Thame United’s new £3.1m facility is well under way with the clubhouse now taking shape after the majority of the pitch levelling and ground works have been completed.
It is hoped that the roof will be on the main building by the end of this week (14 May) and with the drainage and irrigation systems going in on the pitches its all starting to take shape nicely.
" The contractors have been really lucky with the good weather we’ve had and it’s enabled them to really crack on" , said Frank Thompson, "Now that the clubhouse is above ground level it really looks impressive."
United hope that the 20 acre site will be ready to play sometime during the 2010/11 season, it all depends on the weather and temperature to make the grass grow and get established before the end of the growing season which will determine when we can start playing. On this part of the project we are completely in the lap of the Gods.
Division 1 East Champions -27th April
Thame United picked up the 3 points they needed at home against Eton Wick on Saturday with a comfortable 3-0 victory.
The Thame management team celebrated long into the night with the Clubs presentation awards being held that evening. “It was a great way to finish of the day” said Mark West, “ having secured the league we were able to really enjoy the evening”.
At the awards Club captain Nik Rhodes picked up the Players Player of the Year and Managers Player Award, with a special mention also going to Lee Orkney in the Thame goal who had kept an impressive 26 clean sheets in the clubs league and cup matches this season. Luke Ricketts picked up the Most Improved Player award.
Thame’s Reserve side also achieved Runners Up as did the Under 18 Youth side in their respective league campaigns. Frank Thompson commented, “we have had an average age of 21 in the side this season and when you consider this is with two players the wrong side of 35 it’s a really youthful team and we have got some great new talent coming through from the other sides, with the new stadium and results on the pitch it’s quite an exciting time for Thame United”.
Jake Collinge, Thame United’s Chairman was delighted to announce that following Saturday’s victory and with it the Division One East title that the existing management team at the club will remain in place for next season. Collinge commented “After Mark, Frank and Vince have led us to this position, our first promotion for 15 year’s we are delighted to retain this management team for the future”.
“Gary Leach will take over the running of the Reserve team, stepping up from the U18 Youth side and we hope that the success of the 1st team now rubs off on the other senior sides”.
“With the new facility planned to be ready some time during the 2010/11 season, we know that we will have a strong squad going into next season and certainly by the end of it a stadium that is fit for purpose. The main clubhouse structure has just started to be erected so we are doing really well against the schedule” said Collinge “But we are in the hands of mother nature now for all of the grass areas that have been created”.
The new £3.1m development on a 20 acre site is due for completion in the late Autumn.
3 Points Away From One East Title - 23rd April
Thame United picked up a good away point from last night’s game against 4th place Woodley Town.
“We didn’t really get going 1st half and Woodley played really well so we were under a fair bit of pressure” said Frank Thompson. “Lee Orkney in goal made three excellent saves to keep us in the game after conceding a sloppy goal, we were much better second half and a goal from top scorer Mark Jones ensured a tense finish but at the end of the day we were happy with the point” commented Thompson, “We now go into Saturday’s match against Eton Wick knowing that a win will secure us the Division 1 East title.
Thame United held their annual Chairmans golf day at the prestigious Oxfordshire Golf Club last Friday and were rewarded with a day of sunshine albeit under windy conditions at the Championship course.
19 teams of four competed for the coveted Chairmans Claret Jug with Nigel Hargreaves’ team winning the event by 1 point in a close encounter. “ Ed Waumsley was superb” commented Hargreaves at the dinner, “he managed a hole in one at the Par 3 13th, nearest the pin and shot a gross level par 72 round the course playing off an handicap of 9” “The rest of the team merely made up the numbers”.
Organiser Tim Green was delighted with the turn out for the even. “To have 76 players in the event was fantastic and the standard of golf was excellent this year with the team in 19th place on 84pts it was no surprise that the winning team amassed 109 points but when all 4 players points scored on the par 3’s it can make a big difference to the team score”.
Our thanks go to the staff at the Oxfordshire especially Chris Hanks, who enabled the day to run smoothly. Frank Thompson’s team had to settle for 2nd place again but his comments in the bar after finding out were not for print, although he was happy to pick up the longest drive award for the 4th year running
Other Awards on the Day were
Nearest Pin 5th Gary Hodgkiss
Longest Drive 10th Frank Thompson
Nearest Pin 13th Ed Waumsley (Hole in 1)
The Thame United Golf Society (TUGS) will be looking to hold their next event s in June and late August
Cancer Research Charity Benefits - 20th April
A crowd of 1,724 saw Gianfranco Zola light up the evening in the Mike Keen Memorial Match at Adams Park which Wanderers legend, and Thame United Manager, Mark West also played in.
West commented after the game “He was absolutely outstanding and could still be playing at a very high level”. It was really nice to be involved in the game and seeing Kevin Keen and the rest of the Wycombe lads again and all for a fiiting cause”
The Italian sparkled as the Keen All Star XI won 5-4 against the Wycombe Wanderers Legends. Zola and Teddy Sheringham scored twice each for the victors with Rob Lee adding the other for the All Stars. A Tommy Mooney hat-trick and Dennis Greene's spectacular effort made sure it was a close encounter on a night of some glorious goals.
