The Auchtermuchty Bellvue Colts recently held their AGM. The Chair, Mark Clunie kicked off proceedings by welcoming everyone to the meeting. Following is a transcript of the "Chairperson Report".

Chairperson Report 2021-2022

I want to start by saying it has been an honour to represent Auchtermuchty Bellvue Colts over the past 3 years. I am delighted with the progress our club has made in these unique and turbulent times – we have managed to grow as a club throughout this period and become a key factor in bringing our wider community together and encouraging so many new friendships and opportunities for children and families in the area to connect through football.

Our third season was the first to feel like a normal grassroots football season - and marked a number of football achievements for the club.

The first involved many of our footballers representing the club with distinction at ESF 2022 at Craig Tara - the biggest youth football event in Scotland - it was a fantastic experience for all the players and coaches and will have created lifetime memories for all. The awards ceremony and party alone - irrespective of the football - will have had a huge impact on each of the kids and families, when we consider that the kids have now got to test their abilities against a range of footballers is superb. Thank you to Greg Shepherd for leading on this - the kids will be eternally grateful.

The development sessions have continued to grow with over 1/2 of the clubs playing membership now participating in the small-sided games pathway. This is thanks to the efforts of several volunteers who have joined us on our journey over the last 12 months – their involvement has allowed the club to regularly field numerous teams at Super 5s (x3 teams) and Fun4z (x4 teams) and begin a new SoccerSt4rt programme for pre-school aged players. This part of the pathway focusses on fun and caters for all players, of all abilities and is the first learning step towards players moving into learning stage when they begin to play Soccer7s at 8/9yo. A special thank you to Stuart Beveridge, Archie Clunie, Mark Dunsmore, Ross Knighting, Gregor MacLean, Martin McCormack, Julie Pryde and Lesley Shepherd for all your endeavours - you are changing lives without even realising it.

A key area of development for the club has been the girls pathway being established and has grown from a training group with many new players just beginning their football journey into a fully fledged team that has been performing exceptionally well. The success of the group has put the club on the map and the recognition they have received is thoroughly deserved. The creation and registering of a brand new team, under different rules and guidelines is no easy task - to do it as a season is underway and you are dealing with already established teams is beyond belief. The efforts of both Ross Hynd, Greg Shepherd and Ashley Clunie cannot be overlooked and although at times we question ‘Why’ we do it - I think your efforts over the last 12 months have been nothing short of extraordinary.

Sadly we had to withdraw from the 2010s - Soccer 11s as we were not in a position to field a team any longer, however, from these ashes we saw many of the players start on the 2011s - Soccer 9s and the U12 Girls pathway. It is always difficult when players leave the club, however, we can be proud of how the players were supported in their transition to new clubs or sports and they will always be a part of Auchtermuchty Bellvue Colts and will always be remembered the role they played in the clubs beginnings.

As we approach the 2022-2023 period, the club has established teams in each game format and has an opportunity for all players to start playing football from 3 years old up - this next 12 months will see members start their football journey who are younger than the club itself. We have grown from humble beginnings of 35 players into a club with 164 members - this is an

increase of 57 players or 53% of the club on last year alone. This growth was only possible through the efforts of many of the existing coaching teams - Graham Bayne, Damian Houston, Struan Mackenzie, Jason Tavener, Nick Tully & Ivan Wheater - and the welcome addition of some new faces, John Guthrie, Gordon MacDougall, Fraser McLeod and Paul Anderson.

Unsung heroes within the club are Lynne Tavener and Ashley Clunie - it is no easy task juggling their own work commitments and ensuring that the lights stay on and gates remain open on the facilities we use or that invoices are tracked for all the kit and equipment. Processing paperwork to register and insure players as well as setting up payment structures for 164 members on an annual basis is an extremely time consuming task and whilst not readily visible to those in and around the club - is necessary for the club to function at all.

The impact of all this personal effort by so many people has meant that the club has moved beyond just a football club and into a community asset, many lifetime connections are being created by this club, the scenes at the 2021 end of season awards, the Easter and Summer holidays ‘Fitba Fridays’ programme and the Family Fun Day are testament to what we have achieved together and how we will grow in the future.

Many people have commented that they would never have seen themselves as a “football parent” standing in all weathers, travelling all over Fife and East of Scotland for pre-midday KOs, washing, finding, washing and refinding football boots, football socks, shinpads, training tops – for this we offer apologies – but understand it is the same affliction that we all suffer from, this is what being part of grassroots football is all about and it is fantastic that so many want to play a part in allowing the club members to participate to the best of their ability.

I would like to give a special thanks to our sponsors for the last three years who supported us, even though times were hard financially for all: ANCO, Forth Valley Promotions, Gavin Urquhart Builders, Grant Laing Plumbing Services, Ian Sim Range Rover Specialist, JD Cooling, Newburgh Graphics and VED. We appreciate their ongoing support - without yourselves many of our club dreams and aspirations would not become reality.

The next few years will see the club have to develop plans to invest in facilities in the area and surrounding communities to cater for the volume of kids calling Auchtermuchty Bellvue Colts their home - in partnership with Auchtermuchty Bellvue AFC - plans have already begun to look at how we realise our twin aspirations of improved changing facilities, playing surfaces and amenities so that the players, young and old, can have the best opportunity to succeed. This will take the efforts of everyone - both current and new - to make this dream become a reality.

Sadly, due to external work commitments, I now need to step down from the role of Chairperson as I do not currently have the time required to adequately represent the club in this capacity. As I step away, I remain very impressed by the work of every member of this club, the passion and determination to look at how we can improve and make sure the kids get the best opportunity to develop is what makes every one of you unique.

I want to thank every coach, committee member, parent and player for their commitment, hardwork, time, energy and effort. For caring about what you do and where you live, for being motivated to make a difference to your community and although it is small compensation for your everything you do - please accept my humble thanks.

My best wishes and support to the new Chairperson for 2022/23.

Upon standing down as Chairperson, a vote for a new Chair was carried out, with Ross Hynd being elected as the new Chairperson of Auchtermuchty Bellvue Colts.