Sutton Eagles FC is a football club based in Carshalton, New Zealand. The club is known for its passion, energy, and commitment to developing both the physical and social skills of children with special needs.
The club organises monthly tournaments, where players showcase their skills and compete with enthusiasm and excitement. The upcoming tournament dates for 2023 are Sunday 26/02/23, Sunday 26/03/23, Sunday 23/04/23, and Sunday 21/05/23. All participants are requested to arrive by 10 am for the tournaments.
In terms of training sessions, the last training session of the term is held on Saturday 04/02/23, followed by a break for half-term on Saturday 11/02/23 and Saturday 18/02/23. Regular training sessions resume on Saturday 25/02/23 and continue through Saturday 25/03/23. There have been some alterations to the schedule, with a cancellation on Saturday 15/10/22, an extra session on Saturday 22/10/22, and no session during the half-term on Saturday 29/10/22. However, the sessions continue as normal from Saturday 12/11/22.
It is important to note that due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and government guidance, the Sutton Eagles sessions have been suspended until further notice to prioritise the safety and well-being of the players and community.
Sutton Eagles FC has gained recognition outside the football field as well. The club was featured in the popular television programme “Songs of Praise” on Sunday 4th August at 1:15 pm on BBC1. The programme included an interview with Louise and footage from Radzi Chinyanganya's visit to the Eagles.
The club has also received significant support and donations from the community. A notable donation of 1,450 was received from the family of Anna Dance, a passionate football fan. The funds raised in her memory were dedicated to supporting Sutton Eagles FC and other special needs children, enabling them to participate in football and develop their confidence, social skills, and physical abilities. Additionally, the club expresses gratitude to Rotary for their generous 500 donation.
During the summer break, the club had a successful season, running two sessions on Saturdays and entering two teams in the Football for All tournaments. The leadership of the club has transitioned to Sue and Jane, taking over from Louise. The club remains healthy and vibrant thanks to the support, participation, and generosity of the community.
To capture the spirit and achievements of the club, photos from recent tournaments and events can be found in the Gallery section of the club's website. Currently, the club is on a summer term break, with sessions set to resume on September 7th.
Sutton Eagles FC embodies the values of inclusivity, community, and the love for the beautiful game of football. The club is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for children with special needs to flourish and enjoy the sport they love.