The All Star XI was put together by Mike Keen's son Kevin and the West Ham coach, who remains the youngest player to turn out for Blues, assembled a team to do his dad proud with selections from four of his father's clubs, Wycombe, QPR, Watford and Luton. The only thing missing on the night was a goal from Keen Junior. But he wouldn't have minded. He wanted a fitting tribute to his dad and he certainly got that while at the same time raising a considerable sum of money for Cancer Research.
Honours Even - 18th April
Thame United left Cantley Park on Saturday with a well earned point following their 2-2 draw in the top of the table clash with Wokingham & Embrook.
Frank Thompson, assistant manager, was pleased with the final result but felt that the four red cards issued in the match could have been avoided. “There was a lot at stake, and league tables don’t lie at this stage of the season, it was always going to be a really important game for both clubs, who are full of ambition for the future. So it was always going to be intense, but I was really disappointed with the officiating at the game, the occasion seemed too big for them to handle and there were some really poor decisions made for both sides, which eventually culminated in an scenario of dismissals that should have been avoided if the refereeing had been stronger earlier”.
"That said, we responded really well to being behind and worked extremely hard to get a result. That still leaves us 12 points clear and we can hopefully seal the title next Saturday”
Thame News - 14th April
Thame host their annual Chairman’s Golf Day at the prestigious Oxfordshire Golf Club on Friday 16th April.
“We are delighted with the response with over 80 players taking part in this our 5th year and we are hoping that the day will be beneficial for the club” said organiser Tim Green. "We are hoping that the weather is good and that everyone has a good day out and we raise some money for the teams."
Frank Thompson is looking forward to the event, “It’s a Fourball Team event and it can get a bit competitive, the Football Partnership has five members of the Board with teams entered so each one will be looking to beat my team, but I am hoping to put up a good challenge for the Trophy this year having finished runners up last year to a team of Mexicans”.
The event kicks off with a shotgun start at 10am on Friday. If anyone is still interested in playing please contact tfpinfo@thamefootball.co.uk. The cost is £55.00 per person inclusive of Bacon Roll & coffee, 18 holes of golf and a special Japanese curry to round off the prize giving and auction at the end of the day.
On the football front Thompson was pleased with Thame recording their 11th straight victory last weekend. "With a couple of the lads coming back from injury we were pleased that they got 90 minutes in and we are now looking forward to Saturday’s game with Wokingham and have a full squad to choose from for the first time in a long while. Hopefully there will be a good crowd there on Saturday and both sides can put on a display worthy of their league positions."
Tomorrow night (15th April) Mark West, Thame United’s Manager and Wycombe Wanderers goalscoring legend is lined up to take part in a Charity match at Wycombes' Adams Park. West scored 171 goals in 381 appearances for the club including the winning goal in the FA Trophy final against Kidderminster in 1991.
Former Premiership stars Gianfranco Zola and Teddy Sheringham are among the big names lined up to play in a tribute match to remember Wycombe’s Mike Keen who died last year after a short illness. Tickets for the match are now on sale at Wycombe Wanderers priced £10 for adults and just a pound for concessions. All proceeds from the game will go to Cancer Research. To buy tickets call 01494 441118 or visit www.wwfc.com
Thame Back In Premier Division - 9th April
Thame United secured promotion to the Hellenic Premier last night following their 2-1 win at Eton Wick.
Manager Mark West commented, “It’s really nice to have achieved promotion with five games to go, we have established a good lead at the top but still need to be at our best to secure the championship which will be the icing on the cake. Our main aim this season was to try and gain promotion especially with our new stadium underway so Frank and I are delighted”
Thame now go into their final games knowing that 10 points from their remaining fixtures will guarantee the title. “That’s on the basis that Wokingham win all of their remaining games which will be no mean feat in itself” said West. We were really pleased that Ben Connelly came through 90 mins last night and Stuart Braun put in a good hour with both returning to the side after recent injuries. Thame travel to Newbury on Saturday with influential midfielder Adam Rhodes also back in the squad after missing last nights game due to work commitments
AFC Wallingford's ground and facilities were inspected by Hellenic official's on Tuesday and the required FA grade was renewed for Premier Division football.
Thame Release ViewPoint - 8th April
Thame United have announced the launch of their monthly e-newsletter ViewPoint as part of the new community football complex that is currently underway at Meadow View Park.
The e-newsletter will provide subscribers with an update as to what is going on at the site, information on forthcoming events and news on both Thame United and Thame Boys,Girls & Youth FC.
Main construction at the site is well underway now with the pitch levels being created and bases already laid for the car park and access road. “It’s really nice to be able to see where the new clubhouse and stadium is actually going to be and the main pitch has already been laser leveled ready for the topsoil to go on” said Frank Thompson.
ViewPoint will also be available to download from the Thame United website.
