Category: Community

Chairmans Update

In the last two weeks, the club has attended due-diligence meetings in relation to joining the East of Scotland League. It’s still the opinion of the club that this is the only way to secure the clubs long term future, and may I once again state that this is a view endorsed by all at the Club. Our first team management and players, our youth development coaches, players & parents alike, have been coming forward in great numbers showing support for us undertaking this journey into the Scottish Football pyramid. Furthermore we’ve had so much encouragement from our fans. People that were once following us and hadn’t been to our games for a while are starting to come back out to see us at Carmuirs Park. We’ve also had a great response from the local community and businesses have been in touch to see if we need any help and funding through sponsorship. The support has really been overwhelming!

Camelon Juniors are moving forward and there is a real buzz around the Club at the moment. People are engaged with what is happening here. May I also add that the Club has secured investment for the journey ahead too. We currently have a team of local businessmen who are ready to stand with the club through this period of transition and beyond. The Club will also lean on their expertise when it comes to securing our club licence from the S.F.A.

I also understand that some people do have concerns about us moving, so allow me to clarify the most common questions we’ve encountered:

1) Will the club change it’s name?
No it won’t. We’re proud of our Junior heritage and our name will never change. Argentina’s Boca get away with it too!

2) Will attendance be affected?
Currently the average attendance for this season is 95 so it’s hard to imagine how crowds could possibly be smaller with several Junior Clubs moving over too. There are an estimated 14 Junior Clubs moving over – 4 of them we already play against and they have come to Carmuirs Park in good numbers this season. Kelty are averaging much higher attendances since they made the switch last summer and their chairman has recently testified to the benefits of EoS.

3) Will this affect the use of the ground?
The club has a new twenty year lease on the ground and it won’t be affected by changing leagues. If anything we will have more resources to improve our Facilities. Being part of EoS gives us a level of support from the league committee and it’s club members, plus they can assist us with grant applications and funding requirements. Currently we receive no help or support for ground improvements from the Junior Association.

4) Will there be more travel involved?
No. We currently travel to the Dundee area and beyond several times a season. We’ve looked at the teams potentially involved in our league and estimated traveling times are just the same if not less.

5) Will we not have any local derby matches?
I gather that some local Junior clubs have applied and also that others who didn’t apply for next season are submitting applications for the following season. We will have 2 competitions to compete in next season in which we can draw East Stirlingshire too.

Moving on, I am also pleased to announce the club will hold its AGM in the last week of July. Could members please update their postal details via email or by contacting a member of the committee, in order that financial accounts and other papers in relation to the AGM can be sent out in advance of the meeting. Please note only verified club members will be able to attend and vote at this meeting. Social Club members (due to it being a separate organisation) are not eligible to vote at the AGM, although the club would be happy to meet with them to outline our plans for the future of the football club.

Additionally, Club Members are invited to an East of Scotland presentation evening on Tuesday the 24th of April at 7.30pm in the sponsors lounge at the football club. If you are a Club Member, Coaching Staff, player or youth parent you are invited to this meeting.

We will also host a fans forum in May, so that supporters can be updated on progress of the club licence, SFA membership and playing matters. We hope to make this a quarterly occurrence so that fans are able to be part of the clubs thinking and strategy going forward.

If any member or supporter has any questions about the future of the club, they can get in-touch as our door is always open.

Eric Henry
Chairman, Camelon Juniors FC

#weareCJFC #camelonmarinersarewe

Under 19 plays for Scotland

Pictured here is Owen Anderson. Owen joined our under 19s in February when his former team folded. Owen is deaf but doesn’t let this affect his game. We were very pleased to welcome him into the squad.

You’ll notice Owen is pictured in a Scotland shirt. That’s because this week, Owen is in Belfast playing for Scotland in the Under-19 Learning Disability Home Nations Championships. You can read more about the championships here.

This is an amazing achievement for the young lad from Larbert and we’re pleased to be just a small part of his career.

Have a great week Owen!

#wearecamelonfc

A new future beckons

Statement from Chairman, Eric Henry.

Earlier this month the club took the decision to apply to join the pyramid by submitting an application to the East of Scotland League. It’s not a decision we came to lightly but after carefully evaluating the financial options and considering our footballing ambitions, it was felt this was the best way to secure the clubs long term future.

We are also applying for a club licence in order to be a full SFA member. Being a licenced club has obvious benefits with participation in the “Big Scottish Cup” being one of them. I’m sure that will be something all of us will look forward to.

There is a great deal of work to be done in order to achieve our aims, and work will begin next week at our ground to ensure we meet the criteria for being a member club.

The decision of taking our place in the 6th tier of Scottish football has been embraced by all at the Club and we are looking forward to a new chapter in our great history.

