Newsletter - July 2020
Hi everyone,
Sorry Newsletter is a bit late this month but, at least can give some updates on the current situation. I can’t believe another month has gone by; It will soon be Christmas ☺.
Finally, we are seeing a return to football, and I know all the teams have been out there training and playing games trying to get the kids fit again after easing of lockdown.
Again we’ve been very busy and we are seeing some reward for our efforts, at long last.
Kits
Hopefully the kits will be with us in the next couple of weeks and I for one can’t wait to see them. Once we have got them we will arrange to have a club photograph taken of every team together and also individually for the sponsors. When this is arranged PLEASE! Turn up as this will be a big promotion for the club.
Bank Account
The application to open a community bank account is progressing, albeit too slowly for our liking. Until we have details of the account your individual manager will be collecting the monthly subs from their team in cash at the training sessions. Just to remind you it’s £20 per month per child and then £15 per month for a 2nd or 3rd child. These subs fall due on the 1st of August and prompt payment is vital going forward, to pay for our out goings.
Just Giving Page
We have now closed the Just Giving page, as we need to pay Sefton for the pitch allocations. A big thank you to all of those who contributed to the campaign.
Where we will be playing
You should all know by now that Sefton MBC have allocated playing grounds. For under 7’s to Under 13’s we have been allocated Ferryside which is at the top end of Marshside Road. The Under 14’s to under 16’s have been allocated Devonshire Road. This is a relief as up until a couple of weeks ago week we had 11 teams with nowhere to play.
Epic by Robbo
Martyn Robbo completed his gruelling 105 mile run over 5 days to help raise money for the club. The day after the run he ran to Preston New Road and then around the field twice with some of the younger kids. For my sins I decided to run two laps with them and came home very firmly in last position☹☹ and completely knackered. I’ve got to say though to all you players, the support for Martyn’s fundraise was a bit disappointing with very few of you making even a small contribution. Please remember this fundraising is so all of you can have the best kits and equipment going forward and to build a club for the future of the up and coming kids. Thank you Martyn for such a great physical effort .
Committee Meeting
On Friday evening on the27th July we were able to hold a committee meeting at the Richmond pub in Scarisbrick New Road for the first time since March. As you can imagine there was a lot to talk about and the following is a copy of the minutes taken.
Southport Athletic JFC meeting
Date:
27/07/2020
Attending:
Alan McCoombe, Ben Minto, Paul Mullan, Peter Clarke, Craig Stevens, Chris Mooney, Shaun Edwards, Neil Wright, Martin Sarbutts
Apologies:
Tony Meadows, Anthony Church and Andy Farquharson
1. Financial statement
Explained by Chairman Alan McCoombe. (see below). The temporary bank account owes Alan £909.78 This is due to not wanting to close the “Just Giving” account whilst Martyn Robertson was doing his sponsored run and with the new community bank account still being in the process of opening.
2. Kit costs explained by Ben Minto
Although £6,701.74p sounds a lot of money we have purchased a full new kit for every child and supplied them with a jacket. All the managers are getting a club T shirt and jacket so we all have a corporate look. This will hopefully last us two years.
3. Pitch allocations explained by Paul Mullan and Martin Sarbutts
Ferryside Lane for the U7-U13 is the venue for this year and Martin is looking into us getting some sort of storage container at the venue for which the club may incur a cost towards providing. Devonshire Road is the venue for the U14-U16. The U15 raised an objection after previous bad experiences, the council/Paul looking into other venue.
4. Defibrillator
It’s possible we are getting one back from Phoenix (plus other outstanding equipment) but that will be reported back on at a later date. The Southport Community Link Foundation is looking into purchasing us a defibrillator through their grant scheme and we should hopefully hear something next week.
5. Training only subs
IT was decided by a majority these would be £15 a month and the child will be registered free of charge so they are insured. Kids just training will not be allowed to play unless fully paid up.
6. COVID
Martin Sarbutts volunteered to be the SAJFC Covid officer and help prepare the risk assessments and keep us up to date with any new government advice. Managers reminded there is a list of the key points in our WhatsApp group.
7. Chairman and Secretary
It was voted that Paul, Ben and Alan are to continue in the roles of joint secretary’s and chairman until a full AGM can be held safely.
8. Treasurer
Peter Clarke to be club treasurer
9. Referee fees
Where possible to be paid through bank transfer so we have a full paper trail.
10. Club website
A big thank you to Matthew Lawson for not only building it but, for also updating it and paying for the cost. We also have a Facebook page he updates for us to which is a big help. With that in mind we ask people to push the website to their parents and friends as it will help us grow. We have had a number of player enquires through both platforms so it is a good asset.
11. Fundraising
Big thank you to Martyn Robbo for doing his epic 105 mile run to raise some money for the club and his continued help with his coaches mentor programme. As part of his Chairman’s statement Alan reminded everyone that any fundraising ideas should continue as any donations will help the club grow and purchase much needed equipment.
The following is a copy of the club finances discussed at the meeting.
Current Finances
27th July 2020
Temporary Bank: -(£ 909.78)
Just Giving: £ 3,772.00
Cash in Hand: £ 271.50
Current Balance £ 3,133.72 (credit)
Expenditure to Date
Kits £ 6,701.74
Insurance £ 203.70
Equipment £ 455.14
FA fee £ 25.00
From the above you can see that through Registration fees, Just Giving, Sponsorship and some subs paid (£95.00) we have managed to raise £10,519.30 to date.
Once the new account is open a full statement will be issued.
Finally don’t forget to sign up on the club website to remain fully updated and watch the Video of Peter Clarke being waxed, it is very funny.
Well that’s a pretty full update for this month and next month we should be ready to commence the new season. Good luck to all our teams (especially mine)☺☺ and let’s win some trophies