The new hut has arrived
Published date - Wed 15/08/07

Fantastic news everyone - Hillside Rovers coaches have been busy over the summer months finalising our dream - to have a new changing hut for the children, funded and delivered in time for the new season. We are pleased to announce that we've succeeded.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has helped to raise funds and helped with arranging the purchase and delivery of the new hut.
Here's our story...

Once upon a time there was a green hut that was allegedly the home of a youth football team.

Years went by and the elements battered the hut. Thousands of muddy boots also took their toll and gradually the hut fell apart. However, like a well worn pair of shoes, it was just always there doing it’s job. Time went by and younger, fresher eyes noticed the huts decline. “These children deserve better”, they said and so began a mission to raise money for a new, much improved clubhouse.

From small beginnings, great energy arose within the football community at Hillside Rovers. The drive served to galvanise the club and numerous parents and coaches gave willingly of their time and energy to bring in funds. Local businesses were approached and many gave generously. The efforts culminated in a memorable Fun Day in May, which was a celebration of all that makes Hillside Rovers the special club it is. With over £3000 raised so began the search for the replacement hut and by July several had been looked at.

Finally one was chosen. This turned out to be slightly more troublesome than anticipated almost as if the old hut was not about to give up its position easily! Finally agreement was reached over the price and delivery date and the site was prepared. Trees were pruned the ground was levelled. As if in a final insult the old hut was broken into just days before the new one was to arrive.

The day arrived and finally everything would be alright. Well not quite! There was to be a final sting in the tail. The lorry arrived, with the lovely new hut, but try as the driver could the lorry and hut were just too big to fit through the school gate. Great was the temptation to make the opening wider and rebuild it later! Thanks to the skill of the driver a solution emerged. The new hut was lifted off the lorry and over the gate. The lorry could now enter and picked up the new hut again. Now up to the field. With a final groan the old hut was lifted from its long term resting place, pieces falling off as if it had put down roots. Finally, the new hut was craned into position and looked splendid.

Much larger, smarter and stronger than it’s predecessor. Due to exorbitant costs the old green hut was to suffer the final humiliation of lying alongside it’s successor for a few days before being taken away to the great shed breakers yard.

A good scrub a lick of paint and the new hut is to be ready for the start of the new season.

What better a way to start the new football year and a fitting tribute to all the adults and children who contributed to realising the dream.

Now let’s celebrate and enjoy the new season.

With respect and care the new hut will serve the club well for many years to come, just like the old one did.

David Muff