BURY GIRLS & LADIES FC
AGM – Monday 25th June 2012
Attendance: Steve Perry, Rob Gandy, Diana Golding, Lucy Golding, Steve Shaw, Graham Lightbown,
Paul Douglas (Parent), Shaun Ellison, Graeme Taggart
Apologies: Neil Hall, John Woodman, Lee Murphy, Donna Neary
Absent: Edward Smith
1. Minutes of AGM held 23rd June 2011
Previously emailed and available on website
2. Matters Arising
None
3. Treasurers Report/Statement of Accounts
No accounts were available at the meeting. Steve is just finishing them off and hopes to have them
ready at the end of the week. He needs the final float figures from all Managers.
Outstanding are:
U11s – Lee/Donna
U13s - Neil
4. Club Constitution & Code of Conducts
No changes to the Constitution and Code of Conducts all are available on the website and are FA
standard.
5. Team Managers – End of Season Reports
Under 10s (John/Steve) – In their first competitive season, the squad started remarkably well. In the
first ever competitive game they won 11-0 against Ashton Pumas, score wise that was as good as it got
but it gave an indication of what was to follow. They kept a clean sheet in each of the first four games
and won the first seven. The eight game was drawn 2-2 against Radcliffe but we dominated the league
with a good share of goals throughout the side. In total we won 17 games from 20, losing just once, a
bad day at the office against Chadderton Juniors and so won the 2nd division by 5 points.
The only disappointment came in the cups as we exited the knockout cup to a very strong Heyside
Clarets side, losing 3-0 in the first round. Heyside won the first division deservedly and in my opinion
were the only side that were better than us from the 13 in the league.
In the League Cup we did well and should have progressed from the group stage as a draw in the final
game would have seen us go through, however our old adversaries from Radcliffe, combined with a
mad five minutes of defending saw us go 3-0 down but we rallied to 3-2 but couldn’t grab an equaliser
despite sending the goalkeeper up at the end.
In the end of season tournaments, we somehow managed to win at Bispham despite playing very poorly
early on and coming up against some very good sides. We scraped through the group stages and then
came good when it mattered. As Wigan we were a couple short and it showed as we made it through
the first group stage but came short in the second, however we still managed to be the width of the
crossbar in the last minute away from a final appearance.
The girls have all really enjoyed the season and we are pleased that they were rewarded by winning
something as they deserved to. We have a tendency to rely on a few core players a little and whilst we
succeeded in giving roughly equal playing time, we suffered at times because of this as the quality of
our play dwindled.
Under 11s (Graeme) - This current squad of Under 11s players have their origins in an initial Under 9s
squad formed back in May 2009. It is extremely pleasing to report that good progress has been made in
the 36 months since that time.
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 coaching
covering specific ‘age-related’, child protection and emergency first aid training activities in the interim
period. Graeme is assisted by his wife Eilish as First-Aider (FA qualification and CRB clearance held).
It is very rewarding to note that the “core” of the squad has remained intact throughout the season. We
have competed once again this season in what must be one of the highest standard girls’ leagues in the
country—West Lancashire Girls’ Football League. We eventually finished 6th out of 10 teams in what
many have called the Under 11s North “Premier League” of the two leagues run by WLGFL at that age
group, competing with strong teams from Manchester City, Burnley, Wigan, Blackburn and Blackpool.
We did struggle at times to put out a fully-competitive team in view of player shortages and the
obligations of the mixed Saturday / Sunday fixture list, but were satisfied that we gave all opposition
teams a tough challenge.
Success was achieved last month in getting to the finals of the Aspull Under 12s Tournament and also in
winning the Walshaw Juniors Under 11s Tournament—well done girls!!
10 of the 13 members of the squad are very keen to continue into U12s league competition, with the
remaining 3 leaving to take up other activities or to concentrate on new activities arising out of the
imminent move to secondary school this autumn.
We are now building for the new season, to play this time back in the North Valley League at Under 12s
level, with just Sunday fixture obligations to contend with, which should give greater consistency in
player availability. 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 existing squad. 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 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 children for using their personal football experience to support training drills, warm-up
sessions before matches and for acting as referee 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 2012-13!!
Under 12s (Lee/Donna) - We began the season with many of the squad playing a year below their
actual age group. Our experience in the league grew towards the end of the season and confidence
improved as we began finding the back of the net.
A great deal of credit must go to the team as they continued to “turn-out” week upon week when the
results were definitely against them, their attitude must be applauded and recognised for this. One player
in particular received a few “ugly” experiences/injuries over the season, but still remains within our
squad.
The Failsworth Villa tournament 24th June was an enjoyable positive experience. Although we failed to
secure a win, we succeeded in two 0-0 draws out of four matches in total The new members of the
squad showed great promise and they have appeared to have gelled with the core group of players from
the 2011/12 season.
Here’s to the 2012/13 season
Under 13s (Neil) – No Report
Under 14s (Shaun) – This is the second year in the North Manchester Girls League and has been quite
an eventful year. We started quite well but petered off towards the end of the season. A highlight of the
season was beating the top of the League, Middleton 1-0.
