The last few goals were scored by Long Ashton juniors U16s on Saturday 29th March after 11 years of football!

Over the years this group has involved more than 50 kids from the village and surrounding local area.

The coaching team has supported the team on the journey from the beginning to end with Stewart and Ewan at the beginning, and then Oli joined with Lee in the 2nd year, with the 3 of us (Oli, Lee and Ewan) continuing right through to the end of the U16s season.

The kids and the families have been brilliant, a tight group of friends and supportive families – thanks go to a pro team of goal builders, linesman and part time refs! We have all survived many cold and wet winters up at the OBs astro and made it back alive to tropical Long Ashton!

And now we close that happy chapter as the kids move onto exams, A levels or apprenticeships.

Some still have the football bug, and will play for Long Ashton adults, others are going to Nailsea Colts and the remainder on to new adventures with other interests.

Its been a privilege for us coaches to see how this group of 5 and 6 year old kids have developed from chasing the ball around the pitch in a pack, like bees after honey, to mature, fit and confident 15 and 16 year old young men who are competitive, skilful football players and who have had a great time with their mates.

We hope they will stay in touch with their football buddies as they move on to pastures new.

Great memories have been made with Long Ashton Junior football club and we wish them all luck for their next chapter!