Had it have been a photo finish Sutton United's mascot Jenny the Giraffe would have definitely won this year's mascot race by a neck, but unfortunately, it was never that close.

Last weekend mascots from around the country galloped down the final furlong at Kempton Park for BetVictor Mascot Grand National.

After two years of top four finishes, there were high hopes this year for Jenny, but the warm conditions took its toll on the Us biggest fan, and manges to canter home in 10th place.

John James, Jenny's handler, said: "It was such a warm day, we kept having to spray water in her face to cool her down, she was nearly passing out, by the end of the race, we nearly had to water board her.

All the children wanted to get their picture taken with her because she is so dopey looking, it was probably nearly half an hour after the race in the sweltering heat before we managed to get the suit off."

Billy Barratt, Barratt Southern Counties mascot, took the spoils on Monday ahead of last year's winner Mr Bumble from Barnett FC closely followed by Hotshot who was representing Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders Basketball Club.

Olympic gold medallist Iwan Thomas ran as BBC One Show mascot Onesie but could not keep up with Billy Barratt.

Kempton Park worked in partnership with Princess Alice Hospice to raise funds for the nominated charity of this year’s mascot race.

FA Charter Standard Community Club

The club is holding trials for players, boys and girls, for its very successful Juniors section on Saturday 11th May.

As part of our continued re-structuring of the Junior/Youth Section and in partnership withthe club's (FDP) Football Development Plan, now is a great time or your son/daughter to bepart of the Juniors/Youth section at this exciting time. No booking required, please justturn up on the day. All our coaches are qualified and have the appropriate checks in line with our status as a FA Charter Standard Community Club.

The U's staged their 2nd annual Disability Awareness Day on Saturday and provided a showcase for a range of local organisations to promote the services, support and opportunities that they offer to people with disabilities and to those who care for them.

Highlights of the day included a boccia demonstration, blind football "taster" sessions and a 5-a-side  game between Sutton Eagles and a Chelsea FC disability team. 

We would like to thank everybody who attended and especially all of the organisations who partnered with us in making the day so successful, with a particular mention to Chelsea FC Foundation.  The day was one of the club's Public Health Responsibility pledges agreed with the Primary Care Trust, now the NHS SW London Public Health Directorate.

At half-time during Sutton's 3-0 win over Billericay, club chairman Bruce Elliott presented Sutton Mencap and Radio Marsden with cheques for £1,000 each from the Football Association, money raised from the FA's Community Shield match for which the club was eligible by reaching the 1st round of the FA Cup last season.

The two charities also benefited from a long-distance walk undertaken by six Sutton supporters, who set off from Faygate in West Sussex at 6 o'clock in the morning and arrived at Gander Green Lane at 2.10 pm, having covered just over 24 miles.

For a more in-depth review of the day, please click here.

Sutton United has completed the appointment of its new Community Outreach Team, a move which greatly increases the club's capacity to deliver its ambitious community programme.

The U's go a lot further than many FA Charter Standard Community Standard clubs with the breadth of their programme, which extends beyond football and coaching for local youngsters to encompass healthy living, sustainability, careers advice and social awareness. The outreach team comprises Rob Hardy, Steve King and Will Letts. Rob is an experienced project manager and fund-raiser, Steve has a strong background in community initiatives and Will, whose grandfather Andrew was a previous chairman of the club, is a UEFA 'B' coach with a track-record in developing junior football teams.  The club would like to thank the Football Conference Trust for its support in making these appointments possible.

We are pleased to announce that the next Community Fun Day in association with the Metropolitan Police Sutton West Safer neighbourhood team

Saturday 16th March H: Farnborough KO 3pm.

The event which has become ever popular with local school children over the past few seasons has gone from strength to strength with the last one swelling the crowd of the day to 1,321.

