I'm very sorry for the newsletter hiatus. Here's absolute bumper edition to make up for it!
CONTENTS
League info
Ethos when playing matches
Community Corner
New feature alert --- Get To Know A Goal!
Player Shout-Outs
LEAGUE INFO
Have a question about leagues? Get in touch with the relevant league rep on TeamApp or with our head of football Beth!
ETHOS WHEN PLAYING MATCHES
We all want to have a fun time when playing matches and we also want the teams we play to have a fun time, but sometimes naturally things can get a bit heated on the pitch.
3 tips for staying cool on the pitch:
1. If conflict or friction is happening with a player you’re marking, switch sides or positions with another teammate so you’re not marking that player any more
2. If that doesn’t work, remove yourself from the situation by taking a few mins off the pitch - ask to sub
3. If all else fails, kill them with kindness! Being the bigger person and using positive, generous language can help to diffuse the situation and remind the other player that we’re all just here to have a good time/
Remember as a teammate or a captain, we have a role to play in calling out bad behaviour and calling in our team mates or opponents. Switch with players where needed and show leadership on the pitch for what best behaviour looks like.
A useful resource is our Matchday Policy on Team App. Make sure you read it. We’ll also be doing some leadership training on Wednesdays as part of our usual practice sessions in the coming months so we all know how to show up on the pitch.
As a club we have a zero tolerance approach to violence - from our own players or from other teams.
If you experience or witness any incidents in matches (be it amongst our players or with a ref or opponent), please share them with our Fixtures Sec Beth. She’ll take note of them, do any necessary follow-ups with other teams, or investigate further if needed. It’s important that our players know that if they experience something on the pitch that isn’t acceptable, we take that very seriously. Beth is here to make sure everyone is getting the most out of matches and having a good time. But also that we’re leading by example and ensuring other teams have a good time too.
Finally, don’t forget to refresh yourself by reading our Accountability Policy on Team App that outlines our expectations of ourselves and each other.
COMMUNITY CORNER
This section is reserved for anyone in the club who has stuff they want to share (job posting, events, other cool opportunities -- whatever!) If you ever want to add anything to this section just email press@goaldiggersfootballclub.com and put 'NEWSLETTER' in the subject line.
STONEWALL HOUSING EVENT
Message from member Fin! I work at Stonewall Housing, a charity providing support for LGBTQ+ people facing homelessness in the UK. We have an event at the Rio Cinema on Sunday 25th of February 2024, 1-4pm. It's £3 for those who can pay, otherwise it's free. All proceeds go to the Stonewall Housing charity fund.
Join for an afternoon of film, art, and activism on Sunday 25 February 2024. Tickets are FREE and available now - link here
SICILIAN SUPPER CLUB AT THE YARD THEATRE
Message from member Antoinette!
I work at The Yard Theatre and wanted to share an upcoming event with everyone in the hope of supporting our amazing Kitchen Resident Riccardo. He is hosting a Sicilian Supper Club on the 7th of February. He's really sweet and deserves all the support he can get so I'd truly appreciate it if you'd purchase a ticket and come along, bring as many people as you can, share with as many people as you can, and make it a lovely time for him.
GET TO KNOW A GOAL!
Meet Scarlet! (She/Her)
Position
Anywhere on the wing
Favourite memory at GDFC?
Shouting CHOBHAM randomly at any given point (for those of you who don’t know, that’s where our Monday night league in Stratford is). Least favourite memory is finding out recently we’ve been pronouncing Chobham wrong for the last year.
Two truths and a lie
I have been in a Eurovision advert
I have been in an Eastenders episode
I have been in Zoella’s vlog
PLAYER SHOUT-OUTS
MONDAY 5s (8th Jan)
Monday 5s restarted in Stratford with an absolute stormer of a game against Whippets. Despite the freezing conditions, the goals came away with a 4-1 win thanks to some exceptional attacking drives by Maz, aerial shots by Brooke, and an unfortunate own goal from a Whippets player.
Captain Abi’s POTM was Maz for wowing us in defence and attack. The fans’ POTM was Scar for being everywhere at all times and bringing the fancy footwork. Reflecting on Scar’s football journey, Georgia said ‘it has been an honour to witness’. Big thanks and welcome back to Coach Kitty for making it out to Chobham to support.
SATURDAY 11s (13th Jan)
Captain Binal’s player of the match was Gaby for great runs from the back & being more solid at the back.
Coach Amy’s was Lorraine for some great saves, which kept us in the game. S/o Farida for being in the right place at the right time. Fan’s player was Alex who looked like they had the time of their life. Made some great runs and general good vibes. A high intensity game which ended 1-1 with lots of chances on both ends.
SUNDAY 5s ALL STARS (14th Jan)
Kim's potm could have been everyone, after a superb return to Sunday 5s. Two wins on the bounce, however there was only one winner and it had to be Izzy for a hat trick followed by a brace!
SUNDAY 5s LEGENDS (14th Jan)
Captain Flo's potm was Alex. She said she was going to score and she did. It was a beauty. Well done to the whole team, unlucky to not get any wins!
TUESDAY 7s (16th Jan)
Captain Alex chose Gaia as their player of the match for picking out (and executing) some beautiful passes. Well done all for a good draw against speedy Islington!
SATURDAY CLUBS UNITED (20th Jan)
Week 2 for Clubs United and it was good vibes all round. Ravens scored early, but Diggers pulled off an equaliser in the middle of the second half. If it had not been for their keeper (kudos to them), we would have won with so many shots on target! Lilly was Captain Mylinh’s player of the match for her relentless attacks on the left. Special mention to Abi our goal scorer as well.
MONDAY FINSBURY PARK 5s (22nd Jan)
From Monday Finsbury Park 5s, player of the week was Ruby and they also got their golden boot from last season!
TUESDAY 7s (23rd Jan)
In a dazzling display of dominance, our team secured an incredible clean sheet with a jaw-dropping 7-0 victory against Weavertown! The energy on the field was off the charts, with everyone giving their all. We unleashed a relentless attack, pushing high and leaving no room for the opposition. Shoutout to Emily, the dynamo on the pitch, earning Player of the Match for her 150% effort and omnipresence. Now that's how you own the game!
AND FINALLY...
This lovely pic of Lara and Millie at Sunday 5s. Not sure who is giving who the sticker so congrats to you both!
