"Minor" Matter of Cup Final For Colts
29th March 2001
AT7 Youth will have to be on their guard this Sunday as they face Halesowen Town Colts in the Birmingham County FA Minor Cup Final.
This season is turning out to be one of the most successful to date for Halesowen after a major recruitment campaign - a fact confirmed by their record in the competition's previous rounds. Colts hit 8 past Brierley Hill Bullets in the First Round and then saw off current title-holders Shenley Radford in the Semi Finals.
"That was a game worthy of a final," said Team Manager, John Smith. "We were 2-up at half time, then Shenley hit back straight after the break. But as has often happened this season, we never gave up and booked a deserved place in the game on Sunday."
The Central Warwick Youth League Club has one previous Minor Cup appearance, but those who remember the game are hoping for a turn in fortune after Colts lost 3-5 to Holte Youth in 1996.
"With only one defeat in the league so far, the lads are eager to impress in the final," added Smith. "I don't expect them to let anyone down - win or lose."
Whatever the result on Sunday, Halesowen have a bright future ahead of them, after confirming they would be progressing to the Floodlit Youth League next season, playing their home games at The Grove thanks to the backing of Halesowen Town FC.
Kick off at County HQ, Ray Hall Lane, Great Barr is at 2pm this Sunday, 1st April. Admission is just £2 for adults and £1 for juniors.
County Deal Aims To Inspire
27th March 2001
Local junior footballers are being offered a great opportunity to see the Birmingham FA team in action in the FA County Youth Cup Final.
Tickets are available on the day for the decider against Northampton FA, which takes place at Molineux on Sunday 29th April priced at £3 for adults and £1 for juniors. However, organisers will receive 2 free adult tickets if they purchase 11 junior tickets in advance from County HQ.
The Birmingham side is made up from talented U18s from all over the County who play for local clubs but are yet to sign pro forms. The impressive standard of football has helped them reach their second Cup Final in successive seasons.
"Every player in our squad is proud to pull on their Birmingham FA jersey," said team spokesman, Steve Poole. "To represent your County is a target young players can aim for - and there's no better inspiration than giving your team a taste of what a Cup Final feels like."
Last year a 2-1 victory against Surrey at St Andrews saw the Midlanders lift the prestigious silverware - and the aim is to repeat the success this time around.
"Looking back at last season, we achieved such a great deal," said Poole. "Now we have the chance to top that by winning the Cup for the second time.
"By giving local teams the chance to come and see our lads take to the pitch at Molineux, we hope that quality players will be inspired to come through the County ranks for years to come."
Ticket deals for group bookings are available by calling BCFA HQ on 0121 357 2478.
Sony Entertainment Television in Search of Asian Sporting Heroes
27th March 2001
Sony Entertainment Television are now inviting Asian sports persons from around the UK to enter the SET Sports Personality of the Year Awards, as the search for the top British Asian Sports Personality of the Year begins
For thousands of hopefuls the floodgates will open to enter the competition that could launch their sporting careers. The awards, through a democratic voting system, will help discover sporting talent in the Brit-Asian communities, based on their commitment and achievement over the past year, regardless of whether they are amateurs or professionals.
To enter, candidates will need to complete an entry form, which will be available in most Asian newspapers and on the SET website: www.setindia.com. From the entries received, an independent jury will choose the finalists for each category. Details of the finalists will then be shown on the SET channel and will appear on the SET website, as well as in Asian press publicaions.
The public will then have a chance to vote for the overall winner for each of these categories:
SET Sports Personality of the Year
Most Up and Coming Sports Personality
Junior (U18) Sports Personality of the Year (male)
Junior (U18) Sports Personality of the Year (female)
Outstanding Achievement Award
International Sports Personality of the Year
The winners of the SET Asia 5 a-side football tournament will also win an award for the SET Sports Team of the Year.
The voting process will climax at an exclusive awards ceremony on 30th June at the Cafe Royal, London and will be attended by sports personalities such as Olympic Goal medalist Kulbir Bhaura and former England cricketer Chris Lewis as well as Minister of Sport Kate Hoey MP.
For further information call Priti Peshawaria on 0208 534 7575 or visit the SET website.
VETERANS CUP FINAL
Sheldon Heath Social OB 1 - 2 Continental Star Sunday
AFTER EXTRA TIME (1-1 at full time)
25th March 2001
Continental Star Sunday lifted the Birmingham County Veteran's Cup this afternoon, after an extra time victory over Sheldon Heath Social Old Boys.
After an evenly matched first half, the deadlock was broken in the 12th minute of the second period when Mark Gray rose above the Continental defence to head Sheldon Heath into the lead.
