BURY GIRLS & LADIES FC
AGM – Monday 17 June 2013, 7pm at Castle Leisure Centre, Bury
Present: -
Diana Golding, Lucy Golding, Shaun Ellison, John Woodman, Graeme Taggart,
Rick Law, John Carr, Donna Neary, Rob Gandy, Neil Hall, Steve Shaw
1.
Apologies
John McDermott, Kenny Buckle
2.
Minutes of AGM held 25th June 2012
These have been previously emailed to all committee members and are available on the Club
website
3.
Matters Arising
None
4.
Treasurer Report
The final accounts and balance sheets have been emailed out. Apologies from Lucy for the late
distribution. The closing balance is indicated at just over £16,000 although there are still some
cheques to be cashed and a Surridge bill to pay. Any outstanding subs from 2012/13 need to be
chased up and collected urgently. Managers need to ensure any new players, those paying
incorrect amounts or U9 moving to U10 have new standing order forms to ensure they are paying
the right amount and on time.
5.
Club Constitution & Code of Conducts
There is no change to any of these policies. All are displayed on the website. We will possibly
have 12 teams for the forthcoming season.
6.
Team Managers – End of Season Reports
Under 10s – Having spent the summer with a bare minimum it was hard to get any tournaments
or friendlies in so we just trained whilst numbers increased and players completed holidays.
Numbers soon got to 13 and a quick pre-match friendly was scheduled for the Wednesday before
the season started on the Saturday. Great match won 5-2, the downside, I broke my ankle.
We were slow to start the season and got thumped in a couple of matches against older more
experienced sides. Not put off though as we could see the girls improve week on week and knew
the second half of the season would be better and sure enough it was with wins coming our way.
We aimed to finish mid-table and did just that.
We had a good cup run getting to the semi-final. A highlight was beating Moston Brook who have
beaten us earlier in the season 7-1. This demonstrated how far we had come.
With number now at around 16/17 it is possible we could put out two teams next season.
Under 11’s Whites - Just before the season started our captain, Lara Miller, was chosen by
Manchester United Centre of Excellence and so had to stop playing for us immediately. Great
news for Lara, she really deserved to play at a higher standard of football. Bad news for us as
Lara was a real driving force for us in our previous two seasons, but also a great opportunity for
other players in the squad to get more match playing time and to take more responsibility on the
pitch.
Due to the number of Under 11 teams, North Manchester ran a 5 match preliminary competition to
determine who played in Divisions 1 and 2. Our first match was against AFC Manchester Yellows
who had in the close season acquired 4 top players from other teams. We lost 7-2 against this
team who ultimately won both Division 1 comfortably and the League Cup. We won 2 but lost 3 of
our preliminary matches and so ended up in Division 2.
In Division 2 we again started slowly, losing to our old rivals Radcliffe in the second match. This
proved crucial as we then played the remainder of the season very strongly, including beating
Radcliffe in the return fixture, but ending as Runners Up to them with our playing record being won
7, drew 3, and lost 2.
The highlight of our season came in the mid-season Knock-out Cup, where, in the quarter final, we
heroically beat AFC Manchester Yellows (AKA Barcelona) 1-0 with our only shot on target. We
were the only team to beat them in any competition all season! This was a great committed
defensive performance by all the girls. In the semi-final we drew 0-0 after extra time with Curzon
but lost 9-8 on penalties (we had 4 penalties to win it!)
In the League Cup group stages we won 4, drew 1 and lost 1, just failing to qualify for the semifinals.
At the Bispham tournament we won 2, drew 2 and lost 2, again just failing to qualify for the knockout stages.
It has been noticeable over this season at North Manchester, in a friendly v Bolton Lads and Girls
and at the Bispham tournament, how various rival teams are becoming much more physical, fitter,
technically skilful and tactically aware than teams we played at Under 10’s level. If we want to be
a competitive team in Under 12’s football we will need lots of commitment from the girls at training
and in matches.
Although we’ve not asked the girls, they do generally seem to have enjoyed their football this
season, despite it not being as successful, in terms of winning trophies, compared to when we
were Under 10’s.
Under 11 Blues
As everyone is aware, the U11 Blues were quite a newly formed team at the beginning of the
2012-13 season and thus had a difficult start to the season, picking up only one point in the
opening six matches. From December onwards however, the girls' hard work and great attitude
produced some extremely positive results, only losing two more league games over the course of
the season and finishing 6th place in Division 1.
Similarly, in the cup the girls picked up some fantastic results against Failsworth Villa, Maccabi
and Radcliffe FC.
The most pleasing element of the season was the excellent team spirit in the squad. The girls
have thoroughly enjoyed themselves and there has been a dramatic improvement in their
technical ability and understanding of the game, reflected in the girls finishing runner's up in the
Urmston Tournament on 9 June 2013 and 4th overall in the Dynamo Rangers tournament, despite
50% of the teams in both tournaments being one year senior. It is hoped this will be improved
further over the forthcoming season.
Under 12

