POOL A.F.C.

Monthly Newsletters

March 2010

End of season presentation night

This will be held on a Friday or Saturday evening in late May or early June. We would still like players and other members to let us know what format they would like, and preferred day.

Also, be thinking about your players player vote. Forms will be available with the April fixtures.

Bottom changing rooms upgrade

Just waiting for the finalised Spec. and quotes now. These are imminent ,then the prospective grants will be applied for. Keep watching this space.

Also, thanks to those who joined our Saturday yankee fund raiser, this will be very important when we take over ownership of the upgraded changing rooms, so, more members please.

February 2010

Bottom changing rooms

An update on the situation :- We are financing a roof repair now in order to maintain use of the building this season. With regard to the upgrade, following a site visit by the county f.a. and football foundation, we are having new plans drawn up. These are for one complete set of large changing rooms i.e Home, away, and officials, each being self contained with toilet and showers. A disabled toilet is also included along with storage facilities. Once the football foundation have agreed the plans, they will give us a letter of support with regard to our application for £20000, in order to help us with applications to other organisations. At this point the project will really take off, and is totally achievable.

Steve Kirk has joined our sub-committee to give us the benefit of his vast experience in grant applications. We will be expected to find around £5000 from basic club funds, so some fund raising will be required.

A good start would be match sponsorship ( every home match sponsored ), along with support for the Saturday yankee fund raiser. This would not only help towards our part of the project, but also demonstrate our ability to maintain the building when we take “ownership” once the project is complete. Please contact Peter Wilkinson for further details.PS Since writing the above, the football foundation have sanctioned the plans, which can now go for planning application.

The big freeze took out the first three weekends of the year to add to the pre Christmas matches lost. Hopefully we can now get on with the season, and look forward to some important matches for all teams.

JANUARY 2010

Christmas raffle

We made a profit of £430, many thanks to all who sold and bought tickets, also, those who donated prizes.

Not for the first time, the response from senior players was pathetic, I wont list the names of those who did make the effort in case I miss one, but only four or five did.

Saturday Yankee

We continue to have winners in this fund raiser, despite few members. The last two winning £300 and £50 in the past month. Please support us in this as potentially, we could fund our entire cost of grounds maintenance with this, and you could be a few pounds richer. Full details available from Peter Wilkinson.

The Weather is currently playing havoc with our fixtures, so not many results in this newsletter. They tell us that the Snow and ice is with us for some time yet, let us hope they are wrong so that we can get back onto the pitch. In the meantime we still intend to have training to keep players together and in good shape for the important matches to come.

DECEMBER 2009

Player fines

Players are reminded that outstanding county f.a. disciplinary fines are posted at the club bar with dates due, this gives 14 days to pay. Any players not paying by the due date will be deemed unavailable for selection.If a player has a problem with paying please contact Steve Boulton or Peter Wilkinson. Do not do nothing. This also applies to annual subs. As there are still some outstanding. Your manager has the details. Thanks.

After match Hospitality

It has come to our attention that our Reserves and “A” team are generally not supporting the opposition Pubs and Clubs after matches, and in quite a few cases not supporting our club after home matches. It is generally expected in all leagues that clubs return to the hosts base for refreshments ( You don,t need to drink alcohol ) . A drink, some food, and a pound for the raffle is the norm, plus a bit of banter. The social side of clubs is very important, not only supporting your club, but the comradeship with your fellow team members is proved to help on the park.

Christmas raffle

All members will be getting tickets to sell, hopefully by the time you read this you will have them. Please sell as many as you can ( I have plenty more if you need them ). There will be at least 20 ( usually 30 ) good seasonal prizes, and the draw will take place during our family afternoon following the boxing day married v singles match on Saturday December 26^th. The profit will go towards our current programme of facility improvement.

Boxing day match

As mentioned above this traditional married v singles blow out will be on Saturday December 26^th. Kick-off to confirm, but 11-00 or 12-00 is likely. This and teams will be organised during the December league matches. Bring the family for what is always a “ good do “.

Floodlights

We are working hard to find the fault which keeps taking out the floodlights, please be patient and keep turning up for training, we should at least be able to guarantee enough light for a basic workout until the fault is cured.

Bottom Changing rooms upgrade

Whilst we are waiting for confirmation of acceptance of our plans, we will be spending in the region of £700 on a temporary repair to the roof. This is to enable insurance cover and therefore our continued use in the meantime. But do rest assured, the quest for the full upgrade is very much alive.

