Rotherfield Junior FC – Weekend Round-Up

22h

4 min read

Another busy weekend of football for Rotherfield Junior FC, with plenty of goals, great team performances, individual progress and lots of positives across our age groups.

Under 7s

Our Under 7s haven't featured in a weekend round-up yet this season, but they've been working hard at training on passing, communication, formations, finding space and even the occasional cheeky overlap!

All that hard work is building towards their first-ever fixture against another club next weekend, when they welcome Langton Green to Rotherfield for a 5v5 friendly.

The following week, they'll head to Tunbridge Wells Foresters for a mini football fiesta alongside Jarvis Brook. Exciting times ahead!

Under 8s

The Under 8s travelled to The Ridgeway to face Tunbridge Wells Youth, with both sides enjoying a win across their pair of fixtures. There were also two debutants making their first appearances for Rotherfield!

The team set themselves an internal challenge of completing five consecutive passes to earn a bonus goal. Although they didn't quite reach that target, there were plenty of occasions where the players linked together three or four forward passes before getting a shot away. A really positive sign of their developing football and teamwork. A great morning out, with some excellent football played.

Training next week before their final league fixtures of 2026, when they welcome EMC Academy on 21 November.

Under 9s

A productive morning for the Under 9s, who focused on tackling, body positioning, physicality and passing through the different phases of the pitch.

There were plenty of positives as the players continue to develop their understanding of the game and build on the work being done at training.

Players of the Week: Evie, picking up the award for the second week running, and Finley. Well done both!

Under 10s

The Under 10s travelled to Cranbrook for a challenging fixture against an unbeaten Division B side. It was arguably their best football of the season, controlling large parts of the game and creating plenty of opportunities. Unfortunately, missed chances and a couple of defensive gifts proved costly against strong opposition.

There were plenty of positives to take away, particularly the quality of football on display.

Player of the Week: Lucas, who was excellent defensively and carried the ball forward brilliantly. His ability to vary his passing angles from the back created space and time for his teammates, showing real development in his game.

Under 11s

A difficult morning for the Under 11s, who hosted Wateringbury at home. Facing what they felt was the strongest opposition they've encountered this season, the team struggled to get going.

Sometimes football brings challenging days, but there are always lessons to take away. The focus now turns to learning from the experience and coming back stronger.

Under 13s

The Under 13s travelled to Oxted for a competitive fixture that required patience and adaptability.

The first half proved tricky, with Oxted adopting a direct approach and playing plenty of balls in the air. However, the Rotherfield players adjusted after the break, finding their rhythm, putting a stop to the opposition's approach and beginning to dominate the game. Their persistence paid off with a well-earned victory.

Players of the Week:

Coby – Showed excellent concentration throughout, remaining focused and ready whenever called upon in goal.
Oscar – Only his third ever game of football, but working incredibly hard to become a great teammate and build his confidence.
Jack – A strong defensive performance, dealing brilliantly with some big opponents and a very direct style of play.

Another enjoyable Sunday for the Under 13s!

Under 14s

The Under 14s hosted Sevenoaks Town in a heartbreaking encounter.

Rotherfield started brightly, taking control of midfield and using their wingers to create opportunities. Barney opened the scoring with a beautifully curled effort, but Sevenoaks found an equaliser before half-time.

The visitors edged ahead early in the second half, but the team showed great character to fight back, with Dexter finishing off a wonderful passing move.

The remainder of the game was end-to-end, with both sides creating chances. Just when a draw looked likely, Sevenoaks found a winner with virtually the last kick of the game following a goalmouth scramble from a corner.

A tough result to take, but the performances over the last five games have been hugely encouraging, with the team really finding their rhythm and playing some lovely football.

Goals: Barney and Dexter.

Players of the Match:

Elsie – Ran tirelessly for the entire game, causing havoc down the wing and playing a part in both Rotherfield goals.
Dexter – Worked tirelessly in midfield and took his equalising goal superbly.

Meanwhile, the Under 14 Girls hosted Crowborough in a thrilling local derby.

After dominating the first half, Rotherfield went into the break with a narrow lead thanks to Charlotte. The second half was a completely different contest, with the lead changing hands and both teams battling hard.

The girls showed tremendous determination and resilience, digging deep to turn the game around and secure a fantastic victory.

Charlotte added another goal, while Tallulah found the net twice in a brilliant team performance. A real backs-to-the-wall effort, with the girls running themselves into the ground. A fantastic win!

A special mention to Chris Eaves, who stepped in to referee after the appointed official failed a late fitness test. Much appreciated!

Under 16s

It was a fantastic weekend for both Under 16 sides.

The Renegades produced an impressive performance against Paddock Wood, with some excellent goals and sensational passing, particularly in the second half.

The Razorbacks also had plenty to celebrate, storming into the cup semi-finals with a dominant performance against Otford. There was some excellent team play, with goals shared across the squad.

Watching on from the sidelines were adult team coaching staff Alex Watts and Pete Ford, who were certainly impressed with what they saw!

Congratulations to both teams.