In September three weeks of football trials were held at St Clere’s Secondary School to select the players that would represent Thurrock in the forthcoming season. Over 80 players from 37 Primary schools in Thurrock attended and thirteen boys from 11 different primary schools were selected.
Kevin Watts, joint manager said, ‘It was a tough decision to select thirteen boys who we felt would follow in the success of last year’s team (who won the Essex League and reached 2 finals and two semi-finals) but we feel that we have selected a group of boys who will represent 20their school and Thurrock with pride. District football is played at a very high standard, but we have already beaten Barking and Dagenham and drawn against a strong Hackney side so the signs look good for a successful season. The players are all very enthusiastic and want to do their best to bring some silverware to Thurrock for the third year running.’
John Bryant, joint manager said, ‘The boys have worked hard so far this season and are proud to represent Thurrock and all are looking forward to the year ahead.’
The district team play weekly matches on a Saturday in the Essex League, the Gills’ Shield, the Crisp Shield, the Lester Finch Trophy and the prestigious Southern Counties Cup and will be playing teams from across the south of England. The squad of players also attend the FA affiliated Jersey Football Festival where Thurrock play teams from across the country and representatives from France and Jersey.
The team photo (from left to right) Top Row: Kevin Watts (Manager), Jarred Plunkett (Quarry 20Hill), Alfie Waters (Little Thurrock), Morgan Stone (Horndon), Harry Lockyear (Little Thurrock), Jody Meridith (St Thomas’), Tommy Topliss (St Thomas’), Jack Willis (Stanford), John Bryant (Manager). Bottom Row: Shaun Gittleson (Tudor Court), Billy Monk (Tilbury Manor), Taig Barnes (Tilbury St Mary’s), Joseph Berry (Arthur Bugler), Tyrique Hyde (Warren), Bayley Newell (Woodside).
