Wildfire - Club Newsletter for February '09

A short update of our activity for the next couple of months. I would like to thank everyone for keeping up to date with weekend activity through the past few weeks of inclement weather and poor conditions. The Pitch Hotline (01249 811952) has been well used and hopefully has kept you in touch with Club activity thus saving unnecessary journeys to the ground. I thought you might be interested to know that we have now cancelled more games at BSG this season than we have done through the last seven years combined!

A Weekend Break
Next weekend, Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th February is the first week of a school holiday and in-line with our usual practice Bowood Sports Ground and Springfields School will be closed to all Club activity. No matches, no training. I hope the weather improves and that you get to enjoy a snow free weekend of doing something other than football. The Club resumes it's activity on Saturday 21st February.

New Referees
I am pleased to inform you that we have three new referees at the Club. Chris and Olly from the Flames and Catherine from the Lightning have attended a course of instruction and sat both written and oral exams to qualify as Class 9 referees. It is most likely you will see these young people officiating at your matches in the coming months, please help them by offering your utmost respect, support and encouragement.

Football is suffering from a severe shortage of qualified referees and this is starting to have an impact on our game. Numbers are down in those attending training and many drop out due to abuse, both verbal and physical, from players, parents and officials. Please don't let the heat and passion of the moment get the better of you and keep our activity in perspective - we are charged with creating a supportive, safe, learning environment in which our players can have fun and develop as both players and young people.

Our new referees join an increasing number of committed and able volunteers who have attained their Referee's qualification.

I would like to extend my congratulations to Chris, Olly and Catherine, all of whom have given their time freely to support our Club, your children and our game. Thanks to each of you.

The next referees course commences in September and takes place in Melksham, but I can find other dates and venues if you are prepared to travel further. Any one over the age of 14 can attend and qualify. DHUFC supports and sponsors referees through their course.

Clubhouse Update
I am delighted and excited to inform you that our latest bid for funding towards our Clubhouse project has been successful. We were informed last week that our £25,000 bid to Viridor under the Landfill Communities Fund scheme was granted in full. This leaves us holding funds of £100,000 which are all subject to the success of our bid to the Football Foundation. If our final bid is successful then we will have enough funds to commence building. We hope to hear soon about our Foundation application. Be sure I will keep you informed of situation. Fingers crossed we may have changing rooms, toilets and shelter by next winter.

Club Visits
To trips for members, their families and friends to consider over the next 2 months. Both events over great value for money and are highly recommended for a family outing. Please request your tickets through the links below.

1 Swindon Wildcats v Milton Keynes
English Premier Ice Hockey League
At The Link Centre, Swindon
Saturday 7th March 2009, Face-off 5.45pm

Adults £5, Children £2
(normally priced at £11.00 and £5.50 respectively)
Ticket Deadline Saturday 1st March
*** Order Your Swindon Wildcat Tickets Here ***

2 Swindon Town FC v Hereford United
Coca-Cola League 1
At The County Ground, Swindon
Saturday 21st March 2009, Kick-off 3.00pm

Adults £11, Children £1.50
(normally priced at £20.00 and £9 respectively)
Ticket Deadline Saturday 7th March
*** Order Your Swindon Town Tickets Here ***