This current squad of Under 12s players have their origins in an initial Under 9s squad
formed back in May 2009. It is extremely pleasing to see the great progress made in the
intervening 4 years.

Overall responsibility for this squad has remained with one of the player’s parents, Graeme
Taggart, very ably assisted by Mark Edwards. Both hold full CRB clearances. Graeme has
relevant qualifications from his involvement with the football clubs used by his two sons and
completed his FA Level 1 Coaching training with Bury Girls during 2009. He has also undertaken
further FA and specialist sports training in the interim period, covering areas such as specific ‘agerelated’ coaching, child protection, safeguarding young people and emergency first aid.

Graeme is also assisted by his wife Eilish as First-Aider (FA qualification and CRB
clearance held).

It is very rewarding to note that all of the squad starting this season have stayed together
and competed in a different league-North Valley Youth Football League-which has given us the
benefit of “pure” Sunday football, rather than the mixed Saturday/Sunday format adopted by our
previous league.

This meant that we avoided the issue we had regularly faced in our previous league where
we did struggle at times to put out a fully-competitive team in view of player shortages caused by
playing obligations elsewhere on Saturdays.

It is very pleasing to report that this season has seen unprecedented success for our girls.

We eventually finished league winners out of 10 teams entered from a wide geographical
area stretching from North Preston to Bury, then out to the Ribble Valley and Burnley. The girls
won 16 and drew 1 out of 18 league games, losing only one game in the whole campaign, scoring
76 league goals in the process and conceding only 15 (5 of which were in the one game lost!).

On top of this, the girls “won the double” by securing the League Cup Final in a storming 90 win, with the match being held at the League’s chosen venue in Lytham-St-Annes.

Some success was also achieved across the season in tournaments. The girls reached the
quarter final at the large Bispham North West region event, the semi-final at Moston Brook, had
runners-up appearances at both the Bolton Lads & Girls Club and the Aspull U13s events and won
the Walshaw event—very well done girls!!

Throughout the season, there have been 10 squad members and absolutely everybody has
played their part in the success achieved. 3 girls have shared goalkeeping duties and have been
outstanding with their versatility. Added to that, every player has scored at some stage of the
season.

We are now building for the new season, to play again in the North Valley League at Under
13s level, but this time, we will have to contend with 9-a-side football, bigger nets and the offside
rule!!

The enthusiasm and ambition of all the girls will provide us with further strength in depth in
the months ahead.

We will continue to foster links with other clubs and leagues as we have done at various
times over the last 12 months.

