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Chairman's Column

- 19/12/2009

As we bid a fond farewell to 2009, it is worth reflecting on the progress the club has made over the past twelve months. This time last year we were all in no doubt that our priority for 2009 had to be promotion to the Premier Division, as it was only from this level that club could seriously consider application to Step Five or Step Six Football.

A glance at the league table now shows us safely ensconced in the top half of the Premier Division table, which is no mean feat in our first season at this level. Consolidating ourselves as a credible top division side must be our ambition for the remainder of the season and if we have maintained our top flight status by May we can all consider our first three seasons an unmitigated success.

We have also made important progress outside our First team. Our Reserves are putting up a great show in the County League, whilst our Community Team are improving week on week as they reap the benefits from good organisation and quality coaching. Our Ladies are in a season of transition but with performances significantly better than results, we can certainly expect better news as we enter the New Year.

Our Youth Teams have enjoyed mixed success. The loss of our Under 18 team was a real blow from which we have learnt some major lessons, whilst our new Under 13s have been a delight to watch and look to have real potential for the seasons ahead. The Under 14s have developed well in their second season and the Under 13 girls have made a seamless move from seven to nine-a-side football.

Our Community Programme has grown significantly this year as we forge new relationships with organisations throughout the district. Our relationship with The Orchard School has been particularly rewarding and we will soon be adding Petham School to the list of partners we support. Our All Stars Club and Learning Disability Team have been a constant source of enjoyment,

All in all, the club can look back at 2009 with pleasure and some pride. We continue to move in the right direction and with your continued support we hope to maintain progress in 2010.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Phil Knight.