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AGM

BSCFC Annual General Meeting (AGM) Minutes

The Annual General Meeting of Bishop’s Stortford Community Football Club held at Friedberg Avenue Clubhouse on 25th May 2023
Attendees: Grant Hegley, Mark Warwick, Jo Ivory, Jo Packer, James Webb, Mark Hargrave, Nik Barnes, Tim Moylette, Morgan LaForce, Alan Hazell, Keeley Armstrong, Richard McEnery, Mark Goddard, Paul Douglas, Mike Painter, Robbie Armstrong, Dan Hayden, Chris Burgess, Graham Fisher, Andy Norris, Jason Cox & Hugo Vasconcelos.
Agenda
1. Apologies for absence – Kim Reeder, Kerry Bray and Lewis Pressman
Welcome from GH – great to see some new faces at the meeting.
2. The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held of BSCFC on 19th May 2022 were agreed as a true record. Proposed by Mark Warwick and seconded by Alan Hazell.
3. Chairman’s Report (Grant Hegley)
Welcome, once again, to the Annual General Meeting of the Bishop’s Stortford Community Football Club Limited.
My usual thought, when I prepare my Annual Report to Members is where have the past 12 months gone..
This year, being my last as Chairman, I wonder where the past 8 years have gone… having been elected to this role in May 2015.
Here is my Chairman’s report with a brief review of the past 12 months and a look forward to the Season ahead and how we will continue, with your support, to shape the Club’s future..
Season 22/23 as ever started immediately after the previous season ended.
Our Club Secretary, Jo Packer, begins the process of registering our 80 teams with the FA and the 8 Leagues in which the Club competes for our burgeoning 1000+ playing members (both female and male, with ages ranging from 6 to 65). Jo’s efforts on your behalf have been recognised by being awarded the Mid Herts Club Secretary of the Year and at the BS Indie’s community awards ceremony held at South Mill Arts Centre in November ’22 where she was awarded and recognised as Bishop’s Stortford’s SPORTS PERSONALITY of the Year. These 2 awards show how Jo, and the Club is recognised and appreciated by those not just within one of the Leagues in which we compete, but also outside the Community Football Club..
So, congratulations Jo for these well-deserved awards as recognition of your efforts on behalf of BSCFC.
I’m sure Jo will concede that we all owe a huge thank you to our Registration Officer Kerry Bray, who assists throughout the season with the task of Player Registrations and to our Finance Officer, Jo Ivory who looks after the Club’s money, a large percentage of which comes through the annual subscription. These 3 Ladies liaise closely to ensure that the Players are fully registered and available to play for their respective sides.
On the playing side, our Fixture Secretary, Alan Hazell (as well as being a Director and Trustee of BSCFC), then deals with the onerous task of arranging weekly training sessions for all and the task of placing our teams at the various grounds where we play for around 3000 fixtures in which we compete over the course of a season. I say this every year … an unenviable task.
As reported last year, our football playing side was restructured and regular Football Committee meetings are held. This continues with Mark Warwick (as well as being a Director and Trustee of BSCFC) chairing these meetings, Jo Packer acting as Secretary, with our Head Coach, Tim Moylette, Lead Coaches Danny Gibson, Hugo Vasconcelos, Nik Barnes, Ryan Ladyman, Gary Mardle and Morgan La Force (as well as being a Director and Trustee of BSCFC) are all in attendance on your behalf to discuss and develop the Club’s playing philosophy and football development plan.
It would be remiss of me if I did not thank all of the Managers, their Assistants, Coaches, as well as all Parents/Members who act as Linesmen/Match Day Delegates/Administrators who give up their free time to organise football on a Saturday and Sunday. I said last year, having attended countless meetings with the Herts FA, as well as local and national Government officials your efforts and commitment are hugely appreciated. So, thank you.
We have continued to encourage Members to take up the thankless task of refereeing, thank you to Mark Hargrave for continuing with this initiative. I’m hopeful there will be a further announcement from BSCFC about Referee courses and the sponsorship of same in the near future.
I’m sure you will continue to notice our presence in the local press and on Social Media (if you don’t, please follow BSCFC!), as well as the regular updates to our website so thank you to Nik Barnes and Shaun Mercer.
The Club’s Presentation days held last weekend 20th and 21st May at Friedberg and the U15-U18 awards night that was successfully held at BSFC on 12th May, celebrate BSCFC’s teams and our Players achievements. These events have once again been kindly sponsored by local investment firm Ravenscroft. The numbers in attendance were similar to last year and showcase BSCFC in a fantastic light.
This year, I will not steal Jo Packer’s thunder regarding our individual team successes as they are recorded in her report. We will also detail the on the field success in our, now, regular newsletter.
There have been some amazing performances this season and our congratulations go to ALL..
Under Nik Barnes our partnership with Cambridge United goes from strength to strength with 15 of our BSCFC players in their Elite system and 40 in their Regional Development Centres. Also, I’m pleased to report that Jonah Rawsthorne (U10), Matty Szulc (U9), George Hoddle (U17), Paddy Dunne (U14), Arthur Hammick (U13), Zac Martins (U11), Riley Cattle (U11), Zay Gordon (U11) and Theo Braund (U10) have all progressed from BSCFC to full Academy Status. In return CUFC have continued to support our Football Management Committee for the improvement and benefit of our team managers/coaches football education.
Good luck to all those Players in their continued development and it’s a sure sign of the success of BSCFC’s coaching structure.
New Players continue to join, pretty much on a daily basis, from the local area as well as from the surrounding towns and villages. In particular the Girls Section, which for most of the season, were under the stewardship of Steve Law, is growing in huge numbers.
Thanks to Mark Warwick who, along with Ivan and Lisa Gill, ensures our Clubhouse facilities here at our home at Friedberg Avenue are as good as they can be with the constraints that we have here.
Further thanks to Mark Warwick who with Alan Hazell, instructs the Garsons Group and others to maintain and improve our Pitches at Friedberg, Albury, Pearce House, Birchanger, BS College and Birchwood High School. I’m sure you will appreciate their considerable efforts for you to enjoy the best pitches and facilities that we can offer.
Over the last few years, I have updated you as to our search for a parcel of land suitable for the development of a much-needed modern clubhouse with a minimum of 2 full-sized “3G” playing pitches, together with car parking facilities.
I’m pleased to advise in conjunction with other interested parties we have made a credible and positive proposition to Bishops Stortford Town Council, and they have ring fenced £2.5m to invest in a proposed 40-acre multi-sports complex to the north of the town alongside partner organisations. This money will be a contribution to buy part of the site and pay a portion of the planning and infrastructure costs. As I’m sure you will appreciate there will be a number of hurdles still to clear but I’m confident that we can engage with our partners and the town’s other sports clubs to deliver a top of the range facility that we will be proud to call home. Having secured the land and with the political support, we are now in the process of taking next steps down the planning route. Hugely exciting progress. Despite relinquishing the Chair, I will continue to be a Member of the Committee overseeing the new facilities role. I will be in regular contact with you as we inch closer to achieving our goal, as, have no doubt, your support in this venture will be absolutely vital.
As I come to the end of my final report as your Chairman, I think, as ever, it is important that BSCFC should record their thanks to your Committee who have worked tirelessly as VOLUNTEERS, on your behalf this season.
So, thanks to:-
Jo Packer – Club Secretary;
Jo Ivory – Finance Manager;
Kerry Bray – Registrations;
Alan Hazell* – Fixtures/Training/Child Welfare Officer; Director and Trustee of BSCFC
Morgan La Force* – Vice Chairman; Director and Trustee of BSCFC
Tim Moylette – Head Coach/Lead Coach; Mark Warwick* – Manager Liaison; Kit and Equipment Officer; Director and Trustee of BSCFC
Gary Mardle – U6/U7 age group co-ordinator;
Hugo Vasconcelos – Lead Coach Girls /Ladies
Nik Barnes – Lead Coach
Danny Gibson – Lead Coach U12-U18
Steve Law – Girls/Ladies Secretary
Mark Hargrave Referees;
Ajay Shah – Commercial Operations and Strategy;
Nik Barnes, Mark Hargrave, Mike Painter and Shaun Mercer – Compliance, press and communications team.
Committee, on behalf of BSCFC, may I thank you all for your efforts this season.
Unfortunately, Ajay Shah, Steve Law, Mark Hargrave and Mike Painter have decided to resign from their positions.
In particular our thanks go to Mark Hargrave, who I know will still be involved and take an active interest in the Club being one of our Life Presidents – thank you so much for your efforts on BSCFC’s behalf over the last 20 years or so.
Gentlemen thank you for your service.
Moving forward to next season and having checked my report from last year BSCFC requested your help to become involved on the Committee in any way, shape or form.
I’m delighted to say that we have recruited Lewis Pressman, Kim Reeder, Richard McEnery, Mark Goddard and Keeley Armstrong onto your Committee. These guys will fill a number of vital roles on your Committee in taking the Club forward. Welcome ALL and thank you so much for volunteering your time and energy.
It has been my honour and absolute privilege to serve as Chairman of BSCFC over the last 8 years. Whilst not everything we have done as a Club has met with universal approval, what I do know is that the decisions that we, as a Committee, reach are made without fear or favour and for what we believe is for the betterment of ALL at BSCFC.
As I come to the end of my final report, I appreciate the support I’ve received from you ALL since my appointment in May 2015. In particular I must thank Alan Hazell who has been an absolute font of knowledge and has given me unstinting support over the 8 years I’ve been in post. I also think it would be remiss of me if I didn’t thank the Club’s previous Secretary, Nicky Moylette, who was in post when I first got elected as your Chair for her support in the first few years of my tenure. Thank you.
Finally, there is one person who I have deliberately missed out in my welcome onto the Committee and that is James Webb. James has volunteered to become your new Chair. Having worked with James over the last year or so and seen his efforts on the GOVOX initiative I’m sure he will continue to make BSCFC the best Sports Club in the area and at the heart of our community. Please offer him the support that you have given me, and we will continue to grow as a Club..
James, I wish you all the best in taking BSCFC forward. You will have my support in my role on the Committee and as a Director and Trustee of BSCFC.
Together we look forward to a successful season 2023/24 both on and off the field.
Stay safe, well, enjoy the Summer and thank you once again for your support in the last 8 years.
4. Finance Report – (Jo Ivory)
Review of season 2022/23 and proposal for 2023/24
Pitch hire – games & training
• With a month still to go (May 2023) the expected cost for pitch hire season 2022/23 is £70,500.00
• With increase in costs to hire pitches (as confirmed by the pitch suppliers)
Total – £80,000.00
Pitch maintenance
• Season 2022/23 £32,050.00 has been spent maintaining various pitches used by BSCFC
• We have received a cost for the works required to maintain pitches season 2023/24
Total – £34,000.00
Affiliation fees
• Based on what each league has confirmed for season 2023/24
Total – £10,500.00
Equipment
• Based on the number of teams signing this season allowing for the allocation of balls (both match and training), pitch equipment, medical supplies and trophies.
Total- £16,575.00
Managers kit
• Previous seasons top up requests reviewed
• Allowance for 22 new managers to receive full kit (12 new to the club and 10 replacing existing manager who are leaving)
Total – £6,500.00
Kits
• New kit to be issued to whole club
• Number of kits required based on intentions for season 2023/24
• Each full kit to last 2 seasons
• Budget has allowed for increase in cost of each kit
Total – £53,000.00
Training tops
• Being provided to all players as part of the kit policy
• Budget has allowed for increase in price of training tops
Total – £26,220.00
Welfare
• An allowance has been made for 55 managers to attend the introduction to football course (course fee £160.00)
• Managers are also required to sit the first aid course and safeguarding children
• Included within the budgets DBS checks and an allowance for hardship cases
Total – £18,510.00
Head coach payments
• Allowance has been included within the budget to recognise the work carried out by the head coach and 4 lead coaches
Total – £17,000.00
Running of facilities including admin costs
• Included is the running and upkeep of the club house at Friedberg Avenue
• Admin costs to run the club for the season
• Website and social media expense
• Allowance has been included to cover meetings
Total – £21,850.00
Others
• Included within others is unpaid fines and club insurance
• A contingency per team has also been built in as the club cannot run at a loss
Total – £9,200.00
Sub proposal season 2023/24
The estimated running costs for season 2023/24 £293,355.00 plus the love admin payment platform transaction charge – £305,555.00
BSCFC proposed subscription payment – £300.00 (based on 1024 members)
EJA proposed subscription payment – £325.00 (higher affiliation fees and admin fees)
U6/U7 mini blues subscription payment – £115.00 (covering kit and training pitch hire)
U6/U7 training subscription payment – £115.00 (covering kit and training pitch hire)
Training only members – £70.00 (covering training pitch hire, insurance and equipment)
In addition to the above all new members required to pay £25.00 joining fee
The committee are in advance to the start of the season attempting to raise funds to bring the BSCFC subscription payment to £250.00 and the EJA subscription payment to £275.00. This will be achieved in gaining sponsors and funding.
Payment options
Subscription payments for all members to be paid by 24th August 2023. The payment system to be open from 1st June 2023 to 24th August 2023, giving 12 weeks to make payment. All payments to be made via the love admin payment system. The option to pay in 2 instalments will be available for accounts registered between 1st June 2023 and 31st July 2023. The first instalment will be collected once the account has been opened and the club has approved the account. The 2nd instalment will be collected 30 days after making the 1st instalment.
Please note
• We are a non-profit charity club with the sub payments being calculated to cover the cost of delivering football for the season (excluding ref costs and coaching costs). At present our income is solely derived from subscription payments
• The subscription payment for the EJA (eastern junior alliance) is higher than the general BSCFC subs and this is due to the affiliation, additional team charges and administration costing more for these teams
How you can help
• We are currently looking for a sponsor/sponsors for both the home kits and training tops. We welcome any individuals/companies willing to assist.
• The giving machine offers all members parents, family and friends the opportunity to raise a free donation to the club which purchases online. This facility is not currently being maximised by our members/football community. This could, if used by all plus friends and family generate a considerable income for the club.
How the club can help
• We will continue to investigate grants that maybe available to the club
• The committee will also explore gaining sponsors
5. Club Secretary /Admin Report season 2022-23 (Jo Packer)
Firstly, can I say thank you on behalf of the Committee and the Club to Grant for his service as chair for the last 8 years. He has been a big support to me, finding my feet in the Club Secretary role for the past 3 years.
As the 2022-23 season concludes, the weather has again been the biggest challenge – there were several weeks where most if not all fixtures were postponed which means that Alan is again still booking pitches, as matches continue up to this weekend to complete league fixtures.
Our Youth teams have played in 5 leagues again this season and we have had a very successful season on the field. With several teams across the leagues reaching semi-finals of both league cup and shield competitions, and divisional cup competitions. There are some league divisional titles to be settled as the season doesn’t end until the weekend. A highlight
of our team’s cup runs was a fantastic local derby MHRML Division 1 Cup game between U18 Athletic and U17 Saints, which was played at BSFC Stadium on 10th May.
U16 Girls – Junior Cup Winners
U14 Girls – U14 Senior Shield Winners and Division 3 runners up
U18 Athletic – MHRML Division 1 Winners -unbeaten (won 14, drawn 3), Division 1 Cup Winners and League Cup finalists.
U18 Rovers – MHRML Division 4 -runners up.
U17 Saints – MHRML Division 1 Cup finalists
U16 Town – MHRML League Cup finalists and Premier Division Cup finalists
U14 Town – MHRML Division 2 Runners up
U14 Rovers / U14 Athletic – RCYFL Division 2 runners up – to be decided.
U12 City – MHRML Division 1 Winners, Division 1 Cup Winners
U12 Stripes – MHRML Division 4 Cup Winners
U11 Rovers – MHRML Green Division Cup Winners
U11 City – MHRML Green Division Cup Finalists
U11 Blues – MHRML Yellow Division Cup finalists
U10 Stripes – RCYFL Presidents Cup Winners
As we look to next season the current U7s move to league fixtures next season we are expecting 1 new U8 Girls team and 6 new U8 mixed teams.
We are looking to recruit for our Ladies team for next season to continue the pathway from our youth section. Our Ladies team goalkeeper and assistant Manager Alisha Maxim has been picked for the GB team at the Special Olympics next month.
The Men’s teams are looking for players to boost their numbers to move to a new league for a fresh challenge. Our Vets teams also continue within the Essex Vet League.
We have had some new committee members join us during the season, however with the continued growth and development of the club, with the new facilities inching forward – we need you to support and join us to ensure that the club flourishes as it grows.
To echo Grant, the Managers, assistants, team administrators and committee members give their time as volunteers, and we need more to support the work being done and move the club forward – many hands make light work …. please if you have some free time you can give to support your club, let us know.
We have seen 2 silent support weekends this season as the FA attempts to raise awareness of and reduce the number of pitch side incidents that have occurred post Covid. However, we have had to deal with a few incidents affecting our teams, players and supporters. That said most of the games our teams are involved in are played in the grassroots spirit. I am sure there will be more campaigns in the season to come. Our teams’ match day delegates are crucial in supporting the referee, without whom we would have no games.
If anyone (aged 14 or over) is interested in training as a referee, please let us know as we have a sponsor for the course and supply of kit once qualified. This is a great opportunity to support your club.
Over the last 6 months the club has entered into a partnership with GOVOX to support our members with health and wellbeing, this is also a survey where members can feedback to the club on specific issues. Over the year we have had themes regarding training, facilities and we are taking these comments onboard. Please continue to respond to these monthly surveys so we can continue to gather our member’s feedback.
As this season ends the planning for 2023-24 begins. There will be more information issued in the monthly newsletter and we look forward to another successful season.
6. Confirmation of Officer Appointments & Election of Committee Members for season 2023/24 (GH)
Election of officers completed on block – no objections
Position Name
Life Presidents
Derek Bayley / Mark Hargrave / Alan Hazell / Trevor Lloyd / Tim Moylette / Sean Murphy
*Chairman
James Webb **
*Vice Chairman
Morgan La Force **
*Club Secretary
Jo Packer**
*Finance Manager
Jo Ivory**
U6/U7 Age Groups Football Development Co-ordinator
Gary Mardle
U8-U11 Age Group Football Development Co-ordinator and Club Head Coach
Tim Moylette
U12-U18 Age Group Football Development Co-ordinator / Lead Coach
Danny Gibson
U14 / U16 (2022-23) Age Group Football Development Co-ordinator / Lead Coach
Nik Barnes
Elite Development – Lead Coach
Ryan Ladyman
U7 -U18 Girls Age Groups & Women’s Football Development Co-ordinator / Lead Coach
Hugo Vasconcelos
Registrations Officer
Kerry Bray
Fixtures Secretary
Alan Hazell
Child Welfare Officer
Alan Hazell/
Assistant Child Welfare Officers
Tim Moylette/ Keeley Armstrong
Kit and Equipment Officers
Mark Warwick
New Facilities Officer
Grant Hegley
Assistant Club Secretary / Qualifications
Mark Goddard
Manager Liaison Officer
Mark Warwick
Schools Liaison and Co-Ordinator
Tim Moylette
Press Officer/Social Media Officer/ Communications
***
Governance
Richard McEnery
Commercial Operations and Strategy
***
Referees Officer
***
Committee Members / Volunteers
Lewis Pressman / Kim Reeder Key
*
Elected Positions
**
Nominations made
***
Nominations invited
James Webb – takes the Chair
7. Any other Business
Emailed questions –
• Mark Cowper – raised a query regarding instalment payments. JI advised that the system is set up for 2 instalments to be made and payments can also be made on PayPal. Providing first payment received by 31st July the second payment will be taken 30 days after the first.
• Mike Painter
o Prospects for getting a 10am KO at Grange Paddocks? AH advises that the Men’s Teams get preference for the 10.30am KO on Sundays (league rules for NWESL) and therefore rare for any pitch slot to be available.
o U15-U18 pitch allocations – could these be more equally spread esp. for the out-of-town venue’s such as Albury. – AH advises that need to be prudent with pitch hire and ensure maximising use of all pitches. AH also notes that biggest issue is managers failing to notify him of match cancellations in order for pitches to be cancelled. Managers also need to check fixtures (every week) to ensure no errors.
o Is the Club maximising its size and potential buying power. AH- college and GP pitches have hire agreements in place, negotiations are done annually and also need to maximise use.
o With the town growth is the finite number of teams? AH not necessarily as spreading fixtures across Sat / Sunday where can assists.
• Paul Douglas – new facility what is the current stage? GH update is – price agreed for the land and first pre-planning app submitted and positive response. 2nd pre-planning app to be submitted and if all ok planning app will follow. Football foundation aware of project as are HFA and still onboard. All indications are that we will have this funding in place.
• Mike Painter – question regarding teams playing at the main stadium – AH supportive of this if it fits in with the main club fixtures.
• Hardship query – JI advised that parent / carer can either go to coach / manager in first instance or direct to her. Assistance decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and in agreement with the club directors.
• James Webb – agreed that have to make members aware of issues and how the information is communicated for them to get assistance. Advice to be added to the payment guide. The information is out there but need to make sure that the message is getting to all members. Onus on Managers and coaches to ensure that get information out to their players.
• GOVOX has questions for directly commenting on aspects of the club – these are acted on.
• Paul Douglas – additional Men’s team – further discussions to be had
• Mark Warwick – proposed that Grant Hegley is made a life president of the Club – MW proposed, and MH seconded – all agreed.
Meeting ended 9.15pm
Secretary, Alan Hazell, (a Director and Trustee of BSCFC, as well as his CWO role that he shares with Martin Tritton), deals with the onerous task of arranging some 3000 fixtures for our teams playing at numerous locations in Bishop’s Stortford and its surrounding
areas including Friedberg, Grange Paddocks, BS College, Jobbers Wood, Cricketfield Lane, Birchanger, Albury, Furneaux Pelham and Paringdon. He also arranges the weekly training sessions that our Players enjoy at various sites including Birchwood, Hockerill and BS College. As I’m sure you will appreciate this is an unenviable task but our sincere thanks must go to Alan for his efforts that are greatly appreciated by ALL. His unstinting efforts on behalf of you all, was recognised at the BS Indies community awards ceremony held at South Mill Arts Centre in November where he was awarded recognised as one of Bishop’s Stortford’s SPORTS PERSONALITYS, so congratulations Alan for this well-deserved award as recognition for your efforts on behalf of BSCFC.
At the BS Indies community awards ceremony, Ray Greenwood was also formally recognised for his contribution to the Football Community with his 2 Sons, Nick and Bert, collecting the award.
These 2 BS Independent awards show how these 2 servants to the Club are recognised and appreciated by those not just within but also outside the Community Football Club.
The tragic loss of Ray was felt by us all and it was at the Club’s first Committee meeting, following his sad passing, that we sat down and realised what Ray did for BSCFC. From coaching numerous teams, overseeing the burgeoning Girls section, the Club’s Lead Coach for the U12-18 Age groups as well as running the Café at Friedberg, that is now named in his memory. He is sorely missed by all.
