Cup Finals 2025

Rother League

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Under 12's


On behalf of my fellow League officers, may I extend a very warm welcome to all players, managers and supporters attending today’s League Cup Finals. I sincerely hope that everyone enjoys the occasion, and that – win or lose – you all leave after today’s match with good memories of an enjoyable and entertaining game. 

 I would like to congratulate both teams on reaching today’s final. For some this may well be the first, and possibly the only, final they appear in during their football careers. I hope that the players enjoy the excitement of the occasion and look back afterwards with pride at their performance. 

It would be remiss of me not to take this opportunity to thank our match officials and congratulate them on their appointment to today’s match. As a league, we are extremely grateful to all the referees who officiate at our matches throughout the season. Without them the League would not be able to run as it does. Sadly, there are often insufficient “black-shirts” to cover all the matches taking place each weekend., so if anyone here today would like to know a little more about becoming a qualified referee, please do read the article later in this program. 

 Rother League has signed up to the Football Association’s “RESPECT” campaign. Loyally accepting the decisions of the match officials is a key element of this campaign. I do understand that this is not always the easiest of things to do. Football is a passionate and emotive sport, but life is all about learning that things do not always go the way we choose. I trust everyone here today will be appropriately ‘respectful’.   

So, please enjoy the match and encourage all players. Cheer the winners, applaud the runners-ups,  
Finally, a big thankyou to our league sponsors Forestheath Engineering LTD 
Have a safe journey home. 

Zak Overfield
Chairman
Rother Youth Football League

I hope this Programme commemorating the final of this season’s Under 12 Wayne Russell Cup competition is a nice keepsake for you to treasure in years to come. Fingers crossed that the weather, for today at least, stays fine!
I would like to take this opportunity to recognise and thank everyone connected with Westfield FC for providing the facilities here today. I’m sure that the surroundings, together with the support of the crowd, will lead to all the players having a day to remember and treasure. After all, that is really all that matters.

I’d also like to give my wholehearted congratulations to both Hastings United U12 Claret and EMC Academy U12 on getting through to today’s final. 

Cup football, at all levels of the game, is often more exciting simply because of the ‘sudden death’ element. A team can afford to slip up once or twice over the course of the season when playing for its league place, but you obviously don’t have that luxury in a knockout tournament competition format. However, the Rother League prides itself on being regarded as a sporting League, where the F in Football stands for FUN! Today, although there are trophies at stake, I trust that this philosophy will continue to be maintained by everyone here.

These occasions should never pass without a huge vote of thanks to those who have made this Cup Final possible. I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the Match Referee and Assistants, who turn up, week in and week out, often suffering torrents of rain (and even, sadly, occasional abuse). They are the unsung heroes of youth football, and I trust you will all show your gratitude to them at the end of the match and your respect for them during the game.

Thanks also go to the various Committee members who run the League and give up large chunks of their personal time (without pay!) to ensure there is a local Youth League to take part in every weekend and Cups to compete for.

Finally, my thanks go to you, the players, parents, supporters, managers and other Club Officials who make all this possible. I do hope that, whatever the result, you enjoy your special day and that the game is played in the spirit in which it is intended.  

Nigel Morris
League Secretary

Today’s game…

We will be playing 35 minutes each way today, and obviously there must be a winner as it is a Cup Final.

So if the score at the end of normal time is level, extra time of 10 minutes each way will be played.

If the match is still level at the end of extra time then the outcome will be decided by the taking of penalty kicks, in accordance with the Laws of the game.

At the end of the game the match officials will receive a small memento to thank them for their efforts. Trophies are then given out to the runners-up, followed by the winners.

Substitutions…

The Rules of the Rother Youth Football League allow for ‘roll-on, roll-off’ substitutions. This means that a player who has been substituted becomes a substitute himself and can come back on again at a later stage in the game. 

The road to Wembley…(kind of!)


Quarter Finals
Hastings United U12 Claret v Westfield Youth U12 1-1 (Pens 5-4)
Langton Green CSA U12 Rhinos v EMC Academy U12 A-W

Semi Finals
Eastbourne United U12 White v Hastings United U12 Claret 0-3
Hailsham Town U12 Stringers v EMC Academy U12 2-4

Home Team

Meet the players...

