In 1990 Marple Athletic were the only junior football club in the Marple area.  Young lads would train with the club for a few weeks and then only a handful were asked to stay - while the rest were turned away.  My son Matthew was one of the boys who didn't make the grade: he arrived home disappointed thinking that at the age of eight his football career was over.

 
Matthew suggested that I should team up with our neighbour, Dave Fidler, (who's son Simon was also turned away), to form a new junior team so that they  could play football. He also came up with the name of Rose Hill Rovers and we decided to play in green to stand out from the rest (as not many local teams wore green).

We met on Wood Lane playing fields the following week with about ten boys, three balls and some plastic cones.  We took £1 in subs but soon realised that by taking money we'd need a treasurer, chairman, secretary etc.  We then played a few friendlies against local teams where, to be honest, we got hammered! 
 

After joining the Stockport Metro League, the club was officially formed. We brought a new team into the league each year. At first it was tough going but the club has grown from strength to strength ever since.

Rose Hill Rovers was formed to give kids a chance to play football.  It didn't matter whether we got hammered 10-0:  everyone enjoyed it!

 

We always tried to play everyone who turned up which sometimes caused us to lose the game. Although everyone likes to win there'll always be a loser - but the main thing at that time was giving all the players a chance.

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I was always proud of the fact that we never turned anyone away because they weren't good enough.  If they turned up for training, they'd play that weekend.  I know that the club has had success in different leagues and tournaments and that's nice for the club and the players - but hopefully everyone involved still believes that we're here to give the boys and girls a game whatever their ability.

 

Tony Coram

(Rose Hill Rovers JFC Club Founder) 

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