Foreword
We were delighted that the league attained FA Charter Standard Status and this is down to the hard work and dedication of many people over several years. We have in our view been delivering a successful package to all our member clubs and the award recognises this. Brian Fletcher the league General Secretary has worked extremely hard in making this happen with the support of the assistant Secretary John Halfpenny both have been involved in the league for many years. I should also mention the other members of the management committee who without their continued commitment this league would not be what it is.
The development of all the players in the league is still our main concern and with the acquisition of the FA Charter Standard Award it is hoped that we can tap into some opportunities where funding is available. We will pursue this with our Football Development colleagues at CCFA and where possible introduce new initiatives for all.
I'm glad to report that the football played by member clubs last season was of a very high standard. With many teams gaining league and cup honours. 32 member clubs shared league honours with 10 clubs winning 3 or more awards. It is clear that this season a number of clubs have increased in strength, however, the continuing trend is for league trophies to be distributed across the league and we welcome this. Again a number of new clubs were included in the numbers so well done to everyone.
I welcome the new Clubs to the League for the 2009-10 Season and hope they have an enjoyable and successful time with us. Special thanks to our existing member Clubs for their continued support to the T&DJFL.
The 2009-10 version of the Football Association's Standard Code of Rules is on the website and clubs must ensure that all their officials are made aware of the content. There have been no major changes for the coming season but some rules have changed slightly as presented at the League AGM.
Many fines are issued to clubs normally due to the lack of discipline in carrying out everyday business and these are usually the simplest of tasks such as communicating results, match card discrepancies and general administration.. I reiterate that we do not like issuing fines and feel the money would be better kept with the clubs, however, where necessary we will deal with offending clubs and issue sanctions.
The new League referee secretary Tom Light is again tasked with improving the match coverage of referees and I know he is working hard on bringing more referees to the league. We aim to increase the numbers recruited and also retain our existing referees, your help is needed in achieving this objective. Good communication and a friendly approach goes a long way especially with the younger referees, they like coaches and managers are learning all the time and need all the support that you can provide. Any interested parties who wish to become referees can contact either Tom Light or Brian Fletcher for details.
I must make it absolutely clear to all Clubs that this League WILL NOT tolerate any referee abuse by spectators / club officials / players and the ‘Respect' programme in conjunction with the published sanctions will enable us to deal with any incident that may occur.
League service awards were presented at the AGM to Joe Jones (Stretford Vics), Graham Pickford (Swinton Boys), Steve Boardman (Broadheath Central) and three referees Eric Bates, Ron Duxbury and Roy Entwistle. I personally thank all of them for the service which they have given and continue to give to the T&DJFL.
We have had yet again a very busy close season with the interviewing of new clubs and have been successful in recommending to member clubs a number of new teams, which have now been accepted into the league, we will continue when necessary and if there is capacity bring in new clubs and teams, we are still probably the strongest junior league in greater Manchester with well over 400 teams taking part in organised football. We will continue to monitor all the divisions very carefully and where possible satisfy our member clubs.
The non competitive league competition at Under 9 will continue this was a huge success last season and enabled young players to develop without the pressure brought from the touchline. The cup competition will be competitive though and this will be seeded again as per last season based on the structure of the divisions which will be monitored by the Divisional Secretary.
The first of the JJB (Powerleague) festival dates has been announced U7 / U8 players will again benefit from this organised, safe and friendly football. We will have further events later in the season depending on funding.
The new website is evolving and will be fully up and running in the not too distant future. We believe the new structure will give us the opportunity to make quick changes which will benefit both the Council and member clubs.
We try to maintain our high standards every season for all member clubs and I trust that we can continue to work together and further promote our league at local, district and county level.
Have an enjoyable and successful season.
John Burnett
Chair
Timperley & District Football League