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News
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No Festival of Football this Year
12 March 2008 - Following a decision by the Club there will be no Festival of Football this year.
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Tesco’s Vouchers Being Collected Now!
 20th November 2007 - AFC Lightning is collecting the Sports for Schools and Club Vouchers again this year to provide more equipment for our players so please give any vouchers to your manager.
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Lightning Park Opens !!!
 20th November 2007 - This weekend saw AFC Lightning open it’s new home ground for the seniors “Lightning Park” at Cryers Hill next to the great family friendly Pub The White Lion who kindly have provided the field. It has been a massive undertaking in a very short time-scale with a special thanks to Gaynor and Gavyn who have with others spent the last few weeks running around turning a bramble filled field into a potential Wembley. The specialised help from Manor Estates has been awesome.
With a full size pitch, dugouts, training area and great plans for the future the club has a good home for the seniors in Cryers Hill to compliment the fantastic facilities at the Misbourne School in Great Missenden.
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U11’s in Wycombe Wanderers Shoot Out!
 16th November 2007 - The under 11's had a great day at Wycombe Wanderers taking penalties at half time, It was a bag of mixed emotions some players a bit scared and other players full of confidence everybody done really and i was really proud of all of them Bodger the mascot scored 2 goals which got all the kids 2 free tickets for any home game.
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 New Name, New Season
29th Aug 2007 - AFC Lightning is now here with smart new kits awaiting issue and a new name for the new season the scene is now set for the football to start. Younger age groups and girls teams will continue to play and at the Misbourne and arrangements are being made for older age groups. Please contact your manager for timing / location of training and matches.
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U14's Win Plate at Aylesbury Tournament !
 Congratulations to AFC's U14's - who after a long and arduous day, managed to get a team to the final of the plate final at Aylesbury and win it ! The 1-0 victory was no more than the 6 man squad deserved, putting in a series of gritty and determined displays on the way to their first ever trophy. The team played without a regular goalkeeper and consisted of Chris T., Chris D, Sinclair, James, George & Richard.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the stadium, AFC's U9 also reached the final of the Plate - but eventually lost on penalties. The team put in a spirited performance and got better as the tournament developed. The team was Sam, Alexander P, Ashton, George, Henry & Mark P.
Under 8’s win U9’s Chiltern Tournament
 11th June 2007 - This weekend in a remarkable display AFC U8’s pulled off a memorable victory winning the final of the U9’s at the Chiltern Tournament. Due to a lack of numbers meaning the Under 8’s category was no longer going ahead the decision was made to take up an offer for the U8’s to play in the Under 9’s for the experience.
The team were totally awesome, they were a class act. The passing was superb, and every time they had possession, they looked threatening. Whenever they lost the ball (which didn’t happen often) they fought to get it back. Those present lost count of the number of people who commented that they couldn’t believe they were an Under 8’s team.
In the final, they were dominant and should have scored at least a couple of goals but it went to penalties. The penalties were a totally nerve wracking experience. By the end, the parents legs were like jelly when we won. It was an amazing day.
A huge well done for a remarkable achievement !!
Under 9’s Make Final
 28th May 2007 - After battling the torrential rain and winds of Bank Holiday Monday at Flackwell Heath Tournament the Under 9's managed by Greg showed an outstanding performance and much determination to bring home some silver! With significant goals being scored and fantastic team work throughout they made the semi final and won convincingly!!! to go ahead into the final, which was very tight with little give either way again a superb team effort and atmosphere we went to extra time in the last minute a goal divided the two and with no time to come back we brought home runner up trophies. It was a fantastic day enjoyed by players, coach and extremely wet parents!!!!!!!!!
Player Presentation Success!
21st May 2007 - A carnival atmosphere and plenty of sunshine gave a splendid backdrop to the second AFC annual player presentations on Saturday. All the teams were well represented (except for the Under 8’s who were playing at Wycombe Wanderers click here for a special report) with a small trophy awarded to all players. Special awards went to older players. Congratulations to all the pl
ayers for their hard work throughout the season.
