The club host regular family-
friendly events which raise funds
to be invested back into its
facilities as it continues to grow
and develop as a club. This
further enables its members to
come together and build a tight-
nit community.
The U8’s team, with assistance
from some of the parents, is
managed by Aran Merrett
(brother of England Women’s
International Fara Williams),
whose aim, whilst developing
technical ability, is to encourage
individuals to both work together
as a team and focus on the group
performance. Results are
important, but in this age group
the target is to see the boys
build confidence, friendships and
team spirit. Aran is also a great
advocate for good sportsmanship
and fair play, ensuring tha
respect for each other and the
opposition is ingrained in players
and parents alike.
The team is a new addition to the
Chessington Sport family. Training
together since the end of last
season we have a mixture of
experienced players, with a season
already under their belts at other
clubs and some exciting and
talented newcomers, all with a
love of the game, a passion to
play and a willingness to learn.
Our small squad of players are
all given the opportunity to play
in a variety of positions, the aim
being to develop a more rounded
player, to help them understand
the importance of each position
and how success will only be
achieved by each player doing their
bit.
As with our other youth teams,
we face many of the obstacles of
grassroots football, particularly
as the team is entirely self-sufficient, with football kit/equipment funded through self-sought sponsorship and a great
deal of hard work and dedication
by Aran.
Currently, we are playing
friendlies with nearby teams, as
well as local tournaments, to
give the boys more experience of
the game and prepare for the
season ahead in the Epsom &
Ewell Youth League. The team
and the club are excited about
the upcoming football season and
they are supported by a group of
parents committed to getting
behind them in a positive,
encouraging manner.
Established over 100 years ago, Chessington Cricket & Sports Club is a small sports and social club offering opportunities across a range of sports in a safe, friendly environment. Primarily a Cricket club it also has great home facilities for adult and youth football teams, this includes the provision of astro turfed pitches (in partnership with neighbouring Chessington Community College), enabling training throughout the harsher winter months. .