Chairman                                                                                         C. Wadhams

Vice Chairman, Co-op Representative & Publicity Officer        P. Brainch

Hon Treasurer                                                                                 D.Donkin

Hon Secretary                                                                                 P.Brainch

Hon Team Secretary                                                                      Duties undertaken by each team

Hon Fixture Secretary                                                                    N. Makepeace

Hon Umpires Secretary                                                                 G. Sherard

Child Protection Officer                                                                 C. Wadhams

Health and Safety Officer                                                              C. Wadhams

Chief Youth Coach                                                                         J. Sumner

1^st XI                                                                                               M. Bagnall

Fathom 2^nd XI                                                                                C. Wadhams

Fathom Badgers                                                                            J. Smith

Under 16 Coach                                                                            R. McGuigan

Under 11 Coach                                                                            J. Sumner

Summer Captain                                                                          M. Cross

The Management Committee was composed of the Officers and Team Captains plus Neil Toye, Rob McGuigan, Andy Elves and Paul Jarvis who were all elected at the 2009 Annual General Meeting.

This was composed of the Chairman and Vice Chairman, Team Captains and N. Toye (Member’s Representative)

Ms D Robertson and Mr A.W. Roberts

C. Wadhams (Chair)              6                 5                 1

M. Bagnall                                6                 2                2

P. Brainch                                6                 6                 -

D. Donkin                                 6                 4                2

A.Elves                                     6                 0                1 

P. Jarvis                                   6                 6                 -

N. Makepeace                         6                 6                -

R. McGuigan                            6                 6                -

G. Sherard                                6                6                 -

N. Toye                                      6                6                 -

J. Smith                                     6                3                 3

J. Sumner                                 6                 5                1

It is not my intention to give a blow by blow account of the season, but some games deserve a mention. With Mark Bagnall suffering a knee injury in the pre-season which limited his appearances, it fell upon me to carry the mantle of skipper. I would like to thank the senior members of the squad John Skidmore, Rob McGuigan and Doc for their help and guidance though out the year, and to the whole squad for their support and doing what game plan I had thought up the night before (well sometimes anyway)

Also Chris Wadhams and Jonathon Smith for allowing Glenn to shuffle their sides at the last minute when I called for a replacement due to late cry offs and Dave Bate for umpiring us and Zach for acting kitty master

Our goal for the season was simple. Win more games, score more goals and concede less than last year - which we did.

The season started with a journey into the unknown to newly formed Dudley Knights, as they had broken away from Kinswinford, we didn't know what to expect. Well half time 3-0 up and cruising, full time 8-0 win - team firing on all cylinders and sitting top of the league. Fantastic. Ismail Mutlib had started his first senior league game and scored 4, what a difference he would make to the team. His ability to score goals and create openings for others would be crucial. He fully deserves his Player of the Year award.

The next couple of games we narrowly lost by the odd goal, but the team spirit and work ethics were there to see.

Then the long trip to Oswestry beckoned, if ever you hear the saying "a game of two half’s" this was it. Half the team stuck in traffic, started late, no warm up, 4-0 down at half time. Inspired team talk (well I think so). Different team took to the field, full time 4-4 and we missed 2 half chances to clinch the game in the dying end. This game showed how far our confidence had improved from last year. Our other first half win came against Rugeley, with Andy Elves scoring both our goals to win 2-1. Christmas arrived 7 points in total, a much better performance.

The second half of the season saw us start with a draw against Kynock 2-2, and then we faced Oswestry at home and won 4-3 another end to end game. We then had our rearranged game against Dudley Knights on a sunny Sunday morning and won 6-2. Done the double over them which were great.

We travelled to Barlaston with 10 men which is never easy as they are a physical and skilful side, we set out to frustrate them and hit them on the break, it nearly worked the defence stood strong with Rob Mcguigan playing behind the back 3, the midfield worked tireless (best game I think Luke Menzel played all year), Charles Chikasha had a shot cleared off the line when we were 1-0 down, Doc shouting encouragement all though the game. Although we lost 2-0 I believe the team showed how far they have come in terms of ability, confidence, communication and work rate. This time last year we would have rolled over and lost heavily.

