Club History

Writtle village football team played originally at what was Rollestons, now Long Brandocks estate. In 1962 a developer who owned Paradise Road wanted the Long Brandocks pitch to complete his development, a straight swap was agreed.

At this time the Cricket Club played on the village green, however under increasing pressure from windowless residents they joined forces with the football club and moved to Paradise Road.

In 1968 a local man, Bob Cooper, saw the need for a youth team and started training a Boys Brigade team of Under 13s. This was the beginnings of the Writtle Minors Football Club. The Club entered the Chelmsford & District Football Mini League in the 1969/1970 season.

The Club largely took the colours of Celtic, and play in the colours - green and white hooped shirts, white shorts, green socks. The Club crest is a miner's helmet above a football, reflecting Bob Cooper`s light hearted approach to the game.

As a result of the drive and enthusiasm of the late Bob Cooper Writtle Minors have grown from humble beginnings into a prestigious Club with arguably the best facilities in the area. The Minor`s compete in many competitions for boys and girls at age groups from Under 8 to Under 16 and regularly win League and Cup trophies.

During the 2007/2008 season teams will be competing in the Chelmsford Youth Football League and the Blackwater & Dengie League. Our Club actively pursues all aspects of Youth Development and Child Protection policy as directed by the Football Association and became the first Youth Football Club in Essex to be awarded the F.A. Charter Standard.

In Bob's memory the COOPER CUP match is played every year. This is an invitation Challenge Cup match played between the current Writtle Minors under 13 team and an invited opposition. Each year the Club invite Pearl Cooper, Bob's widow to present the trophy.

The Minors have produced many players who have gone on to compete in the professional game, notably Nigel Spink, European Cup winner with Aston Villa and England International, Warren Barton of Newcastle, and Mick Stockwell of Ipswich.

The playing field at Paradise Road has developed into a venue for many sports such as Senior Football, Junior Football, Cricket, Netball and Tennis. The different sports sections are affiliated to the Writtle Sports & Social Club and hold regular monthly meetings at the Clubhouse to ensure that they share the facility in harmony.

During 1983/84 the Minors produced a bi-monthly magazine called "Touchline". Bob Cooper was asked to write a few lines about the history of the Club. Bob's memories were serialised over three issues of "Touchline" they make interesting reading.  Click the icon below to read Bob's words.

HowItAll Began.PDF

In 2001 the Club started a Girls Section with a squad of 7 year Old Girls, This section has increased each Year and we are now represented in the Essex County Girls League at Under 11- Under 14 level. Nearly 20% of our youngsters are now Female.

After 5 Years of effort by the Club, the Sports & Social Club and the Parish Council, our new field was officially opened on 22nd September 2007 by the Mayor Of Chelmsford - Councillor David Lee and ex-professional football Tony Butcher. The club now has a dedicated 17 acre field, containing 4 Youth Soccer football pitches, 3 mini soccer pitches and an extensive area for training.   

From such humble beginnings, the club now has facilities to rival any youth football club in the area - facilities that are a testimony to the memory of the late Bob Cooper and all those that have worked so hard behind the scenes to continue the work Bob started.

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