The Committee
Our committee has the full support from the parents and guardians of the children that represent the club. The aim of our committee is to provide a stable foundation for the club to perform. We have a code of conduct that every player and parent must abide to and this has helped us in the past to win the Best Behaved Team in the League on numerous occasions. We have some very successful teams here at the club with players going on to further their career at larger footballing establishments. Currently we have a number of players that are signed to premiership clubs under their youth policy. Players who do not harbor an ambition to establish a career in football still enjoy the game and turn out every week to support the club whether they win or not. Success isn't always counted by goals scored but in the satisfaction of having played an enjoyable game.
Annual Report Season 2000 - 2001
Measured by any standard the past season has again been a successful year for Panthers. The Membership has been retained at over 300 players, with the younger age groups in particular being almost over-subscribed. This enthusiasm from youngsters to be involved is only matched by the willingness of our Club Officers, Team Managers and adult supporters to maintain a correct level of facilities and guidance to ensure that this passion for football is rewarded. The time and effort given by all of our volunteers is the core strength of our Club and on behalf of all members and their parents I thank them for it. It is sometimes said that there are never problems - only opportunities. I can say that Panthers have certainly had a lot of opportunities this past year!! Looking back the season threw up a number of challenges outside of those typically expected. These is fact made the year a very difficult one to get through.
In September the fuel crisis delayed the playing of many fixtures with movement to and from games severely effected. As it turned out this was only the start of the disruption! Next came the severe wet weather which was an issue throughout the winter. Pitches become unusable and the backlog of unplayed matches continued to grow. Finally, we were of course hit by 'foot & mouth', which on instruction from the Gloucester FA meant that frustratingly all youth football was curtailed and although some effort was later made to resurrect the season, after a break of several weeks the various competitions never fully recovered. Most clubs could not complete all their matches and league positions were left unfinished, meaning disappointment for those effected. Except for the small sided competition the majority of Panthers teams in fact were not able to complete their season; a real frustration for sides like our Under 12's who looked likely to win their division and significantly could have reached the County Cup Final. Individual team reports are available from the various team managers but as highlights despite the problems we have had many competitive successes:
Under 8's Cubs - League Division Two Winners
Under 9's Cup & League 'Double' Winners
Under 10's Cup & League Runners Up
Under 12's Cup Winners & County Cup Finalists
And so far several summer six-a-side successes
In addition boys have been selected for representative teams and attracted interest from professional Club Academies and Schools of Excellence. Regarding the latter, parents must steer and support their talented children as they think best but particularly the involvement of boys at 7/8 & 9 years old is perhaps not always as beneficial as it may seem after the initial glow of recognition. Retaining adequate playing facilities remains on ongoing problem. This season even with the welcome addition of pitches of Dowty we were fully stretched to cover all games, and this aspect remains as a major constraint to Club expansion.
Regarding finance, this is always a concern and Panthers are especially grateful for the generosity of the various team sponsors in supplying kit and equipment. Overall however the committee have decided that we now have no option next season but to increase the £1.00p match fee that we have maintained for many years . Home matches now costs us around £25.00p to stage and this alone dictates an unavoidable increase, which will be confirmed following our AGM in September. Recently the Club has begun the process of gaining a new quality standard award being offered by the Football Association. This 'Charter Standard Club' recognition requires Panthers to meet a number of measured performance indicators including having a formal club constitution, published Cod of Conduct, a trained level of leadership and child protection controls. Already we have in place most of the criteria and hope that by earning the award parents will be reassured that the Club is striving to be all that is best in a sports organisation.
As is usual at the end of the season we are unfortunately losing members of our management team. Team Managers Gary Norris & Peter Whittall are moving on and we thank them for their past commitment. Also, our Football Secretary, Dave Buttery has resigned. Dave has been a huge asset to the Club and I know has only stepped down with reluctance but goes with our thanks and best wishes. He will be a hard act to follow but already Jon Sykes, his replacement, is well in harness and proving a very adequate successor. A key member of the Committee who is staying on is Treasurer, Nigel Hughes, who also acts as our General Secretary in his quietly efficient way. He deserves a special mention for his contribution.
Overall Panthers remain successful due to a combination of committed Team Managers, a hard working committee and supportive parents. All of these are essential and through them we ensure that we have enthusiastic and happy players, - the most important point of all.
Position |
Contact |
Chairman |
Mr. Keith Clarke |
Treasurer |
Mr. Nigel Hughes |
General Secretary |
Mr. Jon Sykes |
Publicity Representative |
Mr. Paul Hipkiss |
Keith Clark (Chairman)
Churchdown Panthers
Rules/Regs
Churchdown Panthers
F.C. 