Published: Wednesday, August 22nd 2012

Chairman's update

Written by Steve Easterbrook

Chairman Steve Easterbrook

At the end of the season I reported that there were a number of final points that needed resolving before we submitted the planning application for the new ground. I am pleased to report that these points have been addressed and we are now just waiting for confirmation that we can now finalise the planning application and submit it to council.

Steve Easterbrook

Good afternoon and a warm welcome back to the start of the 2012/13 season and may I begin by thanking all those supporters who have renewed their season tickets or become season ticket holders for the first time.

I would also like to extend best wishes to those players who have moved on, welcome back players and management from last season and express a warm welcome to the new players who have joined us for this season’s campaign. After the past few years of heartache lets hope this season we can go that one step further.

Last season saw the introduction of 13 new youth teams who enjoyed many successes during the year and our Under 18’s side narrowly missed out on retaining the Allied Counties Premiership title. As previously reported this season we will see the introduction of a reserve team to be managed by Mark Betts and the introduction of the STFC football academy. The football academy is specifically aimed at providing full time education and football to 16 – 18 year olds and the reserve team will play on Saturday afternoons at Farnham Park playing fields.

The club views youth football of paramount importance to its future and we should now be able to provide a platform for players to progress through the club. It should also allow for the development of Slough players who will hopefully one day represent the club at first team level.

Unfortunately Beaconsfield Football Club have recently been the victim of numerous ‘pointless’ break ins which has hindered pre season ground and pitch preparation. Not only have these incidents been time consuming to fix but also very demoralising for everyone concerned. Both clubs would like to thank the many people who have persevered and helped to get the ground ready.

The Supporters Trust continues its important work for the club and if you are not a member you may want to consider joining. Monies collected by the Trust are utilised in many ways but in particular monies raised are helping the club create a structure from which we can grow and support ourselves.

At the end of the season I reported that there were a number of final points that needed resolving before we submitted the planning application for the new ground. I am pleased to report that these points have been addressed and we are now just waiting for confirmation that we can now finalise the planning application and submit it to council. Following submission council has six months to determine it.

This season sees the introduction of a new away shirt (available from the club shop or form our on line shop!) and the club are grateful for the continued support and sponsorship of both the home and away shirts by CF Lakes.

I would just like to mention that as we continue to move forwards and introduce new teams and initiatives I know that as a club we will not always get everything right. The introduction of the reserve team and the academy will take some time to ‘bed in’ and therefore it is important that we remain supportive, patient and focussed on what we are trying to achieve – particularly with the development of youth football.

Finally and on behalf of the club thank you for your continued support, have a great afternoon and enjoy the season. One last thing, if you are not a member….. please, please join the 500 club (your joining really does make a huge difference!)