Gavin Lemmon, County Development Manager from Norfolk FA, spoke about grants available from Active Norfolk for sports clubs and Hethersett had been identified. Gavin needs a wish list of courses that club members would like to undertake. This could include anything from football development and coaching to admin and first aid. Gavin needs the list by the end of the month and Ray Milne agreed to co-ordinate this

Minutes of Previous Meeting

These were agreed to be a correct record.

Secretary’s Report

The secretary will circulate the latest CRB check list and asked individual teams to check these.

Recent bad weather had caused problems with pitches and there were numerous fixtures to re-arrange. Mel asked teams to inform him when matches are re-arranged to prevent double bookings.

Teams were asked to consider next season as some leagues were already asking for entries in March.

The club has 291 members registered.

Treasurer’s Report

Mel has been liaising with Kerry Butcher re accounts. Kerry will be producing up to date reports. Mel is concerned that money had been banked but not claimed against teams’ accounts. The men’s reserves have paid in a considerable amount of money, but the Under-10s have fallen behind in paying in.

There was a lengthy discussion about the benefits of obtaining charity status. The general feeling is that this will not really benefit the club and the cost may outweigh the advantages. We will continue to monitor the situation.

The club is to look into purchasing portable dug outs which will be needed by the women’s team next season and could also be available to other teams. Tom Parke agreed to obtain quotes and look into the possibility of sponsorship of these.

Easton Partnership

The chair updated members on the latest position regarding Easton College and proposals to officially open the new changing facilities. Further meetings have been held, but there has been a problem with non availability of pitches. The chair will continue to report back on the situation and the possibility of holding a tournament with Little Common from Sussex as part of the opening of the new facilities.

Youngsters with Learning Difficulties

The club is looking into working with youngsters with learning difficulties as part of its community charter status. Sue and Ray Milne will develop this if necessary. There is also the possibility of the club starting a veterans’ team.

Football/Club Development

The chairman congratulated the ladies team on winning their league. Ray Milne will attend a Community Sports Network event at South Norfolk and report back.

Coming Events

The club quiz on 23^rd February is going ahead at the Middle School.

End of Season Presentation Events

The adult teams would like another presentation evening with meal at Park Farm and the chair agreed to look into availability. The youth teams’ funday has been set for 20^th May at the Middle School with the format similar to last season. It was agreed that sponsors should be invited along and have a special area set aside.

Lee Thompson Memorial Trophy

The chair said he felt we should look at new ways to award the trophy and suggestions ranged from a special tournament for adult teams to entries coming from each team’s clubman of the year. The chair will speak to Lee’s parents to obtain their views.

Next Newsletter

The next newsletter will go out on Thursday March 1^st. The club is looking for more outlets in the village from which to distribute it.

Soccer twinning and Easton tournament

The twinning ides is still being looked at, as is the viability of holding a tournament to co-incide with the official opening of the new training facilities at Easton

Any Other Business

Ross Potter pointed out that one of our players – Ian Mills – has suffered a serious leg injury whilst playing for Hempnall and has been told not to play football again.

There was a discussion on the strength of the youth section.

Date of Next Meeting

19^th March at Park Farm Hotel (subject to confirmation).