Deportivo La Falmera

James Congdon
LA315

FALMERA
ARE HEROES!!!

Congdon Sports inc.

An 11 a side University of Brighton halls league football team have brought reality to the phrase ‘it’s not the winning it’s the taking part’. Despite 10 defeats and 1 draw under their belt, which included a 15-1 thrashing to local rivals ‘Varley FC, Deportivo have always been in good spirits. The halls football league was organised by students at the University. Teams were able to play a number of fixtures on Wednesday afternoons. The matches were played on a rotational basis, either at Falmer High school, or on the astro All weather surfaces at Falmer.

The team itself is made up of a squad of 18 Students. They are from a mixture of Brighton and Sussex Universities. Despite the fact they had conceded 36 goals in the last six games of the season, they are still heroes in our eyes!

Captained by Goalkeeper and Business management student, Jamie Stratton , they have gone into every with an all inspiring smile.

Management

When asked if there had been any disagreements in the Falmera Camp, Player manager Sam Wilson, (Sports coaching Student) said, ‘of course like any team, we have our differences of opinion- whether it be to do with our starting eleven, or the dedication to training from certain members. But my players are loyal, and were all good mates’.

Plagued by injury

Falmera had suffered badly with injury, losing a third of its squad at various stages of the season. Such trains were put down to training ground niggles. However the worst blow was dealt when Danger man James Congdon, fell foul to injury on a number of occasions. Congdon’s first appearance for Falmera was against Peru FC- in a pre season Friendly in 2007. The fans had thoroughly enjoyed the parody of his skill and pace. However he has since been forced to leave the field of play no less than 5 times due to a variety of injuries to his feet. When interviewed Congdon had said, ‘my injuries were down to my work rate. I put my all into every game and it was to my own detriment’. However Manager Sam Wilson, revealed that Congdon had never warmed up properly prior to each game, and had been said to have been wearing football boots that were a size too small. Congdon pictured below, was unanimously awarded ‘most injured’ in the club’s recent awards gala.

When interviewed, Congdon revealed, ‘although I feel my injuries were somewhat embellished in favour of jest, I am chuffed to have received something I can remember these boys by. I will miss playing with the lads next year when we go our separate ways. It’s a shame, but we will definitely all meet up for a kick about

Trouble In paradise

Despite apparent positive attitudes at Falmera, a source close to the club revealed that player and management relations had not always been harmonious. One player, Simon O’Brien, centre forward and English student- dubbed ‘Ostrich O’Brien’, had been rumoured to have given Manager Sam Wilson a selection nightmare, declaring himself unfit mere minutes before a handful of games. This included the season deciding grudge match between Falmera and Peru to decide last place in the league.

O’Brien had been rumoured to have put his relationship with girlfriend of three months before his football, preventing him from attending numerous training sessions. He is alleged to have put his absence down to a ‘stomach bug’.

However, thanks to help and support from his club and players, ‘Ostrich’ brought himself back from the brink after the 6th game of the season and returned in top form. Admitting the pair had clashed on previous occasions, O’Brien extended somewhat of an olive branch to his manager, promising complete dedication for the remainder of the season. O’Brien went on to score two top corner screamers during the last five games of the season.

Another player who has caused a stir in the camp is Dave Ellis, (English Language student). Ellis had been chomping at the bit for a first team place for some weeks after his debut cameo appearance against Wild Park FC back in December of last year. He had been somewhat disgruntled at speculation of his lack of loyalty to the club.
Manager Wilson described man from Tiptree, Essex ‘as pure class, with little drive ’. After a string of absences from training and reports of boozy nights out which are alleged to have ended just minutes before some games, Ellis was asked to prove his first team credentials.

