I thought I’d pen a brief update as we start the New Year as there are a number of things to share across the Cassiobury Rangers Community.

Settled down in new leagues.

Generally the teams that have moved over are settling into the Watford Friendly league. Across the club, as always, results are mixed but it is the balance between football development, enjoyment and winning that we need to maintain, and I think we do a great job in that regard at our club.

Fines have been heavy initially – but have decreased in recent weeks which is good. Additionally we have worked through some tough times together as we have got used to the demands of the WFL. It is a well organised league, and certainly endorses the stick as well as the carrot!

New committee members on board.

Simon Tring has settled in really well as Purchasing Officer. Dave Shann is working on our Football Development approach and Dave and I are meeting up next week to discuss his initial thoughts. Kim Boot is taking on Child Welfare duties from Nigel Eastaugh. Thanks to them all for stepping up to the new roles.

Additional committee members required.

We still need volunteers to take on a number of roles for next season. A communication to parents looking for volunteers will be issued in early 2007.

Tournament or Family Fun Day?

We need to conclude whether we will be staging a tournament this year or a ‘family fun day’ for our own teams only.

I am personally more in favour of the fun day which would be a great way to develop us as a club community. We discussed at the last committee meeting that we operate fairly independently (and very well!) age group by age group and perhaps a fun day would integrate us more.  

Girls football.

We have been offered an opportunity by 3 Rivers Council. If we help some local schools by providing after class football coaching sessions they will give us some a grant from council funds and help to re start girls football at the club. A good opportunity and more to follow on this.

Parmiters update.

We recently had a very positive meeting with Brendan (the school Bursar). The relationship in a healthy state I am pleased to report and communication is ongoing and open.

Lastly a couple of thanks...

• Thanks to Howard and retiring Committee members Jeff Coleman and Nigel Eastaugh for helping me so much as I take on the role. Howard and his committee achieved incredible progression for the club over the past years to take us to where we are now and have given us access to the facilities we have. Time moves on and the next generation of committee have a tough act to follow. 

• Thanks to all Committee members and all coaches on behalf of the playing members of the club. We certainly have a club to be proud of and it is our efforts that make it that way.

Enjoy the rest of the season...

Gerry Callanan

Chairman.