Victory Will Secure Promotion - 6th April
Thame United go into their game with Eton Wick on Thursday knowing that victory will secure them a return to the Hellenic Premier with five games to go as they are currently sitting 15 points clear at the top of Hellenic League Division 1 East following their 4-0 victory over Kintbury at the weekend and the defeats of challengers Wokingham & Embrook and Holyport.
Manager Mark West said “We missed a few good chances in the first half which would have sewn the game up but after a rocket at half time the lads responded really well and played some good stuff second half”.
Thame did not play yesterday so it gave a few teams a chance to narrow the gap. West commented, “It’s quite nice that we have got the points in the bag and teams have to chase us now, there are some tough matches today (5th April) and we can see what happens later and then go into Thursday’s match knowing that we can gain promotion before we go into our last 5 games"
Connelly Returns - 1st April
Thame United welcome Kintbury Rangers to the Hithercroft Stadium on Saturday with influential winger Ben Connelly (pictured) returning to the squad after a three week absence from injury.
“Connelly has the ability to take defenders on at pace and deliver a great ball into the box” said Frank Thompson, “He has got great quick feet and is very difficult to mark and Westy and I are delighted to have him back in the squad”.
United are also hoping to have defender Greg Boult back from injury next week, “It will be an added bonus to have both of these players back as we go into the final part of the season at full strength, our discipline in this league has been excellent and we haven't suffered too much from suspensions but we know how important Saturday’s game and our matches at Eton Wick and Newbury are next week” commented Thompson.
Thame currently lead Division 1 East but are fully aware that each game is vitally important as they look to secure promotion to the Premier Division
One Step Closer - 30th March
Thame United took a huge step closer to gaining one of the promotion places when they went 9 points clear of second placed Wokingham & Emmbrook at the top of Division One East with a hard fought 1-0 victory over a very spirited Chinnor side on Saturday at the Hithercroft Stadium.
"They are always a difficult side to breakdown" said Frank Thompson "With their centre back pairing of Carr and Craker they don’t lose too many balls in the air so you have to ensure that delivery into their 18 yard area bypasses them. It was a good, evenly contested match but we did make hard work of it as we squandered a few chances that would have put the game safe and they will keep going right until the end as their recent good run has demonstrated."
"However at this stage of the season any win is a good win and we had an added bonus with Woodley drawing as well. Tonight we travel to bottom of the table Penn & Tylers Green but we will not allow the players to be complacent, we haven’t conceded a goal now for over 9 hours of play and it’s imperative that we continue our good run tonight and at the weekend when Kintbury Rangers visit us."
Derby Clash So Important - 25th March
Thame United look to welcome rivals Chinnor FC to the Hithercroft Stadium on Saturday knowing that a victory in this local derby will see them go a massive 9 points clear at the top.
It’s a huge game for us said Frank Thompson, but they all are now. With Wokingham dropping points last night against Didcot it’s created a bit of a gap between us and although they have games in hand, I would rather have the points in the bag at this stage of the season. Thame go into a really busy last phase of the season with 8 games to play in April and will hope to have Greg Boult back from injury shortly. Greg has recovered well from his ankle ligament damage suffered against Holyport commented Thompson but to be fair to the lads who have come in to replace him, we haven’t conceded a goal in 5 games so we have been really pleased. The depth of our squad has been vital this year as we have been able to cope with some long term injuries and suspensions with players who are more than capable of performing in the team at this level. Thame face bottom side Penn & Tylers Green on Tuesday evening, a game were they will not be underestimating the opposition. I still think there will be a few surprise results before the end of the season and there are some big games coming up between the top five teams in April Thompson stated. We still have to be at our best whoever we are facing but we now know that if we keep on winning, no-one can catch us.
Thame Continue Unbeaten Run - 22nd March
Mark West's Thame United went seven points clear again at the top of Division One East on Saturday following a comfortable 2-0 win against Rayners Lane.
"Going into the game it was key that Thame continued to play the way we have been and ensure that there is no complacency" said West pictured. "No goals conceded again, our 5th on the trot was a bonus for us but it was really important that we achieved the 3pts and kept the pressure up on the chasing teams. We have a tough April to come with 8 matches still to play and a really hard task against our local rivals Chinnor on Saturday. They will be doing everything they can to beat us and we must be at our best to come out of the game with the points."
Thame Delighted With 4 Clean Sheets - 18th March
Thame United went 7 points clear at the top of Division One East on Tuesday following an excellent 1-0 victory against a strong Henley Town side at The Triangle.
This followed on the back of United’s 3-0 home win against Finchampstead last Saturday and was their 4th consecutive clean sheet and their 12th in their 22 league games to date.
"We were delighted with the teams performance on Tuesday" commented Frank Thompson, "Henley away is always going to be a tough game and we acquitted ourselves really well. The pitch had dried out and was pretty bumpy so it was never going to be an attractive game to watch but we defended really well and the team all worked hard for each other. Adam “Foxy” Stallwood scored on his first full start for the club and could have had a couple more which was an encouraging sign for us said Thompson. We now go into Saturday’s game against Rayners Lane looking to keep our unbeaten run going and playing to the consistent level that we have done since the start of the new year. We wont allow the players to be complacent though, Mark and I know how easy it is to get over confident and a couple of bad results can make things difficult for us but we have certainly put ourselves in a good position with 10 games left."
