As the new season approaches I feel it is a good time to provide an update of the goings on at the Club during the summer.
It has been a busy close season which started with appointing a new management team for the first team. Matt Murphy joined the Club as First team manager assisted by Stephen Balls and Niki Jarvis. We are delighted with this and already during pre-season we can see the influence they are having on the players with great training sessions and a style of football that is pleasing to watch.
We are also extremely pleased that Richard Lummis has agreed to continue as Reserve team manager assisted by Shane Gladwell.
Whilst some players have moved on, new players have joined and we have also seen players returning to the Club. Numbers look strong and we are cautiously confident that the struggles for players each week will not be an issue.
On the youth front we will have an U18 boys team which will help the transition of youngsters into adult football. We also have three girls teams, U15, U14 and U12, and we are actively looking to add further younger teams for both boys and girls.
The committee has continued to strengthen with new members joining, and we have been busy with projects such as the new mobile dug outs, painting the dressing rooms and general maintenance in and around the clubhouse.
A new kit has been purchased for the First team and tracksuit, polo shirts and training tops for the players. New polo shirts have also been purchased for the committee. Many thanks to sponsors The Railway Tavern and Ensors Accountants LLP for supporting these.
We have a licensed bar and we will also be offering teas, coffees, and a selection of food snacks at some home matches.
A new Club website has been built which is a great information tool and central hub for players and spectators.
On the playing front the first team have had some challenging pre-season friendly matches mostly against higher opposition. Performances have been good culminating in a fantastic final 3-1 victory against Grundisburgh. The Reserves have had fewer friendlies and performances have been very promising with good numbers.
Unfortunately due to matches being cancelled the First team league campaign does not kick off until 10th September, with some teams already having played three matches before we have started. The Reserves season starts at home on 27th August. The Youth teams will start their leagues in September.
I feel the Club is in a very strong position with the foundations in place to progress, and I am looking forward to the forthcoming season.
Carl Page
Chairman