In his memory, the Club have decided that we will be making an annual award to a Member for his/her commitment and service to BSCFC. This award will be presented at an evening we shall shortly be arranging which will include retiring Committee Members and Managers that we haven’t been able to formally recognise (due to the pandemic) from previous seasons to thank them all for their valued service to BSCFC.
At the Committee meeting, agreement was reached to “re-structure” our football operation. Still under our Head Coach, Tim Moylette, the Club appointed 3 new Lead Coaches in Danny Gibson, Hugo Vasconcelos and Ryan Ladyman, my Vice Chairman and Director and Trustee of BSCFC, Morgan La Force is keenly involved here, as is Gary Mardle our U7 Age Group co-ordinator.
The Head and Lead Coaches now meet regularly with your Team Coaches to continue to implement BSCFC’s football development plan. For the first time since the pandemic, a Managers meeting was held in February, to discuss their Teams, any issues they may have and how we can continue to improve your Club. Regular Manager meetings will be arranged for next season to ensure your views are heard.
I would like to personally thank all of the Managers, their Assistants, Coaches, as well as all Parents/Members who act as Linesmen/Match Day Delegates/Administrators who give up their free time to organise football on a Saturday and Sunday – whilst it may seem a thankless task I know for a fact, the commitment and effort is appreciated not just by the Team’s players but all at BSCFC, the Herts FA and indeed local and national Government.
This season we have also started to encourage Members to take up the thankless task of refereeing, thank you to Mark Hargrave for taking up this initiative. I’m sure you will also have noticed our increased presence in the local press and on Social Media (if you don’t, please follow BSCFC!), as well as the regular updates to our website so thank you to Nik Barnes, Mike Painter and Shaun Mercer.
Playing success is recognised in a number of ways.
The Club’s Presentation days, that have been arranged for next weekend 21st and 22nd May at Friedberg and the U15-U18 awards night that was successfully held at BSFC on 13th May, celebrate BSCFC’s teams and our Players achievements. These events are, this year, kindly sponsored by local investment firm Ravenscroft – thank you to Ajay Shah who deals with our Commercial Operations and Strategy for his efforts here.
Individual team success is recognised by their performance on the field and the Club have been incredibly successful this season this is evidenced by the following achievements:-
The Ladies team won the League award for most Sporting team in their Division
U16 Girls – Semi-finalists of County Cup
U15 Girls – HGPFL League Cup Winners
U12 Girls – HGFPL Div 4 Winners and League Shield Finalists (lost on penalties)
The Girls section has league teams from U9-U16 (with 2 at U11) this season.
Veterans – Essex Vets League Winner with a Cup Semi Final still to be played!
U18 Rovers – MHRML Div 2 Winners, League Cup Winners and Div 2 Cup Winners
U18 Town – RCYFL League Cup Winners
U17 Athletic – MHRML Div 2 Runners Up
U16 Saints – MHRML D2 Winners (unbeaten)
U15 Town – MHRML Prem Div Winners (unbeaten) and Prem Div Cup Winners
U14 Wanderers – RCYFL Div 3 Winners
U13 Town – MHRML Div 2 Cup finalists
U12 Town – MHRML Prem Div Cup Winners
U12 Royals – MHRML Div 1 Cup Winners
U12 Athletic BCAYFL D1 runners up
U11 Rangers – MHRML Indigo Div Cup Winners
U9 Town – MHRML Emerald Div Cup Finalists
U9 Athletic – BCAYFL Rome Div Cup Finalists
U9 Rangers – BCFAYL Venice Div Cup Finalists
Amazing performances and our congratulations go to ALL.
I advised in my report last year that we had entered into a partnership with Cambridge United. Since then, a number of BSCFC players have either trialled with their full academy or entered their regional development and elite development systems. In return CUFC have delivered CPD events for the improvement and benefit of our team managers/coaches football education. I’m pleased to advise that:-
4 Ex BSCFC players signed to their academy
5 BSCFC players in their GK academy
20 BSCFC players in their regional development centres
8 BSCFC players in their elites
7 BSCFC players in their Pre academy.
Good luck to all those Players in their continued development and a sure sign of the success of BSCFC’s coaching structure. A special thank you to Nik Barnes for continuing to take this initiative forward.
As last year we continue to recruit new Players from the local area as well as from the surrounding towns and villages. Again, I must highlight the Girls Section, now under the stewardship of Steve Law, which is growing in huge numbers.
Many of you will recall a few years ago we surveyed our Members canvassing views as to how the Club operates. the main “complaint” was facilities and the state of our pitches. As
such we continue, under the stewardship of Mark Warwick (a Director and Trustee of BSCFC and who is also our Manager Liaison Officer), to make for your benefit, considerable financial investment to our Clubhouse facilities at our home at Friedberg Avenue and instruct the Garsons Group to maintain and improve our Pitches at Friedberg, Albury, Furneaux Pelham, Pearce House and Birchanger. I’m sure you will appreciate the considerable effort here.
I updated Members last year as to our search for a parcel of land suitable for the development of a much-needed modern clubhouse with a minimum of 2 full-sized “3G” playing pitches, together with car parking facilities.
You will recall that I advised that Bishops Stortford Town Council had been offered the chance to buy 40 acres of land to the north of the town and that they were carrying out a feasibility study into the creation of a new multi-sport complex that will potentially cost tens of millions of pounds and will require support and funding from sporting associations and organisations. In the last year I have entered into discussions with a number of these associations/organisations/ interested parties as well as BSTC and they are fully aware of our “wishes” and understand that, without our support, it would be unlikely the potential sporting complex would get the political support and the necessary planning approval. I continue to be in close contact with the Football Association and Football Foundation who are supportive of the approach we are taking here. We are getting there.
Have no doubt the time this project is taking is hugely frustrating to me, but I have confidence there is a light at the end of the tunnel and our aim and ambition here will be met.
I hope Members will be supportive of this approach and that you fully appreciate the difficulties we experience with this project.
I will, of course, keep you informed as to next steps and progress.
As I come to the end of my report, I think, as ever, it is important that BSCFC should record their thanks to your Committee who work tirelessly as VOLUNTEERS, on your behalf.
So thanks to:-
Jo Packer – Club Secretary;
Jo Ivory – Finance Manager;
Kerry Bray – Registrations;
Alan Hazell* – Fixtures/Training/Child Welfare Officer;
Morgan La Force* – Vice Chairman;
Tim Moylette – Head Coach/Lead Coach;
Mark Warwick* – Manager Liaison U12-18; Kit and Equipment Officer;
Gary Mardle – U7 age group co-ordinator;
Steve Law/Mark Hargrave – Girls/Ladies/Referees;
Martin Tritton – Manager Mentor and Child Welfare Officer;
Ajay Shah – Commercial Operations and Strategy;
Nik Barnes, Mark Hargrave, Mike Painter and Shaun Mercer – Compliance, press and communications team.
* Director and Trustee of BSCFC
Committee, on behalf of BSCFC, may I thank you all for your efforts this season.
The awards night to be held in Ray’s memory will be towards the end of September. With an honours board to list those receiving the award. The award will be given to someone who has given their time and effort for the club in the previous 12months. A memorial game is also being arranged by Ray’s 2 Son’s Nick and Bert.
Matters arising from the Chairman’s report:-
Why are there issues getting Volunteers?
A discussion ensued with GH advising that the issue is not unique to BSCFC and is reflected across various Clubs and Leagues and was not exclusive to football but all organisations.
It was agreed new faces are URGENTLY required for the Committee particularly from the younger age groups to shape the Club’s future. Mike Painter is working on job descriptions with an estimate of the weekly/monthly time involved, to assist with the recruitment process.
At future Managers meetings they will be reminded that there is an expectation to offer assistance and support from within their Team’s Parent base.
Due to the lack of volunteers led to the annual (pre-Covid) Tournament would not be running, this has led to a reduction in revenue which directly impacts on the club’s subscription levels.
It was suggested as part of the registration process that the additional fundraising tools – Amazon Smile and the Giving Machine are highlighted. Can they be added to the loveadmin registration page? JI agreed to look into this.
4 Finance Report (Jo Ivory):-
Before the Accounts for year ending 31.07.21 were agreed GH advised that BSCFC’s accountants have changed to Barrow & Co. The accounts have been approved by the directors (GH, AH, MLF & MW) and despite showing a loss in the financial year, this was due, in the main, to a change in how the accounts were presented. The Accounts were approved.
Finance Report Season 2021-22 and Proposal for the Season Ahead 2022-23
PITCH HIRE – GAMES, TRAINING & PITCH MAINTENANCE
• Total spend on hiring of pitches from the start of the season until 30th April 2022 – End of the season 2022 – £61,000.00
• Cost to maintain multiple pitches in various locations – £18,500.00
TOTAL – £79,500.00
Projected Cost 2022-23
The hire costs of all pitches have increased for next season with the option of hiring the new 3G pitch located at Grange Paddocks likely to become available this season. The hire of this facility will be a significant price difference. This season more pitches are available to us which we will need to maintain.
Total- £100,000.00
LEAD COACH FEES
• We have 3 Head Coaches in place leading forward the Girls Development, U8 to U11 and U12 to U18.
TOTAL – £11,400.00
Cost for season 2022-23
Total – £12,500.00
AFFILIATION FEES
• Season 2021-22 many of the leagues reduced/waived their affiliation fees (to acknowledge the effect of Covid 19). Giving the cost to affiliate all teams:
TOTAL – £2,500.00
Season 2022-23
Affiliation fees have been reintroduced this season with a substantial increased amount being due. The reason for the increase is due to the leagues now having to employ individuals to carry out administrative tasks. Historically these committees have been made up of volunteers, sadly this is no longer the case.
Cost for season 2022-23
Total – £9,300.00
EQUIPMENT – Managers & Balls
• Last season’s spend on managers equipment and balls – £10,200.00.
• We also provide end of season trophies to recognise excellence in football – £5000.00
• As a club we also provide accessories to enable games to take place (e.g., goals barriers, corner flags etc.) – £6,300.00
TOTAL- £21,500.00
Season 2022-23
This season we are investing in a sports camera to assist coaches in developing players further. We are also providing 2 sets of goals to BS College and 1 set to Albury to secure the use of their pitches.
Again, prices of equipment & trophies have increase with us predictions providing for the following cost:
Total – £30,000.00
MANAGERS’ KIT
• The cost to provide managers’ kit to all new volunteering personnel and top-up equipment to existing coaches.
TOTAL – £4,300.00
Season 2022-23
We are reviewing the kit issued and the frequency of provision of top-up equipment. At the budget stage we know 10 new managers will be joining the club and an allowance has been made for top-up kit for a reasonable proportion of our existing coaching staff.
Total – £3,500.00
KITS
• Season 2021-22 we issued kit to the whole club with an agreement to pay over 2 seasons.
• This agreement has benefited the club in gaining most kits as last season’s lower prices.
Projected Spend 2022-23
50% Carried across from season 2022-23 – £18,000.00
Supply of kit to new teams/players – £3,000.00
TOTAL – £21,000.00 (£36,458.50 total cost being spread over 2 years)
TRAINING TOPS
• As with kits, we issued a new training top with the whole club spreading the cost over 2 years.
Projected Spend 2022-23
50% Carried across from season 2022-23 – £4,300.00
Supply of training tops to new teams/players
TOTAL – £8,500.00
WELFARE
• Season 2021-22 many of our managers sat compulsory courses ensuring the safe guarding of our players. Within this spend is the cost of DBS checks and supporting our hardship cases.
Total – £8,300.00
Projected Spend 2022-23
An allowance has been made for 95 compulsory training sessions as directed by the Football Association, to be attended by our managers. Within this budget we have also made an allowance for DBS checks and supporting our hardship cases.
Total – £14,500.00
RUNNING OF THE CLUB HOUSE AND ADMINISTRATION COSTS
• The spend last season for maintaining the club house including utilities bills and essential repairs plus the administration costs to deliver football to all our players was
TOTAL – £17,000.00
Projected Spend 2022-23
We currently do not have a sufficient number of volunteers on our committee. Therefore, active committee members are each now spending over 15 hours a week carrying out various administrative tasks. With no new volunteers coming forward to spread this workload, this has resulted in the club having to pay individuals to carry out relevant and necessary administrative tasks:
Total – £22,200.00
OTHERS
• Payment provider charges.
TOTAL – £10,000.00
Projected Spend 2022-23
Total – £10,000.00
Total predicted expenditure for season 2022/2023 – £231,500.00
Income due from other sources:
Grant Funds – £10,000.00
Donations/Sponsors – £5000.00
Charity purchase kickbacks (Amazon Smile) – £500.00
Subscription payments to cover £216,000.00
SUB PROPOSAL SEASON 2022/23
BSCFC Proposed Subscription Payment – £220.00 (Based on 1000 members).
EJA Proposed Subscription Payment – £240.00 (Higher affiliation fees and admin fees, based on 36 members).
U6/U7 Mini Blues & Girls Development Proposed Subscription Payment – £100.00 (lower as these groups train only).
Training players only – £50.00 (covering training pitch hire).
Men’s & Ladies – TBA
IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE ALL NEW MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO PAY A £25.00 JOINING FEE.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
All subs for players joining at the start of the Season 2022/23 to be paid by 31st August 2022.
The subscription payment can be made in one lump sum or in two instalments.
If opt to pay in two instalments, the first payment can be made anytime from 31st May 2022 with the 2nd instalment being automatically collected 30th August 2022.
In the event of the payment authority being cancelled prior to the 2nd instalment being paid, BSCFC reserve the right to request the payment to be made in full.
The payment system will be open from 31st May 2022 to 31 August 2022 giving members a period of 3 months to make payment.
All payments to be made via The Love Admin Payment System.
Payment queries/issues, please contact finance@bscfc.co.uk.
PLEASE NOTE
• Our subscription payments are comparable and competitive to other clubs in this area.
• We are a non-profit charity club with the sub payments being calculated to cover the cost of delivering football for the season (excluding referee costs and coaching fees). At present our income is solely derived from subscription payments.
HOW YOU CAN HELP TO REDUCE YOUR SUB PAYMENTS
• We are currently looking for a sponsor/sponsors for both the home and away kits. We welcome hearing from any individuals/companies willing to assist
• Amazon Smile and The Giving Machine offers all members parents, family and friends the opportunity to raise a free donation to the club with purchases made online. These facilities are not currently being maximised by our members/football community. This could generate a considerable income for the club.
• We are looking for volunteers to assist in running the club. This would result in us not having to pay so much out in administrative expenses.
HOW THE CLUB CAN HELP
• We will continue to investigate grants that may be available to the club.
• This season we have changed accountants which has provided a useful overview on the club’s operational expenses.
No matters arising.
Subscription level proposals are:-
• BSCFC Proposed Subscription Payment – £220.00 (Based on 1000 members).
• EJA Proposed Subscription Payment – £240.00 (Higher affiliation fees and admin fees, based on 36 members).
• U6/U7 Mini Blues & Girls Development Proposed Subscription Payment – £100.00 (lower as these groups train only).
• Training players only – £50.00 (covering training pitch hire).
No objections to the proposal were raised and the subscription level for 2022/23 was agreed.
A discussion then ensued re the number of teams BSCFC run and whether this is positive or a negative and should we be looking to increase the number if the demand was there. At Present we have a regular number of new enquiries to join BSCFC. With the Club’s ethos firmly in mind we would always look to cater for this demand but would be subject to team and facility capacity. Where there are no options for additional teams (e.g., cannot add published age group teams to leagues mid-way through the season) we would look to offer community sessions and the prospective player the opportunity to join a waiting list.
A question was raised regarding the option for a split payment of the subscription. JI advised that in previous years where a split payment was an option, approximately 90% of members pay in 1 instalment. She advised the meeting of the hardship policy that is in place and is fully aware of the difficult circumstances some members face. Cases are reviewed on an individual basis. All Managers – especially new Managers should be aware to refer any issues direct to Jo Ivory for assistance.
Issue of part-time players was raised and the level of their subscription – GH & JI will consider and report to the Committee.
A suggestion was made that with the subscription payment request an explanation/pie-chart (as above) is sent to explain where the subscription monies go.
5 Secretary’s Report (Jo Packer) Club Secretary /Admin Report season 2021-22
Having been in the role since 2019, we have finally completed a near normal season for our teams. There have been some Covid challenges for some of the teams, but the league competitions have been completed (or almost). The weather this season was the biggest challenge – there were several weeks where most if not all fixtures were postponed which means that Alan is still booking pitches up to next weekend for league fixtures.
Our Youth teams have played in 4 leagues again this season and we have had a very successful season on the field. Our Ladies and Men’s teams are looking for players to boost their numbers for next season to continue the pathway from our youth section. The Vets team continues to be very successful. As you will have seen from Grant’s report.
We are expecting 6 new U8 mixed teams with a new U9 mixed team. For the Girls section we hope to run teams from U9 to U17 this season and Ray would be very pleased with the numbers we have every Sunday for training.
The club continues to grow and to echo Grant’s words – we need you to support and join us to ensure that the club flourishes as it grows.
The Managers and committee give their time as volunteers, and we need more to support the work being done and move the club forward – many hands make light work ….
Please also support your team Manager – who is giving a lot of time to run the football team for the players. If you can assist, please let them know – there are many jobs from picking up equipment, helping set up pitches to reporting results. Any assistance you can give your Manager will be appreciated.
If you feel you can give more to the team and become involved – please let us know – anyone over the age of 16 must have an FA DBS check in place to be involved in youth football in any capacity but this is really a straightforward process.
The FA courses are now up and running and our Managers have been working through these during the season.
The downside – all Leagues have reported an increase in discipline issues which are dealt with by the County FA where the club is affiliated. For our Youth football family – can we all remember that this is kids’ football and not the world cup. Please support your team Managers by helping on match day with nets and kit as well as “only doing positive” from the side-lines. We all sign up the FA Respect campaigns.
So as the 2021-22 season ends, we look forward to 2022-23 and the work begins to get our teams and players registered in time for the start of the season – football does not stop!
We look forward to seeing our Girls Section and U7s to U14s at the weekend for their season Celebration days.
6 Confirmation of Officer Appointments & Election of Committee Members for season 2021/22
All officers, as detailed below elected on block by members at the meeting. GH stressed, once again, that it is vitally important that we get more new committee members and new blood into the club to take if forward.
Position Name
Life Presidents
Derek Bayley / Mark Hargrave / Alan Hazell / Trevor Lloyd / Tim Moylette / Sean Murphy
*Chairman
Grant Hegley **
*Vice Chairman
Morgan La Force **
*Club Secretary
Jo Packer**
*Finance Manager
Jo Ivory**
U7 Age Groups Football Development Co-ordinator
Gary Mardle
U8-U11 Age Group Football Development Co-ordinator and Club Head Coach
Tim Moylette
U12-U18 Age Group Football Development Co-ordinator / Lead Coach
Danny Gibson
Elite Development – Lead Coach
Ryan Ladyman
U7 -U18 Girls Age Groups Football Development Co-ordinator / Lead Coach
Hugo Vasconcelos
Ladies and Girls Section Secretary
Steve Law
Registrations Officer
Kerry Bray
Fixtures Secretary
Alan Hazell
Child Welfare Officer
Alan Hazell/
Assistant Child Welfare Officers
Tim Moylette/ Martin Tritton
Kit and Equipment Officers
Mark Warwick
New Facilities Officer
Grant Hegley
Current Facilities Officer:
Parent Liaison Officer
Vacant***
Manager Liaison Officer
Mark Warwick
Schools Liaison and Co-Ordinator
Tim Moylette
Press Officer/social media Officer/ Communications
Nik Barnes
Governance/ Club Website
Michael Painter
Commercial Operations and Strategy
Ajay Shah
Referees Officer
Mark Hargrave Key
*
Elected Positions
**
Nominations made
***
Nominations invited
7 AOB
A question, raised by Rich Cahill, via email was read to those present:-
Firstly, I would like to congratulate the committee on another successful season managing the club
Looking through the numbers, projected costs for 20-21 and 21-22 against the unaudited accounts received seems to show the projections are inflated which would artificially generate a higher subscription fee. Taking into account the offset kit costs carried forward to this year’s creditors this would leave the club with a healthy bank credit
How is the committee ensuring that any surplus funds are used as its paying members wish (does the club ask?) and how are the directors ensuring that that its members are getting best value?
GH responded to all present; if BSCFC are in that position of having surplus funds, then the usage of these monies would be discussed by the elected committee members. He reminded the meeting that any Member is welcome to get involved and join the committee.
It’s a shame the tournament does not appear to be happening this year, apart from the small profit, it was a good chance for the committee to engage with club members
In response GH replied that unfortunately there were not enough volunteers who responded to the email sent by JP requesting help in running the event and the Committee Members could not be expected to run the event on top of their other tasks. He added that we hope the recruitment of additional volunteers will mean that this can be run again in the future. GH agreed that such events are a good chance to engage with Club Members, though the Presentation Days also offer that opportunity.
I see the club has purchased cameras for the club to use in training; we have many players that are taking part in their PE A levels and need to record games if they have picked football as their chosen sport. Will the camera be available to all coaches and players once they have paid their fees enabling the purchase?
GH advised the meeting this equipment will be available to all – the custodian will be Phil Vamplew (U12 Girls Manager). The storage, rota for use and training is to be arranged once the camera has been received.
Rob Young referred to GH’s report and standing down. He thanked Grant for his efforts as Chair but would that leave a void on the Committee. GH confirmed that, as per his report, he will be standing down as chair at the end of the 2022/23 season but will not leave the Committee and his role on the new facility project. There was some discussion on the project and the meeting was advised that a pre-planning report has been received that is very supportive of the project. How the project was to be financed is now being looked into including private funding. From there legal agreement will be needed to be worked out, this involves EHDC, BSTC, Uttlesford DC as well as the Football Foundation. GH hoped that this significant progress should see a positive outcome, hopefully within the next couple of years.
A question was then raised by Ian Ward regarding signage of pitches at GP with a notice board at the entrance. JP advised that she will suggest this to GP.
GH thanked all Committee, Managers and Members for their efforts in the 2021/22 season and wished them well for Season 2022/23.
Meeting closed at 9.21pm
The Annual General Meeting of Bishop’s Stortford Community Football Club held by ZOOM on Monday 21st June 2021at 8:00pm.

