AGM 2013
Welcome
Present: D. Leighton, Peter Newsam, Peter Monk, Martin Kelly, Lisa Simpson, Carolyn
Collins, Steve Collins, Hazel Harris, Andy Wilson, Heather Hall, Ian Watson, Jamie ???,
Brenda Grace, Kirsty Wilde, Thomas Kelly, Gillian Deutsch, Hilary Dixon, Robert Atkins,
Michelle Crossley, Terry Burke
Apologies Kevin Simpson, Mark, Tina Holmes, Sarah Eccles
Approval of 2012 minutes
Denry proposed, Peter seconded
Matters Arising
None
Correspondence
MK mentioned ASA Age Group competitions, entry next year (B96, B98). PJ reported boys
98 but not 96s; girls 98
Reports
Chair: A busy year, full playing calendar (juniors, coaching staff, particularly at RTC; ).
Beacon funding successful (PJ to report); Activity Sheffield ending relationship with Club
from Jan 2014, now with SIV directly. Payments from players now made directly to SIV, one
direct debit for pool time and Club fee. Old agreement maintained for next year but might not
last for the 3 years of out original agreement with Activity Sheffield. SIV likely to be tough
negotiations due to a lack of council funding. This also affects swimming, diving etc.
Congratulations to PJ for Beacon Funding.
PJ: ASA funding only for 2 years (for AW). New Beacon funding is for 4 years. Not all
requested funding given. Funding is for 6-8hrs/week development work for Beacon region
(mini-polo feeding into academy). Money for coaches on a casual basis. Expectations from
ASA are very high and difficult to meet. Sheffield now a focus for WP (nb Lancaster
unsuccessful). Plan in small parts and realistic, some extra funding for a squad of elite
athletes. How measured success? Most kudos route unknown - Sheffield teams or player
development for other clubs? Posts advertised, and interviews planned for session delivery.
MK commented Lancaster biggest club, long history but didn't get it, so PJ's plan best. This is
based on a swimming club pyramid, help to develop from grass-roots - ASA must have liked
this. Girls section also a plus. LS asked about payment for coaches - PJ replied this is for
mini-polo development primarily. Coach education also part of plan. One coach is highperformance level (mandatory part of bid). MC asked about normal squad training - coaches
for this will be as previously. PJ replied mix of coaching is still not finalised. DL asked about
obligation to increase funding e.g. by sponsorship? PN replied not necessary. PJ added that
mini-polo and academy will act as an income stream. MK said that other clubs were different;
Manchester employing full-time coach for women's team. PJ considered this but CoS not in a
position to do that. Beacon Club will look different in 12 months time, PJ added that
Swimming and Diving in Sheff also supported by Beacon Funding. MK added that more
volunteers needed to run club.
Treasurers Report
PN explained accounts, printed copies handed round. Sport England grant (£10k); Sheffield
Hallam University students pay for pool time useful income. Pre-Beacon funding given in
2013 to help coach qualification etc. £34k in black this year, due to grant funding.
Accounts approved: Proposed: PN; Seconded: MK.
AW: Juniors progressed well (99s in Lancs 3rd); 98s 1st in Manchester; girls teams in most
categories; James Newsam new junior coach; W&D will have girls team next year. ET trials
will have some Sheffield players. MK added that visitors have been very impressed with
quantity and quality of players and coaches in junior section. IR girls section doing well, new
junior coaches. Ladies: promoted this year - Heather and ??? scored most goals, 5th in Div 2
but second half much better - won all games. Ruth Walters as TM has been very good. What
now in Div 1? Good players might now return - congrats to Ian and Heather for girls
development. PJ added that women now in Cent Lancs league.
MK: Men: local leagues have big problems (police issues) so a poor base for development of
men's polo. Hard to tell who won leagues because of disorganisation. PJ says U23
championship in NE in 2014 is possible. B team look rubbish but very young. A team
finished top of league and should easily get promotion. Last in top division in 1962!
MC Resignation and Election of Officers
All resigned. All re-elected unopposed. New Welfare Officer is Michelle Crossley, as HD
resigned prior to meeting. Steve Collins, Denry Leighton, Pippa Jones. Lynsey Gaywood
volunteered to come back on to the committee.
Honours and Recognition
MK proposed a general congratulation to all successful members. In particular Joel Leighton
(96 GB squad in Europe), Joel Abbot (GB seniors), Chris Armstrong (GB seniors). President
of BWPL is PJ this year, also ASA board member - very important achievement and great
honour.
KW, HD, KS stepping down from committee (HD as Welfare Officer)
GS as Fixture Secretary for Juniors
AW as Junior Coach
AOB
Volunteers
TM: Advertise positions around parents, pair up experienced and inexperienced TMs, IR can
provide training. ACTION: PM to advertise.
Fixture Secretary also available, GD can provide accumulated wisdom.
Positions also available for:
Sponsorship TG: Raising cash to cover league costs, pool time etc as costs rise. Some clubs
are recruiting players with no fees to be the best - CoS cannot compete with this at present.
All transport paid etc, there must be sponsored. ACTION: PM to advertise round parents.
Home and away games in BWPL also possible?
Social Events TG: KW previously has done this and will continue even off committee.
ACTION: KW to recruit additional help. Raffles at games etc. esp if Maltby with 2-3 games
per session.
TK also proposed new league structure for Beacon status.
DONM
For next time: