History of Flackwell Heath Minors

By Christine Hobbs, Honorary President

Flackwell Heath Minors were formed in 1967 by local brothers Geoff and Tony Springell who both played for the senior team. A promising group of lads had played football for Carrington School and the brothers thought that it would be a shame if the team should split up and thereby started the foundation for Flackwell Heath Minors.

There was just the one team to start with but gradually other age groups were brought in and everybody wanted to play for Flackwell Heath Minors. Although they suffered some heavy defeats in the early stages they soon progressed to be the Club that everybody hated as they were winning everything. Their most successful season was in 1974/5 when the under 18 side managed by Vernon Roberts and Geoff Springell won 6 trophies including the BERKS & BUCKS under 18 Minor Cup.

Another successful Manager was Mike Keen, the ex Q.P.R. player who lived in the village and his son Kevin, now in charge of the under 18 Academy at West Ham played in the team. It often followed that if a Father had a son in the team he would usually be cajoled into managing the team.

Before the advent of signing on fees the boys just paid subs to cover the cost of the laundry. For over 10 years A hard working committee raised money by organising Discos, Barn Dances Sponsored walks etc. and running stalls at the local Carnival to keep the Club running. In later years sponsors were approached for kit and track suits. This give valued finance to the Club.

Another person who worked alongside Vernon Roberts was Dennis Hobbs who was Secretary/ treasurer for 10 years and also helped 'Robbie' with the admin side of running his team.

When Wycombe Wanderers had no Youth set up, a team from Flackwell Heath Minors went under the banner of Wycombe Wanders Youth and several players went on to play for their 1st Xl and Reserves side. One season there was a doubt about the under 14's being able to carry on as they had no Manager but Robbie and Dennis took them on on Saturday mornings, under 18's Saturday afternoon and Wycombe Youth on a Wednesday evening and in one season they covered 92 games. They have both now gone on to serve their maker but certainly made a great contribution to local football, especially Flackwell Heath Minors with their dedication and both are remembered affectionately by all the lads who played for them.

Players who went on to professional level were:

Kevin Keen who went straight to West Ham and at 15 was and still is the youngest player to have represented Wycombe Wanderers first team.
Neil Codice who went to Northampton Town when Mike Keen was Manager there and scored the only goal in their victory on his debut.

It is gratifying to think that Flackwell Heath Minors are still going strong, although other teams are no longer in awe of them as Clubs now have qualified coaches to train the boys; making the game more professional. Another good aspect is that youngsters and Managers are taking referees courses.

The Annual six-a-side tournament is one of the best in the South of England and teams are always eagerly waiting for late cancellations so as they can be part of the tournament.

Current Secretary John Higgins will shortly be standing down and his time and effort for Flackwell Heath Minors has been unsupassable.