Amateur Football Combination

Affiliated to the Amateur Football Alliance, London F.A., Middlesex F.A. and Surrey F.A.

Spirit of Football

Playing in the Spirit of Football, Promoting Fair Play and Respect for All

AFC vs Surrey Elite Intermediate League (FA Inter-League Cup), Wednesday 13th April, 7.30pm KO at Dulwich Hamlet FC                                                   AFC vs Arthurian League, Wednesday 23rd March, 7.30pm KO at Hanwell Town FC                                                  AFC Video Maker?                                                SMS Postponements                                                      AFA Keith Busby Award - John Brooks                                                  AFC Club Ratings to 5th February                                                  New Non-League Paper Contact                                                  Dulwich Sports Ground                                                  Return of Trophies                                                  Finishing the Season                                             Double Headers                                                  Switching Home Fixtures                                                  FA Inter League Cup 2011-12                                                  AFC Annual Dinner - Tuesday 24th May 2011 at The Oval                                                    Old Woodhouseians FA Charter Standard                                                      FA National Game Strategy Report                                                  Football Foundation Pitch Finder                                                        Valuables and Cars                                                    AFC Player Registration Lists                                                 Respect/Spirit of Football Reminders

League News - 2006-07 Season

AFC Constitution 2007-08 (June 2007) - The constitution to be proposed to the AGM for season 2007-08 has now been published. Click here for details.

AFC Officers Wanted (May 2007) - Are you happy with the way the AFC is being run? Would you like to have more say in how things are done within the AFC? Are you keen to get involved with running your league?

As this year's AGM approaches the League are keen to find people who want to help us run the AFC. Are you interested in becoming:-

Club Representatives - Club Representatives are very important because they ensure that the people who run the AFC remain closely in touch with the needs and requirements of our member Clubs � you are a direct voice of the clubs. 

Publications Officer - Writing for the AFA Record, for National or Local Press, or for a League Newsletter?

Click here for more details.

AFC Annual Dinner 2007 (May 2007) - This season's AFC Annual Dinner and Presentation of Trophies will be held on Thursday 31st May at The Porter Tun, The Brewery, Chiswell Street, London, EC1Y 4SD, at 6.30p.m. for 7.00p.m. Click here for more details.

AFC Club Ratings Season 2006-07 - The club ratings for Spirit of Football (from opposition, from referees, and combined), Organisation, Facilities and Hospitality have now been published. These have been listed both as club rankings (1-101) and also as the values for individual teams. Note that for the team rankings any figures above 8.5 are shown in blue, and any figures below 6.5 are shown in red. The figures are taken from ALL marks submitted to the league by clubs and referees.

Thanks are due to Mark Dawson for all his efforts in collating and producing these figures which are an invaluable tool for clubs and league officers to help us monitor and maintain the standards we cherish.

Dave Currey Remembered (May 2007) - It's with great sadness that John Brooks of Hale End Athletic has passed on the news that Dave Currey passed away last week. Dave was a long serving loyal member of Hale End and was the Treasurer until last Christmas. He had been a club member for well over 50 years and just last year received the FA medal for 50 years service to grass roots football. All clubs need people working in the background and Dave was a very good example. He was a very quiet unassuming private person who rarely had recognition of his work because of this. John had personally known Dave for over 30 years and found him to be a gentleman and a great person to work with. In his playing days he played at centre half but he did occasionally get asked to play centre forward but there is no record of him scoring! He always attended Hale End presentation nights and was happy to present the trophies.

For those who are able to attend Dave is being cremated at Forest Park Crematorium, Hainault, Wednesday 23 May, 11.15 a.m.

GOAL and Child Protection (April 2007) - The AFC wishes to encourage as many of its club officers, league officers and referees to attend Child Protection "Best Practice" courses and complete CRB checks, as possible. GOAL is the Football Association Child Protection campaign. 

The FA is now involved in a major programme in this area - all youth team coaches should have already undergone CRB checks, and referees are now also being encouraged to complete checks, with the costs currently still being paid by the Football Association. Over time the FA intends to expand this to all people involved in organised football, whether they be referees, league officers or club officers. The more people involved in our football who have been checked, and understand "Best Practice", the better the environment for our youngsters, and the lesser the opportunities for the tiny minority of "unwanted people" to get involved.

If you have not already completed a CRB check, please consider doing so. In AFC football we have many under 18's, and the more club officers, league officers and referees who have completed the checks (and ideally, also attended a 3 hour/1 evening Child Protection Courses) the better, creating a stronger and safer environment for all concerned. The courses and checks are not intrusive, and we can thoroughly recommend them as a learning experience.

The key to all of this is "Best Practice", and having referees with CRB Checks and Child Protection Training both assists us with referee appointments (from next season we may be restricted in who we can appoint) but also in monitoring clubs and ensuring they are following proper guidelines - on a Saturday our referees are our eyes and ears. What should do you do if you see a 40 year old reducing a 16 year old to tears? What should you do if you see a 16 year old reducing another 16 year old to tears? What should you do if you see a 16 year old reducing a 40 year old to tears? All of these are issues and questions that you'll find out about as part of GOAL.