U10 Girls Win County Cup !!!
 1st May 2007 - Congratulations to AFC's U10 Girls who on Saturday won the first played-for trophy for the club this season. Teams from around the county competed at Fairford Leys in Aylesbury and after some great battling and heart-stopping moments, both AFC teams reached the final of the competition, with a 1-0 score-line giving one of the teams the winners medals.
The girls in white did the club proud and manger Tony Killinger was over the moon with their performance - celebrating in style through the rest of the day. The trophy was paraded at the Annual Dinner Dance that evening – giving a real boost to the occasion. The girls now go on to compete in other competitions with more silverware hopefully coming their way.
AFC Lightning AGM 2007!!
 19th April 2007 - The AFC Lightning 2007 AGM will take place on Wednesday May 2nd 2007 – starting 2030 hours. The venue is the Rossetti Hall in Holmer Green. All parents of playing members current year, may attend and are invited and welcome to be nominated for officer posts
U10 Girls need Manager next season
 15th April 2007 - With the next season just around the corner we are looking for a new U10 Girls Manager. Can you help the club by taking up the challenge? As a manager and coach you will be fully supported by the club including F.A. coaching qualifications. The need for a new team is due to the older girls in the current U10’s moving into the U12’s age group next season creating the need for a new team for the new season.
The rewards are amazing in terms of the satisfaction of forming and developing both individual and team skills. If you are interested then please e-mail tony@AFC Lightning.com .
Congratulations Khalid!!
 15th April 2007 - We are delighted to announce that Kahlid from the U8’s has been chosen to play for Wycombe Wanderers next season following trails involving many players for a few places. Claire Parsons the Under 8’s Manager said “We are all pleased that Khalid has been successful and wish him well next season. As a club we believe in the importance of creating such opportunities for our players. I look forward to hearing how he gets on and hope he enjoys it. Well done!”
Huge Thanks to John Lewis
 3rd April 2007 - John Lewis has once again shown AFC Lightning huge support with another substantial donation to the club this will allow us to further develop the club and the facilities we can provide.
So from all of us at AFC Lightning a huge thank you !!!!!
Parents Friendly 6 a side / Picnic / Player Presentations
 3rd April 2007 - Our annual friendly parent's six a side and player presentation giving will take place on Saturday 19th May 2007. The 6 a side and picnic from 1015 to 12.30. The presentation 12.30 to 13.30. The Football: All teams to have 6/7 players on pitch - 1 must be female at all times. Squad sizes as you want. STRICTLY NO BOOTS. Playing format and rules TBA. Please let your manager know if you are interested. Feel free to arrive and picnic the morning away - ahead of the presentations.
New Name for New Season
 3rd April 2007 - We can now confirm that as of next season we will be known as AFC Lightning (Misbourne) the decision has had to be made after several concerns regarding AFC White Lightning were bought to the attention of the committee. The new name will also mean smart new high quality kits for the new season (still predominately white). With the existing kit being collected and hopefully shipped to our twin club in Africa the Mofolo Knights. Watch out for announcements as the new season approaches.
Helen & Douglas House U14's Sponsored Walk
 28 February 2007 - Following our hike around the Chilterns just before Christmas I am pleased to say we raised a fantastic £1144.00 - well done to all the boys who walked and to those who sponsored the boys, I am sure if you have been watching the programme on BBC2 regarding Helen & Douglas House that the money is going to a very good and deserving cause, once again many thanks to all concerned, regards Denis
Thank you Masterfoods !
 19th February 2007 - Masterfoods Charitable Donations have once again come up with the goods for AFC Lightning, by kindly donating £200 towards a new and much needed barbecue grill for the catering crew. Thank you !
Name Change Result to be announced Thursday.
19 February 2007 - The player only ballot results for choosing the new name for the Club for season 2007/8 will be announced this Thursday (22nd) on the website. Due to the half-term holidays, the voting deadline has been extended to 6pm. on Tuesday, so if players haven't voted, please do so now via your manager
Manager / Coach needed for U6's for next season
 7 February 2007 - We need someone willing to take on the new Under 6's for next season for the current Reception Year children. We would love to hear if anyone is interested, the club will provide support, help fund training (FA Level 1) and equipment. It truly is rewarding and just requires enthusiasm, so if your keen please let me know and you can help create something special. Call David on 01494-713145 or e-mail david@AFC Lightning.com
Name Change Going to Vote !