Peter Calder Memorial match v Otley town Vets.

This will be played at Pool on Sunday December 27th

And Finally

A Merry Christmas and Happy new year to all our members.

May 2009

Pool feast

The feast is on Sunday June 7^th, we will be doing some activity/fund raiser on the day so any help would be appreciated. In any case it is a great family afternoon out, look forward to seeing you all there

Otley carnival

The 2 Steves ( Murphy and Boulton ) are running our usual “ super prize tombola “ at the carnival. Prizes are needed please, also help on the day. We always have a laugh on the stall, a great way to make money for the club.The date is Saturday June 20^th.

Annual General Meeting

The A.G.M. will be held on Tuesday June 23^rd at 7-30 p.m. in the club or village hall meeting room.Any nominations for club officers to be with Peter Wilkinson seven days earlier.Please make every attempt to attend,and have your say about the club.

Junior Section

Coaches and other volunteers are needed for our junior teams,interested parties can contact Peter Wilkinson or any committee member.The club will pay fees for coaching/first aid courses as necessary.

This also applies to anyone wishing to join our open age set up as coaches at this level are also needed.

We are particularly looking for the following :- 1^st team coach, 2^nd team manager and coach, Under 13 manager and coach, Under 12 coach.Contact details on the club web-site.

Pre-season training

This will start on Tuesday June 30^th. The following 6 Tuesdays will then also be registration nights when we need all players to sign West Yorkshire and Harrogate league forms ready for the league season starting in mid-August.

Mini-World-cup

This will involve all sections and take place on August bank holiday weekend,details to follow.

April 2009

Bottom Changing rooms upgrade

We have contacted the football foundation,county F.A.,and local councillors regarding funding for this project.Early indications are that money is available,and we “tick the right boxes”.However we have work to do,not least meetings with the F.A and councillors,and forms to complete.Members of the committee are already involved,but more help is crucial if we are to be successful with the project.Remember we use these rooms frequently via second Saturday matches,and all our juniors,and early and late in the season the West Yorkshire premier league games go down there,so without the upgrade we are in trouble.We are looking at two sets of changing rooms with there own washing facilities within a “squared off building”complete with new roof.This project is possible,and with enough help, probable,Please come on board for this next milestone in the clubs history.

Saturday Yankee

Please join this important fund raiser,contact Peter Wilkinson for full details.

Presentation night,

The date for this years presentation night is Saturday May 30^th.(Note the change to Saturday from Friday,We think this will suit more members) .It will be in the club from around 7-00p.m.(plenty of time for the cricketers among you to attend )The format will be as the last two years i.e.Part race night,club presentation,food,disco.However if any members have thoughts of variations to this format,please contact any committee member and we will try to oblige.

The Harrogate and District Intermediate cup final is being played on our ground on Saturday April 18^th with a 5-30 kick-off,please come along to support and help if you can.

March 2009

Bottom(Scorehut) Changing rooms

We are currently looking at improvements to these,in particular a new roof.Without this there is a real possibility that the building will be condemned,so we are talking to the football foundation via county F.A.to see how they can help us with potential grants.We will need help other than this both with planning and physical assistance.Please contact any committee member to get involved,your help would be much appreciated.

Quiz

The last newsletter asked for feedback regarding an inter club sections quiz.There was none,does this mean there is no interest?I will try again.Is there any interest?

Fred Midgley

Sadly,we lost another life member last week (27^th) with the death of Fred Midgley.Fred, along with my father (Ken) restarted Pool St.Wilfreds football club following the war,and was also involved at the start of Pool A.F.C. in 1968 being ,I think,the first secretary.He never lost his interest in the club,one of the few who actually asked to join our fund raising efforts.Our thoughts are with his family.

Saturday Yankee

It is with some trepidation that I mention this again.Potentially this fund raiser could pay for our annual ground maintenance.It is easy to run as once a standing order has been put in,we don’t have to renew membership each year,Guiseley A.F.C. do all the other work with prizes up to £3000 and 45 pence in every pound taken being profit.This really is an easy way to make money for the club costing just £4-66 a month so please see me and join us.The scheme is done in partnership with the cricket club who are also having a membership “push”

Peter Wilkinson

February 2009

Eric Hardcastle

We lost another life member last month with the death of Eric.He was involved in the early days of the club with both juniors and open age.In the days when cars were few Eric was the one who got us to the away matches.He never lost interest in the club,and was kept up to date via the newsletters,the last one being received and read in hospital.He was 88,having had a healthy life up to the last few months,our thoughts are with his family.

