As 2022 draws to an end I wanted to take this opportunity to review the year and say a few words.
Firstly I want to thank our outgoing chairman Reg Atkins, Reg has done an amazing job with the club in so many areas.
• Fund raising, Reg has worked tirelessly to create new funding streams, Club membership schemes, player and match sponsors, bonus ball and the general light hearted harassment of locals and businesses to raise vital funds.
This has allowed the club to subsidise players fees and allow for the club to plan for future resilience, which includes a clubhouse extension and possible further infrastructure improvements.
• Club FA charter standard, Alderney has now been awarded an FA Charter standard this is awarded by the FA to Clubs who have demonstrated that they offer well-run and sustainable football, obviously this could not have been achieved without a dedicated committee and an amazing team of volunteers.
• Implementation of Alderney junior football, this goes hand in hand with the Charter Standard and being a sustainable football club, planning for the future and giving our young islanders a sporting, inclusive, safe environment.
• Working in partnership with the Guernsey FA, this has helped with gaining the Charter Standard, essential safeguarding and welfare training and assistance with Muratti and island games participation.
• Joe Blackham has kindly offered to help us revamp our official website, please keep an eye out for this, thanks to Joe for undertaking this work.
As I take over the reins from Reg I am sure I will not be able to match his achievements, however I am confident that I will endeavour to work hard in building on the foundations he has created, I would also like to thank Reg’s family for all of their hard work and support in assisting Reg and Alderney Nomads, I know you will all join me in wishing Reg and family all the best for 2023.
I would like to thank our club members for their continuing support despite difficult circumstances on the pitch, as we are all aware we have a small population on Alderney and this clearly impacts on adding players and providing a healthy competitive team, I am grateful to our small squad for their continuing efforts and improvements they have made, good luck for the rest of the season.
The committee is looking to introduce a monthly newsletter in the new year, the aim of this is to assist in keeping members and sponsors up to date, this will also be available on our website for our fans from far and wide.
It cannot be underestimated the amount of funds we need as a club on an annual basis to be able to compete at the highest level in the Channel Islands, for this I am thankful to our players, match day and official sponsors, your support is greatly appreciated.
I would like to finish by wishing you all a Happy New year.