5000 tickets will be circulated to 10 local participating schools and Little Leagues. There will be plenty of activities and gifts including, free face painting. A chance to meet the METS PCSO Steve with his airwave radio friend Alpha, along with our very own and lovable Jenny the Giraffe. Even if your school is not one of the participants all children welcome for just £1 when accompanied by an adult.

The pre match entertainment includes the METS Sutton West Safer Neighbourhood teams Penalty shootout competition sponsored by our good friends Smith & Byford with the final and presentations at half time, so we sure to cheer your school.

Your local Metropolitan Police's Sutton West Safer Neighbourhoods team will be on hand to meet with local people. If you have any issues relating to community policing or wish to discuss any aspect in your area go and have a chat.

FA Charter Standard Community Club

Dave Farebrother, Chairman of the Board at SUFC Ltd, was so inspired by watching the various athletes at last year's Olympic and Paralympic games that he has decided to walk to the match at home to Billericay on 6th April from his home near Horsham. A distance of about 25 miles. 

Dave will be joined by a small band of Sutton supporters including Press Secretary Tony Dolbear and Sarah Bleksley, who cycled to all of Sutton's away games two years ago. 

The walkers hope to raise as much money as they can for two of the club's charity partners, Sutton Mencap and Radio Marsden.

For more details, go to the JustGiving site.

Valentines Disco this Saturday 7.30-11.30pm tickets £7.50 and available at the Times Square Lounge door from 7pm.

Proceeds from the event will be shared with the clubs charity of the season 'Sutton Mencap'.

More information email: community@suttonunited.net

Highly Recommended for  Commitment to the Community

Saturday 16th February: Valentines Disco tickets £7.50 in advance or on the door, proceeds split with our Charity of the season 'Sutton MENCAP'. 

Tuesday 26th February: V Hayes & Yeading, Local Residents Day. 

Saturday 16th March: Community Fun Day in association with the local MET. 

Saturday 6th April: Disability Awareness Day with guests The Chelsea FC football foundation. 

More information or to get involved email: community@suttonunited.net

Highly Recommended for  Commitment to the Community

Multicultural Day Saturday 20th October 2012 vs Staines Town.

Highly Recommended for  Commitment to the Community

Multicultural Day Saturday 20th October 2012 vs Staines Town.

The club is also taking the opportunity to engage with the Football Association's 'Let's Kick Out Racism' campaign and will be joining with its opponents for the day, Staines Town, to make a show of solidarity with a short pre-match presentation of flags celebrating 'One Club, One Community'.

The event is another key strand of the club's 'United with the Community' programme and demonstrates its commitment to work with and represent the diverse community in which it resides.

Highly Recommended for  Commitment to the Community

Community Schools Day Saturday 15th September 2012 vs Havant & Waterlooville.

4000 FREE family entry tickets for the ever popular event have been distributed to local schools. Along with the opportunity to have your photo taken with the the Olympic Torch, there will be FREE face painting and the hotly contested penalty shootout competition.

The Mayor of Sutton Councillor Sean Brennan will be in attendence along with a number of local organisations.

FA Charter Standard Community Club

Community Schools Day Saturday 15th September 2012 vs Havant & Waterlooville.

FREE invitational event to local school children and their families in association with the Metropolitan Police Sutton West Safer neighbourhood teams.

Confirmed Invited Schools List:

Cheam Fields Primary, Manor Park Junior, Cheam Park Farm Primary, Devonshire Primary, St Celia's Primary, The Avenue Primary, Robinhood Primary, Homefield Preparatory School, Abbey Primary, Westbourne Junior.

Additional Schools:

Banstead Community Infants & Junior Schools.

FA Charter Standard Community Club

Community Schools Day Saturday 15th September 2012 vs Havant & Waterlooville.

FREE invitational event to local school children and their families in association with the Metropolitan Police Sutton West Safer neighbourhood teams.

Keep a eye on event updates via our Community twitter account or via the website and watch out for your FREE event tickets.