This triggered a determined response from the opposition who were aiming to lift the trophy their side won back in 1998.
When Continental's frontman, Richard's saw his goal disallowed for a tackle on his teammate earlier in the play, the side would have been forgiven for thinking this was not to be their day.
However, as the clock ticked past the 90 minute mark and into stoppage time, Sterling launched a curling shot from the resulting free which Sheldon Heath Social 'keeper, Mark Carter could do nothing about.
With the score equal at full time, a tiring Sheldon Heath side were put on the back foot by Continental, with the deciding goal coming just 9 minutes into extra time. A cross from Moore was sunk into the back of the net, with Farrely converting to make it 2-1.
Despite a spirited fightback and fresh legs from Sheldon Heath, Continental Star were not about to relinquish a lead they had worked hard to carve out and ended the game as worthy winners of a tough battle.
Veteran Performance In Prospect
22nd March 2001
The second in this season's Birmingham County FA Finals Series takes place on Sunday when Continental Star Sunday take on Sheldon Heath Old Boys in the Veteran's Cup Final. Kick off at County HQ, Ray Hall Lane, Great Barr is at 2pm.
Black Country-based Continental Star have been at the top of Veteran's Football since the club formed in 1996. Winning the league in their first season and lifting the County Cup just two years later proves just how strong a side they are.
Meanwhile, Sheldon Heath can already claim to have knocked out the current holders of the trophy, beating Baldwin & Williams in the 3rd Round on their way to their first ever final.
Sheldon Heath Captain, Greg Bennett is in his first season with the Veteran's side and has been surprised by the standard of football he has witnessed:
"The competitiveness and quality of the sides is excellent. To win on Sunday would be a great start to my Over 35's career.
"The dressing room has been full of Cup talk for the last couple of weeks," he added. "It is such a great feeling to get to a final."
As Sheldon Heath Manager, Colin Dolphin is well aware that the fixture promises to be a tight affair:
"Having met Continental Star on a number of occasions over the past seasons, the players know what to expect whilst the supporters are looking forward to what should be a very entertaining game!
"Hopefully the players will give a good account of themselves and lift some well-earned silverware."
Blues Make County History
18th March 2001
COUNTY CUP FINAL
Birmingham City Ladies 2
Aston Villa Ladies 0
Birmingham City Ladies lifted the Birmingham County Cup for the first time in a closely fought Final at Ray Hall Lane, thanks to two stunning free kicks from Amy Bradley.
Blues began the game as the stronger team with Maria Ballard linking up with Laura Bassett, forcing Villa to defend deep into their own half.
As the half drew on with no real shots on goal, Villa's confidence grew. Their best chance came from Yvette Dolphin whose 18 yard shot flew just wide of the top left corner of Kelly Cartwright's goal.
Villa's Lindsey Breyenton was substituted by Natalie Masters at halftime after struggling through the first 45 minutes and was joined by Natalie Courtney who replaced Nathana Hicks 10 minutes after the restart.
Masters made an immediate impact, testing the Birmingham defence - who held strong thanks to a defiant display from England International, Faye Cardin.
Birmingham's Amy Bradley had looked sharp throughout the game, but she picked the 80th minute to score her first goal for the Blues, thanks to a sweet free kick that Villa 'Keeper, Marie Leadbetter could do nothing about.
After soaking up the increased Villa pressure, Bradley made it two - repeating her free kick success and sealing Birmingham's first ever County Cup Title.
Blues' Ladies Manager, Marcus Bignot was delighted: "I think we were the better team on the day and created the most chances over the 90 minutes.
"Amy has picked just the right time to score after joining us mid-way through this season. I'm so pleased for her and the rest of this young team - they thoroughly deserved the victory here today."
Sporting Legend Rachael Heyhoe Flint Backs New Girls Coaching Centre
15th March 2001
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Friday March 16 2.00pm
Wyndley Leisure Centre, Sutton Coldfield
Ambassador for women's sport Rachael Heyhoe Flint will visit Birmingham's new Girls Football Coaching Centre to offer encouragement to a group of girls enjoying soccer tuition. The girls, aged between four and six, are all pupils of Mere Green Primary School in Sutton Coldfield.
Developed as a joint initiative between Birmingham City Council and the Birmingham County Football Association, the new centre will provide expert soccer tuition to girls from across the city.
Girls of all abilities will be taught by coaches from the city council's Strikes Soccer Academy, which coaches 2,000 children across Birmingham. While many girls already train with the Strikes Academy, organisers believe there is a need actively to encourage more girls to enjoy the sport. Girls who show particular talent for the game will be able to join the scheme's FA Performance Centre where they will receive specialist coaching from top women coaches.
