Redhouse FC are another one of the newly formed clubs that are joining the #SDFL this coming season. The club was formed after two brothers decided they were up for the challenge of runningtheir own football club and so Redhouse FC was born.

Club chairman and manager, Chris Ricketts, gave us an insight in to how the club came in to existence…

Q: Redhouse FC have only recently formed as a club, partially with help from an FA Grow The Game grant. How did it all come about?.
I first heard about the grant last year whilst I was involved at Haydon Wick as they were formed thanks to the grant as well. My brother Daniel and I decided early on that it’s something we could do and here we are now…Redhouse FC was born because of it.

The whole process has been a bit long winded, but not difficult at all, as the Football foundation offers plenty of advice and assistance along the way.

Q: Being a new team, how have you find recruiting players to join the club?.
Recruitment has been pretty simple for us. Daniel and I know many lads who were itching to get back playing again. Many haven’t played for a few years and the new faces we’ve met are mates of mates and work colleagues.

Q: Do you have any specific hopes for this coming season and what are the long term goals?.
This season is simple for us. To earn promotion, to be self sufficient and earn charter standard certification.

I think that it’s vital for a new club to not waste the grant and have the club playing football for many years to come. In 10 years time for example, it would be nice to have a development side as well as some form of youth set up. All can be made possible if we run the club right from the beginning.

Q: Pre-season is well underway for most clubs. How has pre-season gone for yourselves?.
Pre-season has gone very well. We are looking stronger with each game that passes and we’ve beaten some good teams. We are currently hoping to make it 7 unbeaten in pre-season against Ruby Removals on 9th August.

We started pre-season very early in order for all the lads to be familiar with each other’s playing styles.

Q: Which signings do you think will have a big impact on your side this coming season?.
So we’ve recruited 27 players so far, all of which I believe can do a job when available and called upon. We have a man mountain and leader in our captain Danny Hull. The lads look up to him and he’s one of those lads you would rather play with than against!

My brother Daniel Ricketts is thriving in the middle of the park and has already contributed to 4 goals in pre-season. We also have high hopes for 2 lads upfront in Young Ryan Thackray and Tommy Burgess who have banged 14 goals between them already.

Q: Have you been able to do much re-search in to the teams in the league, and if so, who do you think will be pushing for top spot come the end of the season?
I predict a Ruby’s and Redhouse to finish first and second, although Chiseldon should be up there now they’re under new management and have had a great result in their first pre-season game against premier side Dorcan.

It will be an interesting year for sure.