About Balkerne FC
Our Mission and Values
Balkerne FC aims to nurture young talent by providing equal play time and prioritising their development. Our club ethos is clear: we focus on developing players, not replacing them, ensuring that every child has a chance to thrive.
Get Involved
Become a part of our vibrant community where every player is valued. Join us in our commitment to youth football development and fair play.
Barry Sim
Chairman
For Barry the 2025-26 season will be his 26th season as a youth football coach/manager. He is passionate about football being a game for all abilities and disabilities to enjoy. That ‘winning’ is more than just about results and that helping children from all backgrounds find a safe space to have fun and build up friendships is more important than scorelines.
His management/chairman style is very much about being a welcoming friendly face that makes the young superstars feel safe and unjudged. In 1997, living in Coggeshall, a family friend was looking to start a team for his grandson and so the Coggeshall Town u12’s Comets were formed and Barrys passion for coaching was ignited. At the end of that season he started an u9’s team, taking them up to the end of u14’s. at that point his son wanted to play football so he started an u8’s team at Brooklands FC, taking that team up to the end of u16’s.
A bereavement then sees a 3 year break from coaching with a return to Brooklands for the 2016-17 season, starting a team for another son and step son at u10’s. On his return to the club he also took over the role of chairman which he has seen through to near the end of the 24-25 season.
In his 26 seasons he has created or helped create 2 teams at Coggeshall Town and 12 teams plus the Bambinos at Brooklands FC. Across these years he has achieved 3 league runners up and 1 league winner but sees the Sportsmanship Trophy from way back in his second season as one of the highlights.
Whilst extremely proud of the work he did at his previous club, assisted by numerous committee members, he felt it was time to get back to basics. To get back to making sure the game remained enjoyable for all children for as many seasons as they wished and not to have to feel the heartbreak of being replaced by players a bit further ahead in their journey. The only way to assure that was to set up a new club with rules set in stone to protect all young superstars. As a father of 3 children and 7 step-children he understands how they are all different, develop at their own pace and nothing can kill enjoyment as quick as being judged against their peers on making the decision to start again he quickly enlisted Adam as secretary and coach as he knew they both shared the same ethos and passion for coaching and developing players.
Adam Hewes
Club Secretary
Adam is a dedicated football coach holding a UEFA C Licence, with experience in coaching since 2019. Passionate about player development, he focuses on creating an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Adam is committed to upholding The FA’s best practices, ensuring that all players, regardless of ability or background, have the opportunity to grow both on and off the pitch. His coaching philosophy emphasises skill development, teamwork, and fostering a love for the game in a positive and encouraging atmosphere.
Louise Rice
CWO
Louise is the club's designated Child Welfare Officer. They are responsible for implementing and upholding the FA's safeguarding policies and best practices, ensuring the well-being of all our young members. They are committed to providing a secure and supportive environment for our players.
Melissa Leaver
Treasurer
Mel is the Club Treasurer, responsible for the club's financial management and reporting. They work closely with the committee to ensure the club's financial stability and support its objectives.
Pheebe Lewis
SEN Lead
My name is Phoebe Lewis. I am currently the manager of the U9s at Balkerne FC, as well as the acting SEN Lead within our club. I am dedicated to ensuring that all children, regardless of disability or ability, are able to feel included and heard. I myself have autism and ADHD, as do my own children, and so I have a great deal of personal experience within the SEND field. I support parents of children with SEND within our club by signposting them to relevant services, as well as offering a listening ear and advice where needed. I have experience with EHCPs and ensuring that a child's needs are being met at school, including attending One Plan meetings and EHCP reviews. I am knowledgeable in the use of visual aids such as picture timetables, Now and Next boards, and communication boards. Above all, I enjoy seeing every child happy and included. Everyone deserves to feel a part of a club and never feel pushed out — that is the ethos here at Balkerne FC: everybody is welcome.
Our teams 2025/26
Below are the teams we have currently, we are always looking for Managers/Coaches who match our club values, please reach out to us to join to create an amazing club.
Ballers
Ages 3-5
Captain of play: Adam Hewes
Sponsor: TBC
We are the Balkerne Ballers, and our aim is simple: to have fun and learn to play football in Colchester! With Adam guiding us, we'll focus on games, activities, and developing our skills in a friendly and encouraging environment. We're here to play, learn, and make new friends!
Comets
Ages 5-11
Lead Coach: Adam Hewes
Coach: Barry Sim
Coach/SEN Lead: Pheobe Lewis
Sponsor: TBC
Comets is a recreational, pan-disability football programme for disabled boys and girls aged between 5 and 11. Pan-disability is the largest format of disability football, which sees players with a broad range of impairments and health conditions play together.
Comets offers a new, flexible and inclusive way of playing, one that’s all about playfulness, friendships and having fun. More than anything, Comets is football that breaks the old rules and replaces them with a brand new one: JUST BE YOU.
U7s Purple
Mixed
Manager: Matt Fox
Coach: Matt Park
Coach: Sean Murphy
Sponsor: Conlon Surfacing Ltd.
At Balkerne its all about taking part and having fun here. As our club saying is everyone is welcome. My names Matt Fox and he is assisted by Matt Park and Sean Murphy. Matt Fox just loves managing at this club, it has a fantastic atmosphere where everyone is friendly and welcoming. He has now managed/coach for 6 seasons now and theres nothing he don't love more then getting the opportunity to run fun and enjoyable sessions. Having coached at Colchester United and other clubs he has a lot of experience in coaching young superstars
U7s Pink
Mixed
Manager: Matt Fox
Sponsor: TBC
Welcome to the Balkerne Under 7s Pinks Mixed team! We're a group of young players in Colchester just starting our football adventure. Our focus is on having lots of fun, learning the basics of the game, and making new friends on the pitch. Come and join the excitement!
TBC
Mixed
Manager: TBC
Sponsor: TBC
We are Building more Teams for the 2026/27 Season Contact us!
U8s
Mixed
Manager: Adam Dabbs
Sponsor: Oakheart
Welcome to the Balkerne Under 8s Mixed team! We're a group of young players in Colchester just starting our football adventure. Our focus is on having lots of fun, learning the basics of the game, and making new friends on the pitch. Come and join the excitement!
U9s
Mixed
Manager: Pheobe Lewis
Sponsor: Private Sponsor
Welcome to the Balkerne Under 9s Mixed team! We're a group of young players in Colchester just starting our football adventure. Our focus is on having lots of fun, learning the basics of the game, and making new friends on the pitch. Come and join the excitement!
U10s
Mixed
Manager: Barry Sim
Sponsor: S&S
Meet the Balkerne Under 10s Mixed team! We're a group of enthusiastic players who love to have fun playing football together. We believe in teamwork, supporting each other, and enjoying every moment on the pitch, regardless of background or ability. Come and join the fun!
U13s
Girls
Manager: Simon Gray
Sponsor: Red Parrot
Meet the Balkerne Under 13s Girls! A team buzzing with energy and a passion for football. We're all about developing our skills, playing with heart, and growing together as players and friends. Watch out for our exciting journey this season!
U14s
Mixed
Manager: Adam Hewes
Coach: Brad Thompson
Sponsor: Iceni Consulting
Our U14s team is built on a foundation of inclusivity, development, and a love for the game. Led by UEFA C Licence coach Adam Hewes and ably assisted by Brad Thompson, the team focuses on developing technical skills, tactical awareness, and teamwork in a positive and supportive environment. Adam and Brad are committed to upholding The FA’s best practices, ensuring that every player has the opportunity to grow both on and off the pitch. Whether competing or training, the emphasis is always on improvement, respect, and enjoying football to the fullest.