New players are coming forward seeking a place in the Under 13s overall structure.
Training will continue through this summer to identify the best strategy in how to encourage and
involve these individuals in our club plans going forward.
As a manager, I would like once again to record my sincere thanks to: -
a)
my assistant Mark Edwards for his excellent all-round support during the last 12 months,
and for the assistance given by his young son Josh Edwards on match days and during training
sessions;
b)
my wife Eilish for all her work as our First-Aider and her general welfare support for the girls
throughout the season;
c)
Paul Douglas for his entertaining match reports, which once again captured the
entertainment and excitement experienced at our matches;
d)
My own sons, Andrew and Robert, for using their personal football experience to support
training drills, warm-up sessions before matches and for acting as referee/linesmen when needed
for some of our friendlies. Also for putting up with Dad and all the time needed to fulfil his
administration duties in running a football team!
e)
All the parents for supporting their daughters throughout our adventures in the last season
and for helping with moving equipment and transport!
FINAL THANKS MUST GO TO ALL THE GIRLS IN THE SQUAD FOR THEIR HARD WORK,
ENTHUSIASM, TEAMWORK AND SUPPORT FOR THE CLUB AS A WHOLE.
Without that dedication, we would not have a team to manage.
Good luck to all for a successful and rewarding season in 2013-14!!
Under 13s - Our squad of Under 13s players, as in previous years, was made up of some girls
playing in their relevant ‘Under 13’ age category (6 of our finishing squad of 11) and some (5)
playing in the age group above that, in which they should ideally be playing, i.e. the ‘Under 12’ age
category.
Prior to the start of the new season discussions took place to determine how best to take the team
forward. As a result of these discussions Donna Neary agreed to take on responsibility for the
Administrative duties involved in the running of the team. It was hoped that this would allow Lee to
concentrate on the training/Management of the team itself on both training nights and match days
and I’m sure everyone involved in the Under 13’s would agree that it was the best move we made
all year – Donna has been invaluable attending both Club and League meetings and being
responsible for most of the things associated with running the team.
In terms of the team itself (training & matchdays), Lee (with his level 1 coaching badge and CRB
clearance) was helped in training and on match days by John Carr (full CRB clearance) as well as
Andy Dunn (parent) together with Donna Neary who holds the relevant First Aid training
requirement and in the main this appeared to work well.
The squad was boosted by the fact that most of the girls had committed to remaining with the
team prior to the start of the season and with the addition of some new faces before the new
season was underway we were looking as healthy as we had ever been in the last 3 seasons in
terms of numbers. Along the way we lost 2 or 3 girls and added 1 or two meaning that at any given
time we had a squad of 10 or 11 players. As a consequence we probably had our best season for
fielding full strength teams with very few (maybe 1 or 2) Saturdays where we were short on
players and therefore fielding an under strength team.
We again entered and competed in the North Manchester Girls League which involved us playing
games at the same venue in Failsworth each week on a Saturday morning/lunchtime. Games are
played on 3G pitches meaning that few games were cancelled however, with the inclement
weather this season we did see a couple of Saturdays where games could not be played due to
snow. As a consequence, we found ourselves having to play 2 games on three separate
Saturdays – not ideal, but again the girls took it in their stride and turned up to play regardless.
The League Cup was a ladder based competition which involved playing all of the teams in our
division one more time each and results pretty much mirrored those we had in the league and
therefore progress ended there.
It is fair to say that the season was a struggle for the girls in terms of results and at times the age
gap between some of the girls and our opponents was very obvious making it even more difficult.
Despite this and despite the results consistently not going our way the girls kept coming back for
more – attendance at training has been high all season and as already stated we rarely had
insufficient numbers for match day – credit must go to ALL the girls for their efforts this season.
Ultimately, we finished the season at the foot of the table but results/performances improved
noticeably towards the latter end of the season and this bodes well for our next campaign
wherever that might be.
Training on Wednesdays has regularly attracted a number of unsigned girls (friends of current
players mainly) looking to train with us and also showing an interest in joining the team – however,
towards the end of the season this interest seems to have waned and it looks unlikely that any of
these girls will now be looking to join the team next season.
With one girl confirmed as not playing next season our finishing squad of 11 is already down to 10.
At the time of writing this report it is yet undecided as to which league we will be playing in next
season and therefore uncertainty as to whether we will be playing 7v7 or 9v9. Clearly decisions
yet to be made will determine the numbers required for our squad next season but we have
tentatively agreed between us that any new players will need to be in the required age category
with a view to making the team more competitive.
Our squad entered 3 end of season tournaments (Moston/Bispham/Failsworth) and at time of
writing we have successfully participated in the Moston and Bispham events. Both events saw the
girls compete well with the opposition despite the age difference for some of our girls and we
achieved some really good results at both events. We hope to continue this in the Failsworth event
coming up on the 30th June.
The plan is that training will continue through the summer and that we will hopefully attract more
players who will help strengthen the squad we already have.
This season has seen us make more use than usual of the girls own ‘Team Page’ on the BG&LFC
website with the addition of some photos and match reports, and we hope to build on this for next
season.
During the season Donna was able to secure some sponsorship and as a consequence we were
able to source some wet weather jackets with club logo.
Thank you