Rachael Heyhoe Flint came to prominence as the captain of England's women¹s cricket team. A keen sportswoman, she also represented her country at hockey, and played County golf & squash. She was awarded the MBE in 1972 and now works in public relations and sports marketing. She is also a director of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Rachael says: "I'm delighted that Birmingham is creating this focus on women's football and giving girls this opportunity. I know there's enormous enthusiasm amongst girls for the sport, but often so few chances for them."
Evesham Expelled From Senior Cup
15th March, 2001
Evesham United have been expelled from the Birmingham County Senior Cup Competition after missing the deadline set to play their third round tie against West Bromwich Albion.
All fixtures should have been completed by 13th January, but after playing in 2 rounds of the FA Trophy, the Dr Martens Western Division side were given an extension until the 14th March by which time the game had to be completed.
The club advised that they would not be able to comply with this, resulting in last night's tie being cancelled.
The deadline coincided with a meeting of the BCFA Match Committee where it was decided that Evesham should be removed from the competition.
"It is with great regret that we have taken this decision," commented BCFA Secretary, Mike Pennick. "However, with the game in question being cancelled, the Committee felt they were left with no alternative but to rule the club out of the Competition."
West Bromwich Albion are now able to arrange their fixture at Kings Heath to see who joins Moor Green, Birmingham City and Tamworth in the Semi Finals.
Moor Green secured a meeting with Birmingham City in the penultimate stage after producing a shock result to beat Walsall 4-2, whilst Tamworth knocked out Wolves in a dramatic penalty shoot out at The Lamb, to set up a semi-final battle against the winners of the outstanding Fourth Round tie.
New Girls Soccer Centre For Birmingham
8th March, 2001
Monday 12th March sees the launch of Birmingham's new Girls Football Coaching Centre at Wyndley Leisure Centre in Sutton Coldfield.
A joint venture between Birmingham City Council's Strikes Soccer Academy and the Birmingham County FA, the centre will enable girls to receive coaching from professional FA accredited female coaches at weekly pay and play sessions.
Girls who show particular talent will be encouraged to join the County FA Performance Centre which runs alongside the coaching centre at Wyndley.
The aim of the scheme is to give girls the chance not only to try the game in an informal and fun environment, but to develop their skills further if they choose. There will also be numberous opportunities for competitive matches against other girls teams.
The new centre will be opened by England Women's Internationals Amy Sudan and Katy Ward. The ceremony will be followed by an exhibition match between the Coventry City Centre of Excellence and Birmingham County U16s girls teams.
Lending her support to the project is Olympic medal winning sportswoman and Birmingham City Council Sports Development Officer, Jane Sixsmith.
Jane says; "This new centre will provide a marvellous opportunity for girls to get into football. As a youngster, I played a lot of soccer - but usually as part of a boys team. It these facilities had been around then, who knows which way my career might have gone?
Repeat Performance from County
Sunday 4th March, 2001
Birmingham FA continued their excellent run of form with a 4-0 win over Worcestershire in the Midland Counties Youth Cup. The victory confirms them as favourites to lift the title for the second year running.
After just 8 minutes, a telling touch from Nuneaton's Roy Dunkley provided Ronnie Sayer with a chance, only to see his shot saved by Kidderminster's Matthew Harris. Dunkley was in action again with his own shot on goal deflected off the post as Birmingham dominated throughout the first half.
The deadlock was broken on 18 minutes as a 22 yard free kick from Marconi's Matty Lewis swerved around the Worcestershire wall with the 'keeper stranded. Dunkley's hard work paid off in the 25th minute when he capitalised on a rebound from Lewis shot to put his side 2-up. The strike brings his tally to four goals in just 3 games for the County.
Birmingham's third came five minutes later from a scorching shot on the edge of the box from Nuneaton's Joe Hanney, rounding off a terrific 45 minutes of football from the home side.
Birthday Boy, Steve Harman replaced Elliott Richards in the Birmingham goal mid-way through a less frantic second half. Birmingham needed more fresh legs as the pace dropped – Bedworth's Chris Woodhall and Hednesford's Pat Flaherty replacing Paul Marshall and Matty Lewis.
The game seemed all but over when the icing on the cake came with a terrific 23 yard shot from Gary White flew into the back of the Worcestershire net.
"Once again, I can have nothing but praise for the whole team today," said Team Spokesman, Steve Poole. "As a unit we are so effective at cutting off any attack, dominating the play for the majority of the game.
