Hethersett Athletic

Mel reported that a girls' team has applied to enter an Under-10s cup competition run by the Norfolk Women's and Girls League likely to take place in February or March. The next meeting of the Women's and Girls' League is at Norwich Airport on 27th January.

Mel highlighted continuing problems with vehicles using the Memorial Field and in particular the damage caused to the nearside pitch. One of the smaller gates to the park will be blocked off. Nothing had been done about the tree roots.

He had written to Old Hall School about the possibility of having a 7-a-side pitch and was awaiting a reply. There had been a query about the accuracy of stats on the web site and the relevant manager would check this. The chairman pointed out that the web site is receiving approximately 700 hits a month.

Nick Burrett has now received the final settlement for his insurance claim amounting to £714.29.

James Millson of the A team had been sent off for punching a player on the shoulder and been suspended for 35 days and fined £33. He wrote a letter asking for leniency and the punishment was reduced to 21 days and £23.

The club has received a transfer request from Wymondham U-15s for U-16s player Stuart Holland.

Mel has written to the league again re the Bressingham v Hethersett U-13 game.

It is hoped to send the Criminal Record Bureau forms off at the weekend.

Treasurer's Report

Mel presented detailed accounts for the last season and this and said there was not a lot of spare capacity at the moment. The finances of the Under-8s and 7s needs to be sorted out and there was a short discussion re the presentation evening. This will be fully discussed at the next meeting.

Extraordinary General Meeting

There was a discussion on the proposed partnership with Easton College ahead of the EGM on Monday 24th January. It is anticipated that there will be up to 70 people attending. Ray Milne and Mark Kerr will speak on behalf of the idea and there will be full representation from Easton College.

Team Updates

Under-10s: Forging ahead with plenty of players enjoying their football.

Under-11s: Are now third equal in the league after losing to two of the top sides. Vernon Keeley is taking his FA level one badge.

Under-12s: Since the last meeting have played four with one win and three defeats. Played well against Wymondham, Mulbarton and Watton despite losing but then scored an impressive 9-1 victory. Enjoyed playing at Carrow Road on Boxing Day.

Under-14s: Have beaten Red Rose 15-1 and Salhouse 5-3. Are second in the league, just three points behind the leaders with two games in hand. Still have to play all four teams in contention for the title. Last season after 12 games the team had 15 points, but this season they have 20 and have scored more goals and conceded less.

Women's: Played their first match after a seven week absence and excelled themselves to win 5-1. Group photo of squad taken for publicity purposes. Team have a new coach who is currently taking an HND at Easton College. Morale is high and team looking to complete a number of doubles over sides they have already beaten.

Men's A: Unbeaten this year and won last three games 17-0, 3-0 and 4-3. Now third in league and good chance of finishing in top three.

Men's Res: Have played two with one win and one defeat. Had a player sent off in the 3-1 defeat against Thorpe. Beat Earlham 3-1. Dave once again highlighted the player availability problem through injury and call-offs. Team now out of relegation zone and looking to finish mid-table.

Men's Firsts: Since the last meeting have played four - winning two and losing two. They had easy wins against Busman and St George but lost to a strong Marlborough side and at the weekend to William. Problems of being able to field the same team for more than one match at a time.

Football Development Report

Mark reported on the success of the girls' football taster sessions run in conjunction with Norfolk FA. Thirty youngsters took part and Norfolk FA had supplied equipment and made a £150 donation.

Mark also highlighted coming courses for referees and Andy Oliver and Chris Kerr's involvement with coaching handicapped youngsters. It was suggested that the club should hold a child protection course

Publicity

The chairman reported on the web site and other publicity matters

Fixtures, Pitches Etc

The Middle School is keen to develop their links with the club and also provide changing facilities in the future. The chair is in contact with the Head Teacher on this matter.

Disciplinary Matters

The secretary stated that we are well within the acceptable number of penalty points with 21 at present. The next threshold is 69.

Next Meeting

The Extraordinary General Meeting will be held at Park Farm Hotel on Monday, 24th January and the next committee meeting at Park Farm Hotel on February 21st.