#wearecamelonfc

Former Kit Man Remembered

We recently learned of the sad passing of Robert Miller – better known by many as Hoppy. He was laid to rest today. As a mark of respect, a minutes silence will be held before our match tomorrow against Dundonald Bluebell.

Hoppy joined Camelon in the early 90s and soon became kit man. He was well liked in the dressing room with his stories and horse tips from none other than Alex Ferguson! He undertook his role as kitman on the famous day in 1995 when Camelon Juniors won the holy grail of the Scottish Cup. He stayed on for a few years after that before he retired, but remained a frequent visitor to Carmuirs Park.

Our thoughts remain with his whole family at this time.

#wearecamelonfc

Player Pathway evidenced

Our trip to Perth to play Jeanfield Swifts this week was an extra special trip for one young player.

With two of our regular first team midfielders unavailable for the match, manager Gordon Herd turned to our under 19’s squad for a back up option. So, Keir Young became the first under 19 player to join the first team in a competitive match. He’s pictured here proudly wearing our away kit prior to the match. Whilst in the end his services weren’t required in the 90 minutes, the experience of being on the bench and getting involved in match day preparations will help Keir considerably.

Keir’s call up evidences the possibilities of the pathway within the Camelon Juniors family of clubs. We have our current set up with under 16’s, under 17’s, under 19’s, plus our first team. We’ve already announced that we’ll have an amateur team from next season and discussions are ongoing for more younger options as well. But none of these teams stand in isolation. They are all part of the big picture to enable young football players to grow, develop and to see possibilities for their career progression within the Camelon Juniors family.

This season has been one of reshaping for the future. Next season is going to be awesome! Watch this space for more….

#wearecamelonfc

The Camelon Juniors family grows

Camelon Juniors are delighted to announce that from next season, Grahamston AFC will join our growing family of clubs, forming our Saturday amateur side as Camelon Juniors AFC. They will be an integral part of the club, forming an important part of our player pathway.

Grahamston AFC was a progression from a successful under 19s team, and now as well as preparing to join the Camelon Juniors family, they are looking for additional players. Ideal candidates would be players who have played at pro youth or a higher level and are looking to be part of a new pathway. If you are interested in playing for the team please get in touch with us via Facebook.

#wearecamelonfc

Sportsmans Dinner Review

Over 100 people – supporters, friends, sponsors, players, coaches, management and committee – gathered in Larbert’s Dobbie Hall on a cold and wet Saturday evening for the annual Camelon Juniors Sportsman’s Dinner. (Click any of the images below to see a larger version)

On arrival, the bar – provided by our friends at Galaxy Sports Little Kerse – was the first port of call for many once they had been grabbed for the Pick a Team competition. Our compere for the evening – Peter Brown – soon called everyone to order and introduced our Chairman, Eric Henry, to formally welcome everyone to the evening in what was his first formal activity in this role. He then welcomed club Chaplain, Dan Rous, to say grace before we sat back for the meal, provided by Alex Graham Bakers & Catering.

Once we had enjoyed our meal of Lentil Soup followed by a choice of Chicken in a Peppered Sauce or Steak Pie, then Apple Pie for dessert, we had a quick game of Heads or Tails and then it was time for our speakers.

First up was former Scottish Grade 1 Referee John Rowbotham. As well as taking charge of many premier league matches, including 13 ‘old firm’ games – many controversial – John was also a FIFA referee for 50 International Games including 4 World Cup Qualifiers. He was also in charge of the 1995 Scottish Cup Final between Celtic and Dundee United.

**First Speaker – Referee John Rowbotham**

John stamped his authority on the evening very early on, by bringing out the referee’s foam spray to draw a line on the stage. Despite being a fan’s favourite, John, with his instantly recognisable 6’3″ frame and shaved head, took a firm grip on the crowd as he shared many memories and stories from his career.

After a quick break, Peter Brown took us through our auction lots for the evening with a range of signed football shirts up for grabs. Thanks to all who contributed to this part of the evening.

It was then time for our second speaker of the evening, former St Mirren, West Ham and Celtic striker, Frank McAvennie who amongst many accolades, helped Celtic win the Scottish Premier League and Scottish Cup double, and also gained 5 international caps.

**Second Speaker – Striker Frank McAvennie**

Frank was very popular with the crowd, and recounted many tales from his career both on and off the pitch with stories filling us in on some of the background in the changing room and the bar!

It was then time for the raffle including many prizes from local businesses, before Chairman, Eric Henry, brought the evening to a close. A good time was had by all.

The committee of Camelon Juniors FC would like to thank everyone who came to the evening and made it the success it was, especially Stevie Barr and the Galaxy Sports team, and Alex Graham and his catering team, plus all who donated auction and raffle prizes, and to all who financially contributed to the evening.

Same time next year?!

