Dear all,
This is a new, occasional communication to update you on what is happening at Abbots Youth Football Club. Some of you will already check the website, others will hear about things from managers or other parents, but I thought this was a way of giving a general and timely update, especially as there are a lot of things going on at the Club.
County Cup Update - date for your diary: 15 April
As many of you will know, the slightly older age groups are invited to take part in the County Cup. It is the top cup competition for us, equivalent to the Champions League. Over the years Abbots has had many semi final appearances, but we are very proud that this season the U16's, led by Terry Dixon, will be representing Abbots Youth in the final. It is to be played at the County Ground, Letchworth, the home of the Herts FA, on Sunday 15 April, kick off 10.30am. All supporters welcome, but if you can't make the match but want to hear first hand how events unfolded, we expect to be back at the clubhouse for around 2pm. There is a coach leaving Manor House around 8am but space is extremely limited, so one alternative might be to follow in your cars, creating an Abbots Youth convoy.
Quiz Night, Friday 27 April
AYFC are holding a quiz in the Council run side of the clubhouse, from 8pm, Friday 27 April, profits split between the Club and the Hospital of St Francis. Please see your team manager if you are interested - we are aiming for over a dozen teams of around 8. Please support these functions as it helps generate revenue, in addition to the subscriptions and sponsorship.
Awards Day, Monday 4 June
This is the celebration and recognition of achievements during the season, both individual and collective. This year we are taking advantage of the double bank holiday in June, so the awards day will be Monday 4 June at the clubhouse. Team timings are being discussed with the managers, but we will aim for a series of presentations during the afternoon and the traditional barbecue in the early evening. As last year, we will try and source a bouncy castle for the younger ones. With the Tuesday being a bank holiday too, we hope you will be able to stay for a few drinks as we all have a lie in the following day. I know it is half term so not everyone will be able to make the day, but unfortunately there is never a day that works for all.
Plea - help desperately needed
As you may know, we have over 200 players aged 5-20 something across 17 youth teams and one adult team. We are affiliated to the West Herts League, the Watford Friendly League, the Herts FA, and the West Herts Saturday Adults League. We have FA Charter Status so all of our coaches are qualified, all coaches and helpers are CRB checked, we have the relevant health and safety and Child Protection training, and are recognised by the various footballing organisations for these efforts. But it all takes a lot of running, let alone the coaching and playing side, as we now have to renew our Charter Status every year. We need your help.
Social Event Organiser
Right now we are looking for someone to help with organising the social side of the club, possibly a small group of 4-5 people, that will help generate ideas and communication, making sure coaches and parents know what is going on, as well as run the events. The social events, besides being good fun, help generate revenue for the Club that keep the subs at such a consistently competitive level. If you are at all interested, please let me or any one of the club officials know.
Minute Taker: We have committee meetings in the Clubhouse every 6 weeks or so during the season; each last typically a couple of hours. We need a minute taker to record the meetings. It serves as a good summary to anyone missing the meeting, and is a Charter Status requirement. Can you spare a couple of hours every 6 weeks or so?
League Representatives
Every 6 weeks, the Club needs to be represented at Watford Friendly League and West Herts League meetings. This is a Charter Status requirement but also keeps the Club informed with wider developments, such as the 9 v 9 being introduced as a way of bridging the gap when teams move from 7 a side to 11 a side. But if we don't send a representative, the Club is fined. So again, if you could spare a couple of hours every month and a half, please let me know.
If we are able to spread the roles around, no one person is overloaded. And even if you are not sure you could commit to one of the roles above, all help is appreciated, and I am sure we can find something useful for you to do!
Respect Campaign
You will have heard about the national Respect Campaign, but you may not be aware it is not just professional football but every level where you can lead by example. I have attached the FA's Code of Conduct as it applies to all players, officials and supporters. Everyone agrees it is a great initiative but it can sometimes be difficult to remember in the heat of a match. So it won't do any harm to spend a moment reminding ourselves what we expect from each other when playing, coaching or supporting this great game.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 5:01PM | 
