Minutes of the Inaugural Meeting held 28th April, 2003
at 7.30 pm at the Community Centre, High Street Colliers Wood
Present
Sue Haylock, Malcolm Ash, Tom Walsh, Kevin Taylor, Mark Greaves, Trevor DaCosta, Davi DaCosta, Peter Dauncey, Keith Allen, Ben Walsh, Joe Bettell, Wendy Walsh, Keith Spears, Stephen Sandiford
1 Apologies for absence
Kevin Godding
2 The Little League Football Concept
Malcolm Ash briefly outlined the LLF Concept -- in particular that we are not a 'win at all costs' organisation but sportsmanship and fair play are emphasised, that children of all abilities are welcome, that they play every week at home, and that the football is free for the children so that none are turned away.
3 Constitution
A copy of the 'blue book', containing the playing rules, the LLF Constitution and Procedure, and the Guide to running a League is already held by Peter Dauncey. It was agreed to call the new League "Colliers Wood Little League Football" and the standard Little League Football Constitution and Procedure was adopted.
Sue Haylock will arrange affiliation to Surrey County F.A. and to Little League Football. Malcolm Ash has already arranged insurance cover under the bulk LLF Public Liability and Personal Accident policies.
4 Election of Committee
Malcolm explained the duties of the various positions, and that we should work towards two managers per team.
The following were agreed by all present:-
Chair Tom Walsh
Secretary Peter Dauncey
Treasurer Kevin Godding
Social Secretary Wendy Walsh
Managers Ben Walsh, Joe Bettell and Hez Sookal, Kevin Taylor, Mark Greaves, Trevor DaCosta
LLF Managers Leaflets were issued.
In addition, we have volunteers for running a tuck shop and for First Aid. Those present were urged to find a friend to swell the numbers. People from the LLF Governing Body (the National Executive Committee) will help and advise, steadily backing away to allow the new Committee to run their own League.
5 Bank Account
It was agreed to open a bank account in the name "Colliers Wood Little League Football". All cheques will require any two signatures from the Treasurer, Chair, Secretary or Social Secretary. Kevin Godding should obtain the necessary forms from a convenient bank / building society that will not levy charges.
6 Venue
The park at Singlegate School is suitable, but liaison with the Council will be necessary to determine how best to fit in pitches. We will also require storage facilities and access to the toilets. Keith Spears will deal and Malcolm will ask Geoff Watson (LLF President) if he can assist / advise.
It was agreed that Committee meetings should be held at the Community Centre.
7 Football
The Saturday sessions will continue for the present whilst numbers build up. Training sessions to be run in addition to games. During the summer, the children will be placed into teams. We currently have 73 children on the books.
8 Equipment
Kevin Taylor will provide a first aid kit, and Tom will arrange for mini-soccer goals to be ordered. Playing kit will be needed when the teams are set up. A grant from the Scarman Trust should cover the expense.
9 Finance
Although initial finance is in place, the Committee will need to start fundraising for future expenses such as trophies, insurance, admin, and in due course, replacement kit etc. Team Sponsors, social events etc can provide funds, which are banked centrally, so that each team can be equally provided for.
It was agreed that the Individual Membership fee be £5.00. Membership cards will be needed. TBA to check if Morden Sports and Cladish of Wallington are prepared to offer 15% discounts to members.
10 Vetting
All volunteers must be checked via the Criminal Records Bureau. Tom agreed to be the 'Responsible Person' to act as the link between Colliers Wood and the NEC Disclosure Service. Malcolm to provide him with the LLF Guide to CRB. Strict confidentiality applies, and past misdemeanours are unlikely to bar volunteers. Ben to advise on Child Protection procedures at the next meeting. LLF Child Protection leaflets were issued.
11 Any Other Business
A Level 1 Managers Training Course may be available in due course -- Sue to check and advise. Ben to pass on ideas from his recent training course to Managers at 9.00 am on Saturday.
Sue to provide more posters to advertise the League. Community notice boards may be erected soon. Another newsletter to parents to be printed in due course. Malcolm to add Colliers Wood to the LLF website www.littleleaguefootball.com with Peter's name, address and phone number (emails are routed via the NEC to avoid Peter receiving spam and viruses.)
Sue, Malcolm and Keith were thanked for their work in initiating the League.
12 Next Meeting
In four weeks - Tom to advise details
Monday 9th June 7.30pm
Colliers Wood Community Centre