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Annual Report 2007
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Funding
Funding remains our biggest challenge, which we aim to rectify in 2008 by applying for grants to provide more activities. In terms of Newham Warriors, it is vital that team secretaries are given all monies due to ensure the Club runs smoothly. Unfortunately, this did not happen in 2007 and there are still outstanding fees to be paid.
It would be helpful for this situation to change as soon as possible so that we can continue to offer your child our support and services. Your money is spent on pitch fees, kit, equipment, league fees, fines, public liability insurance and county affiliation fees. So far, whenever there have been shortfalls trustees have spent their own money. This cannot continue indefinitely.
Committee of trustees
The Dads & Lads trustees committee was formed in December 2007. Its members are Keith Rochester, Tony Davis, Jeff Clarke, Rupert Nelson, Allison Carvalho, Damien Plummer and Neville Haynes.
The committee is responsible for the general control, administration and
management of the organisation. It accepts ultimate responsibility for directing its affairs.
Keith and Tony co-founded Dads & Lads.
They are now Chairman and Vice Chairman‘Funding remains our biggest challenge. In terms of Newham Warriors, it is vital to receive all monies due to ensure the Club runs smoothly. This did not happen in 2007.’ respectively. Rupert manages Dads & Lads’ accounts, Allison manages administration, Damien manages workshops and funding applications, Jeff manages the organisation Of the Dads & Lads Awards and Matches with Rupert and Neville, manager of the U13s, is our webmaster.
The committee’s inaugural meeting took place in December and it will meet once a quarter to discuss Dads & Lads business.
Workshops
In 2007, Dads & Lads ran one workshop twice: drugs and alcohol abuse awareness and peer pressure. The first workshop at Beckton Globe in February was not well attended because of lack of pre-publicity. Consequently, managers and coaches did not understand its aims and desired outcomes.
But this changed when the workshop’s organiser, SPARKS, stepped in. SPARKS is a Newham-based community group which holds workshops about drink and drug abuse for children and young adults. A representative attended a training session and explained the aims. Subsequently, the workshop ran again, in March, at Durning Hall in Forest Gate. The managers cancelled training and it was very well attended.
Dads & Lads awards and matches
Dads & Lads matches have been running for five years and 2007 saw our biggest event yet, attended by well over 100 people. There were six matches at Flanders Community Centre, including the Newham Warriors under-16s playing against a team from the Metropolitan Police.
The main match was dads versus lads. The lads won 6-1 and remained undefeated for the fifth year in a row. It was a pleasure to see some old faces from the original Newham Warriors team, like Bradley Joseph, goalkeeper Easton Davis – who scored in the main match – Jason Fontaine and Leslie Thompson. Leslie is now a professional footballer who plays for Bolton Wanderers.
In the spring, he successfully completed the crossbar challenge in the Sky Sports 1 show Soccer AM. He gave an excellent, positive speech at the Awards ceremony. Unfortunately, some players went home so they did not hear him speak or receive their award in person.
Dads & Lads received a Go for It grant to fund this event, but it still ran well over budget. Trustees dipped into their pockets to ensure it happened. A big thank you to Flanders Community Centre for helping Dads & Lads to run a great day.
Dads & Lads patron
Tony Davis asked former Chief Inspector of Schools Maurice Smith to become a patron of Dads & Lads. He accepted the invitation. Maurice isn’t a decision-maker, but is happy to lend his name and position to help Dads & Lads to attract funding.
Induction pack
Last year, the trustees decided that every new child who joins Newham Warriors will receive an induction pack. This will begin next season. The pack will include information about the history of the Club and a DVD so that recruits can actually see Newham Warriors in action. Every parent who volunteers to help Newham Warriors or Dads & Lads will also receive an induction pack.
Newham Warriors
Links with schools
Some of the players attend Sheringham primary and Little Ilford secondary schools in Manor Park. The head of sport at Sheringham contacted Keith in November to say he had noticed a big improvement in the boys’ performance and behaviour, which he attributed to the Club. He asked Keith to link Newham Warriors with the school. He also talked about Newham Warriors in an assembly and wrote to parents about the Club. Some children have already trained with the Club as a result. In December, the head of Little Ilford’s sports department asked Keith to attend sports training every Wednesday to scout pupils to join the Club, which he has agreed to do.
FA Level 1 training
All managers and coaches have received Football Association Level 1 training, which means they are fully qualified to train children under 18. Training includes child protection, first aid and health and safety.
CRB checks
All managers and coaches have been asked to undertake a criminal records bureau (CRB) check, a legal requirement for all those who work with children. Currently the Certificates are under review and will be kept by Newham Warriors’ welfare officer, David Robinson. Certificates are valid for two years and then checks have to be run again.
New seniors team
This season, Newham Warriors took over the management of a seniors team in the Ilford & District League. The Club hopes the under 17s boys will play for Newham Warriors as seniors one day and become good role models for the younger children.