“Meadow View Park” - 16th March
Following the competition to find a name for the site of the new community sports village in Thame, TFP are delighted to announce that it will now be called Meadow View Park.
Greg Duncan from Ashendon came up with the winning name and will be the lucky recipient of a Xbox360 and will be invited to the grand opening of the site in the Autumn.
The new facility will be the home of Thame United and Thame Boys, Youth and Girls FC, with a total of 26 teams playing youth and senior football next season. TFP’s Frank Thompson commented, “We would like to thank all of those that took time to enter the competition.
It was interesting to see that there are some really historic links to the site with the fact that Thame Mill was nearby and that the new facility is in an area called Barley Hill Fields and the old Cotmoor Well. We also believe that there was an old toll booth along the A418 Aylesbury Road area but we felt that Meadow View Park summed up exactly what you will see at the site”.
The Buckingham Group have been awarded the contract to build the £3.1M facility through Thame Town Council who are managing the project in association with TFP and Sports Solutions GB.
Following the completion of the archaeological dig last week work has now started on the massive task of moving in the region of 72,000 tonnes of soil around the site. Thompson said, “When you realize that nothing is going off site it is a massive amount that is being moved around to create the playing areas”. Buckingham Group specialize in new stadia build contracts having recently completed the Stadium MK project for the MK Dons and have recently been awarded the contracts for the new stadium for Brighton FC at Falmer and the Handball Arena at the Olympic site in Stratford, London.
Thailand Mission Accomplished - 16th March 2010
Thame United player Stuart Barr has recently returned from a visit to Thailand where his team helped rebuild the compound around a school for orphans after a torrential storm had washed it away earlier in the year.
Stuart explained the trip as follows:
After our 24hrs of travelling we finally arrived at 7pm in Sanglaburi, Thailand at the Baanunrak Children’s home.
Work started the next morning at 7am until 7pm with 2 hrs off during the peak of the day as the sun, and temperatures often exceeded 40 degrees.
As the security of the compound over the last year had been a worry for the staff at the orphanage it was more important we fitted 2 sets of gates that closed the home off to surrounding villages. This was purely for the childrens safety and in no way did it make it feel like a prison as they have plenty of land for the 150 kids to play football and do their other activities.
The gates had been made by a local engineer who fabricated them from some old shutters that someone had donated them. Fitting a huge set of sliding gates wasn't even something I had challenged at work at home so it was something I had to put my mind to, considering nobody had any drawings or even an idea of how they wanted them it made it even harder, not forgetting the lack of tools.
The first thing we did was took a trip into the closest village on some borrowed scooters where we could buy some tools, even that was a struggle with their limited resources. However we cracked on and managed to get 3 sets of gates up in 8 days and left the compound 100% safe, mission accomplished!
Not only did we have to do the manual work but we had to train up the some off the elder orphans who wanted to become workers albeit for wage of 120baht a day (roughly £2.50).
We have already been asked back next year or as soon as we can get there to help out with other much needed projects.
Also in the team of volunteers was Stuart’s brother Ross Barr, of Thame Therapy Clinic who treated over 35 kids for various traumas and viruses and Jamie Pfeifer a Hairdresser at Thame Spa who cut over 50 kids hair with some up to date mohawks. Sean Wilson, Course manager at the Oxfordshire Golf Club, Olly Bromley, Director of PJB Cladding in Long Crendon and Mike Edwards of Stuart Barr Construction.
Mark West has again strengthened his squad as Thame go into the last few weeks of the season sitting clear at the top of Hellenic League Division 1 East.
West has managed to persuade James Saulsbury to rejoin Thame United after a five year absence. Saulsbury a previous captain of the club has been playing at Aylesbury FC having previously captained both Oxford City and Slough Town in promotion winning seasons and spent a couple of seasons at Hayes & Yeading, he is a calm, dependable and reliable defender with a great non league pedigree and we are delighted to have him back in the Thame set-up once again said West.
With the number of games we have to fit in between now and the end of April we will have a number of weeks were we are playing midweek as well as on the Saturday and the squad needs to be big enough to cope with unavailability, injuries and suspensions. We haven’t had a great deal of luck with our centre backs recently with Lee Thompson, Dave Hocking and Greg Boult all picking up long term injuries although Greg is making good progress and should be back in the squad in a couple of weeks. Saulsbury’s return coincides with the return of Justin Merritt and Jon Gardner recently, all three who played in the Southern League side under West’s management a few years ago.
Boult Injury Better Than Suspected - 12th March
Greg Boult ,Thame United’s centre back, who was stretchered off during the game last Saturday against Holyport with a suspected fractured ankle, has been diagnosed with ankle ligament damage.