30 January 2006 - After lots of deliberation, the name change of the club from AFC Holmer Green to another name in time for next season will shortly be decided upon by ALL paid up members of the Club. 6 short-listed names will be put to each and every paid-up player member. Further details and the ballot paper containing six short-listed names will follow in due course from each manager.
Under 6’s at Castle Mania
 12 January 2007 - The under 6’s had a great time at their post Christmas party at Castle Mania with more than 20 player it was great fun with plenty of running around getting to know each other off the field.
Five a side - for adults!!!
 10 January 2007 - The 5 a side run about is growing quickly but more payers are needed. The first session is Friday 26 January 20:00-21:00 at Handy Cross. Remember this is a bit of fun and a but of a workout for adults at the same time. Sean McAndrew is now coordinating this so please contact him at sean@AFC Lightning.com if you are interested.
Five a side - for adults!!!
3rd January 2007 - Make a New Years resolution to start 5-a-side football. Stuart Foster who helps with the U15’s is looking for recruits for a new team, ready to work off those Christmas puddings and other festive treats.
As he eloquently puts it “I made a New years resolution to get back playing 5/6-a-side football again. The problem I have is finding a side or group that plays regularly - the group that I played with for over 10 years disbanded last year and the couple of feelers I've put out have come to naught. The group I used to play with had a "squad" of about 18 and we just used to turn up on-spec on a Thursday evening - sometimes it was 4-a-side, other times it was 8-a-side, all friendly but competitive - I'm looking for something similar.”
Any budding players should contact Stuart by e-mail at info@AFC Lightning.com ”.
Under 14’s Charity Walk
17 December 2006 - On the morning of Saturday the 16th of December instead of a training session down at the Misborne, Denis our U14 manager took a squad of 20 fit and excited players off to Hambleden for a 12 mile walk in aid of Helen Douglas Hospice for children.. This started at the Stag and Huntsman pub at 9.30, where I have to say a beautiful sunny morning with glorious blue skies awaited us, and off we all went up hill down hill up another hill then across fields through woods up to our knees in mud but on we all marched. After 6 miles the boys were in great spirits even discussing tactics for tomorrow’s big match against Loudwater. Encouraging all the way round were a handful of parents just as eager to finish this big challenge as the boys. We were back at the Stag and Huntsman pub in an unbelievable time of 2 hours 50 minutes, where a much needed hot buffet awaited us.
So as chairman of the club I would like to personally thank Denis for inviting me along and giving me a few aches and pains for my troubles. But more importantly our players for raising money for boys and girls less fortunate than themselves
A big well done to you all
Sean McAndrew
Chairman AFC Lightning
Fair Play Award Formally Presented
 9 December -The U8’s who last year as the U7’s won the Fair Play Award coming first out of 28 clubs in the age group went to Adams Park on Saturday to be formally presented with the prestigious Fair Play shield.
The award was presented by some Wycombe Wanderers first team players. With a huge contingent of 64 players, parents, and grandparents the AFC contingent were out in force, possibly outnumbering the Barnet away supporters!
Claire the manager is extremely proud and is still grinning like a cheshire cat several hours later. “As a team to win such an award is important for the club as it reflects the commitment of all involved especially the players and coaches. Each manager after every game awards points for fair play of the opposition team, those points are added over the season to produce a winner. I am delighted that the team won this award for all their hard work and dedication over last season.”
Tesco Sport Vouchers Success
 13 November 2006 - Thanks to parents and friends, the total Tesco vouchers is still being counted but runs into the thousands - we still have some more to collect and count. So please pass them on to your manager. The AFC Lightning Committee will look to select number of training items - though it may take a few months for them to arrive. A big thank you to all !
