Metheringham Football Club News - Autumn 2009

Another season is just under way for Metheringham Football Club and it sees a number of changes in the executive positions within its structure. At the recent AGM Cyril Ford stood down as Club President after nine years as the figure head. This saw another of the club's longest serving members, Roger Dawson, take over in the prestigious post, standing down from his position as Treasurer, which he had held for 42 seasons. The position of Treasurer was taken by club secretary Peter Ford who will combine both posts. As Roger Dawson moved up to President the new Club Vice-President was Derek Sampson who had been the previous Vice-Chairman. This post was taken over by Graham Bromfield while John Wood continued as Chairman for the twentieth season. The club also created a new post of Funding Officer with Liz Rogers taking up the position.

At the AGM Roger Dawson, in his last report, commended the club on turning around the working loss of over £1,500 the previous season to one of a profit of nearly £650 this season. Over £14,000 had been raised with expenditure approximately £13,350. Much of the expenditure was on referee fees, insurance, affiliation fees, equipment and laundry, accounting for over £8,000. In standing down he wished the club good fortune in the coming season.

The club had proposed to move into the 2009-2010 season with nine junior sides and three senior teams but before things got underway the Under 13's were forced to withdraw because of a lack of players - a sad sign of the times at this age in the lives of youths today. Despite this set back the season gets underway in earnest on 6 September and it is estimated around 150 football matches will take place on the village sports field over the next eight months. Does that not suggest there is a greater need for better facilities than at thepresent time. The Club Chairman would remind those "interested" that he attending a meeting way back in 1989(20 years ago when he took over as chairman) saying just this and especially in relation to toilet facilities which are virtually non existent and unacceptable in today's society. When our junior sides entertain clubs and their supporters (mums and young children) from as far away as Skegness, Retford, Boston, Gainsborough it is a long time to go without the use of a toilet!

This said, the Parish Council does have to be congratulated on getting the car park resurfaced but in all honesty it was becoming a bit of an embarrassment to a village of the size of Metheringham - anyway well done to the Parish Council. Now let us hope they can go that little step further and get things moved on to improve facilities on the sports field.

During the season the club is looking to carry out several funding events. The first of these is a Sponsored Indian Evening at The Mowgli on 6 October where the proceeds are to be shared between the club and the proprietor, Tyrone. Tyrone's share is towards raising funds for a new school in his native Bangledesh.

On Feast Day the club will hold its Mulled Wine stall and this year it is hoped to include Peas / Mince Sauce. Before Christmas, Liz is looking to hold a Xmas Fayre with stalls, face-painting etc, and also include a "choir" singing carols. Also before Christmas the members will be carrying out their annual Bag-Packing at one of the local town supermarkets. Then in the new year we will hold our annual, Grand National Eve, Race Night in April, in the Star & Garter before the season comes to a close with it presentation evenings in May (a busy few months).

Keep abreast of club scores on the club website - www.metheringhamfc01.co.uk