Ongar Juniors FC: Season 2017-2018

by Ongar Juniors | Jun 28, 2018 | Season Reviews

Welcome & Club Overview

The 2017-2018 season was a milestone year for Ongar Juniors FC, celebrating the achievements of more than 140 players across 11 teams, from Under 7s to Under 14s, plus a thriving Soccer School for children aged 5 and under. The club once again earned the FA Charter Standard, reflecting its commitment to child welfare, inclusivity, and quality coaching.

Chairman’s Message

Ongar Juniors measure success by the number of children who choose to play and enjoy football year after year. The focus is on fun, development, and teamwork—mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, and every player is valued equally. Coaches and parents are united in supporting a positive, creative environment for all.

Team Highlights

Under 7’s

  • Coaches: Michael Roughan, Dan Gambardella
  • Players: Jake M, Charlie W, Hector B, Luca G, Oscar O-L, Finley C, Ellison B, Denny L
  • Season Summary: Fantastic first festival season with lots of growth, wins, and memorable experiences—including a West Ham experience! Huge thanks to supportive parents.

Under 8’s Blue

  • Coaches: Chris Kirby, Tommy Brinkman
  • Players: Harry S, Louis, Clarke B, Albe K, Thomas F, Giles S, Lenny P, Stanley H
  • Season Summary: Strong teamwork, promoted to the Marseille division, and only lost to one team all season. Great friendships and smiles all round.

Under 8’s White

  • Coaches: Tommy Brinkman, Ben Brinkman
  • Players: Max M, Oscar H, Jacob M, Joe M, Jake B, Kajus K, Devon G
  • Season Summary: New players integrated well, squad mixed for development, team promoted, and friendships blossomed. Looking forward to 7-a-side next year!

Under 9’s

  • Coach: Dean Allen
  • Players: Michael C, Frank R, Jamie H, Thomas D, Ollie H, Harry A, William S, Marley W, Benjamin S, Alfie B, Jake N, Oscar U
  • Season Summary: Started with many new players, improved steadily, played Futsal matches, and won a cup final with memorable goals and growing confidence.

Under 10’s Blue

  • Coach: Darren Lazarus
  • Players: Alfie W, Kane K, Fred H, Zack L, Lewis P, Oliver B, Fred D, Syzmon M, Frank L, Tobias M, Elliot H, Jesse K
  • Season Summary: Moved divisions for more competitive games, enjoyed a winning run, and ended with a Stamford Bridge tournament experience.

Under 10’s White

Coach: Mark Prince

Players: Alfie L, Alfie P, Joe L, Charlie G, Paulie T, Rhylee A, Max O-L, Daniel W, Archie T, Felix B, Thomas F

Season Summary: Focused on team play and equal contribution, undefeated after a semi-final, and great commitment from all.

Under 11’s Blue

  • Coach: Vince Baldock
  • Players: Oliver B, Vinni B, Josh B, Ben J, Ben S, Oliver M, Harry K, Kieran J, Jake M, Ryan A, Toby S, Charley K
  • Season Summary: Played 22, won 15, scored 73 goals, and won the Brentwood Youth League cup. Welcomed new players and built a strong, supportive team.

Under 11’s White

  • Coaches: Nick Housden, Steve Collins
  • Players: Sammy M, Max H, Henry C, Joe R, Stan P, Austin R, Sean R, Ben S, Jamie W, Henry T
  • Season Summary: Promoted to a tougher division, faced challenges, but rallied to reach a cup final as runners-up. Tremendous resilience and growth.

Under 12’s

  • Coaches: Dave Cook, Matt Kent
  • Players: Zachray C, Aaron D, Joe H, Oscar I, Harrison K, Billy K, Freddie M, Billy M, Lenny M, Ewan M, Alex O, Harley W
  • Season Summary: Progressed through divisions, reached two cup finals, and won a tournament at Camber Sands. Hard work and team spirit paid off.

Under 13’s

  • Coaches: Paul Humphrey, Michael Bird
  • Players: Ollie P, Jack H, Freddie B, James A, James, David, Albert, Owen, Billy, Mitchel, Jacob, Robert, Robbie
  • Season Summary: Faced a tough season transitioning to 11-a-side with limited numbers, but showed outstanding commitment and team spirit.

Under 14’s

  • Coaches: Mark Preston, Doug Clousten
  • Players: Jack P, Oliver W, Will B, Tom C, Conor M, Joe M, Bobby G, Will K, Charlie F, Charlie W, Freddie B, Rhys G, TJ, Jack H, Tommy R, Matthew H
  • Season Summary: Finished top half of the division, reached cup semi-finals, saw incredible growth and unity, and produced some stunning goals and teamwork.

Soccer School

  • Coach: Mark Preston
  • Players: Archie, Freddie G, George, Oscar M, Arthur, Ollie, Harrison, Ethan, Oscar H, Ralph, Henry, Freddie B, Noah, Samuel, Harry S, Harry M, Johnny
  • Summary: Organised chaos, loads of fun, and a brilliant start for future stars. Year 1 players move up to Under 7s next season—good luck!

Final Thoughts

Ongar Juniors FC continues to thrive because of its emphasis on fun, learning, and community. A huge thank you to all coaches, parents, and supporters for making this season a success. Here’s to another great year ahead!


For more info or to join, contact the club directly. Who would you like to spotlight next season, players, coaches, or volunteers? Let’s keep the community spirit strong!