CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

AGM 14^TH JUNE 2005

May I welcome you all to the Surrey County Girls League 4^th Annual General Meeting at the end of the 2004/2005 season.

This has been my first year as Chairman and I would like to thank both the Clubs and the League’s Management Committee for their continued support.

The League’s Management Committee deserve credit for their hard work during the season. In particular, Karen Bailey, who was appointed General Secretary at short notice at the start of last season and has carried out the various tasks of a General Secretary in a smooth and efficient manner despite being thrown in at the deep end.

I am grateful to all members of the Management Committee who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the smooth-running of the League despite some very difficult problems that have arisen but have been dealt with admirably. I am sure you would want to join with me in thanking them all for giving up their valuable time in assisting with the running of the League last season. It would not be possible without them.

Our Presentation Evening, held here at Imber Court last Friday, was extremely well supported by all Clubs and their supporters and I would like to extend my thanks to those Clubs for their tremendous attendance. I would also, again, like to thank Karen Bailey and David Lomax for their time and effort spent in preparing the tables and laying out the superb trophies for the Presentation, which was an enormous success.

The standard of football being achieved within this 3^rd season of the League was again reflected in the County Cup Finals with all 6 of the County Cup Champions being members of this League and the Club officials, managers, coaches and indeed the girls themselves are all to be congratulated for their success.

The League continues to grow at a remarkable rate. We started out with 14 clubs in 2002, rising to 22 clubs in 2003, 36 clubs last season and a record 52 clubs have applied to join the League next season. There were 80 teams competing in the League last season with a record number of 1248 girls registered to play in the League. Karen Bailey advises me that there will be almost 130 teams next season – an increase of more than 50%.

The success of the League has prompted the FA to ask us to set up a new Women’s League for the County as a natural progression for the girls to move into Ladies football when they outgrow the girls’ divisions. Last season’s Under 15s will be playing in the new Women’s League next season along with a number of existing Ladies teams that have applied to join the League. We will, of course, provide maximum support for them on their journey into the Women’s Football Pyramid formulated by the FA and we wish them every success in this new venture.

With the League expanding once again, we would very much appreciate further assistance from any club officials who would be prepared to give up a little of their spare time to join the Management Committee next season. Many hands make light work and any help you can give would be much appreciated. Please speak to either Karen Bailey or myself if you feel that you would be able to assist or if you have any questions.

Finally, I would like to thank all Club Officials and parents for their support during last season and I look forward to seeing you all again next season.

John Sparkes

14^th June 2005