football on the downs (bristol)

[anonymous-user]

does anyone play? whats the standard like? how easy is it to get started? i'm looking to get out of five-a-side as my knee cant cope any more but dont wnat to stop playing.....

[GavGav]

Yep, I play up there.

Standard is variable, 4th division is pretty poor, but the 1st division is pretty good. Ok, so it's not Hellenic standard, but Downs League teams often shock teams from other leagues in cup competitions. It's a better standard of football than most people think.

Pitches are small and of varying quality, and it gets pretty windy which makes for "interesting" football at times.

I'd recommend it. But then again I have a 2 minute walk to the pitches, and home and away is in the same place every week. Most teams start pre-season training about July / August time. The BBC show an interest in the league, and the results, tables, and photos appear on the website each week. Have a look at the link - all of the teams will welcome new players along for training...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol/sport/downs_league/

[anonymous-user]

excellent......any idea how to choose a team?

[GavGav]

Hmmm. Well some of the clubs have 3 teams in 3 different divisions, so they may be a good place to start. You'll find a standard that will suit your ability. Retainers, Torpedo, CSV and Sneyd Park all have 3 or more teams. It's pot luck really, I played for Torpedo for a couple of years, they've got a good set-up. Sneyd Park have their own facebook group, "I really f**king hate Sneyd Park fc". They're popular.

Might be an idea to post on 606 via the Downs League section on the BBC Bristol website, see who's after players. Some of the teams have contact details listed...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol/sport/downs_league/a_...

HTH

[neil_bolton]

Hmm, interesting thread - I've been itching to get playing again after a few years of not playing...

[GavGav]

Just been to my team's AGM tonight. We're after new players, pre-season training starts 1st Wednesday in July, location tba. I've been appointed social secretary so there will be the odd night out too. Oh, and as we left, I spotted our keeper getting into a Fiat Coupe - 20v turbo he was quick to tell me, so there could even be car related banter. Just hope his hands are quicker behind the wheel than they are between the sticks.

I'll no doubt be in touch nearer the time.

[TimmyArt]

I'm looking to get into this too, always see them playing - only a few hundred yards up the road...

Edited by TimmyArt on Wednesday 4th June 10:10

[Obiwonkeyblokey]

whats the general standard? im play five a side once a week, never really played a full match before never made the grade at school!)

Thanks

[Slagathore]

haha!

I wouldn't mind playing proper 11 a side. I havn't played a game in ages, just normally playing headers and volleys as it's more fun.

At this rate we could start our own team!

[GavGav]

Standard is variable. If you play 5-aside now and then, you should be able to get a game in Division 4. Some of the teams do struggle for players. 1st division is a lot tougher, some of Bristol's Polish residents play and are apparently semi-pro back in Poland. I know one of the teams has a Gambian under 21 International playing for them, although he does tend to stand out a little.

My team were relegated from Div 1 last season, so we'll be lookng to bounce straight back up. Ever the optimist...

[GavGav]

Training starts for the mighty Cabot Asset Finance FC this Wednesday, if anyone cares to join us. It will probably be a gentle 5/6-aside knock about to ease us gently back into regular exercise.

7:30pm for an hour, up at Clifton College - the Beggar Bush lane site. I'll be driving over from Clifton so I don't mind giving anyone a lift from my 'hood.