Chair's Report Season 2010-2011

The end of our tenth season. My how things have changed! Each year we have grown, in terms of teams, players and volunteers. We have nearly accumulated a full set of teams, from age 6 to 18, with additional opportunities having been created for girls only squads between 9 and 16. As we end the season the tally looks like this; 14 squads, 211 players, 28 coaches and 18 volunteers. I would like to say thank you to everyone who contributes their time, energy and expertise to keeping our Club so vibrant, friendly and successful.

This has been a season of highs and lows, of stops and starts. The poor weather over the winter decimated our schedule, with teams being prevented from playing for weeks on end. This has happened before but never so early and never for so long. This caused chaos and I would like to thank each Team Secretary and Coaching Team for successfully managing the rescheduling of activity without once double-booking our resources.

The committee has once again worked tirelessly for the development of the Club and credit must be given to them, especially Wendy Crocker, Wendy Oxenham and Andy Nott for helping put together the evidence needed to maintain the Club's "Charter Standard Community Club" status. I would also like to mention Chris Saville and his great commitment in helping manage the girls section. His efforts are tireless and a much needed relief for Wendy and myself as the girls’ League has entirely different structures and challenges to the boys. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Colette Som and her ever present refreshment team. Their contribution to morale on cold winter mornings cannot be over-estimated, and the additional revenue you bring to the Club is much appreciated.

On another note of commitment I would like to thank all those coaches who undertook mandatory Emergency Aid and Safeguarding Children workshops this year. We always respect the time you give to your squad through the year and thank you for investing even more of it to ensure your qualifications and knowledge are up to date.

As we end the season I have, with regret, to say goodbye to friends and colleagues who have decided to hang up their coaching boots or hand in their volunteer badges. On the coaching side; Adrian Gingell, David Thrower, Phil Clifton and Dave Jones are retiring. Our volunteer and committee retirees are; Adrian Gingell, Julie Tipping and Wendy Oxenham. My heartfelt thanks go to each of you, your contribution to our Club development has been immense and we shall miss your commitment and enthusiasm. Enjoy your new found hours at the weekend!

Next season’s annual subscription is due at the last training session of the season, Saturday 11th June, when ‘Sign-On’ day takes place at Bowood Sports Ground. You will need to renew your membership on this day to maintain your place at the Club. I am delighted to inform you we will be holding all membership and League fees at the same level as last season. Please see the schedule of charges for more detail. We do hope that like us you consider your fees great value for money offering access to over 30 training sessions, plus League and Cup matches, as well as the opportunity to attend and be involved with many other Club events.

Finally, I hope that you have all enjoyed taking part in Club activities this season, whether it be playing, coaching or watching. Our End Of Season Presentation  and BBQ taking place on Saturday 18th June. I’d like to wish you a restful and enjoyable summer, and look forward to seeing you at Bowood Sports Ground on Saturday 3rd September for the start of the 2011-12 season.