FA Charter Standard Community Club

As we look forward to another exciting season both on and off the pitch you can now follow all the clubs community activities via its very own Twitter feed. Find out where we will be next and get the latest information on all community events: Follow the Football Development Plan, Match day events, Junior Football, Community Partners, Schools coaching and more.......

Sutton United Community: Follow us for all the latest news and events from Sutton United FC in and around the local community.

FA Charter Standard Community Club

With the close season coming to an end it is time to report on the fantastic work done by Jenny the Giraffe on behalf of Sutton Utd FC as part of its commitment to the local community.

After the world-wide coverage, care of ESPN, following her appearance at the Notts County game last season (we even had calls from America) Jenny was in even more demand this summer and her busy schedule started to fill up almost as soon as the final whistle was blown. Whilst the players were sunning themselves on foreign shores and England flattered to deceive at the Euro’s, Jenny attended no fewer than 10 events over the summer months.

School fairs are very much her forte and this year she racked up a record five appearances at All Saints Benhilton, Cheam Park Farm, Westbourne (where she made her radio debut care of Radio Jackie – a definite ‘Sooty’ moment), Tweeddale and Morden Primary.

After her run out at in the Domino’s Pizza Mascot Grand National at Huntingdon last year where she came 5th there is no stopping the girl and this year she competed in the Horsham egg and spoon race (going out in a hotly contested semi-final), the Kempton Park Grand National finishing fourth (her dive for the line is must-see ‘you tube’ favourite) and a magnificent second in the 100 metres sprint at the St Helier Festival.

Not wishing to miss out on the Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations she also made a guest appearance at the Upland Road Jubilee Party and rounded off her busy schedule last week at the Sutton Green Summer Fair where she met many of her fans including the Mayor and local dancing troupes. Jenny is looking forward to a few weeks well-earned rest before she resumes her ‘day job’ of cheering on Dos and the boys for the coming season. She is also off the club shop to be fitted out in her new kit for next season. A little bird tells me that she has got her eye on the new away kit but if anybody would like to sponsor her for next season or book her for events please e-mail her at functions@suttonunited.net.

Many thanks go to Chris Henderson-Smith, Peter James and of course Tony Henderson-Smith for making all this possible.

FA Charter Standard Community Club

Last night Sutton United Football Club was awarded second place and Highly Commended in the Commitment to the Community category at the Sutton Business Awards, held at the Queen's Stand at Epsom Racecourse. Perhaps even more impressive was the fact that in the overall Business of the Year category we came third out of all businesses in the Borough and were awarded a Commended status accordingly.

This is an incredible achievement for a club run entirely by volunteers and is a staggering endorsement of the whole club both on and off the pitch. Thanks to everyone who played a part.

A full list of Award Winners can be found here.

FA Charter Standard Community Club

After Jenny's credible 5th in the 2010 race at Huntingdon she went one better at Kempton Park in this years race coming in 4th to Barnet's Mr Bumble who again romped to victory. Watch as Jenny raising money for Headley Court Rehabilitation Centre and chaperoned by Tony Henderson-Smith sticks her neck out to claim the best finish of any of the BSS mascots.

FA Charter Standard Community Club

An old friend of Sutton United, Belinda Sinclair travelled to The Gambia last month as part of her job as a photographer with a BBC film crew. The main mission was the making of a documentary about the Bansang Hospital Appeal which involved the delivery of scooters ridden across the Sahara to the hospital. On her way home she was kind enough to pop in on our friends Sutton United Gambia at their home in the suburbs of the Capital Banjul.

FA Charter Standard Community Club

The second community fun day of the season, in partnership with the local Metropolitan Police Safer Neighbourhood Team, took place on Saturday 28th April 2012. Despite the somewhat damp conditions over 700 local school children swelled the match day match crowd to 1321.

Event attendees took part in the ever popular Smith & Byford sponsored penalty competition. There was free face painting, and the chance to meet local Metropolitan Police officers. MENCAP were on hand to provide some fun and games for the children. Local Indian Restaurant 'Star of India' provided 150 free curry's with Sainsbury helping to wash it down with 400 cans of Pepsi..

