Foreword
Gaining Charter Standard Status has been very important to the league and more clubs are embarking down this route we currently have about 70% of member clubs holding charter status and many are working towards achieving it in the near future. We will help any member club if requested to achieve charter standard status.
I reported last season that we were hopeful of using our new Charter Standard Status to help to get some funding from the FA for further initiatives. Regretfully like any other business money is scarce so we will just have to keep plugging away at any sponsorship opportunities that may arise. The development of all the players in the league is still our main concern and I believe given the football that we provide we achieve this goal.
Discipline improved dramatically and it was only in the last month of the season that we had some problems. We are grateful that clubs dealt with many issues internally. We welcome this approach and hope this trend continues next season.
I'm pleased to report that excellent standards are being maintained on the field of play with some very exciting and skilful football being played. 33 member clubs shared league honours with 7 clubs winning 3 or more awards, this equated to 58% of the league membership last season. Again a clear indication that some new clubs are coming to the fore, however, the continuing trend is for league trophies to be distributed across the league and we welcome this. It was also pleasing that T&DJFL teams dominated the MCFA cup with AFC Urmston Meadowside taking the U11s, Fletcher Moss U13s, De La Salle u14s, NJ Wythenshawe U15s, Fletcher Moss both winners and runners up at U16s and NJ Wythenshawe losing finalist against a very strong FC United of Manchester at U18s. In addition Wilmslow Sports contested the CCFA Junior final and Altrincham Jnrs the Senior Cup, Aston FC were also losing finalists in their Lancashire FA cup competition.
In addition AFC Urmston Meadowside won the MCFA Community Club of the Year award and Sale United won the CCFA Development Club of the Year award. This is a remarkable achievement by these clubs, and I personally congratulate them.
I welcome the new Clubs to the League for the 2010-11 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 2010-11 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 changes for the coming season as the SCR are to be reviewed by the FA Season 2011/12.
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.
A new League referee secretary Mr Simon Franks has taken on this challenging role and I am sure you will all wish Simon the best of luck and help him whenever possible. Simon brings a wealth of experience with him after having taken on several roles in the past within the Salford League. Simon is as previously tasked with improving the match coverage of referees and I know he believes that he can bring 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 Simon or Brian Fletcher for details.
Some of you will be aware that Antony Taylor a referee who started out with us has now been placed on the Professional list and will officiate in the Premiership this coming new season, this proves that the opportunity is available for anyone to have a career in refereeing.
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 Stewart Hamer (Sale United) received on his behalf by Peter Walker, Tom Light referee secretary for his work re-organising the referee appointment system. I personally thank them for the service which they have given 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. We currently have 57 Member Clubs registered for the 2010/11 season.
The non competitive league competition at Under 9 will continue and it has been mooted that this should be extended to the Under 10 age group, however, there are no plans as yet to move down this route. 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 JJB (Powerleague) festival events U7/U8 have now been finalised and dates circulated players will again benefit from this organised, safe and friendly football. The cost has increased since last season; however, the good news is that we will fund the festival yet again. We will have further events later in the season depending on funding.
The new website introduced last season has been well received by Member Clubs with regard to the new ease of use and structure. We can now make quick changes as and when required.
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