One person who has grown quietly in stature this year is Mathew Bartlett, being given the man marking role against some tricky skilful forwards is never easy, he has improved his reading of the game and shown physical strength when required.

Final team stats were:

In the last annual report we said that the Fathom set up might be uncertain this season as both Long Buckby and Hampton appeared to have decided to enter a league competition. We had hoped that enough Fathom fixtures could be arranged to take another step towards our stated objective of considering the possibility of re-entering the 2^nd XI league in 2010/2011.

But league hockey still seems a long way away, and in general, the decision to move to the non-league Fathom group is still proving a wise one. But with fewer teams in our Fathom section, we ended up with three fixtures on the card against each one. Even then, particularly before Christmas, cancellations from other clubs became commonplace for a range of reasons. We played no games at all during December and most of January.

In the second half of the season, without Neal Makepeace’s help in finding us fixtures outside the Fathom group, we would have played no more than one week in three. The Fathom organisers are aware of the problem, which is happening in other Fathom sections too as clubs prefer to put eight or nine sides in the league competitions. It’s being suggested that amalgamating two of the Fathom groups might be a way of sustaining a full fixture list. We would be keen for this to happen.

Despite these difficulties and our own occasional problems in getting a full side out when all teams were away, as happened once or twice, we had another successful season. Glenn Sherard, as always, worked his small miracles in ringing round possible players and getting them on the field.

With our trusty mixture of veterans and promising youngsters, we won eight of our thirteen matches and lost only three. Hampton and Banbury were each too strong for us on one occasion, though we ended up honours even against them over the season as a whole. Our other defeat occurred when, for various reasons, we could only put out nine players and no regular goalkeeper for a trip to Atherstone. Even here, we pulled back to 2-1 before exhaustion set in over the last fifteen minutes. And our other two games against Atherstone were a win for us and a goalless draw.

With goalkeeper Anthony Truelove giving our back line confidence, the permutations of Neil Toye, Peter Milner, Glenn Sherard, Paul Jarvis and Ibrar Ahmed all coped well and gave little away.

Robin Stanley was a key player, giving us options since he could play as a defensive sweeper or a front line attacker. Jonathan Smith was a strong competitor as sweeper, too, when his young Badgers had a blank week. New recruit Charles Chikasha proved a powerful right winger and both he and Munib Altaf were also in the 1^st XI squad for some games later in the season. Andy Pyke, Scott Olliver and Hasnain Altaf all helped to strengthen the side when available.

The emergence of younger players from our Hockey Academy was also very encouraging. In particular, towards the end of the season, Janaid Ali, Haseeb Altaf, Haida Iqbal and Jacob Smith all showed great promise for the future.

Final team stats were:

Final team stats were:

You must have noticed that the under 11s have become the under 12s. The explanation is simply that we didn’t get enough new recruits in September so half the squad stayed on.

A great disappointment to us is the poor response to our coaching in Conway Road and Small Heath Primary schools. If only their teachers could have brought them – even if it had been just for the first session. Where did we go wrong? We also couldn’t enter the Worcestershire Mini under 11 tournament for the second year running as most of our squad were too old.

Confusion amongst the Counties as to when they have their under 11 mini festivals meant that our own friendly tournament had to be restricted to Worcestershire clubs. Only three clubs joined us and Kings Heath won it for the third time.

The season ended with the North Wales Tour. A full account is on the website but suffice to say it was a great success. We played four matches on the Saturday winning them all, and another two on Sunday resulting in a draw and final win.

There is always sadness when the season ends knowing that over half the squad are moving on. But with Jonathan as captain of the young Badgers it’s good to know that they will be in good hands and the move up will be seamless.

Finally I must thank the parents for their support. The Jarvis family have been great in so many ways. Karen collected the subs, provided food on club day along with Terri Chagger, and cooked our evening meal in Penmachno. Fish fingers, beans and chips for ten – and not a morsel left on the plates. It’s the fresh Welsh air that does it.

Final team stats were:

Our Vice Chair, Peter Brainch continues to take responsibility for our representation on the Co-op Sports Club Management Committee. We are very grateful for Peter’s selfless determination to make sure the Hockey section is represented in the very detailed discussions that seem essential to the maintenance of the Co-op Sports Club as a whole.