The event was graced with the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress of Sutton who were our guests for the afternoon. With the team completing a fine regular season with a 2-0 win against Farnborough to secure 4th place and a Blue Square South playoff spot, the afternoon could not have gone much better, if we ignore the weather that is! .

FA Charter Standard Community Club

After Jenny's credible 5th in the 2010 race at Huntingdon racecourse she will again take on the field in this years race at Kempton Park. There will be a sponsor sheet circulating in the Bar on Wednesday night. If you can't get to it you can email me your pledge and contact details. (anthony.henderson-smith@sky.com) This year the race is quite local being at Kempton Park and there is a full race card. It would be great to see some people there to support Jenny.

Funds raised for 'Jenny's' run will go to the HEADLEY COURT REHABILITATION CENTRE.

FA Charter Standard Community Club

This coming Saturday, 21st April, Radio Marsden welcome special guests to the Sports Show.

Representatives from “Sutton United Gambia” (Edward Gibba and Buba Jassey) are over from West Africa on a fact-finding mission and they will be joining Lucy & Jason this Saturday from 2.00pm.

We’ll find out how the African connection to Sutton United came about, more detail about the team and players and what life is like in the Nawettan League in The Gambia.

The interview is a fascinating insight into life in this small African country and is both inspiring and humbling…….and funny !  Make sure you join us from 2.00pm to find out more.

FA Charter Standard Community Club

The ever popular Community Fun Day returns Saturday 28th April 2012 vs Farnborough.

The second Community Fun Day of the season in association with the Metropolitan Police Sutton West Safer neighbourhood team will take place on Saturday 28th April 2012 at our final home league match of the season against Farnborough.

The event which has become ever popular with local school children over the past few seasons has gone from strength to strength with the last one in September swelling the crowd to 1332 the highest home league attendance of the season to date.

All Children can join in the fun for just £1 (when accompanied by an adult) entry to the day even if not part of one of the participating schools. plenty of activities and gifts including, free Sweets, balloons, drinks, face painting. A chance to meet the METS PCSO Steve with his airwave radio friend Alpha, along with our very own and lovable 'Jenny the Giraffe'. Radio Marsden will be in attendance along with many more attractions to be confirmed over the few weeks....

The pre match entertainment includes the METS Sutton West Safer Neighbourhood team�s Penalty shootout competition sponsored by our good friends Smith & Byford with the final and presentations at half time, so we sure to cheer your school on.

Your local Metropolitan Police's Sutton West Safer Neighbourhoods team will be on hand to meet with local people. If you have any issues relating to community policing or wish to discuss any aspect in your area go and have a chat.

FA Charter Standard Community Club

Girls, get your team together and apply now!

FA Charter Standard Community Club

This year's Nonsuch Park 10K Charity Fun Run will now be held on Sunday 26 February at 11am, after the event was postponed on 5 February due to the bad weather. Our own Mike Bryant is taking part to raise funds for the Football Development Plan and a local charity. If you would like to sponsor Mike please email commercial@suttonunited.net with your pledge.

We will  be making a collection on his behalf at the home game against Weston-super-Mare on Saturday 25 February, and if you can help by going round the ground with a collecting bucket either before the game, at half time and at the end of the game, please email the above address or call Graham Baker on 07816 088281.

For further information on the Fun Run, or if you would like to enter, please contact Mark Caswell of MCC Promotions on 07977 831519, and don't forget to go along to Nonsuch Mansions and Park on Sunday 26 February to support Mike on his run.

FA Charter Standard Community Club

The first community fun day of the season, in partnership with the local Metropolitan Police Safer Neighbourhood Team, took place on Saturday 24th September 2011. The ever more popular event attracted a match crowd of 1332, the club's largest league crowd of the season to date.

