Northumberland Schools Football Association

Secretary's Report 2014-15

NORTHUMBERLAND SCHOOLS’ FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Hon Secretary’s Report, 2014-15

County cup competitions were organised at all age levels and brought to a successful conclusion.  There was a new cup competition for U15 girls and also our first Futsal Festival. This was the most successful season for many a year (ever?) in getting cup ties played on time.  For once, we knew who finalists were well in advance.  Thanks to all who made this possible - cup organisers for wielding the whip and team managers for helping the competitions go smoothly. The results of these competitions are shown below.

Congratulations to Monkseaton High School who, once again, were crowned ESFA National U18 school champions - a wonderful achievement.

County teams have had mixed seasons.   The U16s were successful again - but just missed out in the big games.  They won the Northern Counties East Division with a 100% record.  They hosted Lancashire in the semi-final but lost on penalties in a gripping and windswept game at Bullocksteads.  In the National Cup they played Humberside (again) and (again) were just pipped in a thrilling game.

The U18s will admit to having under-performed - but were boosted when a depleted team scored an excellent win over much-fancied Durham.

The U16 girls had a good run of results in their East league which saw them, once again, finish runners-up to Durham.  In their semi-final against Lancashire they gave a very good account of themselves before tiring late on and losing to a strong team.

We entered an U15 team in the end-of-season ESFA North East Festival and, happily, the boys were undefeated.  For the first time we fielded an U14 girls’ team for two friendlies at the end of the season - both matches were won against Cumbria and Durham.

Our thanks are extended to team managers Chris Bland, Mark McCutcheon, Natalie Henderson and Lee Savory and all the colleagues that support them, for their dedication to their players and the admirable way that they organise the teams on our behalf.

Mark and Natalie stood down at the end of the season so we extend special thanks to them for the service they have given.  New management teams were appointed at the end of the season, ready to take over in 2015-16.

Administration has largely fallen to the same hands - with particular thanks going to Peter Tracey and Chris Newman for the variety of roles and functions they have carried out manfully throughout the season.  Our Executive Committee meets monthly and this group of people shows the necessary dedication that ensures our organisation continues to flourish. Thanks go to all those who took on the responsibility of organising cup competitions and to Andy Littleton for his inimitable (and painstakingly accurate) minute-taking.

We are ably represented by Owen Aiston on ESFA Council - ensuring that we know the national picture well and that Northumberland is recognised as a voice to be heard.

Our relationship with the Northumberland FA remains good and we are particularly indebted to Dave Martin for the appointment of referees to county matches and our finals.  We thank the referees themselves for their time and expertise - it is especially pleasing to see a talented bunch of young referees being appointed.

Thanks to all who have made this another successful season for our association - to all teachers throughout our area who continue to provide a first-class product for our young people and to all others who support them.       Neil Pont, June 2015

Northumberland CSFA competition results 2014-15