 

Attendees: Grant Hegley, Alan Hazell, Mark Warwick, Jo Ivory, Jo Packer, Mark Hargrave, Paul Douglas Ajay Shah, Mike Painter, Scott Camp, John Ivory, Nik Barnes, Tim Moylette, Morgan LaForce, Steve Law, Ray Greenwood and Martin Tritton.

 

Agenda

  1. Apologies for absence – Richard Williamson, Lee Dossetter (representing the club at Ladies AGM)

Welcome from GH – apologies that we cannot meet in person again due to the restrictions which remain in place.  The club has around 925 members and we have 17 attendees and 2 apologies.  The message that we are a community football club needs to be spread to enable the club to grow.

 

  1. The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held of BSCFC on 30th July 2020 were proposed by Mark Hargrave and seconded by Mark Warwick as a true reflection of the meeting held.

 

  1. Chairman’s Report (Grant Hegley) Chairman Report Season 2020-21

Welcome, once again, to the Annual General Meeting of the Bishop’s Stortford Community Football Club Limited.

 

I hope you and your families are keeping safe and well as we begin to emerge from the Pandemic.

 

Sadly, I know that some of our Members have lost loved ones in the last year, our condolences and best wishes go to all that have been affected by Covid 19.

 

I think it appropriate that we have a few silent moments of reflection as a mark of respect to those that have sadly passed.

 

Here is my Chairman’s report and a brief review of the past 12 months as well as a look forward to Season 2021/22.

 

At this time last year, I reported that that the football Season 19/20 was declared null and void and that there had been no football of any description for over 3 months!

 

We all hoped that after the lockdown we would be back to some normality.. for a period this was the case and football resumed, albeit with a staggered start, in September, only for various tier restrictions being placed upon us in December, culminating in another Lockdown in January 2021.. thankfully the weather in the months of January, February and March was horrendous, and so not much football was lost.

 

On 29th March 2021 Grassroots football was allowed to resume. Yet, some of the Leagues in which we compete disappointingly declared, once again, that their season was null and void.  This was despite BSCFC’s protestations about this approach and the FA’s support in agreeing to extend the playing season to the end of June.

 

However all of the Leagues did provide friendly or competitive fixtures for our teams, who have enjoyed getting back on to the pitch and attend training sessions making up for the football that we lost and that is, unusually for this time of year, still continuing as we reach the end of June.

 

Special thanks must go to Alan Hazell, our Fixture Secretary, who has dealt with the onerous task of trying to fit in and replace all the fixtures and training missed during lockdown, for ALL our teams and Members, despite some of the facilities we use not being available.

 

With training, at times, curtailed due to the pandemic, some of you (hopefully all!) may have seen on our website (www.bscfc.co.uk), the excellent home training videos produced by Tim Moylette, the Club’s Head Coach, that kept our Players occupied in lockdown. Tim has also recently developed a new coaching programme – The Future Player Programme – which is suitable for all ages and abilities with a library of over 100 approved practices, this will be rolled out next season. Please keep a look out on our social media channels for further information!

 

It would be remiss of me not to thank all of your Committee who worked tirelessly to get the season up and running after the first lockdown and whilst this presented us with various challenges, the Club implemented a Covid Plan that covered the numerous rules and regulations fully, to ensure ALL of our 950 Members were playing football in a Covid safe environment. This plan was implemented by the Managers and Coaches resulting in BSCFC having some of the most imaginative training sessions based upon the Covid restrictions including non-contact practices which was well received by players and the watching, socially distanced (of course!), parents alike.

 

So thank you Committee!

 

Looking forwards, I’m delighted that the Club’s Presentation days can proceed this year over the weekend of 3rd and 4th July. Hopefully the weather will be kind and we can all come together and celebrate our Players achievements.

 

We will also arrange, when we are able, an evening with retiring Committee Members and Managers from this and last Season to thank them all for their valued service.

 

As a Club we continue to progress both on and off the field, this is evidenced by the fact that in late 2020, BSCFC were approached by 2 Football League Clubs, Norwich City and Cambridge United. They were both aware of the excellent coaching programme and set up BSCFC provide, that has produced a number of players for local professional and senior clubs.

 

We investigated setting up a partnership that amongst other things would provide a pathway and opportunity for BSCFC’s advanced players to enter their academy systems.

 

After some negotiations, on 17th February 2021 we announced our partnership with Cambridge United and, since its launch, a number of BSCFC players have either trialled with their full academy or entered their regional development and elite development systems. In return CUFC have delivered three CPD events for the improvement and benefit of our team managers/coaches football education. We have also hosted a coaching masterclass with one of our U13 sides which was attended by a number of BSCFC Managers and Coaches.

 

As part of our agreement with CUFC and (hopefully) with the eventual relaxation of Covid rules we will have the opportunity to offer tickets to CUFC first team fixtures, the opportunity for our Managers and Coaches to attend CUFC’s academy base at Newmarket to observe their training sessions and increase the number of opportunities for BSCFC players to be observed and potentially enter their academy system.

 

In addition to this relationship, we continue to recruit new Players from the local area as well as from the surrounding towns and villages. Even though this season hasn’t quite finished we are already in the process of ensuring squads and teams are registered for next season… Special thanks to our Head and Lead Coaches, Tim Moylette, Ray Greenwood and Gary Mardle for their efforts in recruitment. In particular I must highlight the Girls Section, under Ray, that is growing in huge numbers, resulting for the first time, in Girls Teams at all Age Groups from U9 upwards.

 

I would like to thank all of the Managers, their Assistants and Coaches, as well as all Parents and Members for the support they have given me and all of the Committee in what has proved to be a difficult Season 2020/21 and we look forward to season 2021/22.

 

As many of you will have noted, considerable financial investment continues to be made, to improve our Pitches and Clubhouse facilities at our home at Friedberg Avenue.

 

 

I reported at our AGM last year, that BSCFC are seeking to find a parcel of land suitable for the development of a much needed modern clubhouse with a minimum of 2 full-sized “3G” playing pitches, together with car parking facilities.  The intention is for this to be a football-led community sports hub, and a community asset for Bishop’s Stortford residents but also the wider region.

 

At last year’s AGM I did not rule out the possibility of the Club taking another direction and engaging with other stakeholders or landowners if they are willing to support the Club with our ambition.

 

This year, our search did take a slight change in direction.

 

Last summer, Bishops Stortford Town Council were offered the chance to buy 40 acres of land to the north of the town. The Town Council was given approval for expenditure of £20,000.00 to finance a feasibility study into the creation of a new multi-sport complex that will potentially cost tens of millions of pounds and will require support and funding from sporting associations and organisations. On your behalf I indicated our willingness and support to be involved in this project. We have provided the Town Council and their Professional Agents, relevant information and details of the work that BSCFC have undertaken to date in our search for a facility. The Football Association and Football Foundation are fully aware of the potential here and are supportive of BSCFC’s approach.

 

I can confirm this study is proceeding and I’m extremely confident that a positive outcome will be reached as to the viability of the project.

 

Taking this slight change in course, has resulted in nil cost to BSCFC and has the significant advantage of having political support which is an absolute necessity for a project of this magnitude.

 

I hope Member’s will continue to be supportive of this approach and continue to appreciate the difficulties with this project, its time-consuming nature and the continued risk/costs involved.

 

I do believe the route we have taken gives BSCFC the greatest chance of securing an exceptional facility for our organisation’s benefit.

 

I will, of course, keep you informed as to next steps and progress.