All 13 girls enjoyed themselves every week and all got plenty of playing time. We have taken on a
couple of extras for next season, one from the Sport England project and one from word of mouth. The
League are still sorting the problems with Dukinfield. This wasn’t a good experience for the girls.
We are now looking forward to next season as we move to 11 v 11 football and the South Manchester
Girls League.
Under 15s (Graham) – It was a big struggle towards the end of the season and they are glad the season
is over. The team will now stay in the under 16s league they were in and play at their own age group. It
was a credit to the players to get through the season and most of the old squad has stayed together. Only
lost Katie and Mia. Parents Macca, Kenny and Mark have been a great help throughout the season.
Under 16s (Diana) – Our original plan was to enter both Leagues again, however, this did not
materialise as the North Valley refused our application on the grounds of being ‘too good’. A move that
was condemned by the LFA.
We did enter the South Manchester Girls League and as expected this league proved to be a tough
league again. Unfortunately this is not a league we can enter inexperienced players in, although we did
try to give everyone as much playing time as possible.
We did very well to maintain numbers at this age group as FA statistics show the drop out rate at this
age group is quite significant. Although our numbers maintained around 17/18 we were plagued with
illnesses and injuries which sometimes left us at matches with a bear squad. This said the girls still
played to the best of their ability and pulled off some great results.
Overall, taking everything into account we are quite satisfied with our season finishing just 3 points
behind the league leaders with runners up spot. We also got to the Cup Final again, although given we
played the last bit with 10 players we came runners up.
Training again has been thorough and well attended and went very much according to plan.
It could have been easy to be complacent this season having been at the top since U13s, but we worked
hard on maintaining our standards and tried new ideas.
Next season will be a bigger challenge as the girls move to Under 18s.
Ladies (Steve) – Not a great season as the team were relegated. Some matches they were expected to
lose they won and the ones they should win, they lost. The team went to a tournament at Clacton to
round off the season. This went well and they got through to the final. Unfortunately the game was
forfeited to a team that had won the tournament 7 times due to a Bury player being very unwell and
needing medical attention.
The team also won the North West Women’s League Fair Play award.
6. Election of Club Officers
A new volunteers structure had been circulated at a previous meeting and by email prior to this meeting
as we strive to recruit more volunteers to the Club.
Vice Chair, Dave Topping has notified the Club he would like to step down. Shaun Ellison has
volunteered to take on this role.
Treasurer, Lucy Golding is proposed as new Treasurer as Steve Perry has indicated he would like to step
down from this position
U8/9s Manager & Development Team Representative, Rob Gandy has put himself forward for these
roles as he has been assisting Neil with these age groups for the past few months. Rob will also be
completing his Level 1. Rob has already been CRB cleared and has a valid first aid certificate.
We still have other vacancies at the Club. One pressing role we need to fill is that of Under 10s
Manager for next season. This will be a new team. Diana will help with its set up at the moment and
will continue to look for someone to take on the task permanently.
The new members have been proposed and seconded. The existing Committee members are happy to
continue in their existing roles.
7. Confirmation of Leagues for Season 2011/12 and kick off times
U8/9, U10, U11 Whites, U11s Blues, U13 – North Manchester Girls League - Central Venue
U12 – North Valley League
U14, U15 – South Manchester Girls League – kick off Saturday 11.00am and 12.30pm
U16 – West Lancs Girls League
U18 – Greater Manchester Women’s League – kick off Sunday 11.00am
Ladies – North West Women’s League – kick off Sunday 2.00pm
8. Team aspirations for Season 2012/13
Under 8/9s – Will continue their development under the guidance of Rob Gandy. Rob is going to
complete his Level 1 so he can be more involved in the coaching.
Under 10s – A new team will be formed at Under 10s. At present we have a few girls still training with
the U8/9s, but have received emails from new girls wanting to join. Lucy is also at St Stephens Primary
School working with about 20 Year 3 & 4 girls and therefore following the next football festival we
hope to be able to complete this team. Diana will help with the training for now until we can get
someone else to take the team.
Both the U8/9 & 10s will play in the North Manchester Girls League as the South Manchester at U8/9 as
only two teams in it.
Under 11 Blues – no report
Under 11 Whites
a. For all girls to have fun, enjoy training sessions, matches and social events.
b. To make training sessions fun with emphasis on variety aiming to develop the girl’s skills,
technique and enjoyment.
c. To encourage good teamwork and team spirit throughout the squad, as the girls participate in a
more competitive league this season.
d. To finish in top half of the North Manchester Girls U11s League
e. In addition to league games, arrange friendlies and practice matches and enter tournaments to
give the girls a wide experience of opposition and formats.
f. To win another relevant age football before the start of the 2013/14 season.
Under 12
a. To finish the season in the top third of the relevant U12s girls league that the squad enters for the
2012/13 season.
b. To attract a minimum of 3 new members to the overall U12s squad at the Club during the
2012/13 season.
c. To have not more than 3 girls leave our U12s squad (and leave the Club) during the actual
2012/13 season.
d. To get through to the minimum of semi-final stage of a relevant age football tournament before
the start of the 2013/14 season.
e. 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 2012 and August 2013 inclusive.
