KCFA Presentation Evening - 2.6.09
The Annual Presentation for the County Representative teams at Under 16 and Under 18 took place last night at the Sturdee Sports and Social Club in Gillingham.
Hosting the presentation evening was Ken Keating, Chairman of the Youth Committee with distinguished guests Keith Masters, Chief Executive of the KCFA, and our own Chief Executive Colin Boswell presenting the badges, County Caps, and South East Counties medals to the players.
Yours truly was able to talk about the season for both age groups and reflect on lots of good memories and some real achievements for the County side.
Under 16s - Badges for 5 Competitive Appearances
Louis Rankin (Crockenhill)
Jack Funnell (Tonbridge Angels)
Eddie Sharman (Tonbridge Angels)
Dan Gunner (VCD Athletic)
James Garry (VCD Athletic
Scott Heard (Canterbury City)
Under 18s - Badges for 5 or more Competitive Appearances
Rob Carter (Maidstone United and England Schools)
George Mitchell (VCD Athletic)
Alex Flisher (Bearsted and Maidstone United)
Ben Greenhalgh (Corinthian and Welling United)
Under 18s Badges for 5 or more Appearances plus County Cap 10 or more Appearances
Adam Woollcott (Canterbury City)
Jake Marsh (Dover Athletic)
Sam Cliff (Margate)
Andrew Williams (Cray Wanderers)
Tom Phipp (Ebbsfleet)
Pat Taylor (Bromley)
Under 18s -County Caps for 10 or more Appearances (already have Badge)
Jack Rankin (Croydon Athletic)
Michael Scott (Chatham Town and England Schools)
Steve Brading (Miadstone United)
Harry Harding (Bromley)
Perry Scofield-Lamoon (Ebbsfleet)
Karl Dent (Dartford)
Deren Ibrahim (Dartford)
Ollie Funnell (Tonbridge Angels)
Tom Parkinson (Maidstone United)
Congratulations to them all on their awards. The Under 18 players then received their Winners medals and the Trophy for the South East Counties Championship and for Kent this was the first time since season 2002 - 2003.
There was a final award voted by the Players themselves for their own Players Player of the season. Each player was asked for a 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice and the points were logged and accumulated.
Gary Farr and Simon Balsdon our two coaches presented the trophies to :
Under 16s : Ian Gayle (Crockenhill)
Under 18s: Deren Ibrahim (Dartford)
I was presented with a giant frame of photographs across the season which was a lovely surprise and very much appreciated. It now sits proudly on the wall in my hallway and a huge thanks to Ken for arranging this with help from Gavin and Julie's great pictures.
The evening was a huge success with great support from family and friends boosting the numbers to in excess of 150.
Thanks to the Sturdee Club for being excellent hosts and to the County for providing everyone with a free drink on entry, and Ken's excellent organisation of the medals, caps and badges.
This now brings down the curtain on season 2008/2009. With only Deren, Tom and Rob not eligible next season, the Under 18 squad is in a healthy shape. However, we will not be sitting idly by, but working towards next season, bringing on the trials for the Under 16s and Under 18s which will be announced on the site.
My thanks of course to the clubs, the KCFA, the Kent Youth League for your great support across the season. To all those individuals who in some way contributed to Team Kent, to Parents and friends who have been there to support us, to the Management team of Gary, Simon and Chris who have committed to next season, and last but not least to ALL the players who have represented the County, their clubs, their families and themselves in a positive and professional manner which has been refreshing to see and the enthusiasm they have shown to represent the County with pride.
My thanks to my family for their support across the season, and I hope that you have all enjoyed reading about our exploits from Jersey to the Isle Of Man!
We have a lot to live up to next season, but the quality of young footballers in this County is of the highest standard and I have no doubt we can be successful again next season.
Thank you
Ken
