Hethersett Athletic

The club has received considerable support for the proposed building on the Memorial Playing Field. Numerous people have either e-mailed or written directly to planners at South Norfolk District Council. The club is extremely disappointed at what it views to be the narrow and uninformed views of the parish council. The matter will be discussed by the district council on Friday March 7th. Ray, Peter, Mark and David will attend the meeting to speak for the development if necessary. In the coming week the club will continue to lobby for more support for the new building.

Presentation Evening

The presentation of the Community Standard Award will take place on Friday March 7th at Park Farm Hotel. Asa Saunders of Norfolk FA will present the award to youth team players from the club. It is hoped that Anglia Television and BBC Television will cover the event.

It is intended to invite potential sponsors to the evening and Mark suggested that the club should finance up to £100 of entertainment to provide drinks for special guests. This will be discussed at the coming full committee meeting. Peter said he felt that Norfolk FA should be footing the bill for the evening and was disappointed that the club has had to organise its own presentation. It was suggested that each team should be limited to 10 representatives for the evening.

Football Develpment Officer's Report

Mark reported on courses undertaken by club members including some of the youth players taking first aid qualifications.

In the light of the possibility of additional teams being run next year (e.g an Under-18s), Mark suggested that we take a serious look at the Little Melton pitch with a view to improving it and bringing it up to standard for regular use by the club. He suggested that Little Melton Parish Council should be contacted and it was agreed to discuss this at the next full committee meeting.

Mark stated that a fun day for younger players was being organised for the summer.

A discussion took place on continued problems being experienced by some of the men's teams and this will be discussed at the next full committee meeting.

Schools Liaison

David Bunn and Peter Steward have been working closely with local schools. David has been liaising with the first schools at Hethersett and Little Melton and Peter with Hethersett Middle School. All three schools are in favour of the Memorial Playing Field improvements.

Committee Set-Up

Peter suggested that following this year's annual meeting, a close look should be taken at the constitution and membership of the main and sub committees of the club.

Development Plan

Peter is continuing his work on updating the club development plan and will have this ready for discussion and adoption at the annual meeting.

Short Term Plans

In the light of the club's expansion and possible introduction of Saturday men's football, it was suggested that one of the club's short term aims should be to improve existing and seek out new facilities (e.g use of Little Melton).

Corporate Membership of Hethersett Social Club

The chair has received an e-mail from Rob Whitmore asking if we are still interested in improving links with the social club. He has replied in the affirmative and awaits a response.

Honorary Life Membership

In the light of the views of the parish council it was suggested that we should re-visit our criteria for awarding life membership to ensure that the people chosen feel that it is an honour and not just something handed out lightly. The committee feels that life membership should be given primarily to people who have shown outstanding support of the club.

As a starting point we would suggest that Mel Perkins and Ian Harrison should be elected as the first two club life members and that a special presentation should be made to them at the annual awards evening.

Promotional Side

Peter reported on the promotional side of club life including an update on the internet site. Mark has been working on designing new corporate notepaper and Sue has been looking into track suits, sweat shirts and trousers. Two companies have shown an interest in sponsoring this latter idea and both have been sent special sponsorship/promotional documentation.

Fund-raising Officer

Once again the idea was brought up about paying somebody to undertake fund-raising/sponsorship duties. Peter said he was keen to see this idea adopted to bring in much needed revenue to the club. Ray Milne expressed an interest in such a position and it was agreed to have a full discussion on this at the next committee meeting. If the idea is adopted a working party would need to be set up to discuss payment and the terms and conditions of such a post.

Any Other Business

Peter said he was still trying to follow up support from McDonalds.

Mark again underlined his wish to clean out and decorate the existing pavilion on the playing field.

David said the Under-9s would again be taking part and promoting the club at the Woodside School summer fete.