Sunderland RCA - Old News

The season my be drawing to a close, but not only are the RCA first team challenging for promotion and cup glory: there's plenty of other action still to come at Meadow Park. So, make sue that these dates are in your diary:

Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup - date for the Final

We're not counting any chickens, but the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup final is Bank Holiday Monday, 5 May at 3:00 PM. The match is at Ryton with Esh Winning playing either us or South Shields.

Arngrove Northern League Fan Survey 2008

The University of Teesside are conducting a survey of Arngrove Northern League club fans to see what they think and want. You can do the survey, which is anonymous, here.

Kick start your studies with the Football Development Centre

For September 2008, City of Sunderland College is launching its innovative new Football Development Centre to improve the skills of talented young footballers both on the pitch and in the classroom.

The Football Development Centre will combine elite football training and coaching alongside the high quality education for which City of Sunderland College is already renowned. The Development Centre, a unique partnership arrangement involving Sunderland AFC and Sunderland RCA (an Arngrove Northern League Club), will be the first initiative of its kind anywhere in the country.

You must be between 16-19 years of age and meet ONE of the following football criteria:

Peter Shields

Everyone at the club was very sorry to hear of the sudden and tragic death of Peter Shields, brother of Gary. All our thoughts and sympathy are with Gary and his family at this sad time.

Sunderland Sunday League

Keep up to date with RCA's Sunderland Sunday League side's progress and forthcoming fixtures on the excellent Sunderland Sunday League web site.

Upcoming Sunday and Youth Team fixtures at Meadow Park

It's not all about the ANL! Sunderland RCA's Sunday and Youth sides are playing at Meadow Park in the following matches.

Sunday, 18 November, 10.30 AM
Sunderland RCA v Cheers in the Sunderland Sunday League Premier Division

Sunday, 25 November, 10.30 AM
Sunderland RCA v Myers in the Sunderland Sunday League Premier Division

Saturday, 15 December, 11.00 AM
Sunderland RCA v Gateshead Leam Rangers in the Durham County Youth League

Sunday, 16 December, 10.30 AM
Sunderland RCA v Silksworth RAOB in the Sunderland Sunday League Premier Division

Birtley Town preview

Update: the League Cup game against Birtley will now be played at Meadow Park.

Sunderland RCA play high-flying Birtley Town away and at home in quick succession.

On Wednesday, 31 October we meet Birtley at their ground in the League Cup. Then on Saturday, 17 November we welcome them to Meadow Park in the ANL.

Birtley Town FC reformed in 1993, joining the Wearside League and, at that time, taking their place in the old second division. After just missing out on promotion in their first season for a place in the top flight Birtley’s second season was to prove more successful. The club won promotion as Champions.

On becoming established within Division One Birtley lifted their first major trophy in 1998 by overcoming the newly crowned Champions, Annfield Plain in the League Challenge Cup Final.

Four years later the club had a magnificent season in all cup competitions, lifting both the League Challenge Cup and the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup at the expense of Stokesley Sports Club and Redcar, respectfully. In the same season they narrowly lost out on a cup treble due to being on the wrong end of a penalty shoot-out result against Jarrow in the Sunderland Shipowners Charity Cup Final. This was followed by completing six consecutive years in reaching the final of the League Cup.

In 2002 the club merged with Birtley St Joseph’s Juniors to expand the club and develop a clear progression route from under sevens through to under 18s, develop girls football and the inclusion of a reserve team. This has proven to be very successful and has enabled the club to be awarded the FA Charter Standard Community Club.

In the following season of 2003-04 Birtley ended 57 years without a League Championship when they were crowned Wearside League Champions. Unfortunately the League Title was not accompanied by promotion as Birtley’s ground did not meet the standards required by the Northern League.

The recently constructed changing facilities, completed in October 2006, together with the addition of floodlighting has enabled Birtley to gain promotion, having completed last season as champions.

Birtley are now looking forward to competing within the Northern League and establishing ourselves as a competitive team within this.

Brandon match reversed

Sunderland RCA take on basement club Brandon United in a reversed Arngrove Northern League Division Two fixture at their Meadow Park home, Ryhope this Wednesday evening, the 24 October, kick off 7:30, and are hoping for a decent crowd, with fans curiuos to look over their rapidly developing team.

The game, which should have been played at Brandon, has had to be reversed due to Brandon's floodlighting problems, the latest blow to the club, who have also had vandalism problems at their Durham ground.