 

As I come to the end of my report, I think it important that BSCFC should record their thanks to your Committee who work tirelessly as VOLUNTEERS, on your behalf.

 

So thanks to:-

 

Jo Packer – Club Secretary;

Jo Ivory – Finance Manager;

Kerry Bray – Registrations;

Alan Hazell – Fixtures/Training/Child Welfare Officer;

Morgan La Force – Vice Chairmen;

Tim Moylette – Head Coach/Lead Coach;

Ray Greenwood – Lead Coach for the U12-18 boys and girls teams age groups and Ladies/Girls lead;

Mark Warwick – Manager Liaison U12-18;

Gary Mardle – U7 age group co-ordinator;

Referees – Mark Hargrave

Martin Tritton – Manager Mentor and Child Welfare Officer;

Ajay Shah – Commercial Operations and Strategy

Our compliance, press and communications team of:- Nik Barnes, Graeme Wilson, Mark Hargrave, Mike Painter and Shaun Mercer;

Kit and Equipment Officers – Ray Greenwood and Mark Warwick

 

Committee, on behalf of BSCFC, may I thank you all for your efforts this season.

 

I reiterate my comment that I make every year down to you guys and girls:- WE REALLY ARE A FABULOUS COMMUNITY FOOTBALL CLUB!

 

As the Country emerges from the Coronavirus crisis the role that sport, and in our case football, will have in supporting and encouraging people to get back into physical and social activity after the pandemic will be hugely important.

 

BSCFC are in a great position to help achieve this.

 

However to do this, we NEED YOUR HELP:-

 

  1. we have a demand for Coaches/Managers and we would welcome any Parent who would like to get involved with Managing/Coaching.
  2. Also, and as many of you may know, I, as well as a number of your Committee Members, have been in our posts for a considerable period. We will NOT be in post forever! We think it vitally important that the Club has new ideas to continue to take BSCFC forward, so I appeal for Members to become involved on the Committee in any way, shape or form. It’s YOUR Club.. PLEASE HELP!

Finally, my commitment for the next season, is to continue to work on your behalf, along with the Committee to make BSCFC if not the best, certainly one of the best Community Football Clubs in the Country.

Once again it will be my honour and privilege to serve as Chairman of BSCFC for a further season.

I look forward to a normal and uninterrupted Football Season 2021/22.

 

Stay safe, well and enjoy the rest of the Summer.

Grant K Hegley

No issues raised or matters arising from the report circulated

 

  • Finance Report (Jo Ivory)

REVIEW OF SUBCRIPTION PROPOSAL SEASON 2020/21

 

PITCH HIRE – GAMES & TRAINING

  • Reviewing previous non COVID seasons
  • After discussions with GH & AH

TOTAL – £68,002.00

COACHES FEES

  • Figures on 2021/22 budget mirrors last season

TOTAL – £7,023.36

AFFILIATION FEES

  • Based on what each league has confirmed for season 2021/22 (Discounts have been granted this season due to COVID)

TOTAL – £2,472.75

EQUIPMENT

  • Based on the number of teams signing this season allowing for the allocation of balls (both match and training), pitch equipment, medical supplies and trophies.

TOTAL- £18,404.00

MANAGERS KIT

  • Previous years top up requests reviewed
  • Allowance for 10 new managers to receive full kit

TOTAL – £2,450.00

KITS

  • New kit to be issued to whole club
  • Cost based on estimated teams and players season 2021/22
  • Cost per kit (including goalie kits and various sizes) provided by kit supplier
  • Kit supplier has agreed for the cost to be spread over 2 years
  • Each kit to last 2 seasons

TOTAL – £18,229.25 (£36,458.50 total cost being spread over 2 years)

TRAINING TOPS

  • Being provided to players who did not received a training top season 2020/21
  • £2.00 has been added to last seasons prices allowing for an increase as new style

TOTAL – £8,594.00

 

WELFARE

  • An allowance has been made for 54 Managers to attend the introduction to football course.  Charge for this course £160.00
  • Managers are also required to sit the first aid course and safe guarding
  • Included within the budgets DBS checks, physio costs and an allowance for hardship cases

TOTAL – £16,080.00

RUNNING OF FACILITES INCLUDING ADMIN COSTS

  • Included is the running and upkeep of the club house at Friedberg
  • The admin charge has been based on the cost of season 2020/21

TOTAL – £13,350.00

OTHERS

  • Included within others is unpaid fines and club insurance
  • A contingency per team has also been built in as the club cannot run at a loss
  • Payment provider charges (£6895.10)

TOTAL – £13,417.20

 

SUB PROPOSAL SEASON 2021/22

The estimated running costs for season 2021/22 – £168,022.59

BSCFC Proposed Subscription Payment – £200.00 (Based on 851 members)

EJA Proposed Subscription Payment – £230.00 (Higher affiliation fees and admin fees, based on 72 members)

U6/U7 Proposed Subscription Payment – £70.00 (Covering kit and training pitch hire)

Girls Training only Subscription Payment – £70.00 (Covering kit and training pitch hire)

Training players only – £40.00 (Covering training pitch hire)

IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE ALL NEW MEMBERS REQUIRED TO PAY £25.00 JOINING FEE

 

PAYMENT OPTIONS

All subs for players joining at the start of the season to be paid by 31st August 2021

BSCFC Sub of £200.00 and EJA sub payment of £225.00 if paid by 31st August 2021 we will grant the option to pay in 2 instalments.  The instalments to be 30 days part

Late payers (after 31st August 2021) are required to pay in full

All payment to be made via The Love Admin Payment System

 

PLEASE NOTE

  • The calculated and recommended subscription payment for last season was £190.00.  We took onboard the effect of COVID on the playing of grass roots football and reduced this by just over 10% to £170.00 (BSCFC Teams only).  This is comparable and competitive to other Clubs in this area
  • BSCFC the increase this season is £10.00 per player to £200.00, the cost is approximately £5.00 per week covering all the facilities, equipment, kits, welfare etc to enable your player to enjoy football safely
  • The subscription payment for the EJA (Eastern Junior Alliance) is higher than BSCFC subs.  This is due to the affiliation, additional team charges and administration costing more for these teams
  • We are a non-profit charity club with the sub payments being calculated to cover the cost of delivering football for the season (excluding ref costs and coaching costs).  At present our income is solely derived from subscription payments

 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

  • We are currently looking for a Sponsor/Sponsors for both the home kits and away kits.  We welcome any individuals/companies willing to assist
  • Amazon Smile and The Giving Machine offers all members parents, family and friends the opportunity to raise a free donation to the club which purchases online.  These facilities are not currently being maximise by our members/football community.  This could if used generate a considerable income for the club

HOW THE CLUB CAN HELP

  • We will continue to investigate grants that maybe available to the club
  • Also, next season we are changing Accountants to give us a fresh opinion as to how we operate

 

 

No matters arising.  The accounts have been sent off and the club are looking to change accountants for next season.

2021-22 Subs proposal £200 for team members and £230 for EJA teams.  No objections or issues raised.

 

  • Secretary’s Report (Jo Packer) Club Secretary /Admin Report season 2020-21

After another trying and disjointed season; football resumed in March 2021 with the leagues adopting different systems for playing matches and some more open than others to extending the league season to the end of June as allowed by the FA.

Where leagues stopped arranging fixtures in mid-May, our Managers and coaches have arranged friendlies matches to provide as much football as we can to our players.  This means that the season has been extended from April to June to cover the months that were missed by the winter lock-down. We have had the majority of teams playing regularly since the ending of lockdown.

Training sessions were re-started and continued to provide on-going training for all our teams during the extended season.

This season we had Youth teams playing in 4 different leagues, with our Ladies and our Vets teams all participating in league matches.  We ended the season with 76 affiliated teams.  Unfortunately, the county cups were cancelled again this season and there will be changes to the format for next season but all leagues are aiming to start the season as usual in early September.

To that end we are preparing for next season (Kerry will outline the registration position).   The FA club affiliation process is open, and this must be completed by the 1st July for us to be able to play any friendlies or tournaments.

There will be some changes to teams for next season with 2 EJA teams leaving us for pastures new.  We are hoping to have 6 new U8 teams in addition to our continuing existing teams.  We will have 9 U17/U18 teams playing this season.  We are also looking at starting a Men’s team, so our boys have progression from U18.

The Girls section continues to flourish, and we have had a number of new joiners and currently we are hoping to have new teams at U9 and U10 with an additional U11 team so we will have league registered teams from U9-U16.  We are also working on the progression into the Ladies so our Girls.  The Ladies had a successful post lock down campaign.

The pandemic has brought its own challenges for the ongoing training of our managers.  The FA has now started to provide courses and a number of our new managers and those who have missed out of courses are starting to go through the training.

For the season 2021-22 each team must have one manager or coach (on match days) with a minimum Level 1 or the new Introduction to Coaching Football course (I2CFC) completed.  This course is online and covers safeguarding and Emergency first aid.

The pre-requisite to this course is the FA Playmaker which is currently free.  Therefore, anyone who is assisting on matchdays should complete this (4hours) online while it is free.  This will give an overview for coaching and demonstrate that the club is moving forward.

All team Managers with no FA coaching qualification should have the FA Playmaker in place and a place booked on a I2CFC course to be completed by the end of December 2021 in order to continue to lead their team.  We are all volunteers appreciate the time everyone gives to ensure their teams play and have fun but this must be done in accordance with the FA rules and guidance to keep all our players and volunteers safe.

The Safeguarding Re-Certification is also changing and the course will no longer be free online so anyone who has a certificate that has expired within the last 18months or next 6 months should do this online before the 30th June (this will save the club money).

I will keep sending out the links and reminders.  There are other courses available online on the FA site plus other sites for Grassroots football.

Here’s to 2021-22 being a mostly normal season…..

Registration Report

 

You will all by now have received your team spreadsheet for completion for the 2021-22 Season.  A comprehensive new guide “New Season Whole Team Registrations” was also included in the e-mail, detailing what I require from you in order to register your team for next Season.

 

As you will know, the Mid-Herts League moved over to using the Whole Game System for the 2020-21 Season.  This was a huge task getting all the players onto the system when previously this was not required.  Last Season just the bare minimum of a player name and DOB was required to be inputted on to the Whole Game System as the priority was to ensure each player had a FAN.  This Season, however, the “gaps” need to be filled in, with each player now requiring full details of a player and a parent/guardian profile attached to their record.  Any player over 16 needs to provide their own e-mail address for registration.  This now brings Mid-Herts in line with what other leagues require.

 

When creating your spreadsheets, I have included as much information as I have been able to find but there are still several gaps that need to be filled in and I thank you in advance for collating this information for me so I can make sure our player records are accurate.

 

Ideally I would like your spreadsheets and accompanying documents back by the middle to end of July at the latest.  This will give me enough time to make sure we are ready in time for the start of the new Season.  I do understand, however, that you may have new players joining at the last moment, but would appreciate you getting as much information over to me as soon as possible.

 

Once the new Season starts, we will be issuing an up-to-date-guide on how to register new players throughout the Season.  This will include the process as to how to get your new players registered and other information such as weekly cut off days.

 

Kerry Bray

  • Confirmation of Officer Appointments & Election of Committee Members for season 2021/22 – all officers as detailed below – no objections and Steve Law welcomed onto the committee as Ladies & Girls Section Secretary. GH stressed that it is vitally important that we get more new committee members and new blood into the club to take if forward.

 

Position Name
Life Presidents Derek Bayley / Mark Hargrave / Alan Hazell / Trevor Lloyd / Tim Moylette / Sean Murphy
*Chairman Grant Hegley **
*Vice Chairman Morgan La Force **
*Club Secretary Jo Packer**
*Finance Manager Jo Ivory**
U7 Age Groups Football Development Co-ordinator Gary Mardle
U8-U11 Age Group Football Development Co-ordinator and Club Head Coach Tim Moylette
U12-U18 Age Group Football Development Co-ordinator & U7 -U18 Girls Age Groups Football Development Co-ordinator Ray Greenwood
Ladies and Girls Section Secretary Ray Greenwood
Registrations Officer Kerry Bray
Fixtures Secretary Alan Hazell
Child Welfare Officer Alan Hazell/
Assistant Child Welfare Officers Tim Moylette/ Martin Tritton
Kit and Equipment Officers Ray Greenwood/Mark Warwick
New Facilities Officer Grant Hegley
Current Facilities Officer: Ray Greenwood
Parent Liaison Officer Vacant***
Manager Liaison Officer Mark Warwick
Schools Liaison and Co-Ordinator Officer Tim Moylette
Press Officer/Social Media Officer/Club Website/Communications Nik Barnes/ Graeme Wilson
Governance Michael Painter
Commercial Operations and Strategy Ajay Shah
Referees Officer Mark Hargrave
Key
* Elected Positions
** Nominations made
*** Nominations invited
  • Any other business by permission of the Chairman – No AOB emailed or raised on the night

 

Meeting closed at 8.25pm

Minutes of the BSCFC Annual General Meeting (AGM) – via Zoom 30th July 2020

 

Attendees: Grant Hegley, Alan Hazell, Mark Warwick, Jo Ivory, Jo Packer, Mark Hargrave, Colin Harding, Ajay Shah, Mike Painter, Graham Fisher, Scott Camp, Shy Asim, Joshua Ballisat, John Ivory, Nik Barnes, Tim Jones, Lee Dossetter, Steve Mitchinson, Andy Norris, Stephen Berry, Peter Aylott, Morgan LaForce, Ray Greenwood.

 

Agenda

 

  1. Apologies for absence received; Martin Tritton, Simon Marzell, Ben Livermore, James Sheehy.
  2. To Confirm the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held of BSCFC on 18th June 2019. Proposed by Nik Barnes and Mark Warwick as accurate. No matters arising raised.
  3. Chairman’s Report (Grant Hegley)

 

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

 

Welcome once again to the Annual General Meeting of the Bishop’s Stortford Community Football Club Limited.

 

Here is my Chairman’s report and a brief review of the past 12 months as well as a look forward to Season 2020/21.

 

Well – I didn’t think I’d be in the position of reporting that the football Season 19/20 was declared null and void and that there would be no football of any description for over 3 months!

 

In some ways that’s good news as that should make my report short and sweet!

 

Seriously, and as usual, I will split my report in 2 parts – ON and OFF the field.

 

On the field

 

By Mid-March and with the 19/20 Season coming to an exciting conclusion, 3 of our sides had already reached League Cup Finals they were:-

 

  • Alex Millar’s U10 Athletic, Ben Livermore’s U10 Wanderers and Ian Ward/Rob Young’s U13 Town teams reaching the Mid Herts Divisional Finals.

 

  • Our U14 Athletic team jointly managed by Scott Camp and Mark Bissel had reached the prestigious Herts County Cup Final.

 

  • Congratulations to all on your achievements in reaching the finals.

 

  • Many of our teams had also reached Cup semi-finals and were well positioned in their Leagues before Covid brought a premature and “null and void” end to 2019/20. Whilst the disappointment of not being able to finish the season is clear, the safety of ALL and therefore the decision reached was fully understandable.

 

Unfortunately, the shutdown led to the cancellation of BSCFC’s Inclusion Football Tournament. Similarly, the Club’s Presentation days could not proceed. However, team and individual awards, I understand, will still be made at the Team’s training sessions over the next few weeks.

Further presentations of the Caiman Rowntree awards for long serving Players, as well as recognition to retiring Managers Andy Pulford, Mark Amos, Dave Martin, Andy Hayes, Andy Gilbey, Andrew Pawsey, Phil Leggatt and Mark Hoddle and our Committee Members Nicola Moylette and Caroline Rutherford will now have to be made when Covid restrictions have ended. I do however record our thanks and appreciation to ALL for their efforts and dedication to BSCFC over the years.

 

I can recognise in my report here a number of individual achievements:-

 

  • Izzy Murphy from our U10 Girls side has recently been signed by the Arsenal Academy; our U8 side managed by Ryan Delaney that have produced 7 players (Clayton, Ethan, Toby, Zay, Riley, Zach and Alexander) going to sign for Professional sides – Tottenham, Cambridge United and Stevenage; George Hoddle from our U15 Town side signing for Cambridge; Bobby Bolden who has signed for M K Dons and Stefan Sidorenc signing for Watford both from our U15EJA side, Joe Cox and Jake Holland signing for Colchester from our U11 Rovers team.

 

As I mentioned last year because of the quality of training the Club offers, and the relationship BSCFC have made with a wide array of professional  clubs in the area, we’ve got at least 30 players who are training within the development and shadow systems at clubs including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, Norwich, Stevenage and Cambridge. Our Club’s coaches believe that at least a third of these players have a very strong chance of progressing to full academy status in the next 12 months. We also continue to maintain links with the Bishops Stortford First Team and Club.

 

Whilst it’s disappointing to lose Izzy and all of the Boys from under BSCFC’s umbrella we are ALL immensely proud of our part in their development. We do wish them ALL well for the future!

 

With Lockdown easing it has been immensely satisfying as a Club to get Covid safe training underway at Friedberg. Our sincere thanks must go to ALL that have assisted here, in particular to our Head Coach Tim Moylette and Lead Coach Ray Greenwood as well as Club Secretary Jo Packer, Mike Painter and Mark Warwick who have spent many hours in ensuring that we comply with all the rules and regulations to allow our sides and children back out playing football in a safe environment.

 

I reiterate my comment from last year: – WE REALLY ARE A FABULOUS COMMUNITY FOOTBALL CLUB!

 

Over the last few weeks we continue to recruit new Players from the local area as well as from Dunmow, Harlow, Royston and Chelmsford – thanks to Tim, Ray and Gary Mardle for their efforts here.

