Many thanks to those who attended the Annual General Meeting of the club on Monday 22nd April. There was an excellent engagement from the floor throughout the meeting – asking important questions of the executive committee. I want to also thank Tom, Ellie, Louis and Jane for their presentations – and to Ross for helping to put the entire event together.
The club remains in an excellent short and medium term financial position. Over the last year we are pleased to have been able to also secure the long-term financial position by developing a stronger plan, and increasing annual contributions to the pitch-replacement fund to a level where we will be self-sufficient come renewal of the surface at the of the decade.
The Junior Section of the club received warm appreciation for its growth in numbers and standards whilst retaining and indeed building on the community spirit that makes Adel a special place.
Reports from the Ladies and Men’s sections suggested a much improved year on ladies side, and a consolidation year on the Men’s . Both the Men’s and Ladies first XIs are now one promotion away from National League.
Further discussions about the development of a new changing facility were had. Further information will be available over the summer. It is the aim of the committee and those driving the project to submit a planning application shortly. Fundraising for this project will be considerable and will require every members to do their part.
Minutes of the meeting will be available shortly, but a summary version with some context regarding what was agreed by the membership is as detailed below:
- Kit Supplier (2024 onwards)
Thanks to the work of a kit working group including Simon Ball, Taryn Reynolds, and Sue Renton the committee was presented with several different options for kit going forward; and a suggestion of what would be best for the club. The working group surveyed a broad spectrum of the membership and liaised with current and potential kit suppliers to provide a detailed and insightful proposal to the club.
A key factor being considered throughout was to strengthen the look of teams on matchdays – all wearing the same kit rather than a mismatch of different orange tops; adding a level of professionalism as we’re becoming a larger club/ regional force, with aims of national league.
To ensure senior players look the same £20 will be added to each players membership for the 2024/25. A fee such as this will also apply to all new members going forward to ensure timely kit delivery.
The club will be bulk ordering tops in May/ June, as well as items consistently out of stock, in anticipation of the new season. Keep an eye out for emails asking about size.
- Membership Fees
Adult memberships will remain unchanged for the 3rd consecutive season. All memberships will remain all-inclusive; including membership of the AWMA. Each membership will be payable in either a one-off amount, or over 8 equal instalments. A full adult membership remains at £330, Concession (Students & Over 65), Youth (Under 18 also playing senior hockey), and Goalkeeper Memberships will remain at £215 for the year. For this year an additional mandatory up-front £20 will be added to fund a new shirt for each playing member (see Kit section above).
Junior membership fees have not been changed in over 8 years. This, and the fact the number of junior activities on offer has significantly increased, led the committee to propose to the AGM an increase in membership fees. New membership fees still remain region leading in-terms of affordability and value for money.
Juniors (not also playing senior hockey) will from the 2024/25 season pay:
£150 for an individual membership;
£250 for a family of 2 children;
And then £75 per additional child per year.
As with the adult membership this can be paid in a one-off amount, or 8 equal instalments. No mandatory fee for a new shirt, nor new shirt will be provided for junior members.
The club will retain its policy of supporting individuals in difficult financial situations. We don’t want money to ever be a barrier for those playing in our club, or playing our sport. Please contact the membership secretary or any of the executive committee at any time – we can help.
Extra monies received from raising the membership fees will enable the club to continue to develop its offering to members.
- Committee positions:
Bridget (President), Alice (Media Coordinator), Hans (Coaching Coordinator), Cian (Social Secretary), Stanners (Teas Coordinator), and Simon (Kit Coordinator) all stepped back from their roles at the AGM. Their work over the last year and for some more has continued to help the club on its development trajectory and added huge amounts of value to members on a day-to-day basis. Thank you for your service to the club.
We welcome: Ben Hendley as the new Club President; a 3-year honorary role. Taryn Reynolds as Kit Coordinator, Holly Sheen as Teas Coordinator. MJ Auckland-Child joining Ellie Pritchard in the role of Ladies Club Captain; where Ellie continues to have overall responsibility and control. Becky Hill and Lucy Metcalfe join Matt Aldred as a trio of social secretaries for the coming year.
A wholesale change of captains on the Ladies side means we say thank you to outgoing captains Kate Watson, Becky Hill, MJ Auckland-Child, Meg Curtiss, and Bryony Wellman. We welcome:
Ladies 1XI – Gabby Nusenbaum
Ladies 2XI – Abi Byerley
Ladies 3XI – Lottie Butler
Ladies 4XI – Alice Wilton
Ladies 5XI – Kate Connor
The Men’s side doesn’t quite see the same level of change – but thanks to outgoing captains Tom Scott and Iain Mitchell, and good luck to Adam Kendall (new joint 2XI captain) & Evan Griffiths (3XI). We’re still on the look out for a 4XI captain for the 2024/25 season – could this be you?
Hans Cowx will be taking on the role of long-unoccupied Indoor Captain – with the view to bring Indoor hockey back to Adel. Bryony Wellman will be taking up the role of Mixed Co-Captain after Jemma Frazer stepped back from the role – thanks to all those leaving and taking on new roles.
We still have some important committee positions still available for the 2024/25 season. Specifically, we are looking for:
Media Coordinator – to lead on promoting activities at Adel in a positive manner across the Website and Social Media platforms. This may be suited as a role for an individual or small group of people
Coaching Coordinator – to oversee the coaching framework at the club. Work with club captains and junior coordinator to ensure appropriate and required coverage for training sessions across the club. This role will primarily be focused on arranging development for coaches with the club.
Grounds Secretary – to focus on the pitch and surroundings – to ensure safe, tidy and well-maintained facilities. To work with the groundsman and AWMA Grounds Sub-Committee where required.
Fundraising/ Sponsorship – to maintain and create new strategic partnership between the club and local businesses, charities and local authorities with the purpose of helping to diversify income of the hockey club and fundraising for specific projects the club is looking to achieve.
Men’s 4th Team Captain – an exciting opportunity to captain a varied team of some talented “older hands” and talented up and coming juniors and more. The Men’s 4th XI will be playing in Moor & Dale Division 1 next season, and looking to bounce back after a difficult 2023/24 season.
Finally, there are currently two major fundraising events upcoming and a 100 club currently taking place – all in aid of the new changing facilities. I’ll be running 207km/ 127 miles between Liverpool and Leeds on the canal on June 8th/9th, before Emmie (U10 player) completes a sprint distance triathlon two weeks later at just the age of 8. Details of each fundraiser, and link to the 100 club fundraiser can be found below.
Sam’s 207km/ 127mile run: https://app.goodhub.com/adelcanalrun
Emmie’s Triathlon: https://app.goodhub.com/adel-war-memorial-association-10952
100 Club “Win a stick”: https://app.goodhub.com/adelhockeystick100
The next club wide event will be on May 11th – 09.00 – 13.00 – Our annual Muck-in morning. Projects this year includes: moving of fence panels, fixing goal nets, re-laying of paving, painting, weeding, clearing of rubbish. In the evening we’ll all be off for End of Season Dinner at the Village Hotel, Headingley. Looking forward to seeing you there.
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