This is our first full season as a charity. This was a big step for the club to move from being a members club, but the results over the last 12 months have shown it was the right decision for the future of the entire club – not least because it puts us in a stronger financial position. We are able to reclaim gift aid on donations; are a more attractive option for sponsors; are able to apply for more grants, as well as access funds from trusts that gift to charities.

On the field we have had success from the First Team and Academy down to our impressive Mini and Junior Section, and the club continues to grow under the direction of our Management Board who tirelessly give up their time to run your club. In the clubhouse we’ve seen improvements in our food and beverage arrangements which has been commented on not only by you the members, but visiting teams this season. Changes to senior coaching structure have paid massive dividends with a more inclusive approach which in turn has given us the success we all like to see.

Looking to the future there are two key areas of focus – volunteer recruitment and club development. The club only thrives thanks to the tireless work of the volunteers. Many of those volunteers either formally in post (i.e. the Management Board and Board of Trustees) or informally have worked hard for the club for many years – on behalf of the whole club I would like to thank them. However, to take the club to the next level we need to involve more members in the running.
You will see on our Website a number of vacant posts (http://bit.ly/1O08dAq), and I would urge you to look at them and consider if you or perhaps someone you know can give up a few hours a week to help. You may find a job that fits your skill set or your profession or indeed both. After a number of years’ service some members are standing down, so we do need your help. If you are not sure if it’s something for you or would simply like an informal discussion about what the role might entail then please do contact the Interim Chair of the Management Board Donna Hogan via the Web site.

Club development is a critical focus too. We need more pitch space – in particular on a Sunday morning; more parking spaces; better clubhouse facilities and better drained pitches. This is something the Management Board and Trustees are working on to see how we can develop the site at Cow Lane into a future-proof facility. Over the summer we will be undertaking works to improve the drainage of all pitches and training areas. This is the first step.

Over the next few months the end of year accounts will be fully audited ready for the AGM which will be in September. At this meeting the Management Board and Trustees will be in a position to update you on plans for the future development at Cow Lane. There will be more details on this event posted online. It is moved to September (previously held in June) to ensure there is time for the audit to take place and cater for people being away of the summer – it’s vital that as many members as possible can attend to be part of the club’s future.

Finally, may I wish you all a very safe and happy summer, and we look forward to seeing you in September.

Best wishes

John Hopson,
Chair of Trustees