 

Again with this there is a demand for Coaches/Managers and we welcome any Parent volunteers who would like to get involved (as well as Committee Members).

 

BSCFC’s Coaching programme continues to be delivered, under Tim Moylette the Head Coach, with a focus on our playing philosophy : win the ball/ keep the ball and to play with no fear and creativity. Managers’ sessions that were arranged and held at Friedberg in the last 12 months have been very positive and with the social element have certainly allowed us to continue to develop a Club “feel”!

 

Thanks again must go to Ray Greenwood as Lead Coach for the Boys teams in age groups u12-u18s as well as the ever increasing Girls section. Thanks also to Mark Warwick for his involvement as Manager Liaison Officer.

 

Finally a reminder of our ethos: – BSCFC are committed to developing ALL players, of ALL abilities. The club has a clear focus, being competitive but not a total ethos of winning. There is a difference between competitive and all out winning. Being competitive means that you want to win the game, but not at the expense of the players, ensuring, if possible, that all players get at least half of the match playing time.

 

Off the field

 

Over the last few months of lockdown it is quite clear to me, that Sport strengthens our communities and improves the physical and mental health of everybody involved.

That must be the overriding objective and why we are ALL involved with BSCFC.

A reminder therefore, that we as a Club Committee (although we are volunteers) are here to support you, the Members, to provide Football for ALL and whilst you the Members may not always agree with every decision we make, we make those decisions in good faith and with your best interests at heart.

I’m sure we will all concur that, if we do disagree on any issue, then it should be said/written in a RESPECTFUL manner. Abuse in any form will NOT be tolerated as it is UNACCEPTABLE.

 

At the start of the season Nicola Moylette, with just 3 weeks’ notice, resigned from her position as Club Administrator/Secretary/Director and Trustee of BSCFC, this meant I took over the role of Club Administrator/Secretary, whilst we looked for a replacement. I’m extremely grateful therefore to all that helped me out within the Club, at the FA and the various Leagues we compete in, as well as to you the Members for your patience and assistance.

 

I think we all knew that Nic’ would be irreplaceable and so it proved – as we now have 3 people to fill her role:-

 

Kerry Bray (who deals with registrations), Jo Ivory (finance) and Jo Packer (everything else!!) stepped up to the plate.

 

Apologies that it has taken a while for your admin team to get up to speed, I can’t guarantee that admin will run without any hitches but I do I think we’re now well placed to deal with any issues that arise.

 

With Nicola resigning, it has left the Club 1 Director short – see our articles of association and the minimum number of directors BSCFC shall have should be four.

 

You will have seen from the Agenda that Mark Warwick has been proposed to become a Director of BSCFC. As many of you will know Mark is a director of ProKit UK, the Club’s primary kit supplier. Mark, when it comes to the supply of kit, has a conflict of interest. I refer you to our Articles of Association and remind/reassure you that the conflicted director is absent from the part of the meeting at which there is discussion of any arrangement or transaction affecting that other organisation or person and the conflicted director does not vote on any such matter.

 

As many of you will have noted BSCFC have been successful in obtaining grants from the Football Foundation for pitch and Clubhouse improvements at our home at Friedberg Avenue. We hope that you are/will be suitably impressed with the improvements.

 

We are also updating our Club Website – many thanks in particular to Shaun Mercer/Mike Painter and Ajay Shah. Further details to follow, when we go “live”.

 

THANKS

In addition my and the whole of BSCFC’s thanks must go to a number of individuals on the Committee who work tirelessly as VOLUNTEERS, on your behalf.

 

So thanks to:-

 

Jo Packer – Club Secretary;

Jo Ivory – Finance Manager;

Kerry Bray – registrations;

Alan Hazell – Fixtures/Training;

Morgan La Force – Vice Chairmen;

Tim Moylette – Head Coach;

Ray Greenwood – Lead Coach for the U12-18 boys and girls teams age groups;
Mark Warwick – Manager Liaison U12-18

Gary Mardle – U7 age group co-ordinator;

Girls and Ladies – Mark Hargrave & Lee Dossetter

Martin Tritton – Manager Mentor and Child Welfare Officer;

Ajay Shah – Commercial Operations and Strategy

Our compliance, press and communications team of: – Nik Barnes, Graeme Wilson, Mark Hargreave, Mike Painter and Shaun Mercer;

Kit and Equipment Officers – Ray Greenwood and Mark Warwick

 

Committee, on behalf of BSCFC, may I thank you all for your efforts this season.

 

I now turn to:-

 

New Facilities

 

As reported at our AGM last year, BSCFC is seeking to find a parcel of land suitable for the development of a much needed modern clubhouse with a minimum of 2 full-sized “3G” playing pitches, together with car parking facilities.  The intention is for this to be a football-led community sports hub, and a community asset for Bishop’s Stortford residents but also the wider region.

 

Our site selection narrowed significantly around the time of our last AGM – down to two landowners who were sent proposed terms.  Negotiations with both landowners have advanced slowly and, indeed, a third party stakeholder (Avanti Schools Trust) has come into the picture in a helpful context.

 

I can confirm the main site of interest is to the north of the A120, adjacent the new secondary school site at Bishop’s Stortford North (due to be operational within the next 18-36 months).  The owners involved (HCC and David Harvey) are broadly in favour of BSCFC’s ambition and remain supportive although it has been necessary to also consult with the schools trust (Avanti), chosen as the school operator last year.

 

I have since met with Avanti (virtually and in person with a number of their personnel including the Chief Executive) and we are working towards an agreement in the first instance that would allow the Club’s use of the school’s sports facilities.  The school has an obligation in accordance with their planning permission to share these facilities with the community, and through our engagement to date, this appears to be a significant opportunity for our Club.  In an effort to crystallise and secure our use of these facilities, I recently contacted the Football Foundation/Football Association for support and am awaiting their advice to take this forward.  As soon as the terms of any agreement are understood further, I will of course make Members aware.  However, it is anticipated that such an agreement comes at very low/limited cost or risk to BSCFC – for potentially significant gain – and therefore I hope it will achieve our Member’s full support in due course.

 

The adjoining 2 parcels of land, outside of Avanti’s lease (of interest to BSCFC) is owned by Herts County Council and David Harvey. This area is the area the Club remains focused on for the delivery of a Clubhouse, parking and additional 3G pitches (beyond those the school are committed to share with the community).

 

HCC remain open to the concept of BSCFC being a medium-long term user of the part of the site they own (subject to Member’s approval and ratification by the Council) and the County Council, mainly via their agent, remain in contact with the Club on this.  David Harvey has similarly remained supportive.  I am personally grateful for their support to date which has been all at their own risk/cost.

 

However, I do not want to mislead Members and so I think it is only appropriate if I mention a key constraint and costs of bringing this site forward. Crucially, aside from landowner and planning authority agreement, there would be a requirement to upgrade a roundabout access spur on the A120.  The roundabout in question is due to be constructed by the Bishop’s Stortford North developers.   Existing proposals only allow for an emergency access to the school playing fields, rather than a fully-fledged vehicular access to allow entry and exit to a car park serving a community sports hub/clubhouse and 3G pitches.

 

Notwithstanding constraints such as this, earlier this month, it was re-confirmed the County Council saw BSCFC’s ambition to use the site (e.g. by way of a long leaseholder) as a possibility.  The key issue from their perspective is to come up with an appropriate mechanism/agreement that provides the County/School the ability to take back over ownership/control in future, in the event the school ever needs to expand.  This may in principle be entirely reasonable and acceptable to the Club although quite how, in practise, this can work alongside the significant investment required (not least in respect of the potential roundabout upgrade) is being investigated.

 

Mr Harvey’s support in this regard remains key and I am grateful for his support to date through continued engagement.  The ability to partner with him or others to achieve our objective is likely to be necessary.

 

Matters such as finance, funding eligibility, (e.g. the Football Foundation’s funding limitations) planning policy, and enabling infrastructure therefore will continue to be a challenge, even with willing landowners.

 

It is hoped, at the very least, the Club will secure the ability to formally share some of Avanti’s sports facilities once their construction completes in 2021/22.

 

Further, due to the ongoing risks attached with this project, I’m not ruling out the possibility of the Club taking another direction and engaging with other stakeholders or landowners if they are willing to support the Club with our ambition.  Other significant school development projects are underway around the town. Previous investigations suggest this may provide an opportunity to the Club by partnering with other schools.

 

I’m sure you will all appreciate this project is complicated, time consuming and not without risk/cost however I remain committed to giving BSCFC the greatest chance of success of securing an exceptional facility – or facilities – for our organisation’s benefit. As a Club I am mindful of our resources and the need to be flexible in taking up opportunities when they arise if they are for the benefit of our Members and community.

 

FINALLY

 

My commitment for the next season, as every year I have been in office, is to continue to work on your behalf, along with the Committee to make BSCFC if not the best, certainly one of the best Community Football Clubs in the Country.

I would like to thank all of the Managers, their Assistants and Coaches, as well as all Parents and Members for the support they have given me and all of the Committee in Season 2019/20 and we look forward to season 2020/21.

Once again it will be my honour and privilege to serve as Chairman of BSCFC for a further season.

 

Grant K Hegley   29.07.2020

 

  1. Finance Report (Jo Ivory)

Financial Report Season 2019-2020

 

The finalised accounts will go onto the website as soon as they have been confirmed by the accountant.

 

The main focus season 2019-2020 has been the collecting of unpaid subs.  We have also taken on board your comments re the current payment system Love Admin and have looked at alternatives with a positive outcome.

 

Revenue season 2019-2020 was lost from the Tournaments and Presentations due to COVID 19.  Also sponsor monies donated to the club has been less due to COVID 19 and we envisage season 2020/21 will see a reduction in donations.

 

Summary of Monies in and Monies paid out

 

Sub Payments received£170,880.00

Historical Sub Payments collected – £25,000.00

Donations – £250.00

Grants – £15,000.00 (COVID 19)

 

Paid Out

Pitch Hire (Games and Training) – £46,432.75

Friedberg Pitch Maintenance & Club House – £15,000.00

Club House (Running of) – £3,104.00

Affiliations Fees – £4,868.00

Kits, Balls and Manager Kits – £53,598.11

Head Coach Fees – £8,000.00

Unrecovered Fines – £297.00 (we are still in the process of recovering these funds)

DBS Checks – £380.00

Manager Courses – £616.00

Administration Fees – £3,660.00

Trophies – £8,500.00

New Facility – £6,000.00

Love Admin Payment Fee – £4,080.00

 

Total – £154,535.86

 

Projected Expenditure Season 2020/21

Pitch Hire (Games and Training) – £63,000.00

Friedberg Pitch Maintenance & Club House – £17,500.00

Affiliations Fees – £4,868.00

Kits, Balls and Manager Kits – £32,000.00

Head Coach Fees – £8,000.00

Coaching and Development – £6,000.00

Administration Fees – £7,000.00

Trophies – £8,500.00

New Facility – £6,000.00

Miscellaneous – £5,500.00

Match Day Application – £3,500.00

 

Total – £161,868.

 

Proposed Subs for Season 2020/2021

 

This year’s fees are based on a break even basis and are as follows:

 

  • EJA – £195.00 for the season. This can be paid in one lump sum or in two instalments:

1st September 2020 – £120.00 (1st instalment)

1st November 2020 – £75.00 (2nd instalment)

 

  • BSCFC Teams – £170.00 for the season. This can be paid in one lump sum or in two instalments:

1st September 2020 – £100.00 (1st instalment)

1st November 2020 – £70.00 (2nd instalment)

 

  • Hardship cases need to be submitted to The Finance Office for review with the committee as soon as possible please.

 

NB: Unfortunately, the new FA payment system was not suitable for us to use this season and therefore LoveAdmin will again be used for subs collection for 2020-21. Annual subs can be paid in 2 equal instalments with the 2nd payment being collected exactly 3months after the first payment has been made.

 

Jo Ivory 29.07.2020

 

  1. Secretary’s Report (Jo Packer)

 

Club Secretary /Administration Report

 

Having been in the role for 7 months I am finally finding my feet and some solid ground, however I am still learning, and the last few months have been a challenge (for all of us).

 

With 3 of us undertaking the combined role that Nic undertook there have had to be changes to some procedures, however the systems that we are getting in place work well and hopefully next season will not be as challenging.  There will still be some obstacles to overcome I am sure.

 

There are still some unknowns as not all the leagues have made decisions on season start dates yet.

 

Mid Herts – are still aiming for the 12th /13th September and we have a number of teams to get submitted to them and a mid-August deadline to meet in order to have any chance of cards for the start of the season.  They are also missing some player ID’s and these need to be re-submitted in order for cards to be provided.  Kerry is working hard on getting all Mid Herts players registered with a FAN number and fully registering them where we have the information required.  However, as registration on the FA Whole Game System (WGS) is mandatory for 2021-22 all BSCFC players will need to be registered during the course of this season.

 

Girls – looking to start 26th September and by Tuesday 25th August 2020 – teams must have the minimum number of players registered if they are to enter a team for the start of the season. New head shots are required for all players.

 

Royston Crow – no start date yet but registrations are open and we are collecting the information to register players.  New head shots are required for all players.

 

EJA are looking to start at the beginning of September and we have to provide all team management details by 31st July.  Registrations are open and new photos to be submitted.

 

We have teams entering the Brentwood Community Football Alliance Youth League this season and registrations are underway.  They are looking to start on 12th /13th September.

 

Unfortunately, the RCYL proposed U21 league is not happening this season and there are no other local alternatives, so fingers crossed for next season.  We have affiliated a Ladies team for this season for our girls to progress.

 

Managers Training:

 

The restrictions halted our plans for training to be arranged at Friedberg and all FA booked courses were cancelled.  This caused issues for a number of our managers and at this stage we have no details on when courses will be reinstated.  DBS checks, however, can now be undertaken and these should be processed via WGS.  Renewals should be done well before expiry date to ensure that they are completed before expiry date.

 

There are some courses, including concussion and sudden cardiac arrest that can be undertaken on line. http://www.thefa.com/learning/courses

http://www.thefa.com/learning/courses/medical-courses

 

Any coaches with an expiring safeguarding course can also take this online for free. http://www.thefa.com/learning/courses/online-safeguarding-children-re-certification

 

Although we have not had details of timescales from the previous advice all Managers should have FA emergency First Aid certificates and Safeguarding Certificates in date.  The FA also has an expectation that a club of our size has managers working towards Level 1.  Indeed from 2021-22 every team affiliated must have an FA Level 1 coach (or equivalent) so look out for courses and as soon as we can, we will be arranging courses here.

 

Hopefully all our players will be soon playing football again.

 

Jo Packer 29.07.2020

 

 

 

 

  1. Confirmation of Officer Appointments & Election of Committee Members for season 2020/21. No objections were raised the and therefore the following were voted in:

 

Position Name
Life Presidents Derek Bayley / Mark Hargrave / Alan Hazell / Trevor Lloyd / Tim Moylette / Sean Murphy
*Chairman Grant Hegley **
*Vice Chairman Morgan La Force **
*Club Secretary Jo Packer**
*Finance Manager Jo Ivory**
U7 Age Groups Football Development Co-ordinator Gary Mardle
U8-U11 Age Group Football Development Co-ordinator and Club Head Coach Tim Moylette
U12-U18 Age Group Football Development Co-ordinator & U7 -U18 Girls Age Groups Football Development Co-ordinator Ray Greenwood
Ladies and Girls Section Secretary Ray Greenwood
Registrations Officer Kerry Bray
Fixtures Secretary Alan Hazell
Child Welfare Officer Alan Hazell/
Assistant Child Welfare Officers Tim Moylette/ Martin Tritton
Kit and Equipment Officers Ray Greenwood/Mark Warwick
New Facilities Officer Grant Hegley
Current Facilities Officer: Ray Greenwood
Parent Liaison Officer Vacant***
Manager Liaison Officer Mark Warwick
Schools Liaison and Co-Ordinator Officer Tim Moylette
Press Officer/Social Media Officer/Club Website/Communications Nik Barnes/Graeme Wilson
Governance Michael Painter
Commercial Operations and Strategy Ajay Shah
Referees Officer Mark Hargrave
Key
* Elected Positions
** Nominations made
*** Nominations invited

 

 

  1. Appointment of Director – no objections were raised to the appointment and Mark Warwick was duly voted in as a Director.

 

  1. Any other business by permission of the Chairman – no AOB was raised and the meeting was concluded at 8.30pm

 

Thanks to all who attended – hopefully we can all get together soon in person.

Minutes of the BSCFC Annual General Meeting (AGM)

held at Friedberg Clubhouse Tuesday 18th June 2019 at 8.00pm

 

Attendees

 

U17 United – Andy Pulford Jo Ivory
U17 United – Mark Amos Grant Hegley
U14 EJA – Simon Marzell Nicola Moylette
U13 Girls – John Ivory Mark Warwick
U14 Rovers – Jamie Lorimer Nik Barnes
U14 Wanderers – Mike Painter Tim Moylette
U11 Town – Andy Norris Colin Marshall
Greg Styan (next seasons U 9 Hoops) Ray Greenwood
Ajay Shah (U8 Rovers) Morgan Laforce
James Sheehy (next seasons U13 Athletic)

 

 

  1. Apologies for absence received; Alan Hazell, Mark Hargrave, Graeme Wilson, Martin Tritton, Lee Dossetter, Steve Law, Caroline Rutherford

 

  1. The minutes of the AGM held on 7th June 2018 were proposed as a true record by Simon Marzell and seconded by Tim Moylette

 

  1. Chairman’s Report – Grant Hegley

 

Welcome to the Annual General Meeting of the Bishop’s Stortford Community Football Club Limited.

