Crookham Rovers F.C.

The club was founded in 1972 by Terry Jeal. Originally called Ferndale Rovers (Terry and his wife Meryle still live in Ferndale Road), 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.

The Abercorn, held in Trust for the Youth of Church Crookham, is still the main pitch for many Rovers teams although Velmead (Zebon Copse), Southwood, Cody Park and Elvetham Heath are also regularly used by the Club.

With teams ranging from Under 7 to Adult, Rovers are now the biggest Football Club in the area.

Andy Ross took over the Chairmanship of the Club in 1996 after 5 very productive years with Nigel Lennard at the helm. Since then the Club have built on these solid foundations and have embarked on a period of considerable growth both in terms of numbers and strength.There are now 15 teams represented in age groups ranging from Under 7 to Under 17 and this currently provides a platform for over 200 boys 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, Cody Sports and Social Club, Calthorpe Park School and Velmead Community Centre being used by various teams every week. These improving opportunities have undoubtedly spilled over onto the football pitch with CRFC boasting their most successful season in 2008/2009 and also having the enviable record of being the most successful Club in the Fleet area with two teams winning their respective Premier League titles, one team coming runners – up in their Premier League and also winning the League Cup. Six other teams managed top 3 finishes as well.

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

Committeee Profile

Andy Ross
Chairman

Andy's association with CRFC dates back to 1995 when his older son Joe started playing for the Club and he was introduced to helping coach his team over the next 5 or 6 years.Joe's younger brother Will started playing in 2000 and there began a journey in "football management" that is still ongoing with this years Under 15's. Andy took over the Chairmanship of the Club in 2006.

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.

Phil du Gay
Treasurer

Phil has been involved with Crookham Rovers since 1998 as an assistant and finally manager for his son's team. He "volunteered" to be the club's treasurer some 5 years ago and although his son finished with under 18's football at the end of the 2007/08 season, Phil continues in the role.

Pete Grace
Director of Football

Pete Grace was originally involved with the club dating back to his playing days between 1984-1991 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 now holds 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 is also the club statistician and pitch co-ordinator.

John-Paul Hickey
Child Welfare Officer

John-Paul has been involved with Crookham Rovers since 2006 and has been an assistant coach for the past two years with his sons team at u8, u9 and now u10.