PLAYER AWARDS 2023
Our annual awards evening took place on Friday 23rd June, a time to reflect on the season and celebrate our team and individual player honours.
Off the pitch, investment at The Cauldron continued with initiatives led by Mark Lemm. New dugouts and a covered standing area enhanced the matchday experience for both players and supporters. The Corner Flag, managed by Rowe, took it up a level with a revamp and a widened selection of beverages and food. How vital The Corner Flag is both socially and as a revenue stream should not be underestimated. Brian Baggaley launched our club website to provide a central hub for all the latest news and media such as match photos and highlights. Finally, the installation of a borehole at the ground will provide better irrigation meaning one of the best playing surfaces in Berkshire is only going to get better.
On the pitch, a brand new management team came in and certainly did not disappoint. Christian Bartlett and Lee Kitching came in as our new First Team Manager and Assistant Manager, bringing new and exciting young players with them. Although Christian stepped down from his managerial role he had a huge impact helping lay the foundations for what would come. Lee stepped up as Manager and Luke Howroyd joined him as his Assistant. As the team gelled you could see the potential as they became a more cohesive unit and will only improve again next season. Considering how they ended the season that is a very exciting prospect. Jamie Froude (Manager) and Dom Elliott (Assistant Manager) were appointed to lead the Rapids and went on an amazing run in their first season in adult management. Their Rapids side played in every game of every competition, losing only 3 all season. Now TVPL Division One awaits them next season.
All in all this season we achieved a top 3 Thames Valley Premier League finish, won the BTC Senior Cup at Reading FC’s Select Car Leasing Stadium, TVPL Division Two and the Maidenhead Norfolkian Junior Cup. Everyone associated with Reading YMCA FC should be immensely proud, we could not have asked for a better season.
Congratulations to all our 2023 individual award winners…