"The team have had a very busy few weeks with some terrific wins," added Poole. "There was a risk that thoughts of our Cup Final appearance in a few weeks time could have crept into the lads' minds and become a distraction, but they just put their heads down and went for it."
Wednesday 28th February, 2001
The England team joined staff at the Birmingham County FA for tea as they completed final preparations for tonight's Friendly against Spain.
Sven-Goran Eriksson and his squad have been training behind closed doors for the past two days at County HQ, Great Barr before their game at Villa Park.
"Despite the bad weather, the facilities provided by the Birmingham County FA have been fantastic," said Paul Newman, FA Head of Communications. "We are very grateful to everyone for their help in staging the two training sessions."
The BCFA have been based at their current site since 1973, in which time it has been developed to include County Offices and Committee Rooms along with top playing facilities, normally reserved for County Cup Finals but which this week has been graced by the likes of David Beckham, Sol Campbell and Michael Owen.
The players were put through their paces, whilst Eriksson put the finishing touches to the squad for his first game in charge of the team. The warm down on both days concluded with a "warm-up" as hot cups of tea were served all round:
"With this being Mr Eriksson's first game, everyone was determined that preparations would run smoothly," said Birmingham County FA Secretary, Mike Pennick.
"It has been bitterly cold with the weather throwing everything it could at us, but our groundsman has done a great job with the pitch.
"We are extremely proud to have been able to help," added Pennick. "Of course the team are all welcome to come back for another cuppa at anytime!"
Birmingham County FA are just one step away from retaining the FA County Youth Cup after beating Sheffield and Hallamshire in a nail-biting 2-3 extra time victory on Saturday.
Their opposition are still to be confirmed, with Northamptonshire taking on Middlesex in the second semi final on 10th March.
Nuneaton's Roy Dunkley and Hednesford's Ronnie Sayer made it 2-0 to Birmingham within the first half - Dunkley scoring his fourth goal in just three County Call-Ups. However, Sheffield and Hallamshire staged a late, late comeback, forcing the game into extra time.
The two evenly matched sides continued to cancel each other out, until Nuneaton's Joe Hanney struck the winning goal in the 113th minute.
The win came in a week that saw last season's squad nominated in the Junior Team category at the Birmingham Sports Council Awards - recognition for winning 3 out of 4 available trophies. With so many new faces this time around, the side are aiming to emulate the same success.
Birmingham will be looking for plenty of home support after being drawn as hosts for the prestigious final on Saturday 28th April. Last season's victory took place at Birmingham City's St Andrews ground with another major venue set to host this season's decider.
"We don't want to be looking back all the time, but the success of last season was phenomenal," said Team Spokesman, Steve Poole. "We are proud that it has been recognised - to repeat it would be amazing!
"Whoever we meet in the final will be tough opponents - the fact they have both made it this far shows just what they are made of.
"We certainly won't underestimate the challenge," added Poole "But I know the whole team will relish the chance of bringing the trophy back to Birmingham."
BIRMINGHAM COUNTY SENIOR CUP
Kings Heath play waiting game
Last night's Senior Cup action saw Kings Heath overcome Studley BKL by 1 goal to 0 - but the victors must wait to find out who their opponents will be in the next stage of the competition. Hednesford and Evesham's much postponed Second Round fixture has still to be decided, with the winners of that battle facing a clash against West Bromwich Albion before Kings Heath's Fourth Round opponents can be confirmed. All our local Nationwide teams remain in the competition, with Birmingham City the first to book their place in the Semi Final after beating Nuneaton Borough 4-2 last week.
BIRMINGHAM COUNTY WOMEN'S CUP COMPETITION
Villa Aim For Cup Boost
Aston Villa Ladies will look to bounce back from their recent FA Cup exit as they take on Wolverhampton Wanderers Ladies in the semi final of the Birmingham County Women's Cup tomorrow night (Thursday). A crowd of 1,300 saw Bristol Rovers beat Villa 1-0 at the Memorial Ground on Saturday, but with silverware still on offer, they will be keen to recover from the defeat by beating Wolves who are just one place above Villa in the Northern Premier League. Kick off at Paget Rangers FC is at 7.45pm with a place in the Final against Birmingham City Ladies on offer. The Final is to be staged at County HQ, Ray Hall Lane on Sunday 18th March.
BIRMINGHAM COUNTY MINOR CUP
Final Line Up Confirmed
Halesowen Town Colts will meet AT7 Youth on Sunday 1st April in the Final of the Birmingham County Minor Cup Competition after Halesowen knocked out current holders of the trophy, Shenley Radford in their 2-4 semi-final victory. Kick off at Ray Hall Lane is at 2pm - and that's no April Fool!
