled after his dramatic penalty save in the 88th minute kept Birmingham in the competition, and forced the two teams to try again this weekend.
"It really was a season to remember," said Team Spokesman, Steve Poole after receiving his award from BCFA Chairman, Roger Wood. "The squad seemed to gel really well and got better and better as time went on.
"We were determined to keep up the effort this year, even though we have a lot of new faces in the team," he added. "We are thoroughly prepared - even more so than last year - and feel we have put together a group of very talented players. Being on home ground for the replay will be a boost for everyone. Even though Northumberland have proved they are a very strong side, we are all looking forward to the game."
The vital replay kicks off at County HQ at 2pm on the 4th November. Any fan sporting a football shirt and taking along this article will be entitled to half price admission (normally £2 adults, £1 juniors) on the day.
Get Your Kit On For the County
25th October 2000
The Birmingham County Football Association is calling on all local football fans to get their kit on and support the County Youth side as they aim to defend their FA County Youth Cup title next weekend.
The best of the region's young players will be on display as Birmingham take on Northumberland on Saturday 4th November in a replay of their 2nd round tie, after 90 minutes plus extra time failed to separate the two in their previous encounter.
Admission prices for the clash which takes place at County HQ, Ray Hall Lane, Great Barr, have been frozen at £2 for adults and £1 for juniors. In a bid to get fans behind the team, the BCFA have announced that anyone taking a printout of the BCFA Website Front Page and wearing a replica football shirt will receive half price admission to the decider.
The need for a second game came after a dramatic penalty save from Hednesford Town's Elliot Richards in the 88th minute, keeping his side in the competition. Birmingham's back five put up determined resilience to prevent the Northerners capturing another scalp in the competition, having knocked out last season's semi-finalists, North Riding, in the first round.
County Youth Team Spokesman, Steve Poole says the side is looking forward to the challenge: "We know what is expected of us now, and the lads are all ready to dig deep straight from the off," he said.
"Being on home turf will be a tremendous boost and I would urge anyone who enjoys watching a good game of football to come along and support the team. The ticket deal means the game is accessible for everyone - it will be great to see different team colours getting behind us and would make every player very, very proud."
The deal not only offers great value to fans of the game who are hungry for football, but also to families and to local clubs whose players are aiming to represent the County themselves. The cream of the teams around the region will be showing just how bright the future is, whilst bidding to maintain last season's success of 3 out of 4 trophies in the Birmingham cabinet.
For more information on this fan-tastic deal and details of the fixture itself, call the BCFA on 0121 357 4278.
Grassroots Gets Its Share
20th October 2000
The Birmingham County Football Association is encouraging local authorities to bid for a share of a huge funding opportunity that is set to transform the shape of grassroots football.
The Football Foundation are offering £24 million over the next 6 months, and £75 million per year for 3 years with an emphasis on building and improving local pitches and the facilities all over the country.
Representatives from local authorities in the area met at the County Headquarters to hear Steve Williams from the Football Foundation outline the part they can play in the bidding process. As many pitches in the area are owned by local authorities, it is hoped that they will look to improve the facilities on offer for the teams that rent sites from them.
"We are looking to become a one-stop shop for football funding," said Williams. "We would appeal to local authorities to assess what facilities are available for football in their region and concentrate on areas that could be improved - either creating more pitches, or improving existing sites."
The Birmingham County FA have been asked to oversee the application process for bids in their area and as a result can offer advice and assistance to those looking for a Football Foundation grant. They will also be involved in highlighting areas where facilities are urgently needed.
To assist the project, the BCFA will be conducting a survey amongst its members to gauge the current situation and to pinpoint exactly what those using the facilities already see as priority for improvements.
"The Football Foundation wants to see the impact that increased funding in stadia at the professional level has had, replicated on parks and pitches throughout the country," said BCFA Secretary, Mike Pennick.
"At County level, we want to see our share of the money invested in facilities that will make a real difference to everyone involved in the game," he added. "With the input of everyone involved, we are aiming at making that a reality."
Strong Defence of County Crown
16th October 2000
FA County Youth Cup - Second Round
Northumberland FA 0 - 0 Birmingham FA
After Extra Time
Replay: Saturday 4th November - 2pm, Ray Hall Lane, Great Barr.
The Birmingham County Youth team earned a replay in their defence of the FA County Youth Cup after a 0-0 draw with Northumberland on Saturday, but have Goalkeeper Elliot Richards to thank for their second chance.
The Hednesford Town 'keeper kept his side in the competition by saving a penalty in the 88th minute of normal time, before a dramatic save from Northumberland's Steven Sinclair's shot in extra time. This came after Birmingham failed to capitalise on chances throughout the first half.
After 20 minutes, Bedworth Town's Phil Garner beat the Northerners' defence only to see his cross scrambled away by the home side. The Northumberland defence were called into action soon after, when Evesham's James Brown was fouled 25 yards out - Andy Bowater's resulting free kick well saved by the 'keeper.
