Executive Committee Update

As we reach the four-month mark of the season, the Committee would like to provide an update on key areas of the club's progress as we continue to move forward together.

The Men’s 1st Team

This season, Asa, Steve, and the Board set out with a clear plan: to build a more local, youthful squad that would form the core of the team for years to come. This ambitious goal, coupled with a transition from a large number of last season’s players, has presented challenges. Our division is fiercely competitive, with some clubs spending heavily without the need for financial prudence. Competing for players under these conditions is tough, but the management team remains committed to building a strong, competitive side.

The Committee has supported the management team with a budget similar to last season, and we are confident that results will improve soon. Anyone who has watched the games can see the quality of football on display, though we need to refine our ability to convert opportunities into points. Rest assured, every member of the club is fully committed to staying in this division and will work tirelessly to achieve that goal.

The Pitch

The ongoing issues with the pitch are not new and have been a challenge for some time. Since the retirement of Gordon and Les, we’ve faced difficulties finding suitable replacements to manage the grounds. We thought we had found the right individual over the summer, but unfortunately, they were unable to follow through, leaving us with a limited window to address the situation.

Despite this setback, we have invested significantly in improving the pitch, bringing in respected contractors, and working hard to maintain quality. However, with the wet and cold season upon us, conditions remain challenging. Asa and Steve are committed to playing a style of football that relies on a good-quality pitch, and we are working to ensure this is achieved.

A positive step forward was the recent appointment of a paid head groundsman, who, along with a team of volunteers, will help improve the pitch over the next couple of months. If you are able to assist, we would welcome your support.

3G Pitch

The 3G pitch project is progressing, but as anticipated, it has proven complex. One of the final hurdles involves managing water runoff in a way that meets environmental requirements. Currently, the solution requires the installation of a large, slow-release tank under the pitch. Unfortunately, this comes at a significant cost, and we are exploring alternative options to overcome this challenge. Glenn from XL Planning and our contractors, PST Sports, are working hard to find a viable solution.

We understand how important having a 3G surface is to not only our club but to the wider community and that’s why we have spent so much time working on this project. If there are any people or businesses who would like to get involved in this development we would welcome their contribution. We will provide an update as soon as we have more information.

Community Development

This season has seen tremendous growth in our community programs. We’ve launched a Women’s 1st Team, a Girls’ Under 18s team, and a Boys’ Under 16s team, alongside our established Boys’ Under 18s squad. The Women’s team enjoyed an excellent run in the FA Cup, and as of now, our Boys’ Under 18s are still in the competition. Our partnership with Twyford is also progressing positively, and we hope to share more news on this soon. Our Ability Counts sides have recorded a number of wins and continue to progress.

The Slee Blackwell Stadium

The club has been working for over two years to secure a new lease for the stadium. With just eight years left on the current lease, accessing most grants has been difficult. Thanks to the hard work of John Smith and others, we now have a draft lease agreement that will grant the club a new 30-year term. This will unlock funding opportunities for stadium improvements, including the pitch. Although the process has taken longer than expected, we are now close to finalising the agreement and securing a brighter future for the club.

The Executive Committee

Since Ian Moorcroft’s return as Chairman, the Committee has expanded to include a diverse group of individuals who reflect the club's values. As the club continues to grow with more teams and responsibilities, it’s essential to bring in people who can contribute to our success. If you are interested in joining the club at an executive or committee level, we encourage you to get in touch. Our ambitious roadmap for the future can only succeed if we work together as a community.

Onwards and Upwards 💛