Wycombe Win! - Thanks to Sam
 7 November 2006 - Sam from AFC Lightning U12’s was Wycombe Wanderers mascot this weekend where he got the chance to meet the players including his hero Tommy Mooney, and ran on with No. 7 Kevin Betsy who scored the first of two goals of a well deserved victory against Peterborough United. He had a marvelous day and enjoyed the experience immensely.
Does this prove yet again that a mascot from the club makes the difference ??
West Ham Win! - Thanks to Jack
 31 October 2006 - Jack from AFC Lightning U9s had the day of his life on Sunday when he turned out to be the lucky mascot as West Ham beat Blackburn 2-1. His day included a visit to the home dressing room to meet the players, a warm up on the pitch before kick-off and the honour of leading out the side live on Sky. He also managed to get the Sky cameraman to let him pick up the Barclays Player of the Match champagne ( as seen in the picture) . Jack said the best bit was warming up on the pitch where he played a passing game with Nigel Reo-Coker and Anton Ferdinand in front of 34,000 people. Hopefully some of you may have seen Jack live on Sky just before the game in the players tunnel and then leading out the team. If you did Jack can recommend it as a once in a life time experience. Come this weekend Jack will be coming down to earth and hoping to help the U9s in their match on the less hallowed but still well maintained turf of the Misbourne !! “
Under 14’s Charity Walk
30 October 2006 - The under 14's are going to do a 12 mile charity walk on the 16th December in aid of the Helen & Douglas Hospice for children start and finishing at Hambleden, the boys are going to collect money via sponsorship forms.
'Helen & Douglas House provides respite and end of life care for children and young adults with life-shortening conditions, as well as support and friendship for the whole family. The two houses are bright, vibrant and positive places, focused on bringing some depth and enjoyment to life even though that life may be short. Helen House was the world’s first children’s hospice, built in 1982; Douglas House is the world’s first 'respice' for young adults, which opened in 2004. Together they add ‘life to years’ through rest and recuperation, treatment of distressing symptoms, end of life care, family support and education'.
JACK HOPING TO BE WEST HAM’S LUCKY MASCOT
 22nd October 2006 - This Sunday Jack from AFC Lightning’s U9s is going to be the West Ham mascot at the Premiership game between West Ham and Blackburn Rovers live on Sky at 4.00pm. Jack is hoping to bring some luck to his favourite team as recently their form has been decidedly average !! Jack’s day will include meeting the players in the dressing room, warming up on the pitch and then leading the team out. If you want to catch Jack on the telly please tune in just before kick off when he will be the cheeky one standing in front of Nigel Reo-Coker, West Ham’s Captain.
A full report will follow together with pictures of Jack’s special day and hopefully news of a positive result for the Hammers.
Name Change for AFC Lightning
 15th October 2006 -Within a year or so from now, AFC Holmer Green (AFC Lightning) will be changing its name. The Committee unanimously decided some months ago, that our ever changing circumstances meant that our reasons for calling ourselves ‘Holmer Green’ were not applicable and reflected adversely upon us in terms of being a team centred around a single village rather than what we are – a burgeoning inclusive regional FA Charter Standard junior football club, with fantastic sponsors, great facilities and close links to professional clubs.
Whilst we have dozens of players that live and/or go to school in Holmer Green, we have dozens that don’t. We are also centred in and around Great Missenden, with a large catchment area stretching for miles around.
Our initial roots may have been within Holmer Green and the name suited the club’s purposes at the time. However, times change and as the fastest growing junior football club in South Bucks, it’s time to evolve.
There will be more on the name change in due course, though early thoughts are the Athletic Football Club (AFC) part will remain intact.
U16’s Players in Reading FC Trials
 10th October 2006 - Congratulations to Simon D. & Gary C. from AFC Lightning's U16's - who have been accepted for trials at Premiership club Reading FC during the up and coming half term. Central defender Simon had previously broken into the Crystal Palace FC Youth Academy but by mutual agreement it was decided that the traveling was too far and too time consuming to make it permanent.