 

Before starting with the formal business side of tonight, and a review of the past 12 months and a look forward to Season 19/20, I do think we should all stand and have a few moments of silence to reflect on the sad, sudden passing away in September 2018 of one of our former Committee Members and a supporter of BSCFC’s aims and objectives – John Turner.

 

John you are sadly missed, though for everyone that knew him, you will never be forgotten!

 

On to the Business side of the meeting and I say this every year – how quickly the time has passed since our last AGM.

 

I think over the last 12 months more has been achieved by BSCFC than in any of the years I have been in office both on, and in particular, off the field.

 

On the field

 

I have to say, having been involved in football pretty much ALL of my life (from Grassroots to the Premier League), Friday 17th May 2019 was one of the most awe inspiring days I’ve ever had in Football.

 

On that date I, as your Chairman, was invited to attend the BSCFC Inclusion Football Tournament. This year the format was changed slightly with our 2 teams, Home Farm Trust and St Elizabeth’s, inviting teams from Boreham Wood, St Albans and Watford to play football at BSFC.

 

After 2 hours of football, I was delighted to present mementos to ALL players (as well as some spectators) who were absolutely thrilled to receive a medal for their efforts. A medal that, I’m sure, they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

 

We were then treated to a buffet lunch at BSFC – a truly memorable day and our thanks must go to Ray Greenwood for organising this absolutely amazing event.

 

I was also honoured to attend the Club’s Presentation days on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th May 2019.

 

These days are of course, a celebration of the Club’s on the field achievements over the season..

 

On Saturday 18th May, we again held our Foot Golf presentation day at Great Hadham Golf Club for the U15/16/17 and 18 sides. I would say that those that did attend had a great time – I thank you to the Managers/Parents for that feedback. However and a moan from the Club’s Committee that put so much time and effort into organising such events, that we were extremely disappointed with the number of teams, for whatever reason, who did not attend. Managers/Players/Parents it’s your Club – please give us your feedback as to how you’d like this day to be organised in the future. We, as your Committee, are here to try and make this day a Celebration of the CLUB’S achievements (not just individual teams).

 

On a more positive note:-

 

In the afternoon that day I attended the Girls/Ladies section Awards day at Friedberg. This was a lovely afternoon with the enthusiasm and smiles of all involved apparent to see! I hope most of you will have seen the comprehensive annual report that Mark Hargrave puts together for this section of the Club, that highlights the efforts all of the Players/Managers put in for this ever growing Ladies and Girls section of our Club.

 

The next day saw the Boys age groups from Under 7 all the way through to U14 attend for their annual tournament and presentation day here at Friedberg.

 

Whilst the weather over the weekend was not as good as in previous years, with an estimated 2000 people being in attendance over both days and with the broad smiles of all the Girls and Boys who received their awards (and many congratulations to all of them), the sea of blue and white shirts all over Friedberg was again a site to behold.  I think the Club can be justifiably proud of our achievements in running football for ALL.

 

As I said last year and will repeat again:-

 

WE ARE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT!!

 

WE REALLY ARE A FABULOUS COMMUNITY FOOTBALL CLUB!

 

CONGRATULATIONS

 

The Individual Team’s playing successes include (and I apologise if I’ve missed any team out):-

 

U9 Town – Warren Boon/Ed Kirby – Rural Mid Herts Indigo Divisional Cup Winners

Our U12 Girls team won a remarkable 26 games on the trot.

U13 Rovers – Rick Pearson – Runners Up MHRML Div. 6

U13 Athletic – Andy Chapman – RCL Meads Cup winners, Divisional Cup Winners, Division 1 Winners

U13 EJA – Morgan Laforce – League Winners

U14 Town – Mark Hoddle/Phil Leggatt Runners Up MHRML Prem League & Premier Divisional Cup Runner Up

U14 EJA –Simon Marzell – Winners of the Haggerland cup -Pre-Season European cup,

U15 Wanderers – Peter Aylott Mid Herts U15 Junior Supplementary Cup Final Runners Up

U15 Rovers – Graham Fisher – MHRML Div. 2 Runners Up

U16 Rangers – Andy Gilbey – Runners Up MHRML Div. 3

U17 United – Andy Pulford/Mark Amos –Divisional Cup Runners Up

U18 United – Paul Douglas/Rich Cahill –  Divisional Cup Winners

BSCFC U16 Girls – HGFPL – Steve Law League Shield Final- Runners Up

Finally, it would be remiss of me if I didn’t also mention the Veterans – who were Essex F L West O45 League Champions… you may have seen the open top Bus parade!!

 

The Caiman Rowntree Awards for Service to BSCFC – go to the U18 United team who had 10 Players that have been registered with the Club since U7/U8. Our thanks and appreciation go to ALL for their efforts and dedication to BSCFC over the last 11 seasons.

 

A number of our Players from the U23 have progressed to the BSFC 1st team this season they are Alex Warman; Stanley Green; Harron Belaid; Lewis Wicker and Izu

 

I would also mention that because of the quality of training the Club offers, and the relationship BSCFC have made with a wide array of professional  clubs in the area, we’ve got at least 30 players who are training within the development and shadow systems at clubs including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, Norwich, Stevenage and Cambridge. Our Club’s coaches believe that at least a third of these players have a very strong chance of progressing to full academy status in the next 12 months.

Football generally and moving forwards

 

Boys

 

Recently we have arranged a recruitment drive with new Players from the local area as well as from Dunmow, Harlow, Royston and Chelmsford all showing interest in joining BSCFC.

 

With this comes a demand for Coaches/Managers and we welcome any Parent volunteers who would like to get involved (as well as Committee Members).

 

We’ve got about 10 new coaches all of which will be attending the FA’s Level 1 coaching courses over the course of next season.

 

I would add that 3 of our coaches Steve Mitchinson, Dodi Hackel and Scott Coreless have just completed their FA level 2 coaching course successfully. Congratulations.

 

As aforementioned the pathway from youth section to first team is very obvious and in addition to the Players that have progressed this season, Jack Thomas , Oli Miles and Alfie have all established themselves at first team level all being products of BSCFC’s youth development programme.

 

Links with the First Team are now firmly established especially with Jim Duggan’s appointment as their First Team Coach.

 

BSCFC’s Coaching programme has been delivered this season for first time and the Club’s aim, under Tim Moylette the Head Coach, is to bring in more in house training next season for coach education and to continue with our playing philosophy : win the ball/ keep the ball and to play with no fear and creativity. The 2 Managers sessions that were arranged by Tim, Nik Barnes and Manager’s Mentor Martin Tritton this season that we have held here at Friedberg in the last 12 months have been very positive and with the social element has certainly allowed us to begin to develop a Club “feel”!

 

Ray Greenwood has taken over the reins of Lead Coach for the Boys teams in age groups u12-u18s since September 2018 and whilst there have been difficulties at times, he along with Mark Warwick’s involvement as Manager Liaison Officer has really helped and improved the restructuring and team selection for next season; as well as the recruitment of new Players for the club.

 

This recruitment drive is evidenced in there being, for the 1st time, a Men’s team being entered into the North West Essex Sunday League; 6 U18 teams (the most teams we’ve ever had at this age group); the U16 age group is again looking very strong with EJA and Mid Herts Premier League teams entering the club on top of what we had last season. The U14/15 will have two EJA teams for both age groups in addition to the teams competing in the Mid Herts and Royston Crow Leagues. The U13s are now stepping into 11 aside and I believe we should be getting a further team in this age group and finally we have a strong U12s section that is close to being sorted.

 

On a day to day basis I look forward to hearing that the communication between managers that has really improved last season continues for 2019/20.

 

Finally, a reminder that BSCFC are committed to developing ALL players, of ALL abilities. The club has a clear focus, being competitive but not a total ethos of winning. There is a difference between competitive and all out winning. Being competitive means that you want to win the game, but not at the expense of the players, ensuring, if possible, that all players get at least half of the match playing time.

 

Girls

 

We are asked by the FA to continue with the progress we have made to date in this important and growing area of the game.

 

To this end the recent girls only recruitment day was a great success – we had 17 new girls attending over the 2 sessions of which we have so far retained 12 for development training on a Sunday morning.

 

For the first time we put out an U10 girls team

 

We should have 2 teams at one age group in 2019/20 another 1st.

 

We do however need support from parents with social media promoting girls football on Facebook and within the 26 local schools..

 

We will be holding further girls only recruitment sessions in an attempt to continue building numbers in this section.

 

Thank you Ray Greenwood for your continued efforts here.

 

Off the field

This Season I have been reminded at a number of meetings that I have attended with amongst others the Football Association, Government Bodies and our Local County Councillors, of the power of sport that brings people from different backgrounds together; They remind me that Sport strengthens our communities and improves the physical and mental health of everybody involved.

When we’re involved in a game on a Saturday or Sunday it’s all about the Players. All children, parents, and others are now seeking quality experiences delivered by passionate and caring coaches and others.

To this end I’ve been heavily involved, on behalf of BSCFC, with the Herts FA in developing their National Game Strategy for 2018 to 2021 and their ambition to implement a new framework that recognises and rewards clubs for their support of grassroots football and incentivises Clubs who wish to grow. In addition to their National Game Strategy I have also been involved in shaping the Community Club Hub the FA are looking at implementing for various areas throughout the country including here in Bishops Stortford.

A reminder therefore, that we as a Club are here to support you, the Members, to provide Football for ALL and whilst you the Members may not always agree with every decision we make, we make those decisions in good faith and with your best interests at heart.

With this aim firmly in mind and with the results of the Survey we carried out last year; the Members most pressing issue was that of facilities and our Current facilities at Pearse House/Grange Paddocks and here at Friedberg.

 

I will come to the New Facility Project shortly.

 

As many of you are aware, there is little we can do at Grange Paddocks or indeed Pearse House BUT here at Friedberg we have managed to improve this facility considerably.

 

Many thanks for all that helped out but it would be remiss of me if I didn’t single out and record the Club’s sincere thanks to Jason Millett and his staff at the MACE Group for introducing BSCFC to Joseph Gallagher and Solum who, as part of their charitable donations, kindly improve this facility – whilst not 100% as we would like it – I’m sure we will all agree it is a considerable improvement of where we once were! We certainly couldn’t hold meetings here! I would also record the Club’s thanks to Dan Bowler from Excelsior Kitchens for providing the kitchen that was installed here. I’m still hoping that a few other outside improvements can be made to the facility.

 

The Players on match day will also, hopefully, have experienced a better playing surface due to the Club employing Earthworms to maintain the pitches here. For next season and hopefully with the FA Pitch Improvement Programme Report that we recently commissioned implemented, the pitches will continue to improve.

 

Talking of Players and Match days – the Club invested a considerable sum of money in buying each player a Training top.. from the feedback we have had this has proved a popular decision and has certainly created a “presence” for the Club when walking through the town or supermarket on any given day!

 

In addition we have become “higher profile” in the local BS Independent Newspaper due to Nik Barnes’ sterling efforts and he aims to continue to improve this aspect of the Club’s workings as well as fully embracing social media – please Managers keep him up to date with your Team’s results and achievements to allow BSCFC to maintain its profile in all these media channels.

 

You will note the next item on the Agenda is the Secretary’s report and yet again (though with her permission this year) I will steal her thunder..

 

Apart from the initial difficulties we all encountered with the implementation of the Subs On Line payment system (that hopefully will be sorted for Season 19/20), one of the main issues we’ve faced from an administration point of view is the FA’s requirements that we have no choice but to adhere to:-

 

Safeguarding – I mentioned this last year and have no problem in raising this again. Quite simply we ALL have to ensure that football is played at BSCFC in a safe and fun environment; you will all appreciate part of our ongoing role is to ensure that good practice is implemented across all of BSCFC. I’ve been asked to remind all that Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and we all have a duty to continue with this work. It is a requirement that ALL of our Managers, their Assistants and Coaches MUST have the requisite Safeguarding and CRC checks. Going forward the Club will NOT allow any person to be involved in the coaching/managing any of our Teams if they do not have these relevant qualifications.

 

In addition it is a FA and BSCFClub requirement that ALL of our Managers, their Assistants and Coaches MUST have the FA First Aid qualification – for obvious reasons.

 

Finally in an effort to continue with improving Football in the Country, the FA and BSCFC require that each of our Managers are qualified to at least FA Level 1 Coaching Course standard.

 

All Managers/ Assistants that do not have these qualifications will be reminded of the need to ahere to the FA and oue rules, though we would appreciate if you individually took ownership of the requirements here.

 

THANKS

I haven’t yet expressed my and the whole of BSCFC’s thanks to a number of individuals on the Committee who work tirelessly as VOLUNTEERS on your behalf.

 

So to:-

 

Nic Moylette, our Club Administrator and Secretary;

Alan Hazell our Finance Manager;

Morgan La Force and Nik Barnes our Vice Chairmen;

Tim Moylette our Head Coach;

Ray Greenwood our Lead Coaches for the U12-18 boys and girls teams age groups;
Mark Warwick – Manager Liaison U12-18

Gary Mardle U7 age group co-ordinator;

Girls and Ladies – Lee Dosseter

Martin Tritton Manager Mentor and Child Welfare Officer;

Our press and communications team of Nik Barnes, Caroline Rutherford, Graeme Wilson, Mark Hargrave and Sean Mercer;

Our Kit and Equipment Officers Ray Greenwood and Mark Warwick

Parents Liaison –Roger Hammond

and finally

Our Fixtures and Pitch organisers Colin Marshall.

 

Committee, on behalf of BSCFC may I thank you all for your efforts this season, in particular to a number of retiring officers – Roger Hammond, Steve King, Lee Dossetter and Colin Marshall – many thanks for your efforts last season and in particular to Colin Marshall for  his time in the thankless task of Fixtures/Pitches.

 

Colin has been with the Club since his Son, Sam, joined us at Under 8 in 2005; he became Registration Secretary in 2009 for the U11’s upwards and in 2012 the Club’s Registrations Secretary, becoming fixtures Secretary 4/5 years ago. As a sign of appreciation here’s a small gift for you.

 

On behalf of the Committee I should also acknowledge, once again, the efforts and dedication of all the team Managers and Coaches that make playing football for BSCFC possible.

 

Finally I would also like to thank all Sponsors: – whether that’s individual team kit sponsorship; the advertising boards at Friedberg of Pestells and Driven2Fitness as well as to Marrey Tableware who host our office within their premises at Raynham Road.

 

New Facilities

 

As I reported at our AGM last year, BSCFC are seeking to find a parcel of land suitable for the development of a much needed modern clubhouse with a minimum of 2 full-sized “3G” playing pitches, hopefully some grass pitches, together with car parking facilities.

 

To re-cap, the intention is for this to be a football-led community sports and football hub, and a community asset for Bishop’s Stortford residents but also the wider region.

 

Over the past 12 months the Club has continued to engage Knight Frank (Property Consultants and Land Agents) – Andrew Martin Planning (Planning Consultants) and Birketts (Solicitors) to assist with the project.

 

Building on the negotiations and discussions I started in 2017/18, engagement with EHDC, HCC, local landowners and other stakeholders has intensified over the past 12 months.

 

Correspondence and meetings have been had with senior officers at both District and County Council level including, amongst others, EHDC Chief Exec, EHDC Planning Team officers, EHDC Head of Property and Senior Projects Officer at HCC. Further, relevant County Councillors have been consulted with and provided with information in respect of the Club’s ambitions have been shared and communicated.

 

This has led to some tangible (if not visible progress on the ground) with the project.  In 2018 EHDC announced BSCFC are one of only a maximum three beneficiaries in the town to be eligible to bid for S106 Sports Infrastructure sports infrastructure funding which is available for distribution due to the Countryside development at Hazel End. Engagement with EHDC continues in respect of the bidding process and eligibility for this funding which is yet to be clarified but which seems likely to be available for distribution later this year.

 

For commercial and confidentiality reasons, I’m sure you will appreciate I am unable to give a full brief to Members, though Nik Barnes, Alan Hazell and Mark Warwick from your Committee have been updated on the landowner negotiations and the areas of land concerned, however the aim remains to secure at least one “option” to purchase or lease, to allow the club to pursue planning permission for the proposed development and then ultimately acquire, or lease, land upon the grant of that planning permission.

 

I can confirm however that the focus has now narrowed significantly with detailed negotiations ongoing with two landowners/stakeholders.  In respect of those negotiations, I’m able to say that with Knight Frank and Birkett’s assistance, heads of terms for “options to lease” / “conditional contracts” have been drafted and put forward to those two landowners.

 

The two main parties the Club is in negotiations with have, this year, instructed agents to represent them in the matter.  I do believe this is a significant step as it shows their commitment and an intention to conclude an agreement with BSCFC for specific areas of land.

 

Both sets of negotiations have not been (and will unlikely become) simple or speedy due to the complexities of the sites concerned and the stakeholders involved.  Matters such as funding eligibility, (e.g. the Football Foundation’s funding limitations) planning policy and the town’s likely ongoing expansion – and the impact this has on land values – have a continuing need to be addressed.  These matters and the reliance on others, including commercial sensitivities when it comes to developments such as what we are hoping to achieve, means, unfortunately, that the project remains “at risk”.

 

While I’m confident progress is heading in the right direction there remain significant hurdles to overcome before construction can occur.  To put our best foot forward and to prepare fully, I’ve established a sub-committee team of experts in this field who have assisted me with matters such as preliminary costings, design and project management; as this support, to date has been provided free of charge, this is hugely appreciated – and my thanks go to the individuals concerned.