On a warm Autumn day around 750 local school children and parents enjoyed the many attractions which included face painting, the chance to meet their local Metropolitan Police officers. The children received free gifts and souvenirs with Sainsbury in attendance to supply the free refreshments.

Hundreds of children invited to the event again took part in the Smith & Byford sponsored penalty shootout competition battling down to just 2 winners at half-time walking away with the coveted prizes. The presentations were made by club guest of the afternoon Comedian Tim Vine, who can be seen below shaking the hand or paw? of 'Jenny the giraffe' shortly after smashing his penalty past the hapless club mascot. All under the gaze of Gordon stractham who I don't think will be looking to further either's football careers.

The first Community Fun Day of the season in association with the Metropolitan Police Sutton West Safer neighbourhood team will take place on Saturday 24th Maidenhead 2011 at our home league match against Maidenhead United.

The event which has become ever popular with local school children over the past few seasons has gone from strength to strength with the last one swelling the crowd of the day to 1552 the highest Ryman league attendance of the season outside the playoff matches.

All Children can join in the fun for just £1 (when accompanied by an adult) entry to the day even if not part of one of the participating schools. plenty of activities and gifts including, free Sweets, balloons, drinks, face painting. A chance to meet the METS PCSO Steve with his airwave radio friend Alpha, along with our very own and lovable ‘Jenny the Giraffe’. Radio Marsden will be in attendance along with many more attractions to be confirmed over the few weeks....

The pre match entertainment includes the METS Sutton West Safer Neighbourhood team’s Penalty shootout competition sponsored by our good friends Smith & Byford with the final and presentations at half time, so we sure to cheer your school on.

Your local Metropolitan Police's Sutton West Safer Neighbourhoods team will be on hand to meet with local people. If you have any issues relating to community policing or wish to discuss any aspect in your area go and have a chat.

Sutton United is delighted to become the world’s first Planet Positive football club.

Everyone will be aware of the threat that we all face from climate change and businesses across the globe are working hard to reduce their own carbon footprints, to be more efficient in the ways that they use energy. Of course, some people remain sceptical of the effect of human activities on the planet’s atmosphere but the beauty of energy efficiency as a means of mitigating the impacts of climate change is that it remains a good thing to do irrespective of the accuracy of the science. Who wouldn't want to use less energy and save money ?

To read more on the Planet Postive initiative Click here...

After a summer hiatus, the Radio Marsden Sports Show returns this Saturday 2pm - 6pm.

Presented by Lucy Conquest and Jason Reynolds, there will be the usual focus on all of our local non-league clubs, including the second leg of the Sutton Advertiser Cup between Sutton Utd & Carshalton Athletic, together with the many friendlies that are taking place on the eve of the new season.

We will also be featuring AFC Wimbledon's first-ever Football League game which is against Bristol Rovers this Saturday. We will be speaking to Dons manager Terry Brown and also AFC Chief Executive Erik Samuelson about their rise through the leagues and what the momentous achievement means for the club and its' supporters.

You'll hear about all of the goals as they go in and a brand new Sports Show Challenge will be unveiled.

Sutton United FC proudly supported the Annual Cheam Community Football Week. The Event held at Cheam Park 25th-29th July 2011 saw the ever popular free coaching event attract over 400 local younger's age 6-11.

The 5 day event is run by the Metropolitan Police Cheam Safer Neighbourhood Team in association with Sutton United and sponsored by local businesses. Veteran U's Goal Keeper Clive Offer kindly donated his time to provide the children with a excellent 2 hour coaching session. On Friday Jenny the Giraffe attended the final awards ceremony.

You may just notice 'Jenny' pictured here with children from the event and Met Officers who ran the highly successful event.

FA Charter Standard Community Club

Our good freinds and community partners Radio Marsden are delighted to annouce the 2011 Sutton Country Music Festival.

On Sunday 10th July, in the grounds of the Royal Marsden Hospital at Sutton (Cotswold Road entrance), they will be showcasing six live acts, beginning at 10.30am.

