Message from the Chairman - December
Friday 03 December 2010By ESFA Office
Last Updated:
10/02/2021 11:49:10
Chairman - Mike Coyne
I have had the pleasure of being involved in this year’s U18 selection process in the last month. I attended the SW trial and then thoroughly enjoyed the experience of attending the regional game between the SE and the SW – that ended in a win for a strong SW team. Since then I have attended the squad development weekend at Silsoe. This was another positive experience and, as always, I was impressed by the excellent conduct of the boys and the professionalism of our management team. As a teacher with a primary background I have found involvement with the international team over the last three years to be a real learning curve – and a most enjoyable one.
I was very pleased to hear how highly the ESFA U18 international team is valued by membership at last month’s meeting with county secretaries. In my view this team is an important part of the profile of the association and I am always proud of the high standards set by ESFA staff, council, players and management. We can all look forward to our international programme in 2011 with optimism.
I noted from the ESFA web site that nearly 6000 matches have been played in ESFA national competitions this season. This is a tribute to the teachers and volunteers running teams and to the efficiency of our hard working staff. Thank you.
I was saddened to hear of the early demise of finance for Sports Partnerships and Competition Managers across the country. I am aware that experiences across the country were mixed, but where good partnerships were in place, these roles were a great support to the ESFA at district and county level. I would urge all associations to think ahead to next season if they have relied on support from their local partnership for their competitions, particularly in the primary events.
As this is the December issue I would like to wish our staff and membership a very ‘Merry Christmas’ and a ‘Happy and Prosperous New Year’. I hope that you all have a good break (when it arrives) and enjoy time with your families. See you in 2011.
