CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
AGM 6TH JUNE 2006
May I welcome you all to the Surrey County Womens & Girls League 5th Annual General Meeting at the end of the 2005/2006 season.
This has been my second year as Chairman and I would like to thank both the Clubs and the League’s Management Committee for their continued support throughout the season.
The League’s Management Committee deserve great credit for their efforts in ensuring the smooth running of the League that goes on behind the scenes. Not only do we strive for football excellence within the League but also to achieve excellent management and administration and I have no doubt that you would want to join me in thanking them for giving up their valuable time in assisting with the running of the League last season.
Our Presentation Evening, held here at Imber Court on Friday 19th May, was once again extremely well supported by all Clubs and their supporters and I would like to extend my thanks to those Clubs for their tremendous attendance. Almost 500 trophies were presented and I would particularly like to thank Karen Bailey, David Lomax, Ian Brockman, Pam Lawrence & John Duffy 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 4th season of the League was again reflected in the County Cup Finals with 11 out of the 12 finalists and all 6 of the eventual Champions being members of this League. The Club officials, managers, coaches and indeed the girls themselves are all to be congratulated for their success and they are a credit to the League.
Once again the League continues to grow at a remarkable rate. We started out with 14 clubs in 2002 and a record number of 56 clubs have applied to join the League next season. There were almost 120 teams competing in the League last season with a record number of 1815 girls registered to play in the League, an increase of more than 550 players.
The inaugural season of the Women’s League created our first champions in Colne Valley Ladies who will be promoted into Step 5 of the FA’s Women’s Football Pyramid and we wish them every success in their promotion into the Greater London Womens Football League. Indeed we are delighted that the foundations have been laid for the girls to move into Ladies football when they outgrow the girls’ divisions.
With the inevitable expansion of the League again next season, we would very much appreciate any 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. Just one hour a week would make a huge difference and ensure that the League continues to be run efficiently. 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. I wish you all a happy and restful summer and I look forward to seeing you all again next season.
John Sparkes
6th June 2006