Barn Dance

The r.g.m.c. are holding a barn dance in the village hall and club room on Saturday February 21^st.Please support this if you can,it is great fun,and can be heartily recommended.Also,by supporting the club bar we benefit from cheaper rents,so we can have a good time and put money into club funds at the same time.

Quiz Challenge

We are looking at holding a quiz night challenge,when all our sections can take each other on.Teams representing the 1^st team,2^nd team,A team,Vets,with the junior teams represented by parents.If this was held on a Wednesday night,we would qualify for half of the bar profits,but if you feel that a Friday or Saturday night would get better support we can look at this.Your feedback on this,or any other ideas would be much appreciated.

January 09 Newsletter

Christmas Raffle

This was better supported this year with some notable exeptions (some members still don’t realise how much it costs to run a club of our size).My thanks to those of you who did support us,we estimate a profit of around £300,so it was well worth the effort.

Training

Attendances dropped towards the end of the year, this is not good, although, we on the committee are part to blame as we failed to confirm a trainer on a couple of occasions. We have put that right now with Steve Winterburn back on board as regular coach, and Dave Newbould waiting in the wings to assist. So lets support them, and have good turn outs, hopefully resulting in even better performances on the field.

Peter Calder Memorial Match

This Match will be played between primarily Pool vets. And Otley Town vets. The kick-off is 1-00 on the 11^th January at Otley Town. There will be some fund raising for charity in Peters name. Please support if you can.

December 2008

Paul Martin

As most of you will now know Paul has moved on to another Pool,this one with an E on the end and in Dorset.Paul has played,trained,managed and been chairman of the club,putting a lot of work in over the years.He assures us that he will be back for visits,in the meantime all at the club wish Paul and Niamh all the best in their new home.

Christmas raffle

Tickets are now on sale from any player,or behind the P.S.S.C.bar,players please try to sell all your £5 worth(more if you can),and return the stubs and money to Peter Wilkinson or Steve Boulton as soon as possible.You can do this directly or via your manager,or leave them behind the bar where they can be collected,Thanks.(Prize donations also appreciated).There will be a minimum of 20 good seasonal prizes,and the draw will be made following the league matches on Saturday December 27^th.Please invite your family and friends to join us on this day for our traditional Christmas drink and get together,and to witness the raffle draw,and if lucky collect their prizes.(We will be having the annual married v singles match for the Franklin trophy at a later date)

Cricket club “party night

Horse racing,comedian,Christmas hamper raffle,supper,all for £12 a head.In the Club room on Wednesday December 10^th at 7-30.It should be a good night out,more details available from John Wood or Dave Singleton.

If Tommy Cooper were alive today

I met this bloke with a didgeridoo and he was playing dancing queen on it,I thought “that’s Aboriginal”.

This lorry full of tortoises collided with a van full of terrapins.It was a turtle disaster.

I told my girlfriend I had a job in a bowling alley.She said “tenpin?” I said no permanent.

I went into a pet shop.I said,”can I buy a goldfish?” The guy said do you want an aquarium?” I said “I don’t care what star sign it is.

I went to buy a watch,and the man in the shop said “analogue”.I said “no,just a watch.”

I fancied a game of darts with my mate.He said,”Nearest the bull goes first”.He went “Baah” and I went “Moo”.He said “you,re closest”.

On that note may I wish all our members and friends a merry Christmas and happy new year.

November 2008

Junior Results

Again there are many empty spaces.I would like to include all results and scorers in the newsletter,and also give them to the local press.To do this I need the results and scorers (plus any other information you might want including,e.g.fixture changes)either e.mailing or texting to me weekly,just include me in your weekly e.mail or text to your league.Details: e.mail peter .wilkinson@wicor.com Mobile, 07748954301.

For the club website e.mail Steve Winterburn on winterburn.Stephen@virgin.net

Unfortunately,most months there is not room for all the league tables,but these are available on the appropriate league website.

Christmas raffle

Sorry to mention Christmas so soon but we will be circulating the tickets shortly.As usual the draw will follow the married v singles Franklin trophy match on boxing day(Actual date to confirm depending on potential league matches on the 27^th e.g. possibally draw after the league matches on the Saturday) The main thing is to sell as many tickets as we can,so please support us in this,As always there will be a minimum of 20 good seasonal prizes,Thanks.