Echo League
The under 11s joined this competitive, prestigious league in the 2007-2008 season as champions of the East London and Essex League. At the time of writing in December 2007, the under 11s were on top of their division. The under 13s joined in the 2006-2007 season as under 12s; the team was promoted up two divisions in its first season. The Club aims to increase the number of teams entered into this league in the future. John Terry and Jermaine Defoe, among other stars, played in the league when they were starting out. Being in the Echo League raises the Club’s profile. For example, established clubs have asked for friendlies with Newham Warriors teams because of their achievements in 2007.
Team performances
The 2006-2007 season ended with the under 12s losing just two games. One match was the league cup final; the other was a championship decider.
The under 11s ended that season as champions of the East London and Essex League, losing only one game. Thank you to Lawrence McDonald, coach of the under 11s, for motivating the team so well.
Last year saw the under 17s play in a new league, the Barking Youth League. All Newham Warriors teams played in the London Cup, but the under 17s did best, getting knocked out in the quarter finals.
Media
Website
In the winter of 2006, Leon Griffiths set up the Newham Warriors website (www.newhamwarriors.co.uk). Leon’s youngest son played with the Club for a short time. Unfortunately, due to personal circumstances, Leon couldn’t continue running the site. However, Neville Haynes took on this responsibility in July 2007 and is doing an excellent job. He aims to improve the website further and oversee the development of a Dads & Lads site in 2008.
Wanstead Flats Playing Fields Committee 50th anniversary DVD
In May, Newham Warriors was invited by the Corporation of London to be part of the Wanstead Flats Playing Fields Committee 50th anniversary celebrations. A publicity DVD featuring some of the coaches, boys and parents was shown at the dinner. Everyone came across very well.
Visits to professional clubs
West Ham United heritage project In December 2006,
Dads & Lads was approached by West Ham United to take part in its heritage project commemorating 100 years of the Club in the community. That month, players were given a tour of West Ham stadium and the Club museum. They also met a West Ham historian. In May 2007, a publicity DVD featuring players and managers was released to mark the celebrations.
Southend United – getting on with the Blues
In March, Keith Rochester took the then under 12s and under 10s to Southend United to hear a talk about drugs and alcohol abuse in sport. They also had a coaching session with club coaches and a tour of the stadium. Unfortunately, few under 12s went along. If such a visit happens again, it would be great to see more support from parents and boys.
Farewells
Dads & Lads said farewell to Haden Martyr, former team manager of the under 12s, now under 13s, team. Dads & Lads would like to say thank you for his contributions and wish him well in his new adventures.
Sadly, the Club lost the under 14s due a lack of commitment to training and lack of parental support. The management committee of Newham Warriors felt the team could not continue. Thank you to Andrew Powell, former manager of the under 14s, for all his efforts and commitment in trying to make the team work.
Funding remains our biggest challenge, which we aim to rectify in 2008 by applying for grants to provide more activities. In terms of Newham Warriors, it is vital that team secretaries are given all monies due to ensure the Club runs smoothly. Unfortunately, this did not happen in 2007 and there are still outstanding fees to be paid.
It would be helpful for this situation to change as soon as possible so that we can continue to offer your child our support and services. Your money is spent on pitch fees, kit, equipment, league fees, fines, public liability insurance and county affiliation fees. So far, whenever there have been shortfalls trustees have spent their own money. This cannot continue indefinitely.
Committee of trustees
The Dads & Lads trustees committee was formed in December 2007. Its members are Keith Rochester, Tony Davis, Jeff Clarke, Rupert Nelson, Allison Carvalho, Damien Plummer and Neville Haynes.
The committee is responsible for the general control, administration and
management of the organisation. It accepts ultimate responsibility for directing its affairs.
Keith and Tony co-founded Dads & Lads.
They are now Chairman and Vice Chairman‘Funding remains our biggest challenge. In terms of Newham Warriors, it is vital to receive all monies due to ensure the Club runs smoothly. This did not happen in 2007.’ respectively. Rupert manages Dads & Lads’ accounts, Allison manages administration, Damien manages workshops and funding applications, Jeff manages the organisation Of the Dads & Lads Awards and Matches with Rupert and Neville, manager of the U13s, is our webmaster.
The committee’s inaugural meeting took place in December and it will meet once a quarter to discuss Dads & Lads business.
Workshops
In 2007, Dads & Lads ran one workshop twice: drugs and alcohol abuse awareness and peer pressure. The first workshop at Beckton Globe in February was not well attended because of lack of pre-publicity. Consequently, managers and coaches did not understand its aims and desired outcomes.
But this changed when the workshop’s organiser, SPARKS, stepped in. SPARKS is a Newham-based community group which holds workshops about drink and drug abuse for children and young adults. A representative attended a training session and explained the aims. Subsequently, the workshop ran again, in March, at Durning Hall in Forest Gate. The managers cancelled training and it was very well attended.
Dads & Lads awards and matches
Dads & Lads matches have been running for five years and 2007 saw our biggest event yet, attended by well over 100 people. There were six matches at Flanders Community Centre, including the Newham Warriors under-16s playing against a team from the Metropolitan Police.
The main match was dads versus lads. The lads won 6-1 and remained undefeated for the fifth year in a row. It was a pleasure to see some old faces from the original Newham Warriors team, like Bradley Joseph, goalkeeper Easton Davis – who scored in the main match – Jason Fontaine and Leslie Thompson. Leslie is now a professional footballer who plays for Bolton Wanderers.