Early indications are that he should only be out of action for a few weeks and will be available for the final run in of the season in April. Greg brings a level of composure to players around him and reads the game really well so we are really pleased that the damage is not as serious as originally thought. Frank Thompson said. "We hope to have him back in action with us as soon as possible"
Thame’s other two long term injuries, last years Club captain Lee Thompson is on the road to recovery after suffering a double compound fracture against Penn at the end of last season and has missed this entire campaign and this years Club Captain Dave Hocking is still suffering from knee ligament damage and is likely to be out of action for a while yet." It’s a good job that we have built up a very strong squad and been able to cope with these losses, we do hope to have both Lee and Dave back for next season though", said Thompson.
Thame in ‘Pole’ Position - 11th March
Mark West's Thame United went 4 points clear at the top of Division One East on Tuesday evening following two excellent performances and two clean sheets against top six opponents.
Going into the matches it was key that Thame didn't lose said West, to come out of them with 6 points and no goals conceded was a massive bonus for us and a great testament to the players in their commitment shown. In a hard fought contest on Saturday a Stuart Braun goal proved decisive in their 1-0 victory over Holyport and Tuesday's 2-0 win against local rivals Henley Town kept us top of the table. We still have 12 games to go and as long as we keep playing the way we are at present we will certainly be in the mix for the promotion places at the end of the season
On Saturday Thame entertain Finchampstead at the Hithercroft Stadium in a game that will be as crucial in their quest for promotion as their last two excellent wins against Holyport and Henley. We cannot afford to be complacent said Asst Manager Frank Thompson, it’s so easy to drop points at present with the number of games that are having to be played and if you are not at your best you will slip up. We follow this up with a Tuesday night return match against Henley Town. It’s a bit disappointing that we have to play Henley on consecutive Tuesday nights but with all the bad weather we’ve had its inevitable that fixtures will fall like this. Now that we have worked our way to the top we want to ensure that we stay there and that only comes from hard work and commitment and the lads are demonstrating this at present. When you are at the top everyone wants to beat you and if you do not stay on top of your game, that will happen in this league.
Thame United’s new £3.1M Stadium complex is at last underway. Following the mandatory archaeological dig at the site over the last month main work has now begun with new stadia build specialists Buckingham Group Contractors. Who have recently completed the MK Dons new stadium, the Handball Arena for the 2012 Olympics at Stratford and are about to commence the new £60m stadium for Brighton FC. Over 72,000 tonnes of soil is going to be moved around the site over the next few weeks to create the playing surfaces for the main stadium pitch, 8 new grass pitches and floodlit 3G AWP at the complex. The site will be home to 26 sides from Thame Boys, Youth & Girls FC and Thame United.
Local businesses were invited to an open evening recently to allow them the opportunity to tender for some of the build and fit contracts. It is hoped that following a good summer the venue will be ready for the 2010/11 season
Hard Fought Win Puts Thame Top - 1st March
Thame delivered a professional performance on Saturday against a rejuvenated Chalfont Wasps side to go two points clear at the top of Hellenic League Division 1 East. The Thame management committee had to work flat out to get the game started. Jake Collinge Thame's chairman stated, "When I arrived at the ground at 1pm with Frank Thompson (pictured) we walked the pitch and were pleasantly surprised as to how good the surface condition was".
Ten minutes later following a torrential downpour the pitch was covered in water and needed to be forked extensively by Collinge, Secretary Tony Collingwood and Thompson to satisfy the referee. The efforts proved successful as the game started and no further rainfall during the match ensured a finish to the game. Both sides were a credit considering the difficult conditions and put on an entertaining match with the help of the three officials who were very good.
Thompson commented after the game " Every game for us is now crucial and we are very pleased to come away from that with the 3 points. Chalfont have made quite a few changes recently and have been on a good run, they a decent side so the win was a great boost for us and it was nice to go clear at the top of the league. Our next two games against Holyport and Henley will have a big impact on standings in the league and we feel that if we can come out of these two without losing then we will have done a good job".
More Signings For Thame - 26th February
Thame United have continued to increase their squad following the signing of both Jon Gardner and Adam Stallwood.
Jon returns to Thame United after playing for the club when they were in the Southern League 5 years ago. Jon left to play for Zamaretto Premier side Banbury United and has had some very successful seasons there. Frank Thompson said " We are delighted to have Jon as part of the set up again, he is one of those players who can change a game in an instant with a bit of brilliance, he has great pace and finishes well. Gardner has been top goalscorer at Banbury on a number of occasions. Having continued to play at a higher level he has a great deal of experience to bring to Thame United again."
Also joining is Adam Stallwood (right) from local rivals Chinnor, Adam was Chinnor's top goalscorer last season but has struggled to secure a place this term in the starting line up due to injuries, suspensions and the bad weather. "He has settled in very quickly with the lads and has trained really well over the last week,we know that he is more than capable of scoring goals and with the amount of games left to play he will get an opportunity to prove himself over the coming weeks" said Thompson.