Match sponsors

We are always looking for match sponsors,the cost is £100 for company or personal name on the board by the roadside at the club (for at least 1 week),or £160 to cover an advert on the back page of the Wharfedale and Airedale observer,and Ilkley Gazette.Anyone wishing to sponsor a match or who can find us a sponsor please contact Peter Wilkinson.

Herbalife

Don’t forget our generous main sponsor,anyone who has yet to try their products,talk to those who have,their success talks for itself.

October 2008

Herbalife Ladies Night

Apologies for the postponement of the ladies night.We will be holding the evening shortly,details to follow.

F.A. Disciplinary Fines

Players are reminded that due to a handful of players who make life difficuilt for our treasurer Steve Boulton when trying to collect these fines,the club committee have decided that all fines must be paid within 14 days of notification of the fine (this usually gives the player 3 weeks to pay i.e.1 week for the fine to come through,then 2 weeks to pay.Any player not paying in time will be deemed unavailable for selection,and ultimately reported to county F.A.if the player continues to ignore the fine.

F.A. Respect Programme is the football associations attempt to improve standards of behaviour both on and off the field,this obviously includes attitudes towards referees which if we adopt will make the above paragraph less significant.All our leagues are joining this programme,details of how this will affect us will follow.

Dug-outs

The dug-outs and storage container have now arrived,the former being used for the first time on Saturday September 27^th,attracting many positive comments from officials and opposition.Many thanks again to Herbalife for the sponsorship which funded these,also to the governors and headmaster at Pool school for giving permission for the changes including the siting of the container.

Junior results

You will notice that there are several junior results missing from the list.In order to put these in I need the managers to let me know results and scorers weekly after the match,ideally by e.mail (peter.wilkinson@wicor.com).Also copy to Steve Winterburn along with a match report if possible to go onto our web-site.Contact details are on the web-site.

AUGUST 2008

Welcome to another season at Pool a.f.c. We hope the new members amongst you enjoy your time with us.You will find us a well organised,friendly and progressive club.The addition of portable dugouts,soon to appear,will hopefully demonstrate this.

A couple of dates for the diary:- Tuesday August 19^th there will be only light training followed at 8-00 by a free BBQ at the club.The bar will of course be open,a chance to socialise with your team mates,and other club members,all are welcome.Wednesday September 17^th,in conjunction with our sponsors Herbalife,a ladies night to demonstrate how their nutritional products can help the girls,again,this will be in the club,and the bar will be open(I am sure you will be allowed an odd drink).

Annual Subcriptions are now due along with the need to sign both Harrogate league and West Yorkshire league forms.Please make life easy for our Registration secretary and treasurer by paying your £35 and signing the forms at the first time of asking,then they can get their work done,and you can get on with enjoying your football.

June 2008

Otley Carnival

This is on Saturday June 21^st,and we will be having our usual fund raising tombola.Steve Boulton is co-ordinating,but help in getting prizes and on the day would be appreciated.

Start of Training for next season

I know we have only just completed the season,but in order to continue the clubs progress,we have to be on the ball,and well prepared,so the date for your diary is Tuesday June 17^th.That said ,anyone wishing to use the facilities for a “kick around”,or just call in for a pint during the break will be most welcome.

Sponsorship

We can now confirm our three year deal with Herbalife (sponsors of David Beckhams L.A Galaxy),for £5000 a year,the first £5000 having been paid.As we continue to progress as a club,this first instalment will be used to purchase dugouts for the main pitch.The official presentation of the cheque will take place before the presentation evening on the 6^th at around 6-30 p.m.

The Seasons successes

1^st team consolidated their position in the West Yorkshire league premier division,County Cup quarter finalists.

Veterans runners up in the York Corinthians league.

Under 14 girls runners up in the West riding girls league shield.

Under 11 boys winners of the Keybury youth league. Congratulations to all concerned,and thanks to all our teams and managers for their part in another enjoyable season of football at our club.

Website

Steve Winterburn has now got our new website up and running (www.poolafc.net). Have a look and you will see that it is better than ever,however if you have any thoughts of ways to improve it further,Steve would be happy to here from you.

2008/2009 Season

We intend to continue with the same teams as last season at all levels with the juniors /girls natural age progression,however,help is always needed to run these teams,I am sure Paul and Sharon Woodham,or Steve Winterburn and Kirk Longson would like to here from any volunteers.