In the spring, he successfully completed the crossbar challenge in the Sky Sports 1 show Soccer AM. He gave an excellent, positive speech at the Awards ceremony. Unfortunately, some players went home so they did not hear him speak or receive their award in person.
Dads & Lads received a Go for It grant to fund this event, but it still ran well over budget. Trustees dipped into their pockets to ensure it happened. A big thank you to Flanders Community Centre for helping Dads & Lads to run a great day.
Dads & Lads patron
Tony Davis asked former Chief Inspector of Schools Maurice Smith to become a patron of Dads & Lads. He accepted the invitation. Maurice isn’t a decision-maker, but is happy to lend his name and position to help Dads & Lads to attract funding.
Induction pack
Last year, the trustees decided that every new child who joins Newham Warriors will receive an induction pack. This will begin next season. The pack will include information about the history of the Club and a DVD so that recruits can actually see Newham Warriors in action. Every parent who volunteers to help Newham Warriors or Dads & Lads will also receive an induction pack.
Newham Warriors
Links with schools
Some of the players attend Sheringham primary and Little Ilford secondary schools in Manor Park. The head of sport at Sheringham contacted Keith in November to say he had noticed a big improvement in the boys’ performance and behaviour, which he attributed to the Club. He asked Keith to link Newham Warriors with the school. He also talked about Newham Warriors in an assembly and wrote to parents about the Club. Some children have already trained with the Club as a result. In December, the head of Little Ilford’s sports department asked Keith to attend sports training every Wednesday to scout pupils to join the Club, which he has agreed to do.
FA Level 1 training
All managers and coaches have received Football Association Level 1 training, which means they are fully qualified to train children under 18. Training includes child protection, first aid and health and safety.
CRB checks
All managers and coaches have been asked to undertake a criminal records bureau (CRB) check, a legal requirement for all those who work with children. Currently the Certificates are under review and will be kept by Newham Warriors’ welfare officer, David Robinson. Certificates are valid for two years and then checks have to be run again.
New seniors team
This season, Newham Warriors took over the management of a seniors team in the Ilford & District League. The Club hopes the under 17s boys will play for Newham Warriors as seniors one day and become good role models for the younger children.
Echo League
The under 11s joined this competitive, prestigious league in the 2007-2008 season as champions of the East London and Essex League. At the time of writing in December 2007, the under 11s were on top of their division. The under 13s joined in the 2006-2007 season as under 12s; the team was promoted up two divisions in its first season. The Club aims to increase the number of teams entered into this league in the future. John Terry and Jermaine Defoe, among other stars, played in the league when they were starting out. Being in the Echo League raises the Club’s profile. For example, established clubs have asked for friendlies with Newham Warriors teams because of their achievements in 2007.
Team performances
The 2006-2007 season ended with the under 12s losing just two games. One match was the league cup final; the other was a championship decider.
The under 11s ended that season as champions of the East London and Essex League, losing only one game. Thank you to Lawrence McDonald, coach of the under 11s, for motivating the team so well.
Last year saw the under 17s play in a new league, the Barking Youth League. All Newham Warriors teams played in the London Cup, but the under 17s did best, getting knocked out in the quarter finals.
Media
Website
In the winter of 2006, Leon Griffiths set up the Newham Warriors website (www.newhamwarriors.co.uk). Leon’s youngest son played with the Club for a short time. Unfortunately, due to personal circumstances, Leon couldn’t continue running the site. However, Neville Haynes took on this responsibility in July 2007 and is doing an excellent job. He aims to improve the website further and oversee the development of a Dads & Lads site in 2008.
Wanstead Flats Playing Fields Committee 50th anniversary DVD
In May, Newham Warriors was invited by the Corporation of London to be part of the Wanstead Flats Playing Fields Committee 50th anniversary celebrations. A publicity DVD featuring some of the coaches, boys and parents was shown at the dinner. Everyone came across very well.
Visits to professional clubs
West Ham United heritage project In December 2006,
Dads & Lads was approached by West Ham United to take part in its heritage project commemorating 100 years of the Club in the community. That month, players were given a tour of West Ham stadium and the Club museum. They also met a West Ham historian. In May 2007, a publicity DVD featuring players and managers was released to mark the celebrations.
Southend United – getting on with the Blues
In March, Keith Rochester took the then under 12s and under 10s to Southend United to hear a talk about drugs and alcohol abuse in sport. They also had a coaching session with club coaches and a tour of the stadium. Unfortunately, few under 12s went along. If such a visit happens again, it would be great to see more support from parents and boys.
Farewells
Dads & Lads said farewell to Haden Martyr, former team manager of the under 12s, now under 13s, team. Dads & Lads would like to say thank you for his contributions and wish him well in his new adventures.
Sadly, the Club lost the under 14s due a lack of commitment to training and lack of parental support. The management committee of Newham Warriors felt the team could not continue. Thank you to Andrew Powell, former manager of the under 14s, for all his efforts and commitment in trying to make the team work.
Dads & Lads
Report 07