Now both Simon and midfielder Gary have an opportunity to impress at Reading - the kind of opportunity that will be offered to any AFC Lightning player that coaches and club representatives feel is appropriate.
U16's Injury Crisis- Match Postponed
 10th October 2006 - A raft of injuries sustained over the past few weeks has meant the much looked forward to U16’s away match at HGMFC this coming weekend has had to be postponed. Similar events occurred this time last year when at U15’s level, the squad was decimated by injuries and illness, but managed to fulfil all their fixtures. This time around the crisis has bitten deeper and with a smaller squad due to recent releases, available players at this stage are well below the required level to play. Manager Roger Jones says, “Nobody wanted this, but bad luck and circumstances has meant we have had little option but to concede the situation and postpone. We must give as much notice as we possibly can to our opposition and the League, so a timely rather than late postponement is our only option”.
Saturday Drinks on the Menu !
 08th October 2006 - Thanks to Kate K. and Pat W. (parents from the Girls U10 squad), AFC Lightning parents and children may now help themselves to hot and cold drinks and biscuits at the Misbourne on most Saturday mornings at training. Please feel free to take advantage of the hospitality – all proceeds go to AFC Lightning players.
U7’s Impress at Chelsea Training
 05 October 2006 - The U7’s went to Chelsea training camp this week where all our players had a fantastic evening and certainly looked the part they enjoyed an hours worth of quality training and were shown new skills to bring into their game all the players brought with them some superb support from excited mums and dads they finished off with a game playing against a team from Hayes and did themselves proud with great all round play. And to top it all one of our players has been invited to sessions on a Thursday night with two of his fellow team mates to the Chelsea academy. Well done to you all - Sean U7’s Manager
Tesco Sport Vouchers Wanted for AFC Lightning
 11 September 2005 - Tesco has launched a scheme today called Sports for School and Clubs were vouchers are issued when you shop and can be handed in to your coach at AFC Holmer Green. The club can then use the vouchers for sports equipment.
 Last year we collected thousands of vouchers and got some stunning equipment for the club (see picture). So please help us.
Please can you support your club and collect as many vouchers as you can.
There is also a competition that you can enter by clicking this link http://www.tesco.com/sport/competitions/index.html to win 10,000 vouchers for your club
AFC Lightning awarded lottery grant !!!
 06 September 2006 - AFC Lightning are pleased to announce the awarding of a £2000 national lottery grant to the Club. The money will be used to buy a much needed large walk in storage container at the Misbourne. Chairman Sean McAndrew stated "The awarding of this grant is another sign that AFC Lightning if very firmly established as the leading pacesetter in junior football within the local district. We are very pleased to know that the authorities view us as being a force for good and are prepared to show that by the awarding of this grant, for which we are very grateful".
U16's Gain First Division Status !
23 August 2006 - Following a successful inaugural season last season with a 4th place finish in division 2, Wycombe & South Bucks League Committee have decided to promote AFC Lightning U16's to Division 1.
The news comes as no surprise for Roger Jones's talented squad - which contains at least two players who have the attention of professional clubs and a whole host of players who have shown commitment and dedication to make the squad formidable opponents worthy of their division 1 status. Well done to the boys !!
AFC Lightning Players Make Summer Splash!
23 August 2006 - AFC Lightning players have continued to make a splash in the circles of professional club football this summer.
  Simon from last season's U15's played his first competitive game for Crystal Palace Academy at Uxbridge recently, afer impressing at trials. Meanwhile, Zoe (U10), Katie (U9) and Danii (U10) were all selected by M K Dons after two spells of trials. However, all three have elected to stay with AFC Lightning for season 2006/7. Well done to all concerned.
Chiltern Show Success
17 July 2006 - On Sunday AFC Lightning coaches were hard at work promoting the club at the Chiltern Show as well as running a very successful target goal stand. The day was very hot and very worthwhile with plenty of interest and raising the profile of the club in the Great Missenden area. A number of potential new players have already indicated their interest following the show.