Among the acts appearing on the day will be Kickin’ Country, Kevin Bull and the fantastic Bobby D Sawyer from Nashville.

There is free parking on site throughout the day and entrance is by donation as all monies raised go towards keeping Radio Marsden broadcasting to the patients of the two hospitals.

Bring a chair and your best dancing boots and join us for a fabulous day of country music entertainment.

Girls, are you interested in playing football ?

On Saturday 25th June Sutton United in conjunction with the local Little Leagues are holding an open girls’ football day which will include trials for new under 10 and under 11 Girls’ teams for the 2011-2012 Season.

All girls up to the age of 16 interested in football are invited to attend and there will be lots of football related events going on, including a girls’ exhibition match, penalty shoot-out competition and a 2 v 2 skills cage. So girls come along and give it a go!

To find out more about the Football Development Plan See FDP Section for full details....

On Friday the annual Supporters v Junior Managers match took place raising @£700 for the Junior club section. First team player Steve McKimm turned out for the supporters to help them register their first victory against the Junior managers in the annual event. First half Man of the first half was shared by Paul Loughlin (for his finger tip save and his goal assist) and Phil Clarke (four first half goals). The second half Man of the match again being the supporters' keeper this time Peter James after a string of close range saves saw the match end: Supporters 6 Junior Managers 4. For a full report and match photos click here.

On Saturday Roehampton College held their annual student event at GGL with around 400-500 students in attendance.

Sunday saw no let up as the Juniors held trials on the main pitch which was attended by @100 local children hoping to gain a place in one of the club's junior sides. With the number of teams set to increase next season as part of the Football Development Plan, keep up to speed with the latest additions and vacancies through the summer via our Junior News Section.. See Junior News Section....

Sunday evening saw the last action on the GGL pitch this season as it played host to the local Metropolitan Police team who took on the Royal Mail in a fundraiser which raised £200 for Help the Heroes.

This Friday the hallowed Gander Green Lane turf will host its annual Supporter’s v Junior Managers match in a fundraiser event for the Junior club section.

In what has become an annual event the supporters will again attempt to overturn their woeful form which has seen them soundly beaten by the clubs Junior section managers in both previous matches. It has been rumoured that this year the supporters have been attempting to sign the odd first team U's player to combat their general lack of fitness and resilience. It promises to be an action packed, fun evening with all money raised going to the junior section of the club in their quest to find tomorrows stars.

Sarah Bleksley is set to complete her amazing marathon of cycling to every league away match this season when she travels to Billericay Town this Saturday in aid of the Football Development Plan (FDP).

With over 900 miles covered and 20 away grounds visited so far Sarah is set to raise over £3000 in pledges if she completes the final journey successfully. All the money raised will go towards the clubs Football Development Plan which aims to provide state of the art sports facilities for Collingwood recreation ground. Sarah has received a warm welcome at all the grounds she has visited with many away supporters dipping in to their pockets to contribute to the fund.

Its not too late to pledge if you have not already done so, and you can keep up to date with Sarah's blog as she details her quite adventurous travels. A reminder to all those who have pledged money throughout the season that you will find payment details on the pledge page.

Sarah wishes to thank everyone for their unbelievably support whether through donations, pledges, lifts home or just encouragement which has helped her keep going throughout the season.

To find out more about the Football Development Plan See FDP Section for full details....

Would you like to play football in a junior team for the newly crowned Ryman Premier Champions!? We are pleased to announce open trials for new players/teams to play 7-aside mini football and newly introduced 9-a-side for this coming season 2011/12. Our teams currently play in the Epsom & Ewell League (Saturdays) and Surrey Youth League (Sundays).

The sessions will be held on the main pitch of Sutton Utd FC by managers/coaching staff. Players from U9 - U11 should be of a reasonable standard and preferably already playing either youth league or Little League level.

