For nearly 55 years, Didcot Casuals FC has been following a philosophy of ‘Football for Everyone – no fuss, no trials’. Back in 2004, they were awarded the Charter Standard by Berks & Bucks FA in recognition of their work in junior development, underpinned by encouraging children to develop new skills, compete and have fun.
The Club has continued to support and encourage their future young stars, playing an instrumental role in developing their skills, not only as players but as coaches and referees too.
One of their players, Kira Ranxha, has a long history of playing with Didcot Casuals, joining the club at the age of 8. In 2021 she went on to become a part-time coach with the U11 boys and just a year later, Kira took on the coaching of the U11 girls team, managed by her father Blendi.
Having passed her level one coaching course in June 2023, Kira, now aged just 17, takes the team through drills, sets up training sessions and pitches. She is a fantastic role model and a true inspiration to the girls across the team. Kira is super enthusiastic about grassroots football, continuing to play herself (currently for Milton United U18 and ladies), she is also currently coming towards the end of her first year at Precision Oxford Football Academy where she is working towards NCFE level 3 Diploma in sport and physical activity. Ultimately, Kira is looking into branching into 1-1 sports coaching. She strongly believes natural talent can get you so far but good coaching and building children's confidence to enjoy the game and believe in themselves is crucial, enabling young players to fulfil their true potential in whatever they decide to do in life.
When asked why Kira was inspired to be a young coach, she replied: “I want to help other children find the same love I have for the game, to see that football can be for everyone and being part of a team and community can benefit you, on and off the pitch”. Kira loves working as a young coach, and she can relate to other young people. She understands the difficulties that children face with social media and school and can be hugely supportive, being someone to whom they can reach out.
Another young player is 16-year-old, Jake Edgar, who is an enthusiastic referee. He is sponsored and supported by Didcot Casuals FC and is inspired by his love not only of local football but also by his favourite team, Liverpool FC. With a widespread shortage of referees, in particular young referees, the Club has been delighted to encourage him and other new referees into the grassroots game. Alongside his studies and playing football for Didcot Casuals U16’s, Jake studied for and completed his referee course last August, reffing since to complete his qualification. So far, he has overseen 15 to 20 games including grassroots under 9 and under 10 matches.
Jake said: “I really enjoy supporting other grass roots teams and helping to develop their players. I love sticking to rules and it's great pocket money!”
Club Treasurer, Wayne Day added: “Well done Jake, we’re proud of your growing confidence each week!”
Lois Cooke is also an integral part of the Didcot Casuals Girls setup, both as a player and now a referee. Lois began working towards her refereeing qualification in September 2023, receiving her certification this January from the North Berks Referee Association. Lois has already also completed 15-20 matches ranging from an U10 Berkshire girls cup game under floodlights to U13, 11 a side games. She has refereed for Casuals, her sponsor club and other local clubs in the area including Didcot Town, Harwell and Hendred and Wallingford and Crowmarsh. When asked what her what her favourite thing is about being a young ref, Lois replied: “I’m so grateful for the support from the Club who supported me through the process, alongside all the nice feedback I have had from home and away coaches.”
For more details, please visit didcotcasuals.co.uk or contact them on Facebook @DidcotCasualsFC