An addition to the club for the coming season is an under 17 academy team,which we have entered into the Harrogate and district junior league.We see this as a vital move to take the club forward,and ultimately give support to our flagship1^st team,and 2^nd team.

Finally if we are to continue with our “A” team we urgently need someone to manage them.We thank Steve Murphy for his many years doing a sterling job,but Steve gave us half a seasons notice that it would be his last,however nobody has stepped into the breach yet,and we have to confirm our position in the Harrogate league within the next four weeks,so will someboby please save the “A” team.

May 2008

Presentation Night

Friday June 6^th 7-30 in the PSSC bar lounge,including race night,disco,and pie and peas,only £5 a head

Annual General Meeting

Tuesday June 10^th,7-30 Prompt at the club,please make every effort to attend and have your say about your club.

Pool Feast

Please support this exellent family aftermoon on Sunday June 8^th ,we intend putting on a football related activity,help and ideas please.

Otley Carnival

This is on Saturday June 21^st,and we will be having our usual fund raising tombola.Steve Boulton is co-ordinating,but help in getting prizes and on the day would be appreciated.

Start of Training for next season

Sponsorship

April 2008

Presentation night

This will be held on Friday June 6th starting around 7-00 to 7-30, the exact format for the evening is still to be finalised, however,a format like last year with a combination of a “mini”race night and disco along with the club presentations seems a popular option .The cost will be £5 to include a pie and pea supper. Please give us your views of what you would like, to help us to arrange an evening which appeals to as many members as possible.(Remember it is a mixed evening with wives and girlfriends very welcome )

Would players currently holding annual trophies please return them to Peter Wilkinson as soon as possible,thank you.

West Riding girls shield Final

Congratulations to our under 14 girls for reaching the final of this competition.The final against Lepton Highlanders will be played at Ossett Town on Sunday May 4^th.A coach will be travelling to the match,so please support them if you can.Full details available from Paul and Sharon Woodham.

Saturday Yankee

This annual fund raiser designed to cover our annual grounds maintenance costs is still receiving disappointing support.Remember,if players feel that they already pay enough to play,all we ask is that you “sell”one or more numbers to friends,family,work collegues,or anyone else i.e.bring money in from, outside the club.Please come on board,full details available from Peter Wilkinson.Thanks to members currently taking part.

Harrogate and District League Cup Final

The intermediate cup final (1^st division) will be played on our ground on Tuesday April 22^nd K.O.6-30

February 2008

Quiz Night

We are holding our annual fund raising Quiz on a Saturday this year.Previous quizzes have been poorly supported by players for various reasons,so we are trying an experiment by starting the quiz at 6-00 p.m.as a natural follow on from the matches.Hopefully you will invite your family to join you and make the evening a success.There will be a variety of general knowledge and fun questions with good prizes for the winning teams (teams of maximum 6).Your feedback on this idea would be appreciated before we confirm the date,thanks.

Saturday yankee Fund Raiser

As mentioned in earlier newsletters,this joint effort with the cricket club is seen by both clubs as the key fundraiser to cover the ever increasing costs of ground maintenance ( our annual costs are in excess of £2000 ).It has been slow to take off so far,so having got Christmas out of the way we are renewing our efforts.

The ideal way to join is to complete a standing order mandate for £4-33 a month,however we would obviously accept £52 for a years membership.Details of the “yankee”,along with a standing order mandate can be obtained from Peter Wilkinson,or Andy Graham.To join or for more information please see your team manager,Andy or Peter.The jackpot currently stands at £3000,with a reserve jackpot of £1500

County cup quarter final

The 1^st team have reached this stage of the county cup for the first time in our history,they travel to Meltham Athletic (somewere between Huddersfield and Oldham ) on Saturday February 2^nd for a 1-00 p.m. kick off,please give us your support if you can.

The under 14 girls have also reached the quarter final of West Riding Shield competition,details available from Paul or Sharon Woodham.

January 2008

Christmas Raffle

The Christmas raffle made a profit of £423.Thanks to our friends and members who sold and bought tickets,and those who donated prizes.A particular thank you to Weidmann Whiteley Ltd.,Wyko (Olympic Chevin),and Post Vintage,who between them donated £90 towards prizes.Also,The WharfedaleArthington and The White Hart,Pool,both donating meal vouchers.Other contributers included Pool post office.Their continued support of our club is priceless.

info@poolafc.net