Hastings United U12 Claret

1. Stanley Gardner
SG56 The Skipper! Stanley is a talented young goalkeeper with sharp reflexes and a fearless attitude. Always ready to make a big save, Stanley is a key player who inspires this team with his determination and commitment.

2. Archie Hustwayte
Archie epitomises what it is to be a Hastings United player, he has improved with every game this season and his commitment and dedication to this team has been an inspiration to the rest.

3. Oscar Chapman
A cultured Centre back who is also known for their tough tackles, winning 1v1’s, and ability to stay calm under pressure, Oscar is the rock at the heart of the team.

4. Seth Kelly
An exceptional talent! Has all the attributes to go a long way in the game, brilliant with the ball at his feet and the hardest working player without it! A 12 year old that understands that ability will only take you so far, it's the attitude and mindset this boy has that will enable him to make the most of his undoubted talent

5. Joshua Eardley
An aggressive midfielder who never gives less than 100%. Has the ability to ghost past players and create goal scoring opportunities. Particularly aggressive in his defensive work and will ensure he wins the majority of his 1v1’s.


6. Chaise Kingshott
A player who has the rare ability to see the game like other 12 year olds don't, a progressive player who can unlock a defence with either foot. Excellent at finding space in the middle of the pitch and can thread a pass through the eye of a needle.

7. Darek Caicedo
Calm, composed and never rushed. Has the ability to always find himself in time and space and makes good decisions when in possession of the Football. Has been asked to played in a variety of positions this season and has excelled in all of them.

8. Joshua Cutting
Quick, Direct and powerful! Any defender's nightmare, can beat you on the outside and create goal scoring opportunities or on the inside where he creates opportunities for himself. Has the uncanny ability to go into 1v1’s and always come out with the ball, a real threat!

9. Mehmet Genc
A big, strong centre forward who is equally as adept and holding the ball up as he is at spinning in behind on goal. He poses at threat from anywhere in the final third with his shooting ability.

10. Ali Faris
Commitment personified! An ever improving centre back who never gives less than 100% to any training session or game. Happy to put his body on the line for the benefit of the team.


11. Finley Hodges
Another player who never gives less than 100%! Made the step up to play for Hastings United this season and is one of the big success stories. Fearless in the tackle and relishes 1v1 battles.

12. Daner Sedik
One of the success stories of the season, through his dedication and resilience, Daner has made as much progress this season as any other boy in the Academy. Ever improving, Daner is the type of committed player every coach wants around.




A word from the gaffer...

This season was all about development! With such a talented group of boys, we had to find ways to ensure we challenged them to become better players. Whatever restrictions we have placed on them, however we have set them up to play, they have embraced the challenge. When players start to see past the result and don’t see it as the biggest measure of success, then we start to see a greater level of progress, this group epitomises this! More than the sum of its parts, these boys have grown and developed into a TEAM!

Craig Willard / Jon Gardner

Hastings United U12 Claret

TEAM COLOURS:
Claret / White / White

CUP FINAL SQUAD:
1. Stanley Gardner ©
2. Oscar Chapman
3. Archie Hustwayte
4. Seth Kelly
5. Chaise Kingshott
6. Joshua Eardley
7. Darek Caicedo
8. Joshua Cutting
9. Mehmet Genc
10. Ali Faris
11. Finley Hodges
12. Daner Sedik

TEAM MANAGERS:
Craig Willard / Jon Gardner



Away Team

Meet the players...

EMC

1. Jonty Baxter
Joined us at the start of the season and hasn’t missed a minute since. A proper pro, with an elite attitude.

12. Allen Adeyinka
A holding midfielder who possesses great strength. Has become an integral part of the team through hard work and determination. Hasn’t lost a tackle since 2021.

7. Eddie Bradford
Has improved immeasurably this season, becoming a key player. A wing wizard, with a great product. Eddie’s performance in the Semi-Final was a big reason for us getting here today.