At present, CRB checks for qualified referees are being paid for by the Football Association. If you haven't already had your check done, please do so, and please consider a Child Protection Course. They are the future of our football, and we want them to learn in the best possible environment. The more of our refereeing fraternity who know the ropes, the better.

For more information on Child Protection and CRB Checks, please see our Youth Section, or contact the AFC Child Protection Officer, Danny McConnell, or the Office of your County Football Association.

Ravenscroft Old Boys (April 2007) - At a meeting of the League Executive Committee on 18/4/07 Ravenscroft Old Boys were interviewed and it was agreed that the club would remain suspended until the end of the season, and the records of all of their sides expunged. It was also agreed that the Executive would recommend to the AGM in June that Ravenscroft Old Boys be expelled from the league, but readmitted for season 2007-08 as a probationary club with strict terms of their probation. The club would not be allowed to enter more than three sides.

London Airways (April 2007) - Unfortunately London Airways have now confirmed that the club will be unable to complete the season, and their record in 3 West has been expunged. The club, which is the National Air Traffic Service, has increasingly struggled to field a side since the NATS relocated from Uxbridge to Fareham in Hampshire a few years ago, and whilst they had hoped to complete this season in the AFC, before probably joining a league in Hampshire next season, they have reluctantly accepted that they will be unable to complete this season. We wish them the best for the future in Hampshire.

End of Season (April 2007) - The date for the end of the season has been confirmed as 12th May. Click here for provisonal dates for all remaining fixtures to the end of the season.

Old Bromleians Summer 5-a-side (April 2006) - Old Bromleians hold one of the largest five a side competitions in London every year. The club is keen to attract as many AFC clubs to the tournament as possible. Due to pitch space the competiton is restricted to 48 teams and as with previous years they are allocating spaces on a first come first served basis. Teams are guaranteed 6-7 games before the knock-out stages. Click here for an entry form.

The date is Saturday 23rd June, at Old Bromleians FC, Lower Gravel Road Bromley and entry fee is �55 per team, discounted to �50 if paid before 31st May. For more information, or to reserve your place please send your team name, contact name, address phone and email and a cheque made payable to 'Old Bromleians FC' to Andy Stanford, 9 Longbury Close, Orpington, Kent BR5 2LB.

AFC vs Yorkshire Old Boys (March 2007) - The final Representative Game of the season saw the AFC draw 1-1 with Yorkshire Old Boys, to retain the Hildersley Trophy, a 3pm KO on Saturday 7th April (Easter Saturday) at Latymer Old Boys (Botany Bay C.C.), East Lodge Lane, Enfield, Middlesex, EN2 8AS. 

AFC vs Arthurian League (March 2007) - The AFC Representative Team drew 2-2 with the Arthurian League on Wednesday 28th March. Click here for a match report with thanks to Dave Stanners.

Fines Update (March 2007) - Congratulations to the following clubs who as of 16th March have not been fined at all by the league this season:-

Bealonians, Chislehurst Sports, Citigroup C.I.B., Egbertians, Hale End Athletic, Heathrow Seniors, Holland Park Old Boys, Leyton County Old Boys, Mayfield Athletic, Old Dorkinians, Old Gladstoneians, Old Ignatians, Old Isleworthians, Old Kolsassians, Old Sedcopians, The Comets, Temple Bar.

At the other extreme, all of the following have sustained more than �200 in fines:-

Old Tenisonians (�200), Mill Hill County Old Boys (�205), Sinjuns Grammarians (�205), Old Suttonians (�210), Glyn Old Boys (�220), Nat West Bank (�225), Old Danes (�290), BBC (�295), Old Uxonians (�310), Marsh (�415).

The most common fines (with figures for 2005-06 in brackets) are as follows:- Failure to Attend League AGM �750 (�550), Failure to Provide Player Registration Details �725 (�800), Failure to Reply to Constitution Survey �360 (�0), Failure to Submit the Comprehensive Result Sheet �1180 (�1380), Results Not Telephoned In �940 (�1380), Failure to Provide Hospitality �660 (�600), Failure to Confirm Fixtures with Referees/Opposition �175 (�585), Failure to Report Cancelled Games to League Officers �1195 (�380), Failure to Submit Low Mark Reports �285 (�275) and Late Kickoffs �680 (�1130).

Every League Officer would love to see no fines, because it means no-one is being inconvenienced, and everyone is adhering to the standards of football, behaviour and administration we all (well, most) want to see in our football.

Marsh F.C. Update (March 2007) - Clubs should note that the Amateur Football Alliance have now provided Marsh F.C. with a payment schedule to allow them to clear a significant debt (for persistent non-payment of various fees and fines). It is the AFC's hope that Marsh will meet their commitments, but it was agreed