Special thank you to Donna for all her hard work this season – invaluable!!

Thanks to Lee for his continued work with the girls at training and on match days and team
selection etc

Thanks to John for his match/tournament reports towards the end of the season

Thanks to Andy for his support at training and on match days.

Thanks to Lesley for her support to the team and the girls and provision of sweets/jaffa
cakes etc.

Finally, thanks to all parents for the continued support in getting the girls to training/matches
and for their support of the girls – despite the results 
We look forward to seeing you all in the new season for another enjoyable fun filled
campaign!!
Under 14 – no report
Under 15 – This was the U15s first season playing 11 v 11. We had moved from the North
Manchester 7 v 7 league to the South Manchester 11 v 11 league. In this league we came up
against teams that had been playing 11 v 11 for a season and 9 v 9 before that. The season didn’t
start well; we played the best team in the league and eventual winners first on a very hot
September Sunday. We lost 18-0. Luckily this was the low point of the season; we didn’t get
another heavy defeat for the rest of the season.
As the season went on we improved the way we played and defended. Early on in the season we
changed our goal keeper and our results got better. When Rick came back from his coaching in
Egypt the performances also improved. By the last few games of the season our performances
and results had improved so much from that first game it was brilliant.
Even though we didn’t win a match all year and we went through some bad times we only lost 2
players, one through family problems and the other through illness. The girls in the team are a
great bunch and I always seem to have a full 11 to play a match.
In April we did a bag packing event as Asda Marketside over a Wednesday evening and a
Sunday. We managed to raise £350 and have spent some of this on hoodies and other pieces of
kit.
At the league presentation awards I am proud to say that Louisa Ellison was voted the second
place in the Player of the Season for our League.
Under 16 – no report
Ladies – We have yet again had quite a turbulent season with this team. Even though various
measures were put in to help the development of this team (new coaches, allowing the captain in
to meetings, financial help) it did not succeed. The players decided to walk out with matches
outstanding.
7.
Election of Club Officers
Diana gave out a copy of the Club structure. This does indicate some areas were we have a
vacancy. Please speak to people within your team to see if they wish to take on one of these
roles.
Also given out was a list of the teams and recommended numbers involved. Diana would like to
complete the column that indicates how many we have in each age group at present. This allows
us to assist any teams with low numbers.
All Committee members are remaining the same. Steve Shaw has asked if anyone wants to take
on the role of Club Secretary he would be happy to step down as it is more difficult for him at the
moment due to work commitments. If no one comes forward he will continue with support from
Diana. He will remain involved with the Club regardless of position. We now have a few new
Managers/Coaches in place as follows:
U8/9 Daniel Barber - supported by Rob Gandy
U10 Shaun Rose & Rob Gandy
U12 Blues – Rick Law
Ladies – Rick Lee and Rick Law
Also elected is Rick Lee in to the role of Head Coach. Rick has a lot of information relating to
coaching and has completed many courses, including Street Soccer and the Coerver Diploma.
8.
Confirmation of Leagues for Season 2013/14
U8/9, U10, U11, U12W, U12B, U14 are all in the North Manchester Girls League.
U13 North Valley League (this league has merged with another so name is to change)
U15 West Lancs Girls League
U16 South Manchester Girls League
U18 Greater Manchester Women’s Football League
Ladies North West Women’s Regional League
There is a possibility that the U11s may form two teams if numbers continue to increase. U14s
may still move to the South Manchester Girls League as they are wanting to progress to 9v9
football on grass.
9. Team Aspirations