Peter provides regular updates on issues of importance that are received at your Management Committee.

Club Day proved to be a jolly romp in the spring sunshine. The aim was to try to include all Club members young and not so young. Even the Vice-Chairman came out of retirement for the day.

The afternoon began with the u12s playing a six a-side game. This was followed by the main event of the afternoon, the Chairman’s X1 v The Vice-Chair’s X1. The game proved that this Club does have talent (hockey-wise at least) with an honorable draw being the outcome, after the Chairman’s X1 snatched a late goal to share the spoils.

For the youngsters there was food pitch-side kindly provided by Mrs Chagger. A splendid buffet spread was by provided by Karen Jarvis back at the Co-op, supplemented by Mrs Chagger’s extras!! The Club would like to thank everyone who helped with the catering. Jim’s birthday celebrations were assisted by at least two birthday cakes - from the u12s and another from the Club.

The occasion proved to be a very pleasant way to end the season.

The results were steady and consistent as the Paignton organisers welcomed back the Normans after seven barren years..

1.00 NORMANS V PINK PANTHERS lost 2-1

3.30 NORMANS V ODDFELLOWS lost 4-0

11.15 BLUEBOTTLES V NORMANS lost 3-1

1.45 TORREADORS V NORMANS lost 3-1

11.15 NORMANS V ESANDARS lost 9-1

With fifteen teams competing from all over the country from various leagues, we came down to the English Riviera not knowing how strong our team was or how strong the opposition would be. We all made our different ways there determined to have fun.

The first meet was a little disorganised but during warm up Jon Smith quickly put people in one bit of the field or another and then we were off.

We lost all our games but our team came off the pitch after each match with heads held high as we were competitive in all but the last match. We roughly kept to our original team layout with just Glenn and Neil switching to striker mode to get a breather. We scored four goals in total but we hit the post on numerous occasions in all but the last game, and many near misses which kept our supporters entertained on the side-lines.

We never discussed Player of the Tournament, but it must have been a close contest between Liz and Zach who both played some excellent competitive play. Liz was a constant threat on right wing and Zach was a power house in midfield.

Our back line played with solid confidence knowing that the other teams had to beat our excellent keeper Gavin. Gavin gained a lot of experience on this tour, saving more shots than the whole of last season for the Badgers. Jacob, also a Badger player showed lots of talent even getting some shots at goal. This was noted by quite a few opposition players. The midfield showed a lot of composure thanks in the main to Sarah’s excellent stick skills and controlled passing which tried to spread play wide. We may have missed Charles and a few others on this tour to add a bit more pace which might have gained us a few victories but these things can’t be helped.

It was a well and truly friendly festival with opposing teams and supporters chatting during and after matches. We also had great team talks at the end of each day at the Redcliffe Hotel H.Q. This involved all the team and supporters gathering in the "Festival Bar," having a few discounted beers, snacks and a good natter. Even on the night various members met up and carried on drinking and dancing as there was a special disco the first night celebrating the festivals 60^th year. With good bars in Paignton the partying carried on till late most nights.

A special thank you to Glenn Sherard and Jon Smith who both organised the Normans and made it all run as smoothly as it did. A thank you also should go to our resident Umpire Rob McGuigan whose authority on the side kept some games from fragmenting into the usual festival chaos.

Once again, the standard in most matches over the summer was higher that that of the West Midlands Div 2 in the league season.

I’m grateful for the support of the "exiles", mostly ex-Yardley players who have gone on to greater things, to keep us competitive.

Results were satisfactory and most opponents played to the spirit of the summer and made the fixtures enjoyable.

Final Team Stats were:

Midweek training was enjoyed by a small hard core of keen players from both adult teams.

Thanks to Fixture Secretary Neal Makepeace who has again managed the task with great calmness and aplomb. Our 2010/2011 fixtures are nearly complete with a well balanced pre-season set of preparatory matches before the start of the 1^st XI league season.

Achieving "Club Mark" is prestigious and finally became of benefit during the season. The Club obtained a Lottery grant of £5,611 to pay for hockey coaching and equipment for secondary and primary schools in the east of the City. "Club Mark" is a requirement for any grants to sports clubs from the Lottery Awards for All programme.

