Friday, 29 March 2024 - 11.11 am

Roy Hodgson and Ray Lewington Turn Out to Coach Some of WRFC’s Finest at Merrist Wood

12115687_10153917101134206_6626776742236814972_nMust be every young player’s dream – to be coached under the watchful eye of the England National Team Manager and Assistant Manager!

Roy Hodgson and Ray Lewington pulled in a fantastic crowd at Merrist Wood on Wednesday 28th October 2015, as they hosted a coaching day on behalf of the Mane Chance Sanctuary, based between Wanborough and Compton.  Mane Chance’s mission is to rescue and rehabilitate abused, abandoned and old horses, integrating them with the local community.   They regularly host visits from terminally ill children, those with special needs and other underprivileged youngsters fulfilling their aim of helping horses help people.  Today’s showcase event was a big fund-raiser for the charity, all played out in brilliant sunshine at the wonderful pitch facilities located at Merrist Wood.

Merrist Wood College Pitches

Merrist Wood College Pitches

The day was broken down into different age groups and due to strong demand from 10 – 12 year old players, two consecutive two-hour sessions were run for this age group, from 9.30am – 11.30am and from 12.00 – 2.00pm.  Each two-hour block involved alternating across four coaching drill work stations, supervised by coaches from Woking FC.  Roy and Ray spent time with each group, talking to the players, offering words of advice and encouragement and even sportingly taking a turn in goal!  The finale involved a mini-tournament and a photo-opportunity with the England coaching team.  Each player was presented with their own Umbro football (duly signed by Roy and Ray at the end….) and a goody bag from Precor Fitness.  Sky News were in attendance, as well as local press, so look out for the media coverage to follow.

Worplesdon Rangers U11 Dinamo and U12 Warriors had players in attendance and a selection of photos follows below.  If any players other than those shown here attended the event and would like to have their photo included in this report, please contact Peter Horncastle, Chairman.

Roy Hodgson, meet Jacob, defender, U12 Warriors!

Roy Hodgson, meet Jacob, defender, U12 Warriors!

Ray Lewington and Jacob (U12 Warriors) selfie

Ray Lewington and Jacob (U12 Warriors) selfie

Roy discussing the finer points of the slap stepover...

Roy discussing the finer points of the slap stepover…

U12 Warriors Leon and his group

U12 Warriors Leon and his group

Ethan (U11 Dinamo) and Roy Hodgson

Ethan (U11 Dinamo) and Roy Hodgson

U12 Warriors GK Leon's gloves, now with Hodgson reinforced fingers!

U12 Warriors GK Leon’s gloves, now with Hodgson reinforced fingers!

Ethan (U11 Dinamo) proudly sports his signed shirt

Ethan (U11 Dinamo) proudly sports his signed shirt

Marc, U12 Warriors, arrives with sponsored football and bags of enthusiasm!

Marc, U12 Warriors, arrives with sponsored football and bags of enthusiasm!

Roy Hodgson with U12 Warriors 'keeper, King Leon

Roy Hodgson with U12 Warriors ‘keeper, King Leon

Sky News in attendance!

Sky News in attendance!

Cristiano, U12 Warriors, schools Roy in the art of the selfie!

Cristiano, U12 Warriors, schools Roy in the art of the selfie!

U12 Warriors midfielder Joe gets Roy's autograph

U12 Warriors midfielder Joe gets Roy’s autograph

U11 soccer mums Aurelia and Clare with Roy Hodgson

U11 Dinamo soccer mums Aurelia and Clare with Roy Hodgson

Alfie (U11 Dinamo) and Marc (U12 Warriors) pose with Roy Hodgson, Ray Lewington and local dignitaries

Alfie (U11 Dinamo) and Marc (U12 Warriors) pose with Roy Hodgson, Ray Lewington and local dignitaries

Cristiano, Jacob and Joe (U12 Warriors) with their group

Cristiano, Jacob and Joe (U12 Warriors) with their group

Two hours of intensive drills and matches

Two hours of intensive drills and matches

Alfie and Ethan (U11 Dinamo) group photo

Alfie and Ethan (U11 Dinamo) group photo

U12 Warriors' striker Marc, with Roy Hodgson

U12 Warriors’ striker Marc, with Roy Hodgson

Joe, U12 Warriors, with Roy and Ray

Joe, U12 Warriors, with Roy and Ray

Jacob (U12 Warriors) gets his Roy selfie....

Jacob (U12 Warriors) gets his Roy selfie….

Marc (U12 Warriors) heads past Roy Hodgson

Marc (U12 Warriors) heads past Roy Hodgson

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