Thame are hoping to play Chalfont Wasps tomorrow at The Hithercroft Stadium.Chalfont are one of only two clubs to inflict defeat on Thame this season. “We totally underperformed at their place in early December and got what we deserved, there are no easy games in this league, if you don't play well you can get beaten. We hope that the weather does not affect our game again tomorrow as we really do want any more of a backlog of games that we have at present” commented Thompson.
Players Charitable Work - 25th February
Thame United player Stuart Barr is leaving all of the luxuries of home life behind for the next two weeks when he revisits a small community in Thailand where he helped to build a fence around a school last year.
Stuart (pictured) has been planning this visit since returning from his previous experience. “ It is very hard work but very satisfactory when you realize exactly what these children haven’t got and which we automatically take for granted”. Stuart whose company Barr Joinery are currently the 1st team shirt sponsors is also taking out some football equipment for the youngsters consisting of shirts, balls and other items.
Stuarts' construction and joinery firm in Thame is taking a team of 6 workers off to build a bamboo hut to house the teenage orphans boys as their current one was washed away in a monsoon at the start of this year out in Kanchanaburi in Thailand.
Stuart commented “the temperature will be roughly 38 degrees so it’s certainly not going to be easy but we are looking forward to the challenge again”.
The Home has 140 kids from as young as 1 week old up to 20 years old, They are all given a great education and looked after extremely well. Unfortunately some of the children arrive on the doorstep of the Home with all sort’s diseases, viruses and traumas.
It is the second year Stuart and team have been out to help at the Children’s home. They travelled out last year at the same time to build a fence around the perimeter of the home to prevent the children from being stolen for prostitution and a number of other reasons.
Stuart raised some money last year doing the Blenheim Triathlon and spent it on some football equipment such as proper footballs, bibs, goalie gloves and cones to take out as they all love a good kick about.
They are not just a team of builders travelling out, Stuarts brother Ross Barr whose "Treats at Thame" therapy clinic is also travelling out to treat the Children with acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Also part of the team are, Jamie "Michelle" Pfeifer, who cuts hair at Thame Spa is going to give the 140 kids a little trim, Sean Wilson course manager at the Oxfordshire G.C., Oliver Bromley who works for PJB Cladding Long Crendon and Mike Edward a joiner from Barr Joinery.
To find out more about the home visit www.baanunrak.org or contact info@thamefootball.co.uk
Merritt Returns To Thame- 24th February
Justin Merritt (pictured) has agreed to rejoin Thame United after an absence of five years. Merritt left the club to be player manager at Oxford City FC where he successfully took them up to the Zamaretto Premier League during his reign there.
Since stepping down from his role there he has been playing at Abingdon United. Frank Thompson Thame United's Assistant Manager commented, " Justin can bring much experience and know how to our young talented squad. Many of the current players know him, as a lot of them came through our Youth team whilst Justin was playing at Thame in the then Southern League".
"We have still got a lot of games to play before the end of the season and we have put ourselves in a good position to push for promotion. It's very tight at the top at present and with both Wokingham and ourselves dropping points recently we need to ensure that we have strength in depth with a good squad that is capable of producing consistent performances to the end of the season. "With the new stadium underway we want to make sure that we give ourselves the best opportunity for promotion this season and we are still hopeful of a couple more signings before the end of the month" said Thompson.
Thame United also announce the departure of Dave Ridgeley as Reserve team Manager this week. Thompson aded ” Mark West and I felt that the reserve team were starting to move away from the infrastructure that we have set up at the club. We both appreciate that it’s a very difficult task running a reserve team but we needed someone at the helm who delivered what we were asking. We would like to put on record however our thanks to Dave for his contribution over the last two seasons and wish him well in the future."
Gary Leach, United’s Under 18’s Youth team manager will be taking charge temporarily as of this Saturday for their game against Ascot United Reserves.
Thame United Looking To Boost Squad - 4th February
Thame United’s management team are looking to boost their squad following their excellent win at Milton United on Monday evening that saw them go to the top of Division One East.
Manager Mark West commented. "We have still got a lot of games to play and Monday’s victory was really important for us as it’s created a small gap between us and third place. We haven’t played many games recently due to the bad weather but that said neither have many of the teams around us. But back to back away victories against sides in close proximity to us and really good team performances have ensured we have made a good start to 2010."
"However we are only half way through the league campaign and with 11 games to be played in April we need to have a squad that will enable us to maintain our promotion push. We need some real experience to add to our talented young squad and that is why we are close to making a couple of signings of players who have that experience and have been playing in the Zamaretto League. It will certainly bring some added know how to our run-in."
Thame hope to unveil the first of their new signings early next week.
Groundworks Commence - 3rd February
Following the announcement last week of the new community football stadium in Thame work has already started at the site this week. The main groundworks will take place in the next few weeks when the 20 acre site will be leveled to create 8 pitches and a main stadium pitch at the complex.