The Club commissioned Mr Thalat Mahmood, who is based at the Small Heath Leisure Centre and the Small Heath School to set up and manage the coaching programme. The Club is now part of the Calthorpe School and Sports Partnership (SSP).

Coaching and a competitive inter-school league based at Small Heath were arranged for the secondary schools. A qualified coach visited five local primary schools each week for seven weeks in the early summer to provide expert coaching for groups of pupils.

The Lottery grant was fully expended by 31^st March 2010 and the Club received a message of congratulation from Awards for All for both exceeding all the project targets in terms of numbers and attendances and also for our meticulous financial record keeping.

Club Mark accreditation lasts three years and ours expired in May 2009. However, magnificent work by Jim Sumner has succeeded in getting it renewed for a further period.

On a few occasions we had BCHUA umpires. Generally, we had to provide umpires of our own. Thanks to Dave Bate who did almost all of our 1^st XI matches. Thanks to club members for umpiring our Fathom and Badgers matches.

Another of our Vice Chair’s efforts is as Publicity Officer. The Club’s web site can be visited to give up to date news about our activities. Go to www.yardleyhc.co.uk

In addition, Peter sends regular match reports to three local papers in Solihull. And, as you will see below, he has now added Quiz Master to his many talents. Your Committee of Management offers our warm thanks to Peter for his considerable efforts in support of the Club.

Our Race Night, again run in partnership with the Co-op, was well supported and highly enjoyable. After all the races were run, a few members were celebrating their winnings and the rest of us nursing our small losses and £275 had been raised for Club funds.

For those who missed out this time, make a note of the date as soon as it’s decided.

This event continues to be very popular and successful. The attendance once again filled the room at the Co-op. We wisely used the Co-op caterers to general approval. Thanks, too, to the Co-op bar staff.

Our question master, Peter Brainch, again produced an excellent quiz and blockbuster. Thanks Peter. And thanks to Roy and Pete for keeping the scores and Dawn for doing our raffle. Many thanks to all who donated raffle prizes. Glenn again kept tabs on the tickets.

The event raised £134 for the Club.

Our annual dinner was again held at the Westfield Court Hotel. There were 40 in attendance including partners and ex-players. We had a very pleasant and sociable evening.

As detailed below, awards were presented to Ismail Mutlib, Player of the Year, whose broken arm meant that unfortunately couldn’t be present to receive the award, Jacob Smith as Young Player of the Year and Paul Jarvis was our Clubman of the Year. A bouquet was presented to the Chairman’s wife in her absence.

Our thanks are due to Roy who once again organised the event, to Mary for the table flowers. The Chair who once again forgot to call for a toast to "Yardley Hockey Club" after the presentation of the awards but covered it up by calling for a toast to Jim Sumner – see Section 14 below.

Congratulations to the seasons award winners:

Player of the Year:                  Ismail Mutlib

Young Player of the Year:      Jacob Smith

Clubman of the Year:              Paul Jarvis

Although it seems impossible to believe, Jim Sumner reached his 80^th birthday on April 12^th. From his early days in picking up a hockey stick in his time in the RAF to being recruited by Albert Brough and the Council House mafia, Jim has recruited, trained and supported young hockey players for over 50 years.

At the Annual Dinner, Jim received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Worcestershire County Hockey Association and a commemorative tankard from the Club. Peter Brainch also produced an attractive photo-montage of Jim’s exploits on the field from the 1970’s onwards. And there was birthday cake at Club Day.

New recruitment and possibly the return of past members continues to be of enormous importance this coming season to strengthen our sides at all levels. Details of any possible players to Club Captains please.

Thanks to all Club officers and members of the Management Committee who ensure the efficient organisation and administration of our small club. Much larger clubs with Annual Subscriptions far greater than ours find difficulty in sustaining their organisation.

Members should appreciate how fortunate we are to have officers prepared to put in many hours of voluntary work to ensure that Yardley teams are on the pitch every Saturday and that the Club’s finances and administration are handled efficiently.

The Club's approval of the Accounts, the Recommendations, and of the Report itself is requested.