Nottinghamshire FA Chairman, Alec Thomson, says that he is 'upbeat' after their contribution to meeting The FA’s National Game Plan strategy targets – with positive outcomes in many areas.
Speaking at the Notts FA’s AGM, Mr Thomson said in his annual report that amongst the achievements in the past year there has been:
• An increase in the number of mini soccer and youth teams within FA Charter Standard clubs – citing Ernehale Colts as an example
• A rise in the number of both male and female mini soccer teams
• And the Notts FA is well on its way to achieving their target of 423 registered referees by November of this year.
However, he warned: “The need for our existing County FA committees to regularly review their contribution towards the County targets is essential and this will be greatly assisted by the five strategic groups which were set up during the last year – looking at FA Charter Standard, Education and Skills, Development, Retention and Growth, Facilities, and Communications.”
Mr Thomson went on to say that The FA’s Respect programme will have a major influence on the game in the future.
“Whilst the programme has been greeted by some with criticism and cynicism – primarily as a result of the behaviour of some professional footballers and managers, it is my belief that, for those who enjoy and love football, this programme must be fully embraced.
“If we want to see a further decline in the bad behaviour of players, club officials and spectators, the principles and actions promoted by Respect must be taken on board by all who have any influence within football.
“To date, within the county, there have been 15 leagues which have signed up to the programme, comprising 450 adult and 1,415 youth teams – which is extremely pleasing.”
Mr Thomson also praised the achievements of a number of clubs and individuals throughout Nottinghamshire, such as Arnold Town’s development of their Eagle Valley site; Eastwood Town under manager Paul Cox; Scots Grey, in winning the Carlsberg FA Sunday Trophy; and the achievements of David Plowright and David Coote in the world of refereeing.
He closed his report by saying that he sees the coming year as a period of consolidation and settling down. “However, during the forthcoming year we need to complete the review of the Articles of the Association, our committee structure and see how we can be more inclusive and representative of all aspects of football.”