Having recently achieved FA Community Standard our junior coaches have attained the minimum FA Coaching Certificate Level 1 or Level 2. Our 7-a-side games are played at Sutton Cricket Club, Cheam Village on arguably the best pitches in the area, with the 11 a side teams playing at Collingwood Rec adjacent to Sutton Utd’s main stadium.

The second community fun day of the season, in partnership with the local Metropolitan Police Safer Neighbourhood Team, took place on Saturday 16th April 2011. The ever more popular event attracted a match crowd of 1552, not only the club's largest crowd of the season to date but also capturing the highest attendance for any match in the Ryman Premier League for season 2010/11.

On a warm spring day just under 1000 local school children and parents enjoyed the many attractions which included face painting, the chance to get to see a fire engine up close, a look at the Metropolitan Police CCTV van in operation, free gifts such as sweets drinks and club souvenirs and more.

Hundreds of children invited to the event again took part in the Smith & Byford sponsored penalty shootout competition battling down to just 2 winners at half-time walking away with the coveted prizes. Radio Marsden, the club's charity of the season, broadcast their Saturday afternoon sports show live from the ground on what turned out to be a historic afternoon as although not confirmed for 24hrs the team's 8th consecutive home win had seen them clinch the Ryman League championship.

The second Community Fun Day of the season in association with the Metropolitan Police Sutton West Safer neighbourhood team will take place on Saturday 16th April 2011 at our home league match against Hastings United.

The event which has become ever popular with local school children over the past few seasons has gone from strength to strength with the last one swelling the crowd of the day to 1253 just 12 short of the highest Ryman league attendance of the season.

All Children can join in the fun for just £1 (when accompanied by an adult) entry to the day even if not part of one of the participating schools. plenty of activities and gifts including, free Sweets, balloons, drinks, face painting. A chance to meet the METS PCSO Steve with his airwave radio friend Alpha, along with our very own and lovable ‘Jenny the Giraffe’. Radio Marsden (our elected charity of the season) will be broadcasting their Saturday Sports show live from the event, to both hospitals and across the globe on the Internet. Sutton Fire Station will be sending a fire crew and Engine to give fire prevention advice and much more....

The pre match entertainment includes the METS Sutton West Safer Neighbourhood team’s Penalty shootout competition sponsored by our good friends Smith & Byford with the final and presentations at half time, so we sure to cheer your school on.

Your local Metropolitan Police's Sutton West Safer Neighbourhoods team will be on hand to meet with local people. If you have any issues relating to community policing or wish to discuss any aspect in your area go and have a chat.

The day has been identified as one to recognise the valuable work undertaken by Carers in the London Borough of Sutton.

The day is focused on giving registered carers a day out with free entry to the important Ryman Premier League match against Canvey Island as guests of Sutton Carers’ Centre and Sutton Utd FC. A number of carers are also to be invited to attend for a pre-match lunch. A key message of the day will be to raise the profile of the Sutton Carers’ Centre and to raise some money for the Centre and its vital work.

In addition, the club is honoured to announce the attendance of a number of local dignitaries to the day.

As a FA Charter Standard Community Club SUFC is proud to engage with all members of the diverse community in which it resides”

FA Charter Standard Community Club

The search begins for Surrey grassroots football clubs, coaches and volunteers.

The FA and its Community Partner, McDonalds, have today announced that nominations for the second FA Community Awards are now open. The awards aim to recognise and reward grassroots clubs and volunteers across the country, the unsung heroes of grassroots football in communities across England , and they want people in Surrey to get involved.

The Surrey County FA is calling on people from across the region for nominations for the eight award categories so that they can be recognised for their achievements.

