Hethersett Athletic

The secretary also inquired as to the proceedings of an insurance claim from Lucy Mitchell who suffered the loss of a tooth during the first match of the season, for the women’s team. Sue Milne assured him that all necessary paperwork was being undertaken by her dentist.

The secretary expressed his continued disappointment with the Norfolk Women’s and Girl’s league. He said they were still very poor. He pointed out that there had been a large muddle created concerning the U13 girls registrations. Also there had been major confusion over the U13 girl’s league cup match due to be played against Yarmouth. These and many other matters have raised many question marks about the running of the league next year. The secretary will be writing a letter to the chairman.

There have been complaints from the Men’s senior 1^st team. They are very concerned about the number of matches that have been called off at the last minute. The secretary will also be writing a letter to their league giving his views.

Treasurer’s report:

An up to date income/expenditure report was issued to those present and the treasurer gave an explanation to its contents. It was noted that the report had a new format.

It was agreed that the three men’s adult teams would split their annual subs three ways.

Dave Mannington asked that three sub-suits be ordered and that the money should come from the remains of the OSR sponsorship deal. This was agreed and Sue Milne will be putting in an order with Frank Coleby’s.

The treasurer informed the committee that there had been a slight difference of opinion between the club and Frank Coleby’s as to the total amount of money owed for footballs. David Bunn was asked to work out what we have had then we would write out a cheque with a letter. Continued relationships with Frank Coleby’s was paramount as they have been exceptionally good to us in the past but it was agreed that better communication between the two parties was needed.

The F.I.T. Society has agreed a price of £50 a year for all the teams. This has been paid and we are now fully paid up members.

There have been a few members attending Norfolk County F.A. courses and the treasurer has noted that there is a bursery to be chased up.

Team updates:

U 8’s:

The U8’s had their first friendly against Mulbarton. It was described as a learning curve! Nick Tarrant was reported to have said that they are progressing very nicely.

U 9’s:

The U9’s have got off to a flying start. They have played nine games winning 4, losing 4, and drawing 1. They currently have 14 players in the main squad. At present they are concentrating on team techniques and are progressing well. They are looking for more friendlies.

U 10’s:

At the moment the emphasis is on playing matches. They have played twenty five 7 –a-side matches so far. The last three league matches saw them win 1, draw 1, and lose 1.

U 11’s:

The U11’s have played three games since the last meeting, Lost 2 and won 1. They have started to play together as a team. They are currently training at the Old Hall School gym at a cost of £20 for two hours. They are very pleased with the facilities.

U 12’s:

Recently lost to Attleborough in the cup. It was noted that every game has been really close this season. A Silfield player has shown an interest in playing for the club. He is noted to be a very good striker.

U 13’s:

Recently lost 27-0 in the Norfolk Minor Cup. It must be said that the opponents were from the ‘A’ league and were always going to be tough opponents. A good win against Mulbarton – 6-1. Another good win against Lakeford – 6-5 and a good draw against Wymondham 2-2. They are gearing for second place in the league this season.

U 15’s:

Everything going well and are playing better each week. They go out to every game with the the emphasis on enjoying themselves. We wish them well.

U 13 girls:

The girls have had very few games due to teams pulling out but are reported to be doing very nicely.

WOMEN’s 7’s:

Since the last meeting the women’s 7’s have had a 2-0 defeat at Gorleston where they encountered a very rough pitch. A goal-less draw was the outcome at

Taverham. The girl’s lost 4-2 at Aylsham and in the first leg of the cup they lost 11-1 to Cromer. Manager Kim Arnall said they were still on a learning curve but enjoying their football.

WOMEN’s 11:

Playing better every match. Had a slow start but have now had two wins and a draw in the last three matches. Team spirit is running extremely high and personal development of the players is fruitful. Two more players are currently taking their level 1 courses and Lucy Mitchell has now proudly qualified as a referee.

SENIOR ‘A’:

Mark Kerr reported that attitude and commitment needs some attention. There has been twelve bookings in the past twelve games. Eight of those bookings are from the same referee! Mark is trying very hard to turn it around.

