Yet another Soccer year draws to a close which has proved to be another successful one for Bucklands Beach AFC. This year having six teams win their respective divisions ranging from Metro down to Division 2. For a club of this size it is something to be proud of to say the least.

For the first time the Junior section was increased to accommodate another 2 teams at 6 years of age and with thanks to Mike Nevines and his team the extra bodies were easily absorbed. If the present trend continues the Junior section should increase in size yet again. I firmly believe this to be a huge draw card for the club and long may it continue.

The Youth Section was again a huge success and thanks to Mike Fairweather and Sharlene McCombe for their efforts in co-ordinating all of this. Many thanks goes to all coaches and assistants for their involvement throughout the year with all of the teams. Without their input things would not happen.

Financially the club is in a strong position and my thanks to Jill Leyenaar for doing such a diligent job with the accounts this year. This is not the easiest of tasks but a significant amount of work has been put in to keep things up to speed. Funding monies are getting harder to come by and it is important that the club carries on with the prudent fiscal policy that it has. Using money wisely will only help to secure the future of the youngest of members in years to come.

Coaching wise, under the guidance of Larry Banks, the club has got involved with Coerver Coaching this year in an effort to improve the skill levels of our younger players. From the feedback I have received this has been well received and the club will continue to pursue this for members wishing to be involved. The strength that the club has in the younger ranks will set us well for the future years to come. Thanks to Larry for co-ordinating this from the outset. The club will also continue to assist in funding coaches courses etc.

From a disciplinary point of view this was a good year from the Club's perspective with very few bookings and sideline incidents to speak of. However having watched and travelled to a variety of games it still concerns me personally that the amount of inciting/provocation that comes from the sideline does not do anyone any favours. As a club we need to take ownership of this from the committee down through the coaches and on to the players. Nevertheless, from a personal point of view, unless the issue is taken by the scruff of the neck from the top and through all clubs we will unfortunately still have the problems that I have heard of and witnessed from other parts of town. Sadly most of the trouble starts from the sideline and the ones who ultimately pay the price are the kids.

Bucklands Beach will continue to adhere to its code of conduct and take steps wherever necessary to prevent such hassles at BBAFC or any game that it is involved in.

Sadly this year also saw the passing away of the past President/Chairman Carey Heywood. As I have indicated on the website his contribution to this club was immense and has without doubt put the club where it is today. For the family this has been a very tough year and we wish them well for the future.

In closing I would like to thank the committee, and others from behind the scenes, for their tremendous efforts throughout the year and hopefully this will continue on through next year. A considerable amount of time is given up by these individuals and hopefully all club members are appreciative of this. The club is always looking for assistance at various levels within the club involving different amounts of commitment. If there is anyone who is interested in contributing please don't be afraid to put your hand up. It is important to keep new people coming through as there are a couple of us who are almost as old as some of furniture.

From a personal point of view I am happy to continue as Chairman/President for another year subject to all agreeing. I look forward to working with the current committee again and any new faces at whatever level they see fit to be involved. Hopefully next season will be just as successful.

Charles Ferguson
Chairman