A new Thornton Heath football club which has been set up in the wake of the pandemic is putting the mental health of itsplayers at the forefront of its campaign.

Thornton Heath Rangers are an adult men’s team for ages 17 upwards and will be competing
in the Croydon Municipal league this coming season.

Surrey FA affiliated, Thornton Heath Rangers home games will take place in Croydon Purley Way playing fields

and they are currently training out of Thornton Heath Rec on
Sunday mornings with a midweek alternative to train once the season begins.

Club Chairman
Jahmill Bernard explained the ethos behind setting up Rangers: “Football has
always been a massive part of my life. A love that was shaped by may father who
was a respected player.

“I have always enjoyed playing, attending games or just
general discussions about the game. Entering into this worldwide pandemic took
that enjoyment away. It gave me time to appreciate the game and also made me
realise how important it has been not only to myself but people of a similar
age group.

“Many of us used to get together several times a week for
kick arounds and genuinely used it as an escape. A time to get away from life’s
stresses and seek mental support. Knowing that mental health is something we
cringe to speak about as men I realised that I wanted to do something to help
build comaraderie and a support system for those with issues.

“I’m also a proud Thornton Heathian and have seen the area
change. I miss the sense of community I felt as a kid growing up in the area. I
thought what better way to help build that then starting a team that Thornton
Heath could come to love and support.”

Recruitment for new players has been good says Jahmill, but
the team is still in desperate need of a goalkeeper!

On the choice of Rangers, Jahmill explained: “We chose the
name firstly as a second choice. I previously played for a club called Thornton
Heath athletic and wanted to respect them despite the fact they no longer
exist. My father chose Rangers and it just stuck.

“We are a football club firstly but we want to stand for
representing and protecting Thornton Heath, like a ranger would his local
village.”

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