20. Jack Maryan
Mr versatile. Jack can play LB/RB/CB/CM/CF and shows his fantastic football brain in all positions.

6. David Pamberi
The king of the ball roll. David has really excelled since joining us in the summer, his 1v1’s are a joy to watch.

5. Luca Micheal
The most consistent player in the team. Luca brings a good performance, communication, punctuality, and good energy with him to every game and spreads it amongst the team from his arrival, until the cool down.

2. Rhys Creasey
An EMC legend. Rhys has been with EMC since lockdown zoom sessions, and hasn’t looked back since. The heart of our defence, but is also comfortable stepping into midfield on the ball.

12. Rafe Coleman
Rafe, who is currently on trial with Gillingham FC, misses today’s final through injury. We look forward to his return during the league run-in.

10. Diogo Donnis
Similar to his namesake Diogo Jota, a very tidy finisher, who will be active in and around the oppositions penalty area at all times.

22. Henry Deakin
Henry is the engine room of the team. A workhorse who is very reliable in lots of positions, and is comfortable on the ball in tight areas.

10*. Jax Clark
A new signing this summer, who replaced the outgoing Albert. Jax has skills and trickery to match his pace and power in the final 3rd.

27. Jason Adhikari
A fox in the box. Jason is a lethal finisher. Again very versatile (Jason was a regular goalkeeper before Jonty’s arrival and can do a job anywhere on the pitch).

13. Cole Dulski.
The Rother League’s very own Kevin De-Bryne. Cole’s vision and weight of pass make him the technician of this very technical team.

47. Oliver Woodham ©
Oliver will captain today’s team in Rafe’s absence. Oliver eat, sleeps and breathes EMC and is always updating his coach on upcoming fixtures etc. A pleasure to coach.

17. Mathew Berger
Mathew has excelled this season in right wing and as a right back. His athleticism makes him a real handful to play against.

11. Harry Archer
Harry has developed very well in our U13 KYL squad this season since converting into a striker. We are really proud of the progress he continues to make.

A word from the gaffer...

“Good afternoon all and thank you for joining us for today’s game, for which will be this squad’s first ever cup final.
We have had a fantastic season at U12 this season with the players developing at an unbelievable speed, including Albert Watmore who has gone on to sign for Premier League Club Crystal Palace FC.
I would like to thank all the parents for their fantastic support, especially our linesman David Baxter.
We have always had great games against Hastings United, played in the right spirit, with them providing a good test for us and look forward to the same again today. Hastings have a fantastic front line, with lots of pace. We will have to try to keep them quiet if we want any chance of a win.

Enjoy the game.

Jonny Elwood
Manager, EMC

EMC

TEAM COLOURS:
White, White, White

CUP FINAL SQUAD:
1. Jonty Baxter
21. Allen Adeyinka
7. Eddie Bradford
20. Jack Maryan
6. David Pamberi
5. Luca Michael
12. Rhys Creasey
2. Rafe Coleman
10. Diogo Dinis
22. Henry Deakin
10*. Jax Clark
27. Jason Adhikari
13. Cole Dulski
47. Oliver Woodham ©
17. Mathew Berger
11. Harry Archer

TEAM MANAGERS:
JONNY ELWOOD

Forestheath Engineering

Proud Sponsors of the
Rother Youth Football League!

ROTHER YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Would like to thank
BEXHILL UNITED FOOTBALL YOUTH
&
ROTHER DISTRICT COUNCIL
For allowing us to have the use of Polgrove for
our cup finals without charge



LOCAL LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Next season, why not follow your local
‘Ryman League South Division’ and
‘Southern Combination Football League’ Football Clubs?

Details of the Clubs and their fixtures can be
found in the local press

Eastbourne Town Football Club
EASTBOURNE TOWN
FOOTBALL CLUB

The Saffrons, Eastbourne

Bexhill United Football club
BEXHILL UNITED
FOOTBALL CLUB

The Polegrove, Bexhill-on-Sea

HASTINGS UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB
HASTINGS UNITED
FOOTBALL CLUB

The Pilot Field, Hastings

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