The eight award categories are:
• Outstanding Contribution Award
• The FA Community Club Award
• The FA Development Club Award
• The FA Charter Standard Club Award
• Volunteer of the Year Award
• Young Volunteer of the Year Award
• Coach of the Year Award
• The FA Charter Standard League Award

Closing Date 18^th March 2011

For more details see our website http://www.surreyfa.com/News/2011/02/NominationsNowOpenFor.htm

The sessions will run from 1st March 2011 for a MINIMUM of 6 weeks. The sessions will continue after Easter if the numbers are good.

Nonsuch High School for Girls Every Tuesday Evening, 4:00pm — 5:00pm (Please bring suitable footwear for grass and Shin pads)

Nonsuch Playing Field, Nonsuch High School for Girls, Ewell Road, Cheam, SM3 8AB.

Following the preliminary indication from Surrey FA last summer, we received the following confirmation from the Football Association.

"We are pleased to inform you that Sutton United FC has achieved The FA Charter Standard Community Club status on 07 Feb 2011.

You will receive your certificate and a covering letter shortly.

Best wishes,

The FA Charter Standard team."

Congratulations to everybody involved in securing this achievement. Nobody should underestimate the work that had to go into this.

This initiative is aimed at acknowledging the great supporters we have at the Club and also raising money for the Football Development Plan and the Stadium Development.

The scheme involves sponsoring a brick that will be incorporated in a special Supporters’ Wall of Fame. The wall will be erected in a prominent part of the new development and will be a permanent record of the terrific supporters we have and also serve as a memorial for those loyal supporters who have passed away.

Each brick will cost £30 to sponsor and until such time as the development takes place a record will be kept of sponsors by way of a large “wall” displayed in the Stadium Bar. At this time you are not required to contribute any money merely to agree to sponsor a brick.

Please consider sponsoring a brick which will be a permanent record of your support for this great club. Sponsor early to choose your position in the wall.

The football development project setup to develop football at all levels and abilities within the community requires a Coaching Co-Ordinator. This exciting role as part of the FDP team will be responsible for developing a comprehensive coaching programme for the whole Club. The position will be the main point of contact for all coaching. The successful applicant will need to establish or possess a clear understanding of the FA coaching structure and available courses plus manage the changing culture of coaching/coaches within the club.

To find out more about this exciting role within the Football Development Team See FDP Vacancy Section for full details....

Sarah Bleksley is set to reach the halfway point in her cycle to all away league matches this season in aid of the Football Development Plan (FDP).

With 465 miles covered and 10 away grounds visited so far Sarah will achieve the 500 milestone if she successfully makes it to Horsham on Saturday. An amazing £1682.97 has been pledged so far in aid of the FDP which aims to provide state of the art sports facilities for Collingwood recreation ground. Sarah has received a warm welcome at all the grounds she has visited with many away supporters dipping in to their pockets to contribute to the fund.

Its not too late to pledge if you have not already done so, and you can keep up to date with Sarah's blog as she details her quite adventurous travels.

To find out more about the Football Development Plan See FDP Section for full details....

Giraffes' do not usually go out in a foot of snow - but this one did! Yes, the heaviest snow fall in 20 years wasn't going to stop Jenny the Giraffe and a merry band of Sutton Utd Club representatives visiting the children and staff of Queen Mary's Hospital in St. Helier.

Jenny suitably kitted out in her special Santa hat along with Steve McKimm, Clive Baxter and Kennedy Adjei distributed gifts to the children kindly donated by Flair Leisure Products, and chocolates to the staff of the children's ward.

Jenny also wanted to say a big thank you to Tony, John, Gareth and Dan for making sure she got there on time to meet the boys and girls - and got her home! Thanks also to Ronayne Marsh-Brown who drove all the way from West London but sensibly went straight home before the visit because of the worsening road conditions.

This Saturday 18th December in what has become an annual event, manager Paul Doswell and members of the team will visit Queen Mary's Children's hospital at St Helier to distribute gifts to children and staff. The visit which starts at 11am will also see our club Mascot 'Jenny the Giraffe' in attendance. She will be on her best behaviour and has been told not to make a nuisance of herself, although this does appear unlikely.