RCA boss Neil Hixon will be looking for his team to bounce back from Saturday's hard fought but ultimately disappointing defeat at home to Penrith, when a late Matty Hyson own goal separated the sides.

RCA fielded two debutants in Saturdays game, midfielder Scott Richards, formerly captain of Bishop Auckland, and striker Scott Thompson, who has joined from Spennymoor, and they will be hoping to continue on Wednesday night. Hixon will also hope to have James Dickinson and Lee Owens back from injury to add pace to his side. In any event Hixon has a large squad to choose from, as he continues to bring in new players to improve the club's fortunes.

Sunderland based, people and property business Gentoo have sponsored by Sunderland RCA FC.

Gentoo aim to increase the impact of their existing social investment initiatives through sponsorship of the Club, and by working in partnership with them to develop diversionary programmes and leisure activities for local youths in the area.

Sunderland RCA FC were formed in 1961 as Ryhope Youth Club and became a founding member of the Northern League Second Division in 1982, achieving promotion as runner up in the 1983-84 season. The 2006-07 season saw the club joining forces with Springboard Sunderland and a new era as Sunderland RCA FC began.

The Club are now based at Meadow Park, Beechbrooke in Ryhope and play regularly in a variety of leagues and friendly matches, including the Durham County Challenge Cup, Arngrove Northern League and the FA Cup.

The sponsorship was officially launched on 9th October at Sunderland RCA FC’s home game against Guisborough Town. Gentoo staff came along to show their support for the team and to see the team’s new kit in action.

Colin Wilson, Sunderland RCA FC Secretary said: “We are delighted to have Gentoo on board as our new shirt sponsors and community partners. Gentoo share with us a vision of developing Sunderland RCA FC as a real community football club, encompassing all age groups and skill levels, and we are looking forward to working closely with them in future years”

Gentoo Living will be working in partnership with Sunderland RCA FC to ensure the wider community benefits from the successes of the Club. Their dedicated Social Investment team have already developed and frequently deliver a wide range of responsive programmes, ensuring that every penny Gentoo spend has wider social and economic benefits.

Gentoo aim to work alongside the Club to develop young people in the local community by giving them access to a range of activities such as football coaching sessions. They would also like to deliver other diversionary activity to counteract anti-social behaviour and initiatives that link in to the Government’s RESPECT agenda.

Elaine Murray, Social Investment Manager for Gentoo, said: “Social investment and enterprise is high on our agenda at Gentoo. We are really pleased to be supporting Sunderland RCA FC through sponsorship and we hope that this new partnership will be a success.

“We wish the Club every success for their future matches and we will be coming along to show them our support.”

Sunderland RCA FC’s links with Springboard, a long established training organisation, will also complement this social investment agenda and Gentoo Living’s community aspirations.

New manager at Meadow Park

Neil Hixon has joined Sunderland RCA as manager. His first game in charge will be the ANL 2 fixture against Thornaby this coming Saturday. You can read Neil's profile here.

Karl Langley, who was Assistant Manager at Sunderland RCA, has now left the club. Karl leaves with our best wishes and our sincere thanks for the hard work he has done.

Race Nite

Sunderland RCA have a race nite booked for the football club on Saturday, 20 October at the Quayside Exchange. Opening at 7:30 PM, the Race Nite is followed by a disco and bar until 1:00 AM. Tickets are only £5.00 and are in aid of Sunderland RCA FC.

The address details are: The Quayside Exchange, Wylam Wharf, Low Street, Sunderland SR1 2AX, but the main entrance is on the High Street.

Steve Smith leaves Meadow Park

Following a poor start to the season, Sunderland RCA FC have parted company with their manager, Steve Smith. Everyone at the club thanks Steve for his efforts over the past 18 months.

The club are actively looking for a new manager and anyone interested is asked to ring Colin Wilson on 07802 523533 or to email him at secretary@sunderlandrca.co.uk.

FA Cup replay at Meadow Park

Sunderland RCA entertain Crook Town on Tuesday, 21 August with a 7:45 kick off at their Meadow Park, Ryhope home, in a replay of their FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie, following Saturdays 2-2 draw at Crook's Millfield ground. RCA led twice on Saturday through Willie Crew and John Butler but the tie was leveled by Kristian Dinsley and Paul Wilson to set up what should be an exciting replay.