Jake Collinge, Thame United’s Chairman was delighted that work was underway at last, “it’s a great feeling that the work on the site has actually started”. “Once the main plant equipment gets on site the place will be transformed very quickly and the site will start to resemble the plans we have been working on over the last 5 years”.
The new stadium complex will be the home of Thame United and Thame Boys, Youth and Girls FC, with a total of 26 teams playing youth and senior football next season. “Once completed we are hoping to increase the number of teams at all levels as we hope the new facility will attract new players of all abilities to the club” stated Collinge.
Tim Green, Chairman of Thame Boys commented, “At last we can see something happening at the site, which when completed in the early Autumn will be a fantastic facility for all of the community and members of both clubs.
Football’s Coming Home For 2010 - 28th January
After four years of intensive planning the Thame Football Partnership (TFP) are pleased to announce that work on the new Community Football Stadium at Church Farm, on the northern edge of Thame, will commence in the next few weeks, with a planned completion date of Autumn 2010.
Download the full details of Thame United's exciting development - click
Looking Forward To Challenge - 8th September
Thame United look to extend their FA Cup run this Saturday (12th September) at the Hithercroft Stadium in Wallingford when they entertain Burnham FC from the Zamaretto Division One South & West.
Although Burnham are a couple of leagues above Thame in the current football pyramid this is an eagerly anticipated clash with both sides unbeaten this season, but with Thame boasting one of the few remaining 100% records with seven wins from seven games.
Thame’s Asst Manager, Frank Thompson (pictured) commented “This will be a really good test to see how far we have come recently, we have had a really good start to the season and this is our biggest game by far so we are looking forward to the challenge. We have a home tie and in the FA Cup you can never predict the outcome. If we play to our full potential and compete with them, we will have a good contest here. It would be nice to get a good crowd behind the team, it’s surprising what a difference it can make and it would be a great boost for the club to be in the draw for the next round”.
Club Chairman Jake Collinge added ‘It is a measure of how far we have come in the last year that we are looking on a game against a side two leagues higher as one that we are capable of winning. What is all the more pleasing is that this is being done with a team of mainly Thame-based players, many of whom have progressed from Thame Boys and Girls FC, and along with future development at Church Farm, demonstrates the significant progress we are making both on and off the field’.
All under 16’’s will have FREE entry for the match, Adults £3 and Senior Citizens £2.. The game kicks off at 3pm at the Hithercroft Stadium, Hithercroft Road, Wallingford.
Thame have also announced this week the launch of it’s new online Club-Shop where a range of club branded Sports and Leisurewear can be purchased through the club’s website. Further details can be found at www.thameunitedfc.demon.co.uk
Sponsorship Deal For Thame United - 21st August
FTL Futbol Hellenic Club Thame United, who play in Division One East, have announced that Thame Crash Repairs are the new sponsors of the 1st team squad for this forthcoming season. The deal includes the first team squad receiving a players pro-pack consisting of Thame United branded sportswear from local supplier Chiltern Sportswear who have also very kindly sponsored the club.
Chris Connelly of Thame Crash Repairs (seen pictured with Thame United Chairman Jake Collinge) before their 1-0 victory in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary round game against Bedford on Saturday commented “This will certainly bring a very professional look and feel for the squad and I hope that this helps the performances on the pitch to continue to improve”. Jake Collinge, United’s Chairman added, “This will certainly help us kick start our season off, we have had a great opening with a 3-1 victory in our first league game and the FA cup win and with the vast majority of the players throughout all three sides now coming from Thame and through the Thame Boys FC set-up it is an exciting era in the clubs history especially with the prospects of the new community facility at Church Farm getting ever closer”.
United are also setting up a Club Shop in the near future through the Thame United website www.thameunitedfc.demon.co.uk to enable players and supporters to purchase from a specially selected range of Thame United branded sports and leisurewear. If any local companies are interested in providing sponsorship for the clubs Reserve or Allied Counties U18Youth team squads, please contact Jake Collinge on 07753 502955
Collinge v Thompson - 24th June
There will be a battle of minds and will on the morning of Sunday 28th June 2009 as Thame United Assistant First Team Manager, Frank Thompson, and Thame United Chairman, Jake Collinge, go head-to-head in the Thame 10K.
Although Frank (left) is senior to Jake (right) by a number of years, Jake is anticipating a very close race, ‘whilst I am now officially eligible for veterans football Frank, like any former footballer is a strong and determined character which, combined with the fact that he regularly trains with the First Team, probably means he is slight favourite. I will just be glad to get around the course in something near the hour mark’.
Whatever the outcome, football will be the winner as both Frank and Jake are running on behalf of the Thame Football Partnership, raising funds for the provision of a Community Football Club at Church Farm in Thame. If you wish to sponsor either Frank or Jake, or add to the competitive edge by only seeking to sponsor the winner, please email Jake at jake@collinge.eclipse.co.uk.
