Football
Clubs hoping to return to action

THE LOCAL football scene was again ruined by the weather this past week, leaving our sides desperate for a return to action this weekend.

Redditch United's match at Southern League Premier Division leaders Leamington on Saturday was snowed off, whilst the Reds' visit to play-off hopefuls Arlesey Town on Tuesday was also postponed.

With the thaw underway as the Standard went to press, there is hope that Simon Redhead's side will be able to continue their bid to escape the bottom two tomorrow when they are due to host Bideford.

The Devon outfit are five places and nine points above the Reds but, having played three more games, are one of numerous sides above Redditch who could be dragged into the thick of the relegation battle.

In the Midland Alliance Studley's game at home to Dunkirk on Saturday was postponed, as was Alvechurch's trip to Coleshill Town.

There was no joy in midweek either as Alvechurch's clash at Causeway United was frozen off on Wednesday and the Bees' Birmingham Senior Cup second round tie at Sutton Coldfield Town on Tuesday also fell victim to the elements, although it has been rearranged for Tuesday, February 5.

Weather permitting, mid-table Alvechurch head to Coventry Sphinx tomorrow before visiting fourth placed Gornal Athletic - who have lost just one league game this season - on Tuesday, whilst Studley will seek to pull further clear of danger with a positive result at Tipton Town tomorrow.

Off the field, Redditch boss Redhead has secured the services of ex-Reds and Kidderminster Harriers defender Zac Costello in a week which has seen chairman Chris Swan continue his discussions with Redditch Borough Council about potential ground improvements at the Valley Stadium.

Swan said the meeting had proved positive, but the council require more information about his plans - of which a key part is installing a 3G pitch - before deciding whether they can help with his plans to make the club self-funding.

The chairman has now arranged a meeting with the Football Foundation to discuss whether it could provide a grant towards funding the scheme and further discussions with the council will follow this.

Meanwhile, following the success of previous years, Redditch United Football in the Community are again hosting the spring mid-term Soccer School Camp initiative at the club, with the sole aim of involving children aged between 6-14 in football.

The project will deliver various events to keep children occupied during the school holidays and you can save ten per cent on the price by booking and paying by Wednesday, February 13.

The next camp takes place between Monday, February 18 and Friday, February 22. The cost for all five days is £50, whilst it is £12 per day. For more details call the club on 01527 67450 or e-mail secretaryrufc@ymail.com.

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