Award-winning Berko Raiders to expand for the new season

Berkhamsted Raiders Keith Pollard and Paul Russell received their FA award from Liverpool legend Didi Hamann. Photo (c) Justin Setterfield - The FA

The Raiders currently provide football for around 700 players in more than 50 teams from U7 to U18 level, and in 2014/15 the club was named FA Charter Standard Community Club of the Year in recognition of the contribution that it has made to youth football.

In order to continue the club’s development, the Raiders will be extending their playing opportunities to encourage players – particularly, but not exclusively in the 18-23 age group – who wish to continue playing football.

They will be running an U21 team that will play in the Herts FA U21 league on Sunday mornings or afternoons, and U23s are also eligible to participate in this league.

Meanwhile, a senior Raiders team will play in the Herts Senior County League, Reserve and Development Section – South East, on Saturday afternoons.

There is no age restriction in this league, but the club will be encouraging players in their younger years to join up.

Berkhamsted Raiders CFC chairman Keith Pollard said: “We are aware that there is a significant drop out from football when players end their youth football careers at U17/18. Some may move to Sunday league football, many drop out altogether.

“Our new teams are open to players from all clubs, not just ex-Raiders.

“The teams will be part of the Raiders set-up, with a weekly training session with professional coaches on BerkoAstro 3G and well organised and managed games on good quality grass pitches or on BerkoAstro 3G.”

Anybody interested in finding out more should email Keith at [email protected] with a CC to club development officer Paul Russell at [email protected].

Players should provide their contact details, date of birth and a brief playing history. Confirmations of interest must be submitted by Thursday, April 30.