Under 10 Under 11 - The plan is to increase the numbers in the hope of putting two teams out. This
will allow a core squad and a development squad, but allow both to play competitively each
week. This would stand us in good stead should the FA introduce a mandatory move to
9v9 the following season. We would aim for the core squad to finish in the top four and the
development squad to be around mid-table.
Under 12 Whites Under 12 Blues 1. to significantly develop and improve the girls' technical ability in training and matches
whilst retaining a fun and enjoyable atmosphere;
2. to develop the girls' understanding of their respective roles and within the team;
3. to retain all players currently listed and, if possible, attract more players to the team;
4. to finish in the top 4 of the league and reach the semi final of at least one cup; and
5. to consolidate the excellent team spirit and camaraderie already present in the team.
Under 13s
1. To finish the 2013-14 season in one of the top three positions of the “North Valley” Under
13s Girls’ League that the squad has entered.
2. To attract a minimum of 3 new training or league squad members to the overall Under 13s
squad at the Club during the 2013-14 season.
3. To have not more than 3 girls leave our Under 13s squad (and leave the Club) during the
actual 2013-14 season.
4. To get through to the minimum of the semi-final stage of a relevant age football tournament
before the start of the 2014-15 season.
5. To assist the development of the other squads at Bury Girls & Ladies FC by promoting the
benefits of the Club at outside events, and in dialogue with persons outside the Club,
between July 2013 and August 2014 inclusive.
Under 14’s
a. To continue to provide/improve on the environment/atmosphere for the girls that
encourages them to remain with the squad for the coming and future seasons as well as
attracting new players.
b. To recruit an appropriate number of new players of the relevant age to the U14s squad to
improve our competitiveness.
c. To improve on the results from last season and consequently end the 2013/14 season
higher in the league table than the previous season.
d. To encourage team building both on and off the pitch by taking part in social/fun activities
together as a team. Something we are keen to do after the success of the Bispham
weekend.
e. To build on the work that has been put into the girls team page on the BG&LFC website in
order to make it even more attractive to the girls to use next season.
f. Dependent upon decisions yet to be taken for the forthcoming season – to continue to
consider, for the future, the benefits of playing on grass and the potential merits of joining a
league in the future that plays games on grass.
Under 15 –
Under 16 – For the closed season myself, Rick and Andy (goalie coach) are going to be working
on all aspects of our game. Defending, Attacking and set play. We have already got two new
players and hopefully 2 or 3 more over the summer this will take the squad to 17/18, which is a
great improvement on 3 years ago.
Our goals for next season are to win a match or 3. To improve our defending, our goal scoring
and our all round game play.
Under 18 Ladies – Trials were held during May to create a new ladies team. These were very well attended
and a squad of 16 was chosen. Things were going well until Edward’s departure and his brazen
attempt to take the players with him to set up elsewhere. This didn’t work and the team has
stayed put and is now working towards the new season under the guidance of Rick Lee and Rick
Law. The aim is to keep the new team training and improving whilst adding one or two more
players prior to the season starting.
The NWWRFL have supported us amazingly well during last season and now whilst we sorted a
new team and we thank them for this. We have remained in the league and our aim now is to get
up to mid table. This would be a great achievement given the last three seasons have seen us
relegated from the Premier division and holding bottom spot in Division 1 North. It is vital we now
demonstrate that the success we see in the youth and junior teams at the Club is copied at Open
Age level.
10.
AGM – AOB
Nothing notified.