Crookham Rovers F.C.

The club was founded in 1972 by Terry Jeal. Originally called Ferndale Rovers they trained at Queens Avenue with friends of Terry's son. In 1974 they changed their name to Crookham Rovers, a year after joining the North East Hants Youth League. The traditional 'home' colours of green and yellow were adopted when Ferndale Rovers (yellow and black) amalgamated with Wyvern Wanderers (green and black) in 1982.

Pete Grace took over the Chairmanship of the Club in 2010 after 5 very productive years with Andy Ross at the helm. Andy built on the solid foundations and have embarked on a period of considerable growth both in terms of numbers and strength. There are now 20 teams represented in all age groups ranging to Under 18 and this currently provides a platform for over 250 Boys and Girls to enjoy the "beautiful game".

Crookham Rovers FC attained charitable status in October 2006 and was awarded the FA Club Charter Badge in August 2007. Most importantly the Club now believes that it has the facilities to allow such a large number of boys to play their football in a safe and secure unit, with grounds at the Abercorn (held in trust for the youth of Crookham), Cody Sports and Social Club, Calthorpe Park School and Velmead Community Centre being used by various teams every week.

2010 saw a new step for the club with the formation of the Comets, the first all-girls team to represent Crookham Rovers, and also the formation of the Mini-Rovers a development training scheme designed to attract Year R and Year 1 children to enjoy the game on a non-competitive basis.

The Club looks forward to welcoming new players and supporters to help grow the ability and quality already established.

Committeee Profile

Pete Grace
Chairman

Pete Grace was originally involved with the club dating back to his playing days between 1983-1991 being part of the only Crookham Rovers team to win the County Cup. After a successful semi-professional playing career was cut short by injury Pete decided to try his hand at coaching working with adults at Fleet Town and Fleet Wanderers before working with the Fleet Town Academy teams for 5 years. Now managing and coaching the Tigers, Pete has been back with Crookham Rovers since 2005 and held the role of Director of Football. Involved in the close working relationship with Calthorpe Park School and the development of the football club with the Football Association and within the local community. Pete was elected chairman in June 2010.

Andy Auge-de-Rancourt
Vice Chairman

Andy became vice chairman in 2006, having started his management career in 2004, helping with his son's U9 team. He still manages the F1’s & has two other sons playing for the club.

Mark Collinson
Secretary

Mark became involved in the club in 1999 when he took his 5 year old son to a training session, where he foolishly volunteered to pump some balls up and before he knew it he was running the Under 7’s! Five years later Mark became Secretary for the club and is also the Manager for our U16 team..

Liz Williams
Treasurer

Liz’s involvement in Crookham Rovers started in 1999 when Sam started playing as a 4 year old. For 11 years her role was as a supportive, (and rather loud), Mum on the sidelines, helping out where she was able. In 2010 her 10 year old daughter’s team moved across to Crookham Rovers and Liz and her husband, Nick, took on the admin for the Comets. Liz is a Certified Accountant and when Phil Du Gay said he would like to step down as Treasurer after many years of hard work for the club; Liz felt able to volunteer to take on the role.

Leigh Horton
Child Welfare Officer

Leigh became involved in youth football back in 2005, when his son Dominic starting playing. He completed the FA Level1 course and was a coach for his son’s team, Fleet Town Colts. In 2009, his son moved to Crookham Rovers U11’s and Leigh went back to being a parent on the sideline. 2010 saw a new challenge for Leigh when he took up the position of Child Welfare Officer, his current role.

Jake Wood
Volunteer Coordinator

Jake joined the club in June 2011 with responsibility for taking forward the club to ensure FA status is maintained and make sure that all volunteers are accredited and equipped to do the best for the members of the club. Jake is also involved, with Project Ruby and is an avid AFC Bournemouth fan.