With Nissan, Washington and Seaham Red Star all falling to defeat at the first hurdle on Saturday, RCA will be hoping to keep the FA Cup flag flying for the local non league clubs a little longer, although a young and committed Crook team showed in the first meeting they will make things difficult. RCA manager Steve Smith hopes to have a full squad available for the game with Karl Jarvis, Anth Laidler and Simon Andrews available again alongside Saturday's line up.

Sunderland RCA FC go to the dogs!

Wednesday, 8 August is the date of the Club's first participation in a new idea called "The Greyhound Sporting League".

On the night we will be competeing against another five other sports clubs, each club being represented through the evening by the dogs running from a particular trap number. The club whose trap number wins the most points on the night wins the GSL Trophy. Could be the first silverware of the season! The teams and traps are listed below.

In addition, one of the races on the night will be named after the club and we will present the trophy.

The Club has 100 tickets to sell for the night at £5.00 each, and we get to keep all the ticket money, so its a great little fundraiser, and a good night out for all concerned.

Just let Colin Wilson know how many tickets you want, and bring your family and friends, if you have got any.

Cup draws

For our first venture into the FA Youth Cup Sunderland RCA have a preliminary round tie away to West Allotment Celtic, to be played in the week commencing 10 September.

We have been drawn away against Crook Town in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup on 18 August, when we were supposed to be playing them in the League. If we win, it's a trip to either Hall Road Rangers or Tadcaster Albion.

In the Vase we have a bye in the first round qualifying, followed by an away trip to near neighbours Seaham Red Star on the 22 September.

For our first venture into the FA Youth Cup Sunderland RCA have a preliminary round tie away to West Allotment Celtic, to be played in the week commencing 10th September.

Up for the cups!

Sunderland RCA have had their entries accepted for all three FA competitions for this coming season: the FA Cup, Vase and FA Youth Cup. Draws are due to be published on Monday, 2 July.

Brain Honour joins as coach

Well respected local football hero Brian Honour is joining Sunderland RCA as head coach. Manager Steve Smith said "I have known Brian for a long time. Brian played 10 seasons for Hartlepool United and is a legend down there, and since ending his playing career has built an excellent reputation across the North East as a coach, and we are delighted to have him on board".

New Strips

The club are planning to unveil their new strips for 2007/08 in a week or two. Watch this space.

Ground Development

At last a meeting with the council to discuss the development of the ground has been (nearly) arranged. In the next few weeks we will be sitting down with them to discuss short and long term plans for Meadow Park, including the new clubhouse, fencing, lighting, signage and other vital matters!

Sunday Team

The SRCA Sunday team is struggling a bit of late and a new management team is needed. Anyone who is interested and thinks they can bring some fresh faces and enthusiasm to the team is asked to contact club secretary Colin Wilson on 07802 523533.

FA Restructuring Update

Take a look at Mike Amos's response to the FA's proposals for re-organising the lower leagues.

Sportsman's Dinner

Two football legends meet in less adversarial circumstances at the SRCA Sportsman's Dinner.

On the left is Dominic - Nic - Sharkey. Nic joined Sunderland AFC from Scottish Schoolboys in May 1958 and played for Sunderland until October 1966, when he transferred to Leicester. He made 117 appearances for Sunderland, scoring 62 goals. He played in the 1963-64 promotion wining side, alongside fellow Roker greats Jimmy Montgomery and Charlie Hurley, when he enjoyed a formidable scoring record with strike partner Johnny Crossan.

Paddy Crerand played for Celtic - 1957 to 1963 - and Manchester United - 1963 to 1970 - where he was a creative player with superb vision and excellent passing ability. Paddy made 91 appearances for Celtic and 304 for Manchester United. He was also capped 16 times for Scotland.

The Sunderland RCA Sportsman's Dinner at the Tavistock Roker Hotel gave all who attended a fantastic night of entertainment. Guest speaker Paddy Crerand spoke about his days playing alongside fellow Manchester United legends such as George Best, Denis Law, Bobby Charlton and Nobby Stiles as well as the Scotland - England matches in which he played.

Entertainment was provided by Lea Roberts, a top comedian and ex-Rugby League professional.

Thanks to all those who helped organise and support the event, which raised much needed funds for the club. Particular thanks go to Barry Robson, Commercial Director for SRCA, for his masterminding and compering the evening.

Supporting Women's Football in Sunderland

The first Player of the Month awards were won by Steph Houghton and Steph Bannon.

Sunderland RCA FC community partner, Springboard Sunderland, has broadened its support for football in the City by joining forces with Sunderland Women's FC at their home game against Chelsea on Sunday, 22 October by agreeing to support the player of the month awards for this season.