Under 13
a. To retain a core number of players from our previous season.
b. To recruit new players to the U13s squad.
c. To end the 2012/13 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.
e. To maintain the strong support the players have for both experienced/inexperienced players.
Under 14 – no report
Under 15 – The girls haven’t played competitive 11 v 11 football before. They have played a friendly
against an experienced team from America. It was a pleasant surprise to see how well the girls played
in this game and how they adapted to the new format of football. The U15s will be in the South
Manchester Girls League this season for the first time and the teams will be an unknown quantity. The
team hope to finish in the top half of this league. There should be 18 league games, based on a league
of 10 teams so a 4/5th position would be nice. There will also be two cups to compete in. The squad is
more than capable of this. Shaun felt the 7 v 7 format has helped the team with their development, but
now is the time to move to 11 a side.
Under 16 – Graham hoped to be in a competitive 11 v 11 league this season as he is not sure the girls
would be happy playing 9 a side.
Under 18 – We have decided to enter the Greater Manchester Women’s Football League for this
coming season as we feel it will offer the best competition for the team. At present it has more teams in
it than the West Lancs League and has the bigger more well know Clubs in there. Travelling will also
be reduced as all teams are within Greater Manchester (M60 ring road).
The competition will be tough as we will be one of the youngest teams in there and our aim is to finish
in the top half of the League.
Again we are a small team in terms of stature and training will be focused on core strength, conditioning
and speed. We will aim to use our greatest assets to our advantage.
As expected we will lose a few players before the start of the season due to various reasons, although we
aim to maintain a good squad of 14/15 players. Players are now returning from injury and illnesses have
been investigated, fingers crossed, we should be OK.
It would be nice to get to the Cup Final as it is held in a stadium.
9. AGM – AOB
Feedback from the AGM’s that have taken place so far.
North Valley – need to ensure we have £10m insurance as per new standard code of rules. This is
provided by our affiliation so should be OK. Player registration fees are £1 per player, so will need a
cheque. GT looking at player conduct forms as the league mentioned this.
West Lancs – CWO forms have gone back. Team registration and cheque also been sent. GL
mentioned he wouldn’t be happy with 9v9 at U16s although he didn’t attend the AGM. Graham L then
proceeded to say he was stepping down as U16s Manager and Macca would be asked to continue. The
Club had not received prior notification on this. Graham felt because Mia wasn’t playing anymore he
wanted more time with his family and had work commitments. Diana mentioned to Graham that she
will need to meet with any prospective managers. Graham said he wouldn’t just leave he would be
around to hand over and not leave the team in the lurch. The next meeting of West Lancs is the 30th
August.
South Manchester – No problems, teams have been entered. The U8/9s divisions at present only have
two teams in them so it would be best for our Development Squads to enter the North Manchester Girls
League.
North Manchester – meeting tomorrow.
GMWFL – Diana is League Secretary so has dealt with all the necessary.
North West Women’s – Steve P attending on Thursday.
Charter Standard – Diana expressed to the Committee the importance of our Charter Standard status.
Without it we can not enter any team in to a league. We appreciate that players and parent’s just want to
come to football, play and go home and don’t really concern themselves with what goes on behind the
scenes and the rules and regulations that Clubs must follow. This is fine, however, we would like
Managers to mention the Charter Standard to their teams just so they are aware that we do certain things
for certain reasons. Diana mentioned to Graham L that the U16s do not always comply with Charter
Standard, i.e. no Level 1, no first aider, no safeguarding etc when Lucy is not around. This is something
that needs to be rectified. Also the West Lancs league have stipulated this season that a first aider must
be present at all matches and they will be spot checking. Graham L responded with his intention to
resign as Manager over the coming months.
10. General AOB
Membership forms – please return these to Diana asap. All players need to have completed a
membership form for season 2012/13. Anyone not doing so will not be able to represent the Club in any
activity from the 1st June 2012 as they will not be covered on our insurance.
The next Football Festival for the Primary Schools is on Sunday 8th July from 10.00am. Girls in school
years 3,4,5 & 6 will be invited. The format will be the same as last time. The Sport England project
seems to have been a success.
Work will need to be done at Phillips over the summer. Please keep an eye on equipment and the
container and ensure things are put away tidy. Anyone needing any equipment should let Diana know.
Diana is meeting with representatives from Radcliffe Borough on the 3rd July. We will be cautious as to
their motives for the meeting, although they have said it is regarding putting on a girls tournament.
GT mentioned numbers of players within the U12s and U13s groups. It is possible if numbers grow we
may need to look at two U12s teams. He also mentioned that the U13s have players that could play at
U12s. As there was no representative from the U13s at the meeting we couldn’t establish exactly how
many players there are at U13s. We will monitor the situation.
Diana asked if any squad low on numbers. It would appear everyone is happy with the numbers they
have.
Rob asked what happened to the free kit from Manchester United. Diana to give Emma a ring to find
out.