 

Assuming we are successful with our aim, I am also anxious the Club prepares itself for a fundraising campaign which will, I hope, be needed soon. To that end I have also met a number of individuals who have indicated their willingness to assist BSCFC, though other help is welcome here.

 

Further, due to the ongoing risks attached with this project, I’m not ruling out the possibility of the Club taking another direction and engaging with other stakeholders or landowners if they are willing to support the Club with the project.  Many of you will be aware there are some significant school development projects being proposed in or around the town and some preliminary discussions suggest this may provide the Club with an opportunity to partner with a school (or schools) and jointly invest in facilities for the Club’s/community’s benefit.

 

I’m sure you will all appreciate this project is complicated, hugely time consuming and not without risk/cost however I remain committed to giving BSCFC the greatest chance of success of securing an exceptional facility for our community’s benefit.

 

I believe that assuming we clear the significant hurdles that we face; the Club is in a good position to move quickly with the project.

 

I would remind you of what I said last year; We are inching closer to having a huge opportunity to develop a first class football facility for not just this but future generations in Bishop’s Stortford.

 

Whilst I’d like to say I have all of the answers, please have no doubt, to take us forward we will need volunteers to offer further expertise.

 

If you have some time and feel you have the requisite experience, please let me know as a fresh perspective to our strategic thinking is always welcome.

 

Finally, my commitment for the next season, as last year, is to continue to work on your behalf, along with the Committee to make BSCFC if not the best, certainly one of the best Community Football Clubs in the Country.

I would like to thank all of the Managers, their Assistants and Coaches, as well as all Parents and Members for the support they have given me and all of the Committee in Season 2018/19 and we look forward to season 2019/20.

It will be my honour and privilege to serve as Chairman of BSCFC for a further season.

 

  1. Treasurers Report

Finance summary

 

The last set of “accounts” to the 31st July 2018 were the first as a Limited Company and have been circulated to you, the Members, and have been lodged at Companies House as required.

 

Our Financial year runs broadly in line with the playing season (1st August to 31st July) so there has been a period of alignment. The accounts for year ended 31.07.19 have not, for obvious reasons, been completed yet, so this summary is a projection based on previous years of expenses/income for June and July and then a “look forward” for next season based on what we know will increase/remain the same/decrease

 

2018-2019 (Main sources of income/expenditure)

  • Player subscriptions are broadly in line with last year (down by about £4k probably due to teams leaving).
  • Sponsorship is down so overall income was down (though the expenses/profits from the presentation and tournament have not yet been declared).
  • Hired pitches = £12,000 (up from last year – mainly because of better tracking from Grange Paddocks management).  This includes Grange Paddocks, Pearce House, Parringdon, Birchanger, Cricketfield Lane and Manuden.
  • Friedberg overheads = £13,000 (up from last year – a deliberate decision to hire Earthworms to maintain the field rather than just mow/mark it as previous years)
  • Training facility = net £27,000 (aligned with last year –  this includes hiring the facility for goalkeeper coaching to reduce the cost to the trainee goalkeepers)
  • U8 and U9 coaching costs have increased slightly to cover paying managers and referees (previously it was Soccer Development coaches that were paid – so the money is being spent in different ways).
  • Head Coach, Lead Coach fees are in line with budget
  • Administrator fees are in line with budget
  • Playing kit = £25,000 paid to BSFC for purchasing the kit but there is an outstanding bill from ProKit UK for managers coats and other kit and equipment purchased through the season.
  • League affiliations in line with budget.
  • Professional and legal fees = £10,000.  This is a pre-spend towards a new facility.
  • Conference fund – has spent circa £6,000 on CRB checks, Level 1 courses, Safeguarding and First Aid courses.  This money came from our link with BSFC and was a result of the senior club playing in the National Conference.  We had a year’s money “parachute” payment which is now exhausted.  So community projects will either need to be funded from other donations or stopped.  This includes providing after school coaching for 6 hours each at 20+ local primary schools as part of a relationship with Birchwood Sports Partnership.
  • The FA is insisting that all Managers MUST have the FA Level 1 Coaching course qualification.
  • Other costs incurred include refund of subs to Managers; replenishment of Club equipment lost, damaged or vandalised due to us not looking after it – this includes lost keys, chains, padlocks at Friedberg and vandalised poles, respect barriers and lost chains, padlocks at Pearce House.

 

2019-2020

 

  • Grange Paddocks have advised us of an increase in the price of pitch hire to £27 per match (by 20% Mini soccer), £33 per match (by 20% Junior matches) and £68 per match (by 20% Senior matches).  Fortunately our matches up to U8 – U14 are charged as “Junior” hires –U15 upwards play on full sized pitches.  Last season we hired the Mini-Soccer pitches for approximately 120 matches (3 per week for 30 weeks), Junior pitches for 160 matches (4 per week for 30 weeks) and the Senior pitches for 11 matches (Vets – who pay themselves).  In addition Grange Paddocks is being redeveloped from January 2020 and there will be disruption to the pitches and car parks during this period.
  • Birchwood – training to £54 per hour (10%) increase.
  • Jobbers Wood: Mark Warwick has arranged for BSCFC to use Jobbers Wood for 5-6 EJA teams in 2019-2020.  The cost is competitive therefore we are locating EJA sides there instead of using Parringdon in Harlow.  There will be some investment for goals, respect barriers and dugouts for this facility.
  • Kit: We need to start the roll out of the new kit this season, plus the usual replacements of shirts, shorts and socks plus medical kits, manager’s kits, manager’s coats and rain jackets for new players (we are anticipating a 5% increase).
  • Affiliations and Insurance are increasing this season (by about 18%).

 

Summary

  • Our overall resources have dropped by about £40,000 from July 2018 to end July 2019.  Some of this was expected (Professional and legal fees, rain jackets for all, the Conference fund not being replenished etc.) and some of the conference fund is ongoing costs to the Club – FA CRB checks, Level 1 courses and other courses. 2% of our subs go to Subs On Line
  • Mitigation will include using Friedberg and Birchwood 3G more for mini soccer matches if possible (Birchwood is £54 for the whole pitch for an hour compared to Grange Paddocks £27/pitch).  We are looking at the possibility of getting a second mini soccer pitch at Friedberg.
  • To ease administration Subscription payments will be due in 1 or 2 payments next season: all Players MUST be registered & pay their subs with the Club before or on 1st Any players registered after 1st August can’t be guaranteed to play in the first game of the season. As you can imagine from an admin point of view it is impossible to check a large number of players the week before the start of the season.
  • Club & League Registration information will go out to towards the middle of next week to Managers & Parents and on line Club registration will then be open for subs payments.
  • Saw a drop from the previous season to 59 teams affiliated with HFA last season for 2018 2019.  77 teams affiliated this season so could have in excess of 900 members!
  • That a comparison of other Community Club’s subs/training fees was carried out this season by Berkhamsted Raiders of Clubs who are a similar size to ourselves in the County. It was found that BSCFC are
  • What is being provided – match day + kit, a training session on a 3G surface with a fully qualified coach (who is CRB checked and with First Aid qualifications) for approx. £5 per week doesn’t appear that unreasonable to me!
  • Proposal is to increase subs for the first time in 3 years to £180 (an 8.5% increase) to cover potential increased costs.

 

Unfortunately Alan has decided to resign from his post of Finance Manager and I hereby record a note of our thanks for his diligence and time in this hugely important role for BSCFC, though he has volunteered to remain on the Committee and will deal with all fixtures/pitches.

 

  1. Secretary’s Report (see Chairman’s report)

 

  1. Confirmation of Officer Appointments & Election of Committee Members for Season 2019 2020. Nominated positions en bloc
Life Presidents: Derek Bayley / Mark Hargrave / Alan Hazell / Trevor Lloyd / Tim Moylette / Sean Murphy
*Chairman: Grant Hegley
*Vice Chairmen: Morgan La Force
*Club Secretary: Nicola Moylette
*Finance Manager Jo Ivory
 

Head Coach for Football Development

 

Tim Moylette

U7 Age Groups Football Development Co-ordinator Gary Mardle
U8-U11 Age Group Football Development Co-ordinator

U12-U18 Age Group Football Development Co-ordinator

U11 -U18 Girls Age Groups Football Development Co-ordinator

Tim Moylette

Ray Greenwood

***

 

Club Administrator Nicola Moylette
Fixture Secretary Alan Hazell
Communications Officer: Caroline Rutherford
Child Welfare Officers: Tim Moylette / Martin Tritton
Kit and Equipment Officers: Mark Warwick
New Facilities Officer: Grant Hegley
Current Facilities Officer: ***
Parent Liaison Officer: ***
Manager Liaison Officer: Mark Warwick
Schools Liaison and Co-Ordinator Officer: Tim Moylette
Press Officer/Social Media Officer: Nik Barnes
Club Website: ***

 

  • Nik Barnes announced that he will be standing down as Vice Chairman with immediate effect. He will continue to assist Tim Moylette with younger age groups
  • Jo Ivory was introduced as the Clubs new Finance Manager.

 

 

  1. AOB
  • Kit Hand Out night will be 2nd & 3rd September 2019
  • Jamie Lorimer enquired about training slots. These should be issued by next week.
  • NB enquired whether the 5-6pm slot could be used at Birchwood for midweek training. RG will ask AH to speak to the school.
  • James Sheehy asked about the duration of training slots. He was advised that the Club only provide & pay for a one hour slot, once a week.JS will contact AH to organise an extra slot.
  • Jamie Lorimer asked if it was possible if he could train elsewhere to give his team more space. He was advised that the Club prefers all teams to train at Birchwood if possible but he should speak to AH.
  • Andy Norris asked if he could choose Pearce House or Friedberg to play at next season. He was advised that he would be allocated a pitch and time for either venue, by the Fixture Secretary.

 

  1. The meeting closed at 9:30pm

Minutes of the BSCFC Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at ProKit UK Stadium, 7th June 2018

 

Attendees

 

U11 Wanderers – Andy Barnes Caroline Rutherford
U11 Wanderers – Mark Cappuccini Grant Hegley
U13 EJA – Simon Marzell Nicola Moylette
U14 Wanderers – Mike Taylor Mark Warwick
U14 Wanderers – Ron Hehir Nik Barnes
U14 Girls – Colin Mason Smith Tim Moylette
U14 Rovers – Graham Fisher Derek Bayley
U14 Rovers – Ian Winship Ray Greenwood
U16 Town – Dai Davies Morgan Laforce
Ladies – Mark Hargrave Jim Duggan
Ladies – Andrew Pawsey Lee Dossetter

 

 

1. Apologies for absence received; Alan Hazell

 

  1. The minutes of the AGM held on 15th June 2017 were proposed as a true record by Ray Greenwood and seconded by Caroline Rutherford.

 

3. Chairman’s Report – Grant Hegley

 

Welcome to the Annual General Meeting of the Bishop’s Stortford Community Football Club Limited.

 

Before starting with the formal business side of tonight, GH thought it appropriate that we all stand and have a few moments of silence to reflect on the sad passing away in February of this year of one of our former Girl Team players, Addie Brady who was aged just 16.

 

GH thanked attendees, and commented, I think this puts tonight’s football meeting and life, in general, into perspective…

 

I say this every year – how quickly the time has passed since our last AGM.

 

As last year, much has been achieved by BSCFC over the last 12 months both on and off the field of play.

 

On the field it was my absolute privilege to attend the:-

 

U13 (EJA), U15 and U16 Foot Golf presentation days on Saturday 12th May 2018, whilst the weather didn’t help, the event itself was extremely well attended and the feedback we’ve had has been very positive.

 

The following weekend saw the Girls/Ladies section hold their awards day on Saturday 19th May and the Boys age groups the following day on Sunday 20th May.

 

With the beautiful weather, the attendance on both days was amazing with estimates of over 2000 people in attendance.

 

In addition to the broad smiles of all the Boys and Girls who received their awards (and many congratulations to all of them), the sea of blue and white shirts all over Friedberg was a site to behold..

 

WE ARE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT!!

 

In addition to these days our 2 Disabled teams – Home Farm Trust v St Elizabeth’s – fought out an extremely competitive BS Inclusion cup final on 8th May, that was eventually won 4-3 by St Elizabeths! Congratulations to both teams and thank you to Ray Greenwood for your efforts here.

 

WE REALLY ARE A FABULOUS COMMUNITY FOOTBALL CLUB! 

 

CONGRATULATIONS

 

A number of our players have moved from playing from our youth teams this season to Professional League Teams:-

 

Harry Thomson – U10 to Arsenal; Paddy Dunn U9 to Cambridge; Cameron Leggatt U9 to Tottenham and Luke Inge U17 to Aston Villa.

 

We have also had Jack Thomas, Chad Cruise, Jamie Reilly and Jacob… go from the Academy

 

As well as Marcus Crowther, Max Brassington, Callum Taylor, Freddie Oakman, Alfie Mason,

Callum Linsky, go from our EJA side to BSFC 1st Team

 

The Individual Team’s playing successes include (and I apologise if I’ve missed any team out):-

 

U9 United Div. cup final v Hertford Town Stags – lost on pens Runners up – managed by Mark Cowper/Paul Leonard

U10 Rovers final – 20/5 – runners up – managed by Nik Barnes

U12 Town semi-final v Cheshunt Youth Blues – 22/4 at Cheshunt FC – runners up – managed by Morgan La Force

U13 Town – runners up in league won MH Div. Cup – managed by Phil Leggatt/Mark Hoddle

U13 EJA – national Cup winners in a recent tournament in Belgium

U14 Girls runners up Herts Girls Football Partnership League (HGFPL)

U15 Girls runners up Herts Girls Football Partnership League (HGFPL)

U15 Rangers runners up in League cup final – managed by Andy Gilbey

U15 Wanderers winners of Div. 1, Royston Crow League – managed by Michael Michael

U16 Girls runners up Herts Girls Football Partnership League (HGFPL); runners up in the Shield

Final v Tottenham Hotspur Ladies – managed by Lee Dossetter

U17 EJA League Cup Winners managed by Morgan La Force

EJA U18 League Cup final – 29/5 – yet again Morgan La Force…. I understand there is a vacant Mangers position at Real…. Madrid!

U18 Rovers Div. Cup final v Fairlands Youth Yellow – 22/4 managed by Simon McDermott U18 Girls Herts Girls Football Partnership League (HGFPL) winner – managed by Oliver Minton.

 

A special mention  to the U17 EJA side (playing against U18 sides) managed by Morgan La Force who progressed to the FA Youth Cup 1st round proper, the furthest we’ve ever gone!

 

Caiman Rowntree Award for Service to BSCFC

 

U18 Rovers – Simon McDermott – who has been with the Club over 8 years and was the recipient of the Caiman Rowntree Award for Service to BSCFC.

 

A new initiative this year to show our appreciation to the Managers who are, unfortunately,leaving BSCFC having done over 3 years’ service for the Club

 

U16 Town – Dai Davies – since U9’s –  7 years

U14 Wanderers – Mike Taylor – since U10 – 5 years

U14 Wanderers – Ron Hehir – since U10 – 5 years

U12 Rangers – Charlie Merryweather – 10 years as a Manager and Player

U11 Town -Steve Robinson – 5 years as a Manager

U16 Athletic – Andy Church – 4 years as a Manager

 

For those recipients, please can I ask you to stay at the end of the AGM for your photograph to be taken for the local press.

 

Off the field

 

Apart from the day to day running of the Club we have had to deal with a number of pressing issues including:-

 

  • The implementation of the Subs On Line payment system – with over 800 members this has allowed us to free up some administration time and effort.
  • The General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) – thank you to Nicola Moylette, Caroline Rutherford and Alan Hazell in ensuring that we as a Club are fully compliant.

Two issues came from the Football Association that had to be dealt with at relatively short notice:-

  • The Whole Game System – registering ALL of our 800 Players on to their central system and
  • One if not the most important, of issues – Safeguarding – ensuring that football is played at BSCFC is played in a safe and fun environment; you will all appreciate part of our ongoing role is to ensure that good practice is implemented across all of BSCFC. I’ve been asked to remind all          that            Safeguarding     is            everyone’s responsibility and we all have a duty to continue with this work.

BSCFC is extremely grateful to Nic for the tremendous amount of work and effort she has put in, in a very short period of time to implement the Club’s, Legal and FA’s requirements.

As a sign of the Club’s appreciation – presentation of some flowers.

I haven’t yet expressed my and the whole of BSCFC’s thanks to a number of individuals on the Committee who work tirelessly as VOLUNTEERS, on your behalf.

 

So to:-

 

Nic Moylette, our Secretary;

Alan Hazell our Treasurer;

Morgan La Force and Tim Hancock our Vice Chairmen;

Tim Moylette our Head Coach;

Gary Mardle, Martin Tritton, Graham Fisher, Colin Harding, Ray Greenwood, Lee Dossetter our Lead Coaches for the various boys and girls teams age groups;

Our press and communications team of Nik Barnes, Caroline Rutherford, Graeme Wilson, Mark Hargreave and Sean Mercer;

Our Kit and Equipment Officers Ray Greenwood and Mark Warwick and finally  Our Fixtures and Pitch organisers Colin Marshall and Steve King.

 

Committee on behalf of BSCFC may I thank you all for your efforts this season.

 

Finally, on behalf of the Committee I should also acknowledge the efforts and dedication of all the team Managers and Coaches that make playing football for BSCFC possible.

 

Adapting a quote from Sir Winston Churchill ‘Never has so much been owed by so many who play to those few Club Officials who through their hard work and dedication make it all possible’.