Springboard Secretary Denise Wilson said "We are very keen to support grass roots football in Sunderland, as we think it is a great way to involve young people in healthy lifestyles and make them active parts of their community. We are delighted with this partnership with Sunderland Women's FC and look forward to presenting the Springboard Players of the Month Awards throughout the season."

Planning update

We have had initial feedback from the planners who suggest they might prefer a single storey building, and maybe relocated elsewhere on the site, although previously they had said that it should be on the current site.

Our Architect Alison is now putting together a more comprehensive plan for everything we might want to do with the ground, including extending the undercover accommodation, a new groundsman's store and garage, and a new gatehouse, as well as more detailed plans and alternatives for the clubhouse, and we are meeting with the planners next week to discuss things. Overall, it maybe a longish job but we will get there eventually!

SRCA FC Sportsman's Dinner

Please put the evening of Thursday, 9 November in your diaries. It's the first date for what will become a "fun packed" regular event throughout the current season. The venue is the popular Tavistock Roker Hotel and both speakers and comedians are being booked and invites being sent to local sports stars of the past and present.

Under 13s Boys Team

Owen Haley, Sunderland RCA's Football Development Officer, has started a boys Under 13s team. Please click here for further information or catch Owen at Meadow Park.

Durham Challenge Cup

Sunderland RCA have been drawn away to Shildon in the Durham Challenge Cup. Once we know the date and time, we will post it here and in the fixture list.

An event not to be missed!

Les Dodd is holding a going away party this Friday evening, 1 September in Eauzone (the old DLI club in Norfolk Street). Everybody is invited to come and make sure he is really going "darn sarf"

Obituary: Brian McGee

Sunderland RCA were shocked to learn this week of the sudden and unexpected death of Brian McGee, at the age of 45. Brian was a long term supporter and sponsor of the club and a great friend to us all. The condolences and thoughts of all at Meadow Park go out to his widow Sharon and family, Brian will be sorely missed.

Sunderland RCA FC complete clean sweep at weekend

Sunderland RCA FC enjoyed a great weekend will all three of the clubs teams recording important victories, and scoring a total of 13 goals with only a single reply in the process.

The Under 18’s started things rolling on Saturday morning by following up their winning of the Durham County pre season tournament with a comprehensive 5-0 win over a gutsy and competitive Sacriston team in their first league outing of the season in the Durham County Lomax Training Services under 18 league. A Chris Curtis hat trick was the highlight of a very encouraging display by the RCA youngsters.

Later that afternoon, and after a couple of defeats in their previous games, the RCA first team recorded their first win of the season in the Arngrove Northern League 2nd Division with a solid and well earned 1-0 win over Guisborough Town. RCA controlled most of the game, looking very solid at the back but failed to convert chances until the 70th minute when a composed John Butler finished very calmly through a crowded penalty box. RCA then saw out the game comfortably enough although further chances to settle things were missed meaning the game stayed open to the end.

On Sunday morning the Sunderland RCA Sunday team began their season in the Sunderland Sunday League Premier Division missing a number of players and facing a tough game against Steels SC. In the circumstances the 6-1 victory achieved was more than pleasing and bodes well for the coming season. A very well taken Paul Tunstall hat trick saw RCA cruise to an excellent win.

Under 18 league update

Tuesday, 2 August

Following a meeting the league has now been revamped into North and South Divisions to cope with increased numbers of clubs. Sunderland RCA will play in the North Division against nine other clubs.

The new format means much shorter travel for games and has been generally welcomed by clubs.

Under 18s league re-jig

Thursday, 27 July

The Durham County Lomax Training Services under 18 League has had several late applications from clubs wanting to join, following the demise of the North Tyneside Youth League. As a consequence Andrew Harrison, our under 18 manager, will be representing us at an evening meeting on Monday, 31 July to agree a re jig of the League format, with the Durham FA proposing North and South divisions.

Craven Cup

Thursday, 27 July

The draw for the Craven Cup (2nd division knock out competition) has been made. Another first round bye for RCA, followed by Brandon United at home in the 2nd round, date TBA.

Under 18s looking good

Wednesday, 26 July

The Under 18's played Brandon United last night in an away friendly and won 2-1. They had a big squad available and Under-18s manager Andrew Harrison gave everybody at least 15 minutes playing time and was very pleased with the performance and attitude of the lads. The county coach was at the game and made note of five names for his forthcoming trials. The boys are at Seaton Carew tonight ahead of their first tournament game next Wednesday.