19th February 2001
Birmingham FA finally won the right to progress to the Semi-Final stage of the FA County Youth Cup after beating Surrey 3-1 on Saturday in their Quarter Final replay.
After a 2-2 draw at Birmingham back in January, the replay had been postponed twice - so the Brummies wasted no time in pilling on the pressure. Hednesford's Ronnie Sayer saw his defence splitting cross scrambled away as early as the 4th minute, whilst Surrey's attempted reply came soon after from Striker, Ruggles, but he could only lob the ball wide.
The breakthrough came midway through the first half when Captain Adam Cooper gave Birmingham the lead with a low drive from 20 yards out. With the Southerners on the back-foot, Gary White tried his luck at a shot, only to see his goal bound effort deflected over the bar.
Hednesford's Elliot Richards was called into action in the Birmingham goal as Surrey tried to claw their way back into the tie. Richards' spectacular saves and the crossbar came to the rescue before a Gary White clearance found Nuneaton teammate, Roy Dunkley up front, who beat the Surrey defence to lob the ball home from just outside the box, giving his side a 2-0 lead at the half.
Dunkley made it three goals in just two County appearances soon after the restart and despite Surrey converting a 60th minute penalty, Birmingham were not ready to relinquish their grip on the trophy. The back three of Cooper, Morris and Picknell stood strong whilst the Birmingham attack continued to test the Surrey defence.
Birmingham's Cup Run continues this weekend as they travel to Worksop to take on Sheffield & Hallamshire FA in the Semi-Final Stage of the competition.
"We went to Surrey with a positive attitude and a tremendous team spirit," said Spokesman Steve Poole. "We are delighted we can continue the chase for our dream of retaining the cup.
"We have watched Sheffield play - and know they will be tough opposition," he added. "However, we will prepare well and do all we can to make sure we get the right result."
14th February 2001
Valentine's Day can certainly stir up the passion, so the Birmingham County FA are giving local ladies the chance to satisfy a common desire... to learn more about the beautiful game.
The FA Junior Team Manager award is the first stage in a series of qualifications that is helping more and more people become involved in teaching the sport. In a bid to increase the number of women who take up football coaching, the County FA are offering the fairer sex an opportunity to participate in a "Women Only" version of the course.
For a reduced price of £20, women can revel in 5 weeks of football fever; courtesy of expert guidance from fully qualified Birmingham County Football Development staff. The course kicks off at the Walsall Campus of Wolverhampton University on 12th March and takes place over 5 consecutive Monday nights.
"This qualification is a great introduction to the basics of teaching football," said Birmingham County Girls' & Women's Football Development Officer, Natalie Justice.
"We teach lots of women on our courses - they make great coaches - but to take the first step onto the ladder is quite daunting. It can feel a bit intimidating when you are the only woman in a group of men who have been footballing since birth!
"This extra programme gets rid of the cost and confidence barriers for any woman who wants to take their love of the game that little bit further," added Natalie.
If you are the kind of lady who knows her touchline from her tackle and would like to book a place on the course, contact Natalie Justice on 0121 682 2525 or visit www.bcfds.co.uk
Ref on the Run... For Charity!
12th February 2001
After pounding the football pitch for 90 minutes, one of our local Referees has been swapping his studs for trainers in preparation for this year's London Marathon.
John Boyer, a Class 1 Referee from Rugby will be taking on the challenge in aid of The Laura Centre, a charity providing vital support for families affected by the death of a child.
Every month The Laura Centre helps around 140 bereaved parents and children who receive free counselling from fully qualified, experienced staff. Some of the money needed to run the Centre is provided through Health Authority grants, but the majority has to be raised through fundraising activities.
John - along with a number of work colleagues - is looking to raise over £1000 for the charity by the time he takes his place at the start line on April 22nd, and has been putting in extra training on top of his normal routine to make sure he achieves his goal:
"The refereeing on a Saturday afternoon is really good exercise in itself," said John. "But obviously I have had to put in more time at the gym than normal.
"A close friend of mine set up The Laura Centre, so I know what a great service they offer to people who need their help," he added. "I've always wanted to run the London Marathon and am quite apprehensive" but excited too! Knowing that I will be helping a worthwhile cause will make the whole occasion even better."
Any individuals or companies interested in sponsoring John's Marathon Effort - helping The Laura Centre continue their work with local families - should contact him on 01455 555500 / 01788 337416 or e-mail j.boyer@ntlworld.com