Perrywoods United was formed in 1991 to provide soccer for all youngsters, irrespective of ability. Our aim was to develop a community-based scheme to involve families, and using a clubroom, create a safe and comfortable environment.
Multi-league Creation
A brave decision was made not to follow the trend of junior football and join one of the many leagues in the area. Instead, with the help of committed parents and youngsters, at Perryfields School, on September 20th 1992, Perrywoods Multi-League kicked off, pioneers of small-sided soccer.
Multi-League was a pioneer in that youngsters are introduced gradually to football, in small-sided games, then graduate to 11-a-side as teenagers in the Youth Section.
The small-sided game enables young players to :
- Get plenty of ball contact to develop ball techniques
- Get closer to play which means higher interest and concentration
- Score more goals – everyone loves scoring a goal!
Club growth
The club has grown enormously over the years, with 300+ children aged between 5 and 16 now registered between the multi-leagues and the youth teams – suggesting 500 parents (plus step-parents, grandparents, siblings and friends) – over 1000 people affected by our organisation. There are currently 50 coaches and helpers, with coaching qualifications ranging from Level 1 to UEFA ‘B’ level. A management committee, referees and café staff also help to keep the club running.
Perrywoods spent its first eight years based at Perryfields School. A re-evaluation of the needs of the club in September 2000 meant a move away from the club’s home to a new site, at Greenhills Youth Centre in Halesowen. This site allowed the club to provide the facilities which best served the needs of its members.
In subsequent years, the club played back at Perryfields High School, Portay Leisure centre and now is based at Hadley Stadium, where we use the 3G pitch for multileague games and the youth team use the grass pitches for their Sunday league games.
In March 2002, the founder and Chairman of Perrywoods, Ken Howell decided to step down due to other commitments. The committee unanimously agreed to appoint Mark Hilliard as the new Chairperson. Mark served for number of years until the current committee started running the club.
Pups Begins
Pups is an introduction to football for members aged 5-7. Multi-League players are divided into Minis (7-9), Midis (9-11) and Maxis (11-13), playing in internal leagues. Reduced pitch, team and goal size give more time on the ball. Players are advised in line with the FA Guidelines not to play for other teams (school and district apart) in order to protect against overuse injuries. Players of all abilities are welcome, beginner to advanced.
Player progression
Players have gone on to W.B.A and Crewe, amongst others. We have various youth teams playing in different seasons, currently they compete in the Central Warwickshire league.
We have a number of players returning to play in the youth leagues, or help coach and referee.
As a club we are encourage, and are very pleased, that people remain associated with the club for years and feel this is part of our inclusive agenda.
We will always find a place for players or parents to contribute, subject to the appropriate FA guidelines.