**Frank McAvennie; Camelon Chairman Eric Henry; Compere Peter Brown; and John Rowbotham.**

Training Montage

After a week off due to the Beast from the East, our normal training programme resumed this week so here’s our training montage video that seems to be spurring the players on. After anything vaguely special they are now asking if we captured it on film! What started as a bit of fun seems to be a real motivational tool for the lads. So, if it ain’t broke….! Enjoy

#wearecamelonfc

New Commercial Director

Camelon Juniors Football Club is strengthening its senior management team to deliver an ambitious strategy over the next five years that includes growing revenues, plans for a community sports hub and football training academy.

In pursuing this growth and modernisation strategy, the Club has appointed Stewart McKay as Commercial Director.

We’re really pleased to welcome Stewart to the club.

#wearecamelonfc

Tributes to Robin Hulett

Ahead of our match yesterday against Carnoustie Panmure, we took the time to pay tribute to committee member Robin Hulett who passed away recently. (See our main tribute here). We also included in this time, lifelong fan Alex Marshall who had also passed away in recent weeks.

A minute silence was held that was impeccably observed by everyone present and for that we give grateful thanks on behalf of the families of these fans.

Robin’s Son-in-Law Sinclair Campbell was at the match today, and captured our tribute to Robin in the video below. We have also collated all the comments shared on our Facebook pages and copy those below by way of further tribute. Robin’s funeral will take place this Friday (2 March) at Falkirk Crematorium at 1pm. All friends are respectfully invited. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of our sadly departed Mariners.

Tributes from Facebook comments

Alan Horne: Sad to hear that

Robert Mctaggart: Sad to hear this

Chick Macdonald: So sorry to hear this

Eamon Fullerton: Sad news was a life long fan and worked hard for the club. RIP mate

Stephen Barr: Great servant for the club he loved. R.I.P

Fiona Wilkinson: So sorry to hear this, he was a true gent x

Richard Fox: Great guy who will be sorely missed

George Fairley: Sad news he was a Lovely guy

Stephanie Campbell: Rest In Peace Grandpa, you will be sadly missed. Xxx

Bryan Bell: So sad to hear, thoughts are with his family and all at Camelon juniors

Lorne Bowman: Sad news. Always guid banter with Robin at the fitbaw.

Colin Wilkinson: Sad news, Robin was a lovely guy

Gordon Walker: So sad, the big man was a true gent. And will be sorely missed.

Carol Whitfield: Aww that’s so sad sorry to hear that. What a great man he was. Thoughts go out to Jannette and family x

Janet Tattersall: God bless all of you xx

Gary Aitken: My old ICI football manager, great guy always got a laugh at Camelon games, will be missed

Pee Aitch: Sad news, some great childhood memories with Robin, Oscar and the gang! Rest in Peace Robin!

Stewart Wright: One of life’s characters, loved his patter will be sorely missed

Michael Lennon: Condolences to Robin’s family, a great man who was a pleasure to know and a fantastic servant to the club he loved.

JD Peacock: Sad news, my thoughts are with Robin’s family and all the Camelon family.

Paul Sludden: A gentleman. Thoughts with Robins family.

Billy Reap: RIP Robin, a great guy who served and supported Camelon well thoughts are with his family

Lynne Gillies: So sad such a lovely man, one of life’s true gentlemen …r.i.p Robin xxx

Cammy McKee: Rest in peace

Colin Smyth: Never hid his passion for the Mariners, always got an honest assessment from Him, God bless you Robin.

Anne Graham: Loved Robin I will miss him dearly

Sinclair Campbell: Best father in law anyone could wish for. It’s going to be quiet in the car now traveling to matches. Miss him so much.

Morag Lister: So sad to hear this. My thoughts are with his family xxx

Bill Morris: Went to the old Dundas School in Grangemouth with Robin and his brother Len was in my class last time I saw Robin was in the old ICI club sad to hear this news

ReUnion Canal Boats: We have been so sad sitting inside Camelon Juniors today. Robin made us so welcome and nothing was ever too much trouble. A true gentleman sadly missed by all.

Andy Cole: R.i.p robin aka mr camelon juniors

Stephanie Campbell: Rest In Peace Grandpa. You will always be our coconut joe and you will be sadly missed.

Johnny Thompson: In a week when the youth football headlines are for all the wrong reasons, it’s sad to hear about the passing of one of the guys who made so many of us love football when we were younger. During my time at ICI Juveniles in the early 80’s, Robin Hulet (along with the likes of Alex Christie, Oscar, Willie Gardiner, etc) made football, and being part of a team, far more enjoyable than it seems to be these days. Robin you were (and will remain) a legend.

Tony Smith: Really sad news, Robin was a true gent who cared deeply for the club. RIP robin and thoughts to his family x

Stewart Wilson : Worked with Robin at ICI Top bloke condolences to his wife and family

Derek Trevis: I remember Robin, when I was 10 years old at ICI Juveniles. I’m sure his son played at the same time with us. The guy was infectious. RIP