Thame United are pleased to announce that the ground share agreement with AFC Wallingford will continue in to the 2009/10 season, the fourth year that United will have played home fixtures in Wallingford. The Agreement, which relates to all home First Team and Youth Team fixtures, follows lengthy discussion with the Wallingford Sports Trust and AFC Wallingford. Jake Collinge said ‘it is a measure of the good and mutually beneficial relationship that we have with everyone connected with AFC Wallingford and the Sports Trust that we have been able to extend the ground share agreement for a further season’.
Thame Get The ‘GREEN LIGHT’ - 5th June
Plans to create a high quality new home for football in Thame have been given the green light following at a meeting of the South Oxfordshire District Council planning committee on Wednesday 4th June.
The committee gave its approval for the £3m-plus scheme, which will bring together Thame United FC, Thame Boys, Youth & Girls FC and other local football interests on a single 20-acre site at Church Farm, located on the northern edge of the town.
The plans for the site include a floodlit main pitch, training and recreational facilities, together with a third-generation artificial all weather pitch and clubhouse incorporating associated community facilities, all of which will maximise playing time at the new ground, whilst enhancing the range of community facilities available in Thame.
The Thame Football Partnership (TFP) has been leading the application and has worked for two and a half years to see the plans through to this stage. TFP communications director, Frank Thompson, welcomed the council’s backing. He said: “We know there is still a long way to go until work can begin on the new site. However, the decision by South Oxfordshire District Council means we are one step closer to creating this valuable new resource for Thame. We have listened to the views of the local community and Thame Town Council and have incorporated these into our proposal which has been revised accordingly. The plans we now have will bring pleasure to hundreds of children playing with the Thame Boys, Youth & Girls FC team as well as providing a much-needed home for Thame United FC which will secure over a century of football heritage for this town.”
Vital capital funding will be available for this project when planning permission is forthcoming for the residential redevelopment of Thame United FC’s former ground at Windmill Road which, together with grant funding and donations, will enable the creation of this high quality community football club.
The Thame Football Partnership has also worked with Sports Solutions GB, a National specialist in sports club development, to put in place an experienced management structure. “Critical to the success of this project will be the way it is managed and run. Working with the experts at Sports Solutions GB we are now certain we will provide the highest level of corporate governance,” continued Frank. “We have developed a challenging but realistic Football Development Plan and a robust Business Development Plan to ensure the sustainability of the project for generations to come.”
Thame United’s new £3.1m facility is well under way with the clubhouse now taking shape after the majority of the pitch levelling and ground works have been completed. 
Thame United welcome Kintbury Rangers to the Hithercroft Stadium on Saturday with influential winger Ben Connelly (pictured) returning to the squad after a three week absence from injury. 
"They are always a difficult side to breakdown" said Frank Thompson "With their centre back pairing of Carr and Craker they don’t lose too many balls in the air so you have to ensure that delivery into their 18 yard area bypasses them. It was a good, evenly contested match but we did make hard work of it as we squandered a few chances that would have put the game safe and they will keep going right until the end as their recent good run has demonstrated."
Thame Continue Unbeaten Run - 22nd March
Thame United player Stuart Barr has recently returned from a visit to Thailand where his team helped rebuild the compound around a school for orphans after a torrential storm had washed it away earlier in the year.
As the security of the compound over the last year had been a worry for the staff at the orphanage it was more important we fitted 2 sets of gates that closed the home off to surrounding villages. This was purely for the childrens safety and in no way did it make it feel like a prison as they have plenty of land for the 150 kids to play football and do their other activities.
Greg Boult ,Thame United’s centre back, who was stretchered off during the game last Saturday against Holyport with a suspected fractured ankle, has been diagnosed with ankle ligament damage.
Also joining is Adam Stallwood (right) from local rivals Chinnor, Adam was Chinnor's top goalscorer last season but has struggled to secure a place this term in the starting line up due to injuries, suspensions and the bad weather. "He has settled in very quickly with the lads and has trained really well over the last week,we know that he is more than capable of scoring goals and with the amount of games left to play he will get an opportunity to prove himself over the coming weeks" said Thompson.
Stuart (pictured) has been planning this visit since returning from his previous experience. “ It is very hard work but very satisfactory when you realize exactly what these children haven’t got and which we automatically take for granted”. Stuart whose company Barr Joinery are currently the 1st team shirt sponsors is also taking out some football equipment for the youngsters consisting of shirts, balls and other items.
Stuart raised some money last year doing the Blenheim Triathlon and spent it on some football equipment such as proper footballs, bibs, goalie gloves and cones to take out as they all love a good kick about. 
Justin Merritt (pictured) has agreed to rejoin Thame United after an absence of five years. Merritt left the club to be player manager at Oxford City FC where he successfully took them up to the Zamaretto Premier League during his reign there. 
Following the announcement last week of the new community football stadium in Thame work has already started at the site this week. The main groundworks will take place in the next few weeks when the 20 acre site will be leveled to create 8 pitches and a main stadium pitch at the complex.
There will be a battle of minds and will on the morning of Sunday 28th June 2009 as Thame United Assistant First Team Manager, Frank Thompson, and Thame United Chairman, Jake Collinge, go head-to-head in the Thame 10K.