Waterloo Park Community Football

2 years ago we had our first ever training session. 🫶

I can’t believe what a rollercoaster it’s been since then and the lead up to it. When me Ewan made the plunge and reached out to the community to start an informal kick-about, we had no idea what was going to unfold.

Although the community sessions are on a hiatus, the club is still going strong and our competitive team Waterloo United F.C are almost ready to embark on their second season in the Norwich & District Sunday League, which just in itself is mad typing. From such humble and innocent beginnings, we’ve felt the whole spectrum of emotions.

So much work, time and effort was put in during those first few months (and a good while before our first session) and I, in weird twisted way, thank lock-down. Obviously, so many horrible and devastating things happened during that time, so I am so thankful to have gotten through and my family and friends haven’t been afflicted. We’ll never have that kind of time again, but it gave us the opportunity to spend time growing the club, time we never would have had in “normal” times.

In those early days, I’d love to put a shout out to all that helped and came along every week, putting so much heart and soul into the community sessions. Mark Finbow, Todd Kerry, Matt Le Tissier Bailey, Leon Frere-Smith, Tony Lloyd, Ell Mullers and more. Also the weekly regulars: JJ, Murphy, Cain, Barden, Josh C, Jack C, Callum etc etc - the list goes on and we grew each week into such an amazing community club.

I’d also love to put a big shout out to Catton Grove Big Local, who’s initial and continued support has been incredible - thanks guys! You have been so willing and easy to work with and I’m so glad I took the time to apply for that first grant 🙌

Deciding to form a competitive team was a no-brainer, but also a completely new world that I know, I didn’t know ANYTHING about. But with the likes of the infamous Chris Bloor joining, we felt as a management team, we could stand a chance of making it work. Chris, without metaphorically blowing your trumpet too much - I owe a lot to you and your absolute dedication and the experience you’ve brought to such a fledgling club.

People have come and gone, some will be missed more than others unfortunately but as we head into year 3, I hope this club continues to build and thrive. Hopefully we can get to a place where we can continue some sort of regular session back at Waterloo Park too.

The last 6 months haven’t been ideal for me on a personal level and I wish I could have stayed more prominent in the club in the latter half of the season, but I’m so proud of all the players for pushing themselves to such a great finish. Hopefully I can get more involved again and celebrate all the wins with you!

Let’s not forget where we came from but we push on, all the way to the top - the sky’s the limit!

Joe
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Some pictures from yesterday’s first session. Everyone was brilliant, can’t wait for the next one! - - - - #footballtraining #grassrootsfootball #newclub #waterloopark #norwich

…Going on hiatus…
(Warning: long post)

Hey everyone! It’s been a crazy couple of years. What an amazing thing it was to put together a club in lockdown that could bring the community together.

We prided ourselves on being open to everyone and we were witnesses to some incredible sights of the packed field, full of people desperate to get out and see people, when most of the time they were cooped up indoors not being able to see family and friends. I hope everyone who’s been to one of the sessions like that, will hold that memory for a long time.

We definitely served a purpose, and out of it came our awesome competitive team, Waterloo United, who are now building up to play their second season in the Norwich & District Sunday League. Also, our 5-a-side team who play at GOALS are playing regularly in their league too!

Times have changed again and understandably, there is less demand for what we were offering. Also, we have a few concerns over the quality of the pitch and the risk of injury it imposes. So we’ve taken the decision to halt sessions while we figure out a plan to keep it maintained and if there’s a way we can get those crowds back. We’ll also take this time to focus our efforts on our competitive teams, helping them grow and to develop.

Endless thanks to everyone who has been a part of making this club a success, from players, families, volunteers, charities and much more.

We’ll see you again but in the meantime, please follow our story as it continues with Waterloo United F.C and obviously, if you want to take part then you know how to get hold of us!

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Remember, our new time of Saturdays 10-11:30am starts TOMORROW!

See you there! 🥳

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ANNOUNCEMENT

G'day all - hope everyone's got a top Tuesday ahead of them! As the Queen is soon to celebrating a whopping 70th anniversary as the face on the back of our coins - we thought we'd use it as an opportunity to get out, play some football and maybe eat some cake. Fancy joining us?!

Also, in classic Waterloo Park football fashion, we're going to be rejigging our session times. This is for a few reasons, one of which, so our strapping lads who play in the competitive team on Sundays can also enjoy the benefits of our more relaxed community sessions.

So myself, Tony and maybe some familiar faces will be setting up for prompt 10am start on Saturday mornings, bringing things to close at around 11:30. We'll be making sure to send out reminders and updates regularly so no one misses out on the action!

See you soon and have a great week!
Joe
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SEE YOU IN THE MORNING BALLERS!!

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The competitive team are training at Hellesdon High School 3G Pitch this evening from 6:30 until 8:00. All are welcome, £3 per person

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Due to availability there won’t be be a session this morning. Sorry for the late post - hopefully see you next week!

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Training is on as usual this week.
10:00-12:00
Bring a drink and sun cream as the weather is supposed to be nice.
Looking forward to seeing you all there.
Tony

Training is back on this week.
Please feel free to bring your friends and family.
£2 per session as always
10:00-12:00 at Waterloo.
The weather should be good.
Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Tony

Due to the WUFC Sundays awards evening, there will be no community session this Sunday. Be sure to make yourself available for next week's session though!

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Don’t forget to pop down to Waterloo Park tomorrow at 10am, for another brilliant session. £2 per session. All welcome! Look forward to seeing you there tomorrow.

- Tony