 

 

MOVING FORWARDS

 

At the end of my report last year I indicated that it was my intention to resign from my role as your Chairman in order to dedicate my time to the New Facilities project, however, with a change in my work role, it has freed up more of my time and I will continue, subject to reelection, as your Chairman for Season 2018/19.

 

We do have a number of challenges however and, perhaps, we are a VICTIM OF OUR OWN SUCCESS…

 

Thank you to all who took the time to complete our recent survey, some of the results indicate that we are not performing as well as you, the Members, would like us to.

 

The 4 main areas of concern highlighted were:-

 

Communication – from the Club and Teams –  Cost

Training

Facilities

 

Communication

 

This may be due to the fact we now run 80 or so teams, perhaps if we were a club of say 5 teams it would be easy to communicate with you all!

 

We, as a Committee, have taken your concerns on board and are looking to appoint a Parents Liaison Officer, we are also appointing an U12-U18 Manager Liaison Officer.

 

As you may have noted we have become “higher profile” in the local BS Independent Newspaper due to Nik Barnes’ sterling efforts and he aims to continue to improve this aspect of the Club’s workings as well as fully embracing social media.. In addition the FA, who I will come on to shortly, are also looking to assist us in this field..

 

Cost

 

This may of course be reduced by sponsorship. Again if we were a small Club it would be easier to obtain sponsorship for 5 teams than 80!…

 

I would however point out, that a comparison of other Community Club’s subs/training fees was carried out this season by Berkhamsted Raiders of Clubs who are a similar size to ourselves in the County. It was found that BSCFC are competitive.

 

As an aside when you look at what is being provided – match day + kit, a training session on a 3G surface with a fully qualified coach (who is CRB checked and with First Aid qualifications) for approx. £5 per week doesn’t appear that unreasonable to me!

 

I will not steal the Treasurer’s thunder by commenting much further on this as his report is to follow…

 

Training/Teams

 

Tim Moylette the Club’s UEFA A Level 4 Head Coach (there are not many Clubs of our level can boast to have a Coach as highly qualified as Tim) has developed and recently presented to a number of our Managers and Coaches BSCFC’s playing and training philosophy that will be implemented next season. We will also be holding a series of Managers meetings throughout the course of the season to reinforce the Club’s philosophies.

 

Perhaps the reason some of you are here tonight is to discuss how we ensure our teams remain competitive while also allowing our players to develop.

 

In principle BSCFC believe that players should be organised into talent appropriate squads that are then placed into leagues that match their ability.

 

The process is full of potential difficulties, the most common of which are i) selecting players on ability but not breaking up friendship groups and ii) trying to reach a decision based on the opinion of a few that needs to be accepted by many.

 

BSCFC are committed to developing ALL players, of ALL abilities. The club has a clear focus, being competitive but not a total ethos of winning. There is a difference between competitive and all out winning. Being competitive means that you want to win the game, but not at the expense of the players, ensuring, if possible, that all players get at least half of the match playing time.

 

We fully appreciate some of the problems that have arisen in some age groups at the end of this season.

 

Following discussion we will have a process in place for next season something along the lines of:-

 

Around March 1st, the team managers of a year group will meet along with their team’s coach, age group’s lead coach, the head coach and one or two members of the club committee to have an initial discussion of the make-up of their squads for the following season.

 

At the end of the season we will meet again to follow up on our initial discussions, consider the group of players we have to choose from and make a ‘final’ decision.

 

Managing this process is not an exact science and numerous factors have to be considered but in general the decisions we take are understood and as a result the squads selected go on to have successful seasons playing at a level that is suitable for the players ability.

 

If the decisions the club take are unpopular with a group or individual we will actively encourage dialogue between players and/or parents (as aforementioned we will be looking to appoint a Parent Liaison Officer on to the Club’s Committee) to discuss the process undertaken and the thought process that was applied. Hopefully we will find a solution that is agreeable to all.

 

As mentioned earlier, this process often presents a major challenge to the club but is undertaken with the best intentions with the ultimate goal of providing each of our players with an enjoyable football experience.

 

I’ll come onto the last concern re facilities shortly..

 

Simply speaking BSCFC fully understand the concerns of Members, we are glad that they have been raised (the purpose of the survey) and recognise that we can and MUST deal with them…

 

I say MUST as, the way we operate as one of the largest Community Football Clubs in the Country, is EXACTLY the way the ENGLISH Football Association wishes football to develop throughout the country.

 

Having attended a number of high level meetings with the FA in the last year, they are looking to develop community football hubs that deliver football for the community. To achieve this aim they need and require the support of their “Super Clubs” i.e. clubs with at least 40 teams – we currently have around 80!  In return they say they will offer some of their advisers, business support, some legal and financial services advice as well as facility investment, to which I now turn..

 

 Facilities

 

The Club fully appreciates and shares the concerns of all on this subject, so I will update you now on the Club’s exciting New Facilities project

 

Over the last year I have taken heart from the following quotes:-

 

from Art Williams “I’m not telling you it is going to be easy, I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.” And from 

 

Nelson Mandela “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” 

 

  • As many of you will be aware, BSCFC are seeking to find a parcel of land suitable for the development of a much needed modern clubhouse with a minimum of 2 full-sized “3G” playing pitches, together with car parking facilities.

 

  • The intention is for this to be a football-led community sports hub, and a community asset for Bishop’s Stortford residents but also the wider region.

 

  • The Club has taken important steps over the past 18 months to progress this ambition by instructing James Shepherd at Knight Frank (Property Consultants and Land Agents – James would have been here tonight to take any questions but unfortunately couldn’t make it due to a prior meeting, however he has helped in the formulation of this part of my report) – Andrew Martin Planning (Planning Consultants) and most recently, Birketts (Solicitors) to assist with the project.

 

  • Approaches have been made to EHDC, HCC, local landowners and other stakeholders to explain fully the needs of the Club and to seek their engagement.

 

  • Amongst others, the Hertfordshire Football Association, the Football Foundation, Sport England, East Herts District Council, Herts CC, other agents, landowners and developers have been engaged with and high level contacts at each have been brought up to speed with what the Club’s needs and proposals are. It should not be underestimated how important this engagement has been but also how much time has been committed to achieving this.

 

  • Significantly, the Chief Executive of EHDC (Liz Watts) agreed to meet with me and some of the Club’s aforementioned Consultants, at that meeting she appears to fully recognise the important community services BSCFC provides.

 

  • This support and recognition is evident by the precious senior EHDC planning officers’ time being made available to the Club and also that EHDC agreed to part fund the planning study (suggested, as necessary, by EHDC’s planning officers), that was commissioned by BSCFC last year.

 

  • The planning study has now been completed. In many ways it reveals what the Club already knew but we needed a report to say as such – in so far as there is a real lack of land availability and where greenfield sites appear suitable, development of them is constrained by their designation as “green belt”.

 

  • However, the study has identified areas of land in, or very near to Bishop’s Stortford that could be suitable (from a planning permission perspective) for the Club’s development proposals.

 

  • We are fully aware of section 106 funds that could be applied for, to assist with the project; EHDC are fully aware of the Club’s interest in the funding and they are due to clarify the application process. We hope to receive more information about this soon and I would hope to brief you further on this issue – it may be that we will need you to lobby decision makers over how the funds are allocated.

 

  • Alongside the planning study, James at Knight Frank and the Club have approached key landowners and positive discussions with several are ongoing.

 

  • For commercial and confidentiality reasons, I’m sure you will appreciate I am unable to give a full brief to Members on landowner negotiations and the areas of land concerned, however the aim is to secure at least one “option” to purchase or lease, which would enable the club to pursue planning permission for the proposed development and ultimately acquire, or lease, land upon the grant of that planning permission.

 

  • The timescale for progressing an option relies partly on other stakeholders but my sincere hope is that by the next AGM at least one option will be completed and Members can be made aware of proposals in much greater detail (i.e. the land parcel) with preliminary design work and planning timeframes being communicated.

 

  • This will then allow the Club to advance community engagement and seek further funding for the project.

 

  • I’m sure you will all appreciate such a process is complicated, time consuming and not without risk/cost however ultimately I believe it gives BSCFC the greatest chance of success of securing an exceptional facility for our community’s benefit.

 

REALLY EXCITING TIMES!

 

I do think however, we are now at a Crossroads.

 

The Club’s structure is, I believe, now sorted and hopefully with a huge opportunity to develop a first class football facility for not just this but future generations in Bishop’s Stortford.

 

It’s quite apparent that we now need to give serious consideration to the issue of finances, fundraising; all associated legal issues, marketing etc.

 

Whilst I’d like to say I have all of the answers, please have no doubt, to take us forward we will need volunteers to offer further expertise and fresh perspective to our strategic thinking.

 

If you have some time and feel you have the requisite experience, please let me know.

 

Finally, my commitment for the next season is to continue to work on your behalf, along with the Committee to make BSCFC if not the best, certainly one of the best Community Football Clubs in the Country – if we are seen to fall short of that objective then please come and join us on the Committee and use your skill and enthusiasm to make us even better.

I hope you enjoy the summer break, the World Cup in Russia and I look forward to seeing you at some stage next season.

It will be my honour and privilege to serve as Chairman of BSCFC for a further season.

 

4. Treasurers Report

BSCFC Treasurer’s Report – AGM 7th June 2018

 

Apologies for not being able to make the AGM this year but I have an unavoidable clash of meeting.

 

2016-2017 Season

As reported last year, our financial year has been aligned with the season and subs collection.  It now runs from 1st August to 31st July.  Last year’s accounts were for 15 months from 1st June 2016 to 31st July 2017 and were reported to Companies House in accordance with their rules.  They were circulated with the agenda – please email me (on Treasurer@bscfc.co.uk) should you have any specific questions.

 

2017-2018 Season

  • For obvious reasons, the books for this season are not prepared yet but I’ve drafted a summary of where we are from 1st August 2017 to 31st May 2018. Obviously, these are unchecked and just for information only and I’ve put totals into buckets (rather than detailing as I normally would for the full accounts – for example catering, the development squad and the Conference Fund).  Don’t be alarmed by anything within them.  As explained, the 2017 accounts ran past the end of the previous reporting period (1st June to 31st May) therefore have a few anomalies.  For example:
    • £57,000 of the income was subs for this season collected in June/July. If you take £57k off last years and add it to our income the totals are about the same.
    • Last season we pre-paid for this season’s kit – so it shows in last season’s accounts and not this.
    • We were hiring sports hall and collecting Futsal subscriptions. We dropped that this season and Futsal UK took over their own hiring of the hall.
    • League affiliations will be paid between now and the end of reporting period.
    • The training facility costs have risen but we are using it more through April and May than we previously did. It also includes the costs of hiring Pearce House pitches through the season – I’ll separate these out for the full accounts.
    • We are between the presentation and tournament which are treated as a set. A lot of the pre-spend items (food, drink etc) for the presentation is carried over to the tournament weekend therefore it is difficult to get a true picture until both events have been completed.
    • Other expenses due will be residual kit payments, the second £2,500 towards mowing and marking Friedberg (due 1st July) and May, June and July’s administrator fees.
  • This season was the first full season using SubsOnLine to collect subscriptions and, after a few teething problems (not least people not knowing which team they are in), it seemed to run quite well and reduce the administration effort. The total collected was broadly the same as last year (last year PayPal took a percentage, this season SubsOnLine)!  Thanks to Nic for setting this up (and I know there is a huge effort post-25th May to tidy up and then get ready for next season.
  • We also introduced the options of paying for subs in one, two, five and seven payments. Again, this seemed well received and successful.
  • The spreadsheet automatically populates the “Where Subs go” tab – I’ve included it below for information. So this is “where the subs have gone in the first 9 months of the reporting period.

 

2018-2019 Season

  • As you can see 20% of the subs are spent on the training facility. As co-owners, with Birchwood High School, we have benefited from a reduced rate.  It has not gone up for a few years.  I was shocked/outraged when meeting the school to discuss next season’s costs to hear that they were proposing to increase the cost, to us, by 50%.  To put that in perspective the subs would have to be increased by 10% to cover that.  Needless to say, we are arguing with the school about it (Grant and I were meant to meet with them on Monday, but the school cancelled it and we are waiting for a rearranged date).
  • In addition we know that mowing/marking of Friedberg has gone up in prices, Grange Paddocks are increasing prices (slightly) and that the kit is the same price (thanks Mark).
  • I have also been asked to consider including the cost of “hired” coaches into the subs and have the Club pay the coaches weekly (or monthly). Before doing so I think we need a debate/vote on this.  This will need to include “what about if the parent manager is also the coach”.
  • Although we’re not 100% sure of what our outgoings will be I think with a renewed focus on obtaining sponsorship deals etc., the subscriptions level and payment terms should remain as this season.

 

Conference FundSpent money on:

  • coaching 3 x disabled squads,
  • free after school coaching at 26 primary schools (linked to Birchwood and each offered 6 hours of coaching across the year),

th

  • 7 Inclusion Cup final at BSFC between St Elizabeth Centre and Home Farm Trust,               party for the elderly,
  • weekly work experience for older St Elizabeth learners.
  • It also covers the cost of some DBS checks, Level 1 and Safeguarding courses (which is why it looks, within the main account, as if we have not trained anyone)!

 

Other accounts

  • Paypal – Used primarily for on-line subs – transferred into main account periodically
  • Saffron Waldon Building Society – Primarily used to bank cash from Tournaments, Presentation.
  • Girls and Ladies account – Managed by G+L section for fundraising income and extras spent

 

Summary

  • We have bench-marked our subscriptions against local Clubs and, like-for-like (i.e. providing training facility, playing kit, equipment and pitch, trophies) we are more than competitive. Others include weekly costs that we don’t (match fees, buy your own kit).  What we don’t provide is “paid” coach (hired by individual squad), referee’s fees (because they vary across the age groups) or tournament entries.
  • We are considering buying rain-jackets for all players for next season.
  • Club in a sound position financially but many unknown over the next few seasons.

 

  1. Secretary’s Report (see Chairman’s report)

 

6. Confirmation of Officer Appointments & Election of Committee Members for Season 2017 2018. Nominated positions en bloc

 

Life Presidents:

Derek Bayley / Mark Hargrave / Alan Hazell / Trevor Lloyd / Tim Moylette / Sean Murphy

*Chairman: Grant Hegley **
*Vice Chairmen: Morgan La Force and Nik Barnes **
*Club Secretary: Nicola Moylette**
*Finance Manager Alan Hazell **
Head Coach for Football Development Tim Moylette
U7 Age Groups Football Development Co-ordinator

U8 to U11 Age Groups Football Development Co-ordinator

Gary Mardle Tim Moylette
U12 and U13 Age Groups Football Development Co-ordinator Martin Tritton
U14 Age Group Football Development Co-ordinator TBA
U15 Age Group Football Development Co-ordinator

U16 Age Groups Football Development Co-ordinator

U17 – U18 Age Groups Football Development Co-coordinator

U7 – U10 Girls Age Groups Football Development Co-coordinator

U11 – U18 Girls Age Groups Football Development Co-coordinator

Graham Fisher

Colin Harding

Morgan La Force

Ray Greenwood

Lee Dossetter

U12-U18 Manager Liaison Officer  Club Administrator:

Pitch Allocation Officer:

Mark Warwick

Nicola Moylette

Colin Marshall

Communications Officer: Caroline Rutherford
Events Officer: Graeme Wilson
Child Welfare Officers: Tim Moylette (Mini Soccer U7-U11)

Alan Hazell (U12-U18)

Sarah Allen (Girls section)

Kit and Equipment Officers: Ray Greenwood/Mark Warwick
New Facilities Officer: Grant Hegley
Current Facilities Officer: Steve King
Parent Liaison Officers: Roger Hammond
Schools Liaison and Co-Ordinator Officer: Tim Moylette
Press Officer/Social Media Officer: Nik Barnes
Club Website: Alan Hazell

7. AOB

Beldam’s Lane Facility: Ian Winship mentioned the Beldam’s Lane Facility and why we did not get involve with the project.  GH replied that we were invited to meetings but the Herts & Essex High School’s plans did not ‘tick all the boxes’ for us

Survey – Cost: Ian Winship enquired about cost.  NB spoke about the survey & the 10 questions the Club asked. The Committee went through every single comment.  One of the comments received was ‘Subs too expensive’.  We looked at what other Club’s charge, and discovered that we are very competitive.

Training at end of Season: Ian Winship bought up the issue of training after Easter and commented that some children don’t want to play and would prefer a break.  The committee stated that training up until the summer holidays is optional.

Value for Money:  NB stated that although BSCFC subs are value for money facilities are poor.  Simon Marzell stated that he thought the BSCFC offered value for money in comparison to his last Club.

Facilities: Ron Hehir some pitches are poor but we are at the mercy of the Council at Grange Paddocks.  Pearce House is maintained by Birchwood School.  Friedberg is managed by the Club’s groundsman but it is still a public open space.  GH stated that a local company have offered to do renovation work at Friedberg Clubhouse.

Coaching Fees: Dai Davies commented that he thought the Coaching fees vary too much.  Manager’s decide whether they want to use a qualified paid Coach.  An advantage to using a paid Coach is some Managers can’t be there every week at training due to work commitments.  Mark Warwick stated that the Club are looking to incorporate coaching fees into subs next season.  Roger Hammond said it needs to be made clear that extra coaching is optional after Easter.

Communication: Ian Winship stated that he felt Graham Fisher has been isolated during the difficult period of team reconstruction. The Committee reassured Ian that GF reports into the Club Head Coach (Tim Moylette) and any problems are then discussed at the Committee meeting.  TM has organised a meeting after the AGM tonight with Managers of that age group.

 

8. The meeting closed at 21:39