Royce Rangers junior football club, from Oakham, hosts 50th anniversary fun day at Rutland Showground
A grassroots sports club celebrated its founding fathers as it marked half a century of football on Saturday.
Royce Rangers held a fun day at its Rutland Showground home, in Oakham, shortly before it kicks off its 50th season.
The club also used the occasion to unveil a bench in memory of two of its founder members, Bob Pendreigh and Ted Duce, organised by fellow founder Chris Taylor.
Bob’s children Ian and Jayne came along, as well as Rutland and Stamford MP Alicia Kearns.
Chris moved away after five years of coaching, but rejoined the club as a trustee and committee member after returning to Rutland two years ago.
The grassroots club, which caters for players aged seven to 17, has grown significantly over the years and now has 22 teams and around 300 boys and girls playing the game every weekend.
“We are very much a family-orientated club run by volunteers,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter about ability - if you want to play football, come along.
“We have won a few trophies in our time, but that’s not the main focus of the club - it’s about participation and people getting involved.”
Between 400 and 500 people enjoyed Saturday’s celebration which included lots of football-related fun, including beat the keeper and penalty shootout competitions, and tricks from a football freestyler.
There was also a bouncy castle, mini golf and obstacle course for the kids, food and drink.
A raffle was held with a raft of prizes donated including a £150 escape room voucher, rounds of golf, and a four-player session at Rumble live action gaming, and anniversary merchandise was sold.
Proceeds from the day will go towards Royce’s project to build a new clubhouse and more equipment.
“It was just a great day, with real community spirit,” Chris added.
“We have had masses of support from local businesses donating prizes and contributions as well as various organisations.
“I think the fact we’ve had so much support recognises that this is a community club.”