He did just that against rivals T-bone, commanding the back four well, and conducting some serious damage limitation to keep the score down to 8-1 (against Falmera). Ellis became a first team regular for the remainder of the season. When interviewed, Ellis told us ‘Yes it was frustrating that I wasn’t in favour with management but it was of my own doing. I have now proved that I can do it. I made sure that I didn’t let the club down for the remainder of the season’

Further reports of un- rest within the squad had come in January of this year. Alex Ward, (center forward), Brother of center back Adam Ward, had alleged to have told sources close to the club that he wasn’t happy. The want away striker had been reported to have criticised members of the team and management. After a number of talks with Sam Wilson, bridges were eventually formed and Alex continued to play for the club, although notably, on the bench.

Awards

As a reward for their loyalty, club treasurer and English Literature student Lee Bratchie arranged an awards Gala for the players. Seven awards were given out including ‘Fans player of the season which went to right Back Paul Dimmock (pictured below), at the ceremony, in the white shirt and club tie. Along side Dimmock ,are Commanding center back Ollie Palmer (Literature Student), fellow team mate Steve Hill (Criminology), ‘most injured’ James Congdon, Simon O’Brien and Jonny Huntley. .

Tom Stead walked away with Goal of the season for his effort against rivals Peru in April; Jonathan Huntley was awarded ‘worst miss of the season’. Huntley told us ‘I’m chuffed with the award to be honest, the miss was comical, and it wasn’t like it cost us the game, we were a good 7-0 down at that stage anyway’.

An award was also given for ‘Moment of the season’, which went to Steve Hill for an incident against Wild Park FC in February. The winger had been hit with the ball which had caused him let out what was described by the players as a ‘yelp’. Goalkeeper and Captain, Jamie Stratton described the incident, ‘the ball was kicked high by their keeper, and it hovered above Steve’s head. It slowly came down, and I think he had planned to head it but moved away at the last minute, the ball came down and skimmed his face. He let out this funny, girlish yelp; we were all in stitches, even the other team’.

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Falmera Veteran Dave Flook picked up the award for ‘life time achievement’, being at the ripe old age of 25. Flook told us ‘it’s quite funny really, obviously being the oldest I knew as soon as this award was mentioned a few weeks previous, that I would end up with the trophy’. Flook, who heroically continued to play a full 45 minutes after breaking his ankle in the last game of the season against Peru, is the oldest serving player. Pictured at the front of the squad photo on crutches after ‘boozy celebrations’ at the awards after party Flook is described by chair-man Lee Bratchie as the ‘rock of the team’

The next award was for the player with the highest work rate. This award went to Jason Nicholas, for his relentless efforts all over the park. Capital Stratton told us ‘Jason has played in pretty much every position this season (excluding in goal). He works so hard and is a real credit to the club. I feel if anything he has masked some of our short comings, or at least as much as they could be masked’.

Tom Stead also won the award for ‘most backchat to the referee’, whilst Simon O’brien picked up an award for best Tottenham Fan. David Smith, Fixtures Co-coordinator and substitute Goalkeeper told us, ‘This award was given purely to stop ‘Ostrich’ from moaning, we couldn’t think of anything else to award him with’.

‘Old Timer’ Dave Flook circled, on crutches, & ‘Deportivo La Falmera’. (Picture by Lee Bratchie)

From left to right : David Smith, Simon O’brien, Paul Dimmock, Adam Ward, David Ellis, Sam Wilson, Ollie Palmer, James Congdon, Alex Ward, Jason Nicholas, Steve Hill, Tom Stead, Jonny Huntley, Dave Flook, Jamie Strratton, Alex Marshall, Justin parker, Bryn Wathen.

A Show of Support

Long time supporter, Aidan Lynch, (Criminology student), told us, ‘I went to see the boys week in week out. I froze my back side off on the touch line, wand watched as they were defeated game after game. But to be honest, I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else. Those boys loved the game, and still walked off that pitch smiling. The lads gave me a special invitation to the awards Gala, but I had a deadline the next day. I was gutted that I couldn’t go’

Fellow supporter Alex Marshall, who attended the Gala said, ‘ Deportivo La Falmera’ are such a strong side on paper. They are made up by some serious talent. I am not sure why they don’t play well as a team, but I enjoy seeing them play anyway. I’m good pals with all of them and live with four of the main squad, Jonny Huntley, James Congdon, Jason Nicholas and Sam Wilson. I know first hand that they don’t take themselves seriously. They know when they should have done better, but they don’t see the point in dwelling on it. They just want to have a laugh and I admire that’.