3rd Team joins RCA stable

Sunderland RCA are delighted to announce that they will be running another team in the coming season, with a development side playing in the Sunderland Sunday Morning League Premier Division. Home games will be played at the Billy Hardy Centre to reduce wear and tear on the Meadow Park surface.

Secretary Colin Wilson said "Its more good news for the club. The Sunderland Sunday Premier League is a very good standard, with many Northern League and Wearside League players taking part and a number of well respected and very successful clubs, including the likes of Humbledon Plains Farm, Red House CIU and Grangetown Florists. We already have the basis of a very good team but we also hope that over the coming years Sunderland RCA Sunday FC will provide an opportunity to give tougher experience to players coming through the ranks with our under 18 team as they develop, and a progression route for them to the first team."

Under 18's in County Pre Season Tournament

The knock out draw pits the lads against Hartlepool St Francis 2000 FC in the first round on Wednesday the 2nd of August with a 6.30 kick off. If they are successful, further rounds are on Saturday the 5th, against local rivals Ryhope CW, Wednesday the 9th, and with the final on Saturday 12th August. The Sunderland RCA under 18's therefore have the opportunity to win the club's first ever trophy under our new identity!

Saturday games are 2.00 kick offs, with Wednesdays at 6.30 and the County FA will use the games as a basis for picking the County squad for the coming season, so the lads will have every incentive to take the games very seriously.

FA Vase draw

The draw for the FA Vase has given us a bye in the first qualifying round and an interesting away trip in the second qualifying round. We will play Hall Road Rangers of the Northern Counties East League, Division 1 at their Dene Park ground in Dunswell, near Hull on Saturday, 23 September.

The Club will be running coaches to the game for supporters. Watch here for more details nearer the date.

Sunderland Charity and Non League Football Club Join Forces

Springboard Sunderland Trust and Arngrove Northern League Club, Sunderland RCA FC (Formerly Kennek Ryhope CA), announced today that they are establishing a new close working partnership to promote football in the Sunderland area. Springboard will help Sunderland RCA to develop their ground and facilities at Meadow Park, Ryhope, and Springboard will be actively involved in the management of the club. Colin Wilson, a director of Springboard, takes over as Secretary of Sunderland RCA.

The Sunderland outfit, established in the 1960s as Ryhope CA, joined the Northern league in 1982 and amalgamated with Kennek Roker in 1999, and while recent years have been a struggle, the club has stayed afloat, in contrast to many local and long established clubs, which have hit trouble in recent years. Murton, Eppleton, Shotton, Easington and Peterlee have all lost Northern League status, and some have folded completely.

As well as aiming for success in the Northern League, the world’s second oldest league, the intention over the next few years is for the club to develop teams at all ages and levels of ability, for females as well as males, and to achieve Football Association “Charter Status” recognition as a first class community club. To that end the club are very interested to hear from any local youth, female or children’s football teams or clubs that would like to become part of the Sunderland RCA story from the beginning. Anyone interested can ring Colin Wilson direct on 07802 523533.

Colin has been involved personally in local grassroots football for many years. Owen Haley, previous Secretary of the club, will continue to be involved and lend his experience to give support to the new developments, as will existing committee stalwarts, Chairman Dave Hall, Graham Defty and Les Dodd. Owen, who played in all levels of local football for many years, already works with local schools as an LEA governor and volunteer sports assistant.

Denise Wilson, Chief Executive of Springboard Sunderland, said “We at Springboard have wanted for some time to become more involved in local football, as we believe it provides a great medium to build community spirit, and to get young people involved in healthy pursuits and lifestyles, and therefore matches perfectly with Springboard’s vision and ethos.

“We think we can help Sunderland RCA achieve their goals on the pitch, whilst at the same time building Sunderland RCA into a real community club that the people of Sunderland will be proud of.

“We believe Springboard Sunderland can provide additional strength, security and long term commitment, to build on the excellent work done by the existing voluntary committee of the football club over many years”.

Sunderland RCA are also seeking to involve the wider community in the development of the club, and are talking to a number of local and regional businesses with regard to announcing further partnerships in the near future.

Welcoming the new partnership, Dave Hall, Sunderland RCA Chairman said ” Its great for us to have Springboard and Colin on board. We are really looking forward to making the club bigger and better in the coming years”

Action from the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup Semi Final

Lots of action at Meadow Park