Sunday League Spotlight: Frilsham FC
Newbury Sunday League was revitalised last week, as two new clubs arrived to take the league to eight members.
One of those sides, Frilsham FC, believe that they can quickly hit the ground running and become a competitive side.
This is partly down to their manager, John Rodrigues, a coach with no shortage of passion.
A former semi-professional footballer, Rodrigues retired at the age of just 21.
“Maybe I should have turned pro,” he reflected.
“I'm coaching a team now… I want to help the lads, I want to help people.
“Maybe I can push them to where they want to be, if I can help just one person then I’ll have done something good.
Rodrigues was inspired to get back into local football by watching former Portugal international Pepe, and began training with The Plough on the Green.
“I saw what he was doing at the age of 41 and thought to myself ‘I’ve got to give this a go’,” he said.
“I enjoyed being around the lads… I owe a thank you to Jason the manager and Paulo for the opportunity.”
Shortly afterwards, he was offered the chance to begin coaching, as part of a new Sunday League side, launched by Frilsham & Yattendon FC.
“I have to thank Cameron, Martin and all the members of the committee,” he said.
“They’ve given me this opportunity to prove to myself that I can manage a team and become successful.
“I’ll do whatever it takes, that means training, that means organisation, that means educating the team and conditioning them.
“It’s about taking control, making sure that the players are in the right environment… communication is key.”
Faced with just a couple of sessions to prepare for their first league game, Frilsham’s squad have had to get to know each other quickly.
“I’m so happy with the players at the moment, they’re very good lads,” Rodrigues said.
“Some players know each other, a majority of them don’t, we basically walked into it blind.
“We’ve organised the team, so we’ve done pretty well in just a week!
Rodrigues is keen to instil belief into his players, with the aim being to achieve success, not just make up the numbers.
“We’ve got some really good players and I’m looking forward to the season,” he said.
“I'm all about winning. I want to win.
“I believe we have a team that can win leagues, but it takes time.
“If people are willing to put 100% heart into the game, then they will always come out winning.
“Composure, keeping your head, keeping cool in certain situations… that’s what makes you win a match. It's patience.”
A friendly two weeks ago against Diamond FC was a good test for the new side.
Despite losing 10-4, scoring multiple goals against an experienced Sunday League side will have given Frilsham some confidence.
Sunday saw them make their official bow, as they faced fellow debutants AFC Aldermaston Sunday ‘B’.
It was a perfect start too, as they won 3-1 thanks to a brace from Jack Mann. They’ll face Plough on the Green at City Playground this Sunday.