SENIOR RESERVES:

In the last four games the reserves have won 1, drawn 1, and lost 2. Dave Mannington reported that the recent Horsford match was quite difficult but was impressed that his lads were mature enough to walk away. The reserves are through to the quarter finals of the cup. In a recent game against Wymondham Dave was approached by the ref at the end of the match who relayed how impressed he was with the ‘newly formed’ Hethersett side.

SENIOR 1^st:

Going very well. Have played six league games and scored 31 goals, conceded 5. In the County cup the team are through to the quarter finals. Ross Potter congratulated Dave Mannington on his help this season. There is a very good team spirit and all boys are determined to win the league this season.

** The chairman, Peter Steward showed his appreciation to the two men’s teams for getting through to the cup quarter finals.

Promotion Manager’s Report:

On the sponsorship front it was reported that the £1000.00 deal with OSR. Had been completed. Holden Motors had issued a cheque for £250.00. This is for the U13 boy’s and is in the bank. There has been a cheque for £1000.00 from Anglia Television. We are still awaiting news from Norwich & Peterborough but the feedback is that they are very impressed with the club and the presentation of all documents. The most recent sponsorship money has been received from Essential Carpentry who gave a donation of £75.00. They will be getting a mention on the web-site.

New sponsorship deals awaiting discussion are Lex Commercials and Parish Council. If Lex come on board this would be a prime time to go for Sportsmatch. (3 x £1000.00)

Inland Revenue:

Need to register.

Events:

The Kevin Piper evening is due to take place on November 21^st, at Dunston Hall. The committee thanks Mike Molloy and Ray Milne for all their hard work. Ray Milne expressed his disappointment with the club not getting fully behind this event. Out of 100 tickets only 60 had been sold.

The All Weather Lottery is to be launched at the Kevin Piper evening.

Marketing:

Web site is now up to date. The design has been improved. The chairman expressed his wishes for people to use it as a reference.

The Newsletter was gratefully received by all members and it is the intention to produce this every month. The month’s coming fixtures will be displayed on the newsletter and it is the wish to feature a different team each time. Photographs are needed and information is very much needed. Margaret Jessop very kindly offered her assistance.

Land Update:

The communication from Brown & Co has been very poor. Messages have been left and phone calls made everyday but absolutely nothing back.

There has been talk of land becoming available in Hethersett due to a farmer retiring. We will keep on fighting the cause.

Football Development Officer:

The committee was shown some headed notepaper which was approved by all. It also consisted of a blank space which could include any individual sponsors. Mark Kerr gave full update for all F.A. courses for next year. It was confirmed that the club will still sponsor half of any fee. Bursaries are also available as we are Charter Standard.

There are at present Emergency Aid courses available for women only.

Club’s general development:

The general development of the club shows no concerns.

Child Protection:

Sue Milne reported that she had notification that the CPS had now caught up with demands and were able to start procedures with football clubs. Sue is awaiting a letter to clarify what is required.

Work Experience Initiative:

Peter Steward’s son is currently at university and wishes to undertake some work experience within the club. It is thought that he could offer assistance in redesigning the web-site or organising the library display or, indeed, helping out with any coaching. This is for the Jan/Feb period.

Pitches/Kit/Fixtures.

Mel Perkins thanked all for helping him to keep up with any changes of fixtures. He reported no problems with any of the pitches.

The pavilion on the Memorial Playing Field is in desperate need for some work. This will be bought up at the next meeting.

There have been reports of youths driving cars on the pitches at the Memorial. Talk of a second barrier to prevent this was made.

Links with Clubs outside Norfolk:

Kim Arnall spoke of a link between Hethersett Athletic and Tanzania. He gave a report on how a desperate need for equipment was paramount. Even a second hand football would be greatly received. The club has agreed to work with the Salvation Army and help to supply various clothing and equipment.

Disciplinary Matters:

A spreadsheet was shown to the committee which showed numerous fines from the South Norfolk League. One particular referee had issued 5 bookings in 7 weeks. The committee asked how they could support the manager over this issue.

It was agreed that a letter would be issued to the player in question stating the concern from the club.

Any Other Business:

Tim Utting talked of the referee’s courses that were now readily available and recommended them.

It was agreed that Margaret Jessop, Jenny Leighton and Nick Fulcher join the committee.

There being no further business the secretary bought the meeting to a close.

The next meeting will be at Hethersett Social Club on Monday 15^th December to commence at 7.30p.m.