Specials 6-a-side Tournament
After much hard work and planning for the last few months by our organising group, the day of our first tournament finally arrived - to the one thing they could not influence, a very wet and windy morning. At the earlier stages of planning it looked as though more teams would be competing but on the day teams from Charlton, Brighton, Larkfield and Ashford made the trip to take part. The Specials had teams in all three age groups, with many of our players having their first taste of representing a club as well as playing in a tournament.

After a delay to see if the weather would improve the first three matches were played in heavy rain. The games did highlight our teams lack of experience but they can only improve as they play more matches. The weather deteriorated during these matches and it was decided to delay further games to see if there was any improvement. In spite of the delay the rain increased and it was decided to abandon the tournament as a lot of the younger children were very cold and it was felt they could not continue. Although the conditions were miserable for the players they seemed to enjoy the chance to represent the Specials and gave their all. We hope that they will have the chance to practice playing as a team and learning the rules over the coming months before they have their next matches.

The club is grateful for the assistance given on the day by the parents and volunteers and also the referees who ignored the awful conditions. Thanks are due to the organising group for many hours spent planning the event - it should not be underestimated how much work goes into staging such an event. Finally we should praise the efforts of our players who turned out to represent the Specials on such a miserable day.

 The first attempt at holding a tournament inevitably presented a few problems and we learnt a few valuable lessons. We have not been put off by our experiences and have agreed to hold our next tournament on Saturday 21 May 2006.

Sussex Youth Games
The 1066 Specials proudly represented the Rother area for the second year in the MLD football section. A day where Tony Palmer, Lara Curtis, Simon Curtis, Danielle Hale, Becky Tattershall, Lewis Willard, Nicholas Costello and Daniel Mann donned the green shirts instead of the Yellow ones! The fact that we did not win a game matters not as the attitude, team spirit and friendly support won on the day.

We played very well in each game and were very unlucky not to score more goals. At times we played some neat passes and had some great shots only to find other goal keepers in very good form!

The two goals we did score were fantastic though! The first against Mid Sussex came from a move involving some slick passing out of our defence to Nicholas who ran at the opposition defence sliding the ball towards Lewis who touched it on to Danielle who then slotted the ball calmly in the in the bottom corner, it was like watching Brazil!!! The second goal came from Lewis against the auld enemy who were disguised as Hastings, but were really Saxon Mount! Lewis dribbled the ball from just inside their half, took on the defence and slammed the ball into the top of the net!! It was a great goal to round off a great day for all.

Larkfield return
On the 4th June, the 1066 specials took a team to Maidstone to play a friendly against Larkfield. It was a lovely day and the players enjoyed themselves. As it happens Larkfield were about to field two 6-a-side teams so we played a small round robin. In the first game we played well losing 3 - 0. In the second game we played better against Larkfield's stronger team losing 3 - 1. Well done to our players - Nicholas Costello, Danielle Hale, Andrew Harvais, Daniel Mann, Tony Palmer, Becky Tattershall, Lewis Willard and David Wilson.

Larkfield friendly
Saturday 9th April saw our under 16 team heading north to Maidstone to play a friendly against Larkfield Football Club. Our team was made up of Nicholas Costello, Danielle Hale, Andrew Harvais, Daniel Mann, Tony Palmer, Becky Tattershall and Lewis Willard. In the first half Larkfield scored first and at half time we were 1—0 down. After the break the Specials make a spirited comeback with a goal scored by Nicholas to equalise, followed by a goal from Danielle. Then, as it is nearly time for the final whistle, there is another great goal by Danielle to win the game 3—1. After the game medals for the man of the match from each side were awarded with Daniel being named man of the match for the Specials. 

Sue and everyone at Larkfield made us all very welcome. The game was keenly contested and greatly enjoyed by both players and spectators. The return is eagerly awaited by both sides.

Visit to Tottenham Hotspurs
On the 22^nd of January, the 1066 specials travelled to White Hart Lane, the home of Tottenham Hotspurs. On arrival we were invited to a tour of the ground and had the chance to see the home dressing room, walk through the tunnel to pitch side. Everyone took the opportunity to walk along the terraces, sit in the technical area and even have their picture taken sitting in the managers seat. The tour finished with a visit to the foyer to see the replica cups, awards and memorabilia and the executive suite with it's photo history of the club.