Treasurer sums it up

When asked for a few words Treasurer Lee Bratchie told us, ‘this is a story of real grass roots football. The boys went into every game like they were going to win. Ok all be -it, they were hammered week in week out, but they didn’t let it get them down. They went out after each game on a Wednesday evening and just celebrated. Not because they were confused, but in their minds they had won in the sense that they had played the game they love. I am very glad to have been affiliated with the club’.

Falmera Fixtures and comical set of defeats for second half of the season

9th Jan vs T-Bone - 5pm: 3-8 (Loss)

16th Jan vs ACS - 5pm: 0-2 (Loss)

6th Feb vs International Utd - 2.15pm: (Forfeited; Deportivo Win)

20th Feb vs T-Bone - 1pm: 0-6 (loss)

(27th Feb vs Peru - 3pm 4-4)---------------Result of the season!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5th Mar vs ACS - 5pm 0-6 (loss)

12th Mar vs International - 2.15pm (Forfeited: Deportivo win)

9th Apr vs Peru - 5pm 0-10 (loss)

What a season!!!

Falmera lost their first game 8-3 to a strong T Bone side back in January. The Afro Caribbean society showed them how it is done, the following Saturday, defeating Falmera 2-0. However it was in this game that Falmera were seen celebrating together after the game, showing real team spirit in the face of defeat. On the 6th February Falmera managed to walk away with all three points, due to the disqualification of opponents 'International FC’, who failed to show up.

The 20th February saw Falmera defeated at the hands of T-Bone for a second time, with the score 0-6 to T-Bone after the final whistle. However the highlight of the season was a 4-4 draw with fellow struggler’s Peru unfortunately it didn’t help Falmera’s season and in their second meeting with Peru were beaten 10-0, to anchor them firmly in bottom place.

End of an Era

The majority of Deportivo La Falmera, is coming to the end of their degrees, consequently leading to the inevitable dispersal of the club. Loyal Centre back, Ollie Palmer, was asked about this,:
‘Overall, despite the poor results, I think we really gelled as a team. If only it were possible to keep the squad together, then maybe next season we could have really kicked off from here’

Best Squad of the season - as voted for by fans :

Reporter Says

Despite their string of losses, it is safe to say that these boys have heart and spirit, and most importantly a sense of humour, after all, they need one!

James Congdon Reporting

Contact details and sources

1. David Smith – email : djs4@brighton.ac.uk Telephone : 07825162342
2. Paul Dimmock – email : p.r.dimmock@Brighton.ac.uk Telephone : 07746935267
3. Simon O’brien- email : sob@brighton.ac.uk Telephone : 07738164843
4. Bryn Wathen – email : Bryn_wathen@hotmail.co.uk
5. David Ellis- email : thecec@hotmail.com Telephone : 07921524714
6. Steve Hill – email : s.hill@brighton.ac.uk
7. Ollie Palmer- email : o.s.palmer@brighton.ac.uk Telephone : 07521276724
8. Jonny Huntley – email : jkh5@brighton.ac.uk
9. Jamie Stratton –email : js62@brighton.ac.uk
10. Tom Stead – email : t.d.stead@brighton.ac.uk
11. Sam Wilson –email : s.wilson@brightona.c.uk Telephone : 07799444065
12. Lee Bratchie 0 email : badarsekayaker@hotmail.com
13. Dave Flook- email : d.flook@yahoo.com

Photography

1. Sam Wilson –email : s.wilson@brightona.c.uk Telephone : 07799444065
2. David Smith – email : djs4@brighton.ac.uk Telephone : 07825162342