The presentations took place at the Pope John Paul II Hall in Rayleigh and ran over two days due to the sheer number of children who are involved with local football at the club. The 11-a-side presentations were held on the Saturday and the Mini Soccer teams on the Sunday, with Mark presenting the awards on the second day.
Over 500 children and their proud parents, grandparents and carers attended over the weekend, as the club now boasts over 40 teams, comprised of all ages from under 7’s right through to Veterans, as well as female teams too. This makes Rayleigh FC one of the largest youth football clubs, not just in Essex, but anywhere in the country.
As well as the presentations, those in attendance were also able to enjoy a BBQ, which was run by the 3rd Rayleigh Scouts, with all profits split between the Football Club and the Scouts themselves.
Commenting on the presentation event, Mark Francois said:
“Rayleigh FC are a really good club and are now one of the largest of its type anywhere in the country. I am proud to have a successful club like this in my constituency and it was very kind of them to invite me along to present the awards to some of the young teams. I played youth football similar to this when I was a young kid – back in the last century – and I can remember presentation ceremonies and going home clutching a players medal, some of which I still have in a display cabinet at home so I do realise how important these presentations are to the players, managers and their parents and guardians. It is a wonderful thing to have a club in my constituency doing so much to teach young people about the value of sportsmanship, teamwork and positive activity. I wish the club al the very best for the future.”