September 2009 - All systems are go...but where have we bin...and where are we going ?
As from last Sunday all 5 teams now have lift off and the results so far show it could be an excellent season. But as we all know it is very early days with lots of hard work needed and as yet unknown hurdles to overcome. Complacency is a killer no matter when it starts. We have a number of new people on board at different levels and different positions and so I thought it as good a time to review the overall to remind and update everyone of recent achievements and future ambitions. At the start of 2004/5 the Committee drew up a 3 year plan of objectives. (Welcome Johnrob to this years committee). In total we listed 16 objectives with time scales to suite. We have achieved all but 2 of those objectives.One of minor significance and the 2nd of having our own ground which looked promising but proved impossible.The main source of money from the Parish Council eventually finding its way to pay for the MUGA multi non-play area. I met with the F.A. who hopefully would have doubled the money available to £500K but no land could be found. Other main objectives we met were 1st team progress to Senior football by 07/08. Achieved by consecutive promotions over 3 years and Res progess to Div 5. It was also an ambition to do all of this using "local lads".which again we achieved. Not many have done that. Youth team progression and expansion also featured heavily in our objectives. In May 2007 we amended and added further objectives for the next 3 years many of which have been achieved or are "work in progress".Two main objectives were 1st team to Premiership by 2010 and Res to Div 4 by the same time to ensure the gap between the two was not too great. So where are we now. Well, I was heavily involved with Vic in achieving previous 1st team results through training and games, as was Dobbie with the Res. and I take great pride in that. However, time waits for no man and as we know last seasons hiatus hernia nearly saw us going backwards which I found impossible to accept bearing in mind what we had all previously worked hard to achieve. To my mind it was imperative that we remained in senior football. In the end we survived by the skin of our teeth ( I am never too sure what that means because I aint got no skin on my teeth). So a new dawn breaks (too many cliches coming out now, but must still try and fit in "sick as a parrot" soon). So where are we heading? whats the plan? If we don't know what we want to achieve, how do we know when we've got there. As a club our immediate plan is still Ang Com Premiership Football. Our timescale may have to be amended because I think we have stood still for at least a season, maybe two, so maybe 2011/12 season would be good to aim for instead of 2010. We also have to be more relaxed about whether players are "local" but at the same time I think it important they want to be part of the club not just the team. With all this in mind Danny and Robbos appointment has been a great move for the club. Training (with substantial help from Bobby Briggs), pre-season and the first few games show great promise. I would also add that the new players brought in have all blended well and shown good support (e.g. Last Sat night-well done to everyone involved). At the same time a good percentage of players are still "local". I know that Robbo and Dannys ambition is a min top 6 this year so maybe 2011/12 is achievable. If they keep up the hard work it will be just reward. I would add, however, that they have had great support from all players at the club and on the clubs behalf thank all the players that have turned out for either team,1st or Res and have done a great job over the last few difficult weeks with so many players missing. With regard to the Res, it must not be understated that a Res Manager who understands the need to fully support the 1st team and at the same time try to get results for his own team is invaluable. In Simon we have such a person. I know Simon also appreciates the help he has had from players who have had to move between teams. This shows a great attitude by everyone and is something that can make a big difference not only in results but also in everyones enjoyment of their Sat afternoon. I want to keep this mainly to football matters but must take the opportunity to remind everyone of the tremendous hard work that the Chairman(lady and previous gent), Officers and committee put in on behalf of the club and therefore the players. Much of this work can go un-noticed but without a good committee no one would be playing football. In addition to this our communication would be so much poorer without Steves excellent work on this website.
Anyway...GOOD NEWS...The M.U.G.A. (Most Uncomplete Games Area) is scheduled to be finished very soon. Actually will be finished this week I am told!! (yippee!!). However, I have been told this many times since the original finishing date of 16.12.08. Neil Adams has been on stand by to perform the grand opening but if it goes on much longer he will need special permission from the carehome. So hopefully we will not have last years problems on training. I still have nightmares after playing in goal at the Leisure Centre and having Johnny Saunders bearing down on me with a viscious glint in his eye(and I think he was on my side).
On to the Youth teams. What a start!!!! Steve is again running his squad, assisted by Dobbie, they have moved up to the U13 age group and are obviously hoping to go one or two better than last years 3rd place. Sundays result of 10-0 was a great beginning. Clive and Mark have also moved up a year to U11 and also had a great start to the season winning 8-0. The move from U10 to U11 is a big step for these lads because of the difference between 7 a side mini soccer and full 11 a side rules. Offsides etc are something new to contend with. Unfortunately 2 teams have aleady pulled out of their league and so they will play each team 3 times. A full squad of 16 has been assembled with 4 new players. Ambitions this year are to repeat last year success story of winning the league. Anyone interested in helping to referee please contact Clive on 07725 689800. We also have a new youth team run by Damian and Andy at U10 level and whose 1st game also resulted in a win of 5-1. They just about got their squad sorted before the transfer deadline but one maybe two additional players would be useful. Ambitions and enjoyment at this level for Damian and Adam is to watch players improve, take on board what you tell them and put it into practice. Contact Damian on 07828 799330 if you know anyone. Lets hope we can keep it all going but also not forgetting that providing an outlet, physical exercise, getting kids involved in team games and interaction with each other is good for everyone involved. Alongside learning new skills and enjoying their football. It is pleasing to see the progress of all our teams and I must admit to being rather proud that 3 of our Teams Managers were all products of the Youth team Roger & I ran when these guys were 11 to 17 year olds which proves that we have good continuity in the club. I must admit that we did not have the bother of CRB check, child care officers etc etc. Giving Simon a good whack was not only necessary but also quite enjoyable. So, long season ahead. Lots to go for. Some will be more successful than others, but we must, above all our ambitions try to enjoy what we do otherwise where's the point? Mind you there is much enjoyment to be had from winning!
Mainly concerning youth teams but all donations would be handy. I am again collecting for the poor kids in Senegal, Africa. So any used trainers, boots, kits etc no longer required, would managers please collect and let me have ( you can put them in the shed and inform me if it is easier). Any reasonable condition accepted. 2nd hand stuff is like Christmas to them! Please ask.
Finally, a bit of housekeeping. We have had complaints within the last 48 hours from "you know them" or "you know who" about leaving doors open at the pavillion and leaving a lock off practice goals. I am past explaining why we have to keep her sweet but at the end of the day we rent the pitches and have certain responsibilities and have to keep them happy. If anyone wants to be liason officer be my guest. So everyone who has keys and is involved with locks, goals, equipment etc please make sure we leave it as it should be. Also please ensure any training equipment is left tidy and in the right place for other users. We all pee in the same pot. If we hav'nt got enough of anything please tell me or someone else on the committee. I have also removed several "redundant" keys from the main bunch to make life easier. If you cannot get into somewhere or something then blame me. If I don't hear of a problem within 4 weeks they go in the bin.
Finally, finally, good luck to everyone ( I actually mis-spelled it god luck to start with and maybe should have left it. We cant afford to turn down anyones help ).
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