The players then enjoyed a training session and matches taken by Tottenham coaches that lasted for over an hour.

Brighton Seagulls
The long awaited return match against Brighton Seagulls Specials was held on 9th October.

After a pre-match training session to warm-up the players, the teams were presented to Bexhill Rotary Club President Colin Stutely before the game by our captain Jordan and the Seagull's captain.

The game was a fine advertisement for football will great skill, enthusiasm and sportsmanship being shown by the players. All of our players had the opportunity to join in the game, much to their enjoyment. There was plenty of action throughout the game with shots coming in from all angles with the final score being 8 - 8 (we think). 

After the game special guest, Town Mayor Councillor Stuart Earl presented team shirts to three of our players. The club was also pleased to have sponsors James Wilmoth and Terry Avann watching the game.

Players from both sides showed the spectators the true spirit in which the game should be played. Both clubs are proud to be associated with such wonderful ambassadors of the game.

The match was sponsored by the 1066 Sporting Club.

Sussex Youth Games
On 27th June 2004 a team from the Specials was entered in the Sussex Youth Games held at  Horsham representing Rother District Council.

It was unfortunate for our team that lot of the players in the other teams were up to sixteen years old and much larger and taller than themselves. In spite of having to battle against this disadvantage the team played with great spirit  and enthusiasm  and were a credit to themselves and the club.

The highlight of the day was the match against the Brighton Seagulls. Lewis Willard opened the scoring with a fine individual goal from long range. The Seagulls were stung into action by going behind and bombarded the Special's goal from one attack after another. Tony Palmer our goalkeeper was having an inspired game and was equal to everything that the Seagull's aimed at the goal making a series of great saves to keep a clean sheet.

A total of nine games were played during a long and tiring day with a number only being lost by an odd goal. Who knows what the result would have been with a little more luck!

Football festival
The first Special Needs Football Festival arranged by Eastbourne Borough Council was held at Eastbourne Sports Park on 12th May 2004. Teams from Glyne Gap, St Marys (two), Saxon Mount  and Hazel Court schools as well as the Specials were entered.

Matches were first played against the other teams on a league basis.  From the opening game, our players showed great enthusiasm and energy and demonstrated skills learnt at the training sessions. They worked hard for each other and were rewarded by scoring goals in every game. At the same time they defended well and only had two goals scored against them in the five games. When the league matches were completed, the Specials were top as they had won all of their games.

In the final, the Specials had to play their arch rivals Saxon Mount. This was an hard fought and exciting game that neither side deserved to lose. At full time the score was 0—0 and a penalty shootout was to decide the winners. Every player, including the  goalkeeper, had to take a penalty  with the game still being drawn after these had been taken. The  result was finally decided after a 'sudden death' shootout that Saxon Mount won.

The festival was a great success and enjoyed by not only the players who competed, but also the parents teachers and supporters who were greatly entertained. At the end of the festival, every player who took part was presented with a medal and certificate to reward their effort and enthusiasm by Jo Templeman the organiser of the event. It is hoped that the festival will become an annual event and hopefully next year will be the Specials year.

Special Needs football coaching
The club has helped to fund coaching sessions at special needs schools in Bexhill, Hastings and Rye. These sessions have been taken by coaches from Southern Association Football Academy under the leadership of our Director of Coaching, Jim Colston. The aim is to encourage participation by the youngsters, help develop their co-ordination and skills and promote the game of football.

Visit to Charlton Athletic
The 1066 Specials football team recently visited Premiership Division Charlton Athletic. On the Saturday morning in wet and cold conditions they played the Charlton Athletic Specials. Despite playing against a team that has been in existence for some time and eventually losing 5-1, they showed great determination and enthusiasm and remained cheerful. In the afternoon the group saw Charlton Athletic play Leeds United at The Valley.

A return match with the Charlton Athetic Specials will be held in Bexhill in the summer. It is hoped that games with other special needs teams will be arranged in the coming months