Rodborough Old Boys are beginning a new chapter after a remarkable revival that has expanded the club’s senior football structure. Following a season of success on and off the pitch, the Rodborough club will have a first team, a relaunched Reserves side, its first-ever U18 team and its first-ever women’s team.
The resurgence follows a difficult period in which the club had to reduce its senior set-up. Rodborough Old Boys previously withdrew its first team from the NSL. The Reserve team then became the club’s only senior side, leaving it with one men’s team after previously having three.
County Cup success helped trigger revival
That reduction was a difficult decision, but it has since provided the foundations for a rebuild. Last season became a turning point for the club as the first team lifted the County Cup, finished runners-up in Stroud Division Three South and secured promotion through the play-offs.
The team also reached the quarter-finals of the Bill Bick Cup, giving Rodborough a successful campaign across several competitions. The results have provided the platform for the club’s wider expansion as the new season gets under way.
A Reserves team has now been relaunched and is due to begin its season this weekend. The supplied report does not give the date, opponent or venue for that opening fixture, but describes the return of the side as part of the club’s move from a single senior team towards a broader structure.
New route for youth players
Rodborough will also field its first-ever U18 side in the Midweek Floodlit League. The team is intended to strengthen the pathway from the club’s large youth set-up into men’s football, giving young players the opportunity to continue their development within Rodborough Old Boys.
The club’s expansion is not limited to men’s football. Rodborough has formed its first-ever women’s team, creating another opportunity for players to take part in football under the club’s name.
Together, the first team, Reserves, U18 side and women’s team represent a significantly broader senior structure than the one-team set-up that followed the NSL decision. The club is now looking towards what it describes as an exciting new chapter after stepping back to rebuild.
Local businesses continue support
Local business backing has also accompanied the revival. Winstones has become the new first-team first-kit sponsor, providing support for the club’s leading senior side.
The Prince Albert is continuing to provide sponsorship and support, while Firmacore will remain the club’s training and pre-match kit sponsor. The source says Glenn, a former player, is maintaining his connection with the club through that continuing sponsorship.
Rodborough Old Boys says relationships with local Rodborough businesses have been important to its development. With last season’s County Cup triumph and promotion behind them, the club’s expanded teams now provide the basis for its next stage of rebuilding.