The magazine forward is by Alec Thomson, the Chairman of the Nottinghamshire FA:
"At the time of writing I am approaching the final few weeks of my five-year tenure as Chairman of the Notts FA and I look back at some of our achievements with a certain amount of satisfaction.
"Foremost has been the relocation of our County HQ from Clarendon Street to our spacious and modern offices at Chilwell, which after many years of deliberation and viewing of other sites and venues has finally been realised. This is closely followed by the excellent appointment of Elaine Oram as our Chief Executive and the amalgamation of our hard-working administration
and development teams.
"On the playing front the growth of football involving girls, women and veterans has been most encouraging, whilst the most positive achievement has been the retention and increase in the number of referees so that more games at all levels are now being officiated by qualified and neutral referees. It may be that the respect message is being heeded by the majority, while the mindless minority who have been trying to spoil the beautiful game are being marginalised and driven away – let’s hope so!
"As a County Association however, we must look to the future and at the June AGM a number of changes to our Articles are being proposed, which if adopted I and the Board believe will help to take football at all levels forward in the County. Included amongst the proposals is a restructuring of Committees with more work being undertaken in smaller more accountable sub-committees, increasing the opportunity for Councillor representation on the County FA which will have immediate benefit for some Youth Leagues and the three Referee Societies – resulting in the opportunity for persons with expertise or interest in specific areas to be co-opted onto The FA Council.
"May I take this opportunity to especially thank members of staff and the Board who have helped and supported me during this enjoyable period as your Chairman of the County FA. I look forward to many more years of serving football in Nottinghamshire - no matter in what capacity."
Alec Thomson
Nottinghamshire County FA Chairman
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