We are an established FA Charter Development youth football club dedicated to providing a safe and friendly environment for children of all abilities to play football
Lancing Rangers are the biggest youth football club in Lancing with over 250 players split over 15 teams.
All our managers FA qualified, including 4 FA Level 2 coaches.
Our players have access to all-year round training, making use of the 3G artificial pitch at the Sussex FA HQ in Lancing. Some of the best facilities in Sussex
1982
An idea by our Club President, Dave Gurney to form a new football club in the Lancing and Sompting area was started in the living room of his house, along with Derek Salisbury, Pat Gurney, Bill Edwards and Graham Willis on 1st February 1982.
At the time Dave had the idea, there was only one other local team in Lancing offering football to kids. The club was officially affiliated to Sussex County Youth Football Association in March 1982 and Lancing Rangers was formed. The club colours of black and gold were chosen because at the time most teams in the area wore either blue or red kits.
In the early stages fundraising and donations were essential to ensure the club could maintain its status. Trips to watch football matches, fun days and barbecues became regular events to raise money for the club, even Glasgow Rangers in Scotland gave training balls to help out. The first ever team to play as the newly formed Lancing Rangers in 1982 was the under 9 squad, and was managed by Roger Miles.
Certain ideas that were established in 1982 have stood the test of time and are still in place now; these include the annual Presentation Night, the Club Shop and Squad Reps.
Also created was the 'The Lancing Ranger' a short monthly newspaper featuring match reports, future club updates and squad pictures. Extracts from the May 1982 edition can be found here.
1988
In 1988, Lancing Rangers Football Club hosted the first Rangers International Tournament, with 3 other local teams and Danish side Vejgaardboldspilklub 1925.
Played at Irene Avenue CM School, now the Globe Academy, the team from Denmark took home the Easter Cup which they had donated for the tournament. The programme for the event can be found here.
2004
Lancing Rangers Football Club successfully achieved The FA Charter Standard in 2004. This programme is The FA's accreditation scheme which recognises a well-run, sustainable football club who prioritise qualified coaching and safeguarding as well as the values of The FA's Respect programme. To obtain and remain as a FA Charter Standard club, Lancing Rangers require that all managers and coaching staff must obtain a minimum of FA Level 1 in Coaching Football, FA Level 1 First Aid in Football and completed the required safeguarding packets supplied by The FA.
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The FA Charter Standard accreditation was launched by the Football Association in February 2001 with the aim of setting standards of coaching, administration and child protection for clubs working with young people. There are only a handful of clubs that have this accreditation in the UK.
In order to reach the Charter Standards clubs must have displayed the following competencies:
· A written constitution
· Self-certified screening of managers, coaches and officials
· All managers to have minimum of Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Football
· Commitment to attend in-service training
· Acceptance and promotion of Codes of Conduct
· Commitment to provide Mini-Soccer opportunities for Under 10’s
· Commitment to promote schools liaison and equal opportunities
Clubs that are successful in achieving the Charter will get access to a wide range of benefits, some of which are:
· Exclusive Regional Workshops
· Access to Child Protection Training
· Kit and Equipment Grants
· National and Regional Awards
· Subsidies for F.A. Junior Team Managers to attend courses
By achieving the Charter Standard accreditation, Lancing Rangers is demonstrating to all its members, parents and the public, that we are a well organised & safe club for children to be a part of.
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The club continued to grow from strength to strength, and in 2004/05 season, Lancing Rangers FC was the second largest club playing in the Arun & Chichester Football League with 200+ registered playing members playing in 14 squads.
2007
In 2007 Lancing Rangers were awarded the FA Charter Development status. Similar to the The FA Charter Standard, this additional 'Development' status is awarded to clubs who are enhancing the quality and scope of the football they offer. At Lancing Rangers we achieved this by opening the door to managers and coaching staff wanting to continue their passion for coaching and enabling them to achieve The FA Level 2 in Coaching Football. As of 2021 we have two Level 2 coaches.
The club was then awarded the Sussex County FA Charter Standard Club of the Year in 2007, which is awarded to the best club in East and West Sussex for being well-run and ensuring all managers and coaching staff are up-to-date with safeguarding, first aid and coaching qualifications.
2009
In 2009 the club was awarded the Sussex County FA Charter Standard Development Club of the Year, which is awarded to the best club in East and West Sussex for enabling players, managers and coaching staff the opportunity to progress their skills in both playing and their skills in coaching at a higher level. We continue to be a FA Charter Standard Development Club ensuring that we offer the highest coaching standards and a safe and friendly environment for the children to develop and thrive.
2011-2022
As the seasons have progressed the number of squads has fluctuated with a peak of 19 in 2015/16. During this time player numbers have also fluctuated between 180 & 220 children and Lancing Rangers have maintained their status as the largest club in Lancing for youth squads and players. There are currently 15 squads for the 2021/22 season with over 200 children registered.
Since 2011 the club has had some league and cup success with the following Role of Honour:
2011/12 – U10 Invitation Cup winners
2013/14 – U11 Division A winners
2014/15 – U10 Jim Miller Cup winners
2015/16 – U10 Jim Miller Cup winners
2015/16 – U16 Invitation Cup winners
2015/16 - U18 Division A Champions
2016/17 – U15 Division B winners
2017/18 – U8 Wren League Cup winners
2017/18 – U9 Kathy & Peter Wilson Cup winners
2021/22 - U16 Division C winners
2022
In 2022 we welcomed the return of our annual events, including some news one too. On Sunday 1st May 2022 Lancing Rangers hosted the Dave Gurney Memorial Tournament at the Sussex County FA HQ at Culver Road, Lancing. The event took place in memory of Dave Gurney, our Life President and one of our Club Founders. The afternoon saw 4 teams of ex-players, managers and parents battle it out on the 3G pitch to be crowned the tournament winner.
More than 200 spectators turned up on the day and we raised over £2000 for the NSPCC and St Barnabas House charities.
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Information about the day can be found in our Community Hub here.