The pressure continued from Birmingham throughout the first half, with Smith and Morris seeing their efforts go just wide and another by Morris cleared off the line.
After knocking out last year's semi-finalists in the previous round, Northumberland could sense another scalp, and raised their efforts in the second half. However, the Birmingham defence of Morris, Cooper, Picknell, Gourlay and Garner held firm into Extra Time, with the penalty save making sure the two teams would have to meet again.
"We have our back five and our 'keeper to thank for the fact we have another shot at Northumberland," said Team Spokesman, Steve Poole. "But even despite the lack of goals, it was good to see the lads up front having some good scoring opportunities.
"We know what to expect from the replay now, and it won't be easy," added Poole. "Perhaps more importantly though, we know what we need to do to get thaping up.
"This season the Manager and his coaching staff have really done their homework," he said. "Perhaps last year's taste of success has made everyone hungry for more, but things certainly seem different this time around."
County Defend Crown
10th October 2000
The treble winning Birmingham County Youth Team begin the defence of the FA County Youth Cup against Northumberland this Saturday, with three changes to their Gilbert Trophy squad.
Atherstone United's Gavin Smith played a key role in last season's success, but was out injured when the team travelled to Shropshire for the start of the 2000-01 campaign. Smith is joined by Bedworth United's Phil Garner and Evesham United's James Brown who will: "give the team some welly" according to team spokesman, Steve Poole:
"It is great to have Gavin back in the side," said Poole. "He gained a lot of experience last year and has the chance to capitalise on that this time around.
"Phil Garner is a promising young player with plenty of talent whilst Brown has the strength that can mean the difference between a win or a loss."
As the reigning champions, Birmingham enter the competition in the second round. The first stage saw their opponents, Northumberland knock out last season's semi-finalists, East Riding.
"Of course you can't ignore the fact that they beat East Riding," said Poole. "But you need to look at the strength of the opposition. Each season can be very different from your last with the changes in the squad that have to be made. There's no disputing that Northumberland are a very good team, so we aren't taking anything for granted.
"When it comes down to it I feel we are thoroughly prepared and that we have a stronger base now than at this stage last year."
Rematch for Veteran Rivals
5th October 2000
The draw for the 2000-01 Veterans' Cup has provided a mouth watering first round tie which sees two previous winners - including the current holders - go head to head on Sunday 22nd October.
Baldwin & Williams FC take on Folly Lane BCOB Sunday FC in a replay of the first ever Veterans' Cup title-decider four seasons ago. Both teams have been back to the final once since then, with Baldwin & Williams taking the crown last year in a 4-3 victory over Triplex Star.
The two teams know each other well but this fixture has all the excitement of a final:
"Here you have two very competitive teams who could both have lifted the trophy," said Brian Baldwin, Secretary of Baldwin & Williams. "Folly Lane have two of our ex-players in their side - Alan Jones and Gerry Cavannagh. In fact, Alan was in the team that lost in the 1997 final, so there's plenty of nostalgia for everyone, plus a great game of football to come."
Elsewhere on the same day, the stars of the future will be battling it out for their own cup glory as the Sunday Youth Cup kicks off. Last years? winners, Central Ajax take on Bustleholme in the first round whilst Christ the King Juniors take on St Nicolas.
Two weeks later, on Sunday 12th November, the Minor Cup begins with Shenley Radford aiming for a hatrick of wins in the competition. Having been given a bye into the second round, they must wait to see who their opposition will before their campaign can begin.
Good Omen for County Team?
2nd October 2000
The Birmingham County Youth team returned from Shropshire with mixed feelings yesterday after failing to lift the Gilbert Trophy.
Despite finishing fifth in the table at the end of the closely fought round-robin tournament, the squad are taking heart from the fact that the same result last season was a prelude to them scooping all three remaining titles.
Disappointing losses against Worcestershire (2-0) and to eventual winners Herefordshire (1-0) came after a 0-0 draw with Staffordshire. Luke McNally hit back for Birmingham to overcome Northampton (0-1) whilst a strike from Hednesford's Robin Meacham plus a spectacular own goal from the hosts led to a 2-2 draw with Shropshire.
Team spokesman, Steve Poole said: "The Gilbert Trophy seems to be a bogey tournament for us, but if it means we have the same kind of season as last year, then I'm sure everyone won't mind this result!
"The most important thing was that this was a great 'getting to know you' exercise," he added. "And with our first Cup game fast approaching, I'm glad we had this opportunity early on in the season."
The squad for the defence of the FA County Youth Cup Crown is due to be announced later this week in advance of the first game on the 14th October. Birmingham face Northumberland in a tough game to kick off their campaign. After defeating last year's semi-finalists, East Riding in the first round, the Northerners will be ready to prove they are a side to be reckoned with in this years' competition.