Matches

Shipham AFC is currently playing in the Bristol Casuals league - a league for amateur teams with an average age of over 35 years.  For a background to the Bristol Casuals league scroll down the page.  For forthcoming fixtures, read on...

Full fixture list for 2008 - 2009

F = Friendly, L = Bristol Casuals League, C1 = Mottram Cup, C2 = Cheddar Challenge Cup

For previous seasons choose the following pages:  2007-2008

Team selection

This season we're trying a new selection policy for a number of reasons and mainly centered around getting us to play better together as a team.

- 14 players will be selected for a match day
- 3 players will be nominated as subs who will all be guaranteed a game
- match day squad selections will be rotated to include players from across the membership

Last season there were occasions (only at home games, it has to be said) that we had more players than we really needed during the match.  This meant that substitutions were being made purely to give people a game and the little team dynamics we do occasionally muster took a bit of a knock. On a couple of occasions it was felt that these forced "fair play" changes were  the cause of a late goal (or two) given away to either lose or draw a match.

The selection process will be constantly revised in response to feedback and observations - giving everyone a game remains a priority but giving everyone a decent game and winning a few more matches should hopefully make it more fun for all involved.

2008 - 2009 season stats

Top goal scorers (up to and including match played 18th May 2008)

Background to the Bristol Casual League

As you can guess from the team nickname the “casuals” league does not take itself seriously.
Started 11 years ago by a physically ageing, but mentally young, group of Bristolians the Bristol Casuals League is now made up of 44 teams covering a geographical area centred on Bristol but stretching to Bath, Cheddar and even over the bridge to Chepstow.

The teams are split into 4 leagues and games are played on a home or away basis, just one leg drawn from a hat to decide who hosts the match, allowing for approximately 1 match every 3 weeks. Games are usually played on a Sunday morning allowing time for family and other interests (DIY lists from the Missus) afterwards.

The League’s ethos is as follows:-

“All games should be played in a competitive but friendly manner. If a foul is committed – an apology should follow. People wanting to play serious football should play in a proper league!”

The League motto probably underlines your forming thoughts…

“If you are too old, too unfit and too fat – then you’re in!” 

You will not be surprised to discover that the casuals League is for over 35 year olds and sounds like great fun for those of us still believing they can run, dribble and hit 40 yard volleys into the top right hand corner…

This year Shipham AFC have joined the league and are currently recruiting keen, semi-mobile, like-minded players who occasionally want a run-around and a shot at glory. If you are interested in joining us in this adventure then please contact us.

For more details of the Bristol Casuals League have a look for yourself on www.bristolcasuals.org.uk