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

Must 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.

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.