CHAIRMANS WELCOME

I welcome all our members for season 2015-16, club committee, managers & assistants, parents and most of all our club players. We have again progressed as a club and welcome 300 child and youth players back to Deal Town Rangers.

I said in last seasons welcome we would probably not emulate the 11 trophies won that season, but nether the less its been a good haul from 2014-15. The highlight was certainly our u14 team winning the East Kent Youth Cup played at Deal Town FC. Having watched their tremendous win in Canterbury over higher place opposition in the semi-final, then dominate the final, these were was my best moments of the season.

Our u18 girls went out with a bang in their final season, winning both League & Cup to add to their superb record over the years. Our u16's Colts also bowed out to their final season with a 'Runners up' spot in the 16 top division, whilst the u13's won division 2 to play in the highest division this season.

However, we must remember that it is participation that is the most import aim of the club, irrespective of honours and get as many children and young people playing football as wish to play in Deal. This we must never forget.

A special welcome to all newcomers to the club, especially the two new boys youth teams at u7, a third team at u8 and second team at u10.

It becomes harder each year to find managers to take on teams and we thank Dean Osbourne (u7's), Matt Coleman (u8) and Matt Burrett (u10) for coming forward to run these teams. Also Matt Anderson, a relative youngster in our coaching squad who is a dedicated clubman, coming forward to run a 2nd u7 team as well as his own u10's. A huge bonus for the club has been the young managers coming forward to run our teams who are still playing for our older teams in the club, or are former players of a few years ago.

Chaz Drane (u9's), Ryan Prescott (u11's) Tom Miles (u16's) Marc Richards (u17 Colts) - what an advert for the club that these young men have come forward as coaches. Not forgetting Emma Wratten, who since Nin Handley hung up her boots, becomes the next lady manager of the u15 Colts and Julian Dennison taking on the u14 girl's team.

Our veteran's team, under Mike Drane, will again be entering the Thanet 'Veterans' League and Mike will always be looking for more over 35 year old 'talent' amongst our parents & coaches.

Our club committee remains reasonable static, good news as this is certainly amongst the best group of people I have worked with in my 32 years of youth football at every level, from the FA to County Associations, Youth Football Leagues & youth clubs. However, our Webmaster, Mat Niblett, who has served to club so well will be standing down at the end of the season. Such is the strength of the club we have found a replacement already.

Nin Handley, our Club Welfare Officer would also wish to 'retire' having other commitments with the Deal Rowing Club. Nin has been a wonderful servant of the club both in this role and as a manager for many years, it will be sad to see her leave. So this means we need to look for a new Club Welfare Officer. Is there anyone out there who would take on this role? It is not hugely demanding, the Club Welfare Officer (CWO) will need to go on a FA Safeguarding Children Workshop & CWO Workshop (both 3 hours which the club will fund) and which I will tutor. As the League Welfare Officer for the East Kent Youth League and formerly County Welfare Officer for the London Football Association, I will be available to ensure a smooth transition into the role. It may sound daunting, but I can ensure you it will not and will very enjoyable for perhaps an hour or two a weeks work. If you wish to discuss with me please E-mail or call.

We should also have in the not too distant future a new and this time convenient gate to link Castle College with Victoria Park and enable the school changing rooms to be used. I remind you all the clubhouse are there for use as parents with tea making facilities and a place to shelter on wet and cold days. All we ask is that you use it with respect.

Of course, all of this costs money. With renting of clubhouse and pitches at Castle School, Victoria Park, Marke Wood for the older teams and the Astro Turf, without which we would not be able to offer so much training for the players. Also on kit & training kit for the players, footballs, training equipment, goal nets, goalposts, line-marking, grass cutting, general maintenance of the pitches and the clubhouse, referees fees as well as Kent County FA & League fees to now five different leagues. In addition there are dozens of extras that crop up at regular and intermittent intervals. Our fees are set to 'break even', not make a profit and we are accountable to both our independent auditor and Kent County FA each year, whilst doing our best for our players.

However, there are ways we can help out our players. Production of their club membership card for players will entitle you to a 10% discount at Burger Brothers now at the Clarendon on the seafront, as long as the member (player) is eating.

'Golden Goal's has become a major club fundraiser. We hand out prizes every month of nearly £500 to 16 winners who pay just £1 a week. This helps to ensure club subscriptions will not rise at the present time. Would you be prepared to help the club out in this way and perhaps win one of 16 prizes each month? I enclose a standing order form, or if you wish one of our 4 club collectors can call once a month to your house. Contact Gareth Scanlon our Treasurer, or myself.

I remind you of our 'Twitter' account for those who wish to follow updates on scores, teams, training sessions etc on https://twitter.com/DTR_FC And don't forget that there is so much club information on our website http://www.dealtownrangers.com Our representatives are also there to listen to your feedback (positive or otherwise) on the overall operations of the club and act as a 'friendly face' for players, parents and coaches alike to ensure the club committee are kept up to date.

Finally I remind everyone that this is a 'Chartered Standard Community Club', the highest accolade that any club can achieve. We can also lose this status. This means that we act at all times, whether as a club official, coach, players or parents with decoram and good behaviour. If there is a grievance bring this to our attention. There are procedures that are to be followed whatever the situation. If any member of the club misbehaves (not just the players) we will have to act to protect our status and good name, so please, lets have a trouble free season!

I wish everyone in the club an enjoyable and successful Season 2015-16 and, as always, I will continue to keep people informed of future developments throughout the coming months!

Alan Clarke (Club Chairman)