Caversham AFC U18 Rovers celebrated a momentous finale to their junior grassroots careers as they won the East Berkshire Football Alliance (EBFA) Division 1.
Against the odds with only eight players remaining from the U17 season, players and parents united to form a winning combination.
Karen Boulton, U18 Rovers Manager describes the journey of the “class” of 2024/25.
“In May 2024 the previous dedicated manager, Jason Collie, needed to support his son Alex as he continued his football at Reading City. “Through my son, George, I discovered there was a cohort of 8 players still wanting to play. Myself and another FA level 1 qualified parent, Martin Kahl, connected and alongside Martin’s son Harry we set out a tall order – Find us the players and we’ll sort everything else. Quite a task as one of the players we needed was a goalkeeper and they’re in short supply.
“In June 2024 the team was complete – the motivation of the players who joined (mainly from Trents) was an opportunity to play together using the team as extension of their strong friendship groups and to play within a higher division.
“Meeting with the team to set out the framework of the season, the players communicated Fitness, Fun, Team and Socialising, a focus at training on small sided games so the philosophy of simply letting players play was executed throughout the season – when a need arose to discuss any concerns, clear expectations were set and always with a view to keeping players playing.
“We had inherited kit from the previous manager, although with the team of 2024/25 being a new generation of Rovers new kit signified their new beginning and money was raised to fund the team by way of cake sales alongside a community donation from Matt Trigg’s organisation AWE, new kit delivered two days before the first match the players were absolutely thrilled to be donning their new shirts.
“A gap in the management structure remained and was resolved by Theo joining the team as a player and very quickly, Dad David recruited as Head Coach bringing with him expertise of having managed another Division 1 team with his elder son, Henry.
“David tells me ‘After 13 years with Caversham Trent’s I thought that was the end of Saturday mornings with the lads. So when the opportunity came along for one more season of grassroots football with Theo and team it was an offer I couldn’t refuse to coin a phrase.”
Rhys Roberts, player, described his own inspiration to play this season.
He said: “As it was the last chance to play youth football and an opportunity to play with my friends in a team for the first time. Friendships were important in the team as we already knew each other so it was pretty easy to gel and play some decent football.
“Dave and Karen have been great. Both trying to get the most and best out of us throughout the season. Pushing us to be at the top of our individual games.
“Matches were fairly tough. The league seem to have a drop (out) from previous years which is understandable when it gets to under 18s, but still a challenge and it showed through the battle for the league at the top.
“To end as a champion feels good – just to play football with my mates was the most important thing so to come out with some silverware is a great bonus”.
Tom Russell, Rovers Captain, felt similarly around the vibe of the team. He said: “It was great to be elected by my team mates (as Captain) and to be viewed worthy of the position.
“I felt some pressure but more pride for being able to Captain the team I had been playing for 13 years.
“It was surprising how well we gelled and due to us being friends, it meant we had each others back in every game, we could push each other.
“Parental support has been great and although both coaches were new, they helped the team continue and quickly understood the ambitions at the start of the season and we were able to fulfil them.
Caversham AFC Club Chair Jeroen Verheggon added his congratulatory message: “It is great to see what the U18 Rovers have achieved, winning division 1 is no mean feat! But most proud I am of the togetherness and team spirit shown by coaches, players and parents in this team and across the Club.
“Success in sport is important, but having fun and friendships is more important and it’s nice to see this going hand in hand. Well done Rovers!”.
Karen continued: “Being the only female manager in the U18s Mixed Division is still both unusual and an achievement, certainly I feel more balance of both male and female coaches across all ages of football is a benefit to all those involved.
“ Most significantly to me though is to have had the privilege of being by my son’s side in his first season and unexpectedly, his last – not many Mums can say that!
“My final words to the U18 Rovers, class of 2024/25 are simply – thank you for giving us an outstanding season, you’ve given the best of yourselves and are and always will be, EBFA Division 1Champions 2024/25.”
Congratulations to other Caversham AFC teams, a club of over 760 players, who celebrate their achievements this season:
U5 – U6 Swans attended their first tournament,
U9 Rotherfield Tournament Plate Winners
U10 Swans Marlow Tournament Trophy winners,
U12 Swans Marlow Tournament Runners Up
U13s Swans Rotherfield Tournament Runners Up
U13 Pythons BYDL League and Cup winners
U14 Swans Rotherfield Tournament Runners Up
U17 Swans BCGFL Division 2 Runners Up
U14 Tigers EBFA Division 7 Runners Up
Caversham AFC Ladies Division 2 winners
U15 Vikings winners of Oxfordshire League Cup.