Final Hurrah for Girls U9's & U8's at Bucks CC
 16th July 2006 -The 2005/6 playing season finally closed for AFC Lightning as the under 9 girls and under 8’s made their final bow at the Bucks CC tournament in Stoke Mandeville on Saturday.
Led by coaches Tony Killinger, Greg Gibbs and Sharon Keens – with FA Level 2 coach Jim Dale giving a helping hand wherever it was needed, the teams performed well on yet another hot and sunny day.
For full report click here
U6’s trial for Chelsea FC
16 July 2006 Congratulations to Finn and Thomas from AFC Lightning’s U6’s who attended a trial for Chelsea F.C. on Thursday night at Brunell University in Uxbridge where both Finn and Thomas fitted in very well amongst a selected few of very talented young footballers. Both boys thoroughly enjoyed their once in a life time experience (and we expect their proud parents did as well. Chelsea scout Brian Mustill said afterwards that he looked forward to seeing Finn and Thomas in September.
Girls Trial at Arsenal & MK Dons
 On Wednesday 12th July, Zoe and Danii from AFC Lightning’s U9’s Girls and Katie from the U8’s, travelled to the National Hockey Stadium in Milton Keynes to take part in the U10’s girls trials. This followed a weekend trip to Arsenal by Georgia of the U8’s, who had previously impressed the Gunners at earlier trials. The girls may yet be invited back, but all agreed that the experience and occasion was both enjoyable and useful. AFC Lightning will continue to recommend and support players trialing for professional clubs, as and when it is appropriate.
Committed U8's Impress at QPR
 4th July 2006 - An 8 strong squad of U8 players visited QPR’s training ground near Heathrow Airport to play a series of 8 a-side matches against a 20+ QPR U8 Academy Squad on Thursday (20th June), following an invite from Academy Director Roger Blackmore.
The first match was a shock to the system for the AFC Lightning players, with the QPR boys taking advantage of their skills and home ground experience to run in 4 goals without reply.
The second match saw the AFC Lightning outfit perform much better, with plenty of endeavour and the realisation that this was far from a walk in the park. Chances were limited and a 0-1 reverse was a credit to AFC Lightning in terms of finding their feet after the initial reverse.
The third match saw the QPR squad change their personnel once again, but the same AFC Lightning 8 gave their all for a further 15 minutes and were rewarded with a well worked goal from the team, finished off by Toby. A final score-line of 1-2 emphasised the work-rate and discipline of the team, which was of great credit to them. Managed by Jim Dale & Sharon Keens, both agreed that this was a very worthwhile experience and that future such outings would be beneficial.
Squad: Mark, Adam, Jake, Tom, Katie, Toby, Opone, Henry. Travelled but did not play (injury) Georgia.
Hot Stuff at Amersham & Aston Clinton Tournaments 
3 July 2006 - The sun shone and temperatures soared across the weekend tournaments at Amersham and Aston Clinton.
First up were the U9 girls and U8 boys, playing as a single team in the Amersham U9 tournament. The squad of 8 equipped themselves very well against the stronger and more experienced squads from South Bucks and Hertfordshire – and although a goal and a win eluded them, some close 1-0 defeats showed how far the players have travelled.
Next up were the U8’s at Aston Clinton on Sunday morning and again in hot and sticky conditions. The squads (1 playing for the most part with only 5 players), did remarkably well and in 12 matches and some 96 minutes of football, won 5 drew 6 and lost just the once by a 0-1 margin, with 10 goals for and only 4 against.
The U7’s followed and had a good run of positive results at Aston Clinton.
Finally, back to Amersham and the U13’s put on a great display of passing football and intelligent play to reach the semi-final of the competition, before losing out 0-1. Their display was full of confidence and was arguably the high point of the season in the searing heat of over 30 degrees.
New Players Wanted for 2006 /2007
 29 June 2006 - New Players are needed to join us for next season. Selected squads need both Girls and Boys to join this fast growing family friendly club. Moving from strength to strength as a FA Standard Charter Club with qualified coaching staff we pride ourselves in ensuring our child friendly ethos is maintained at all levels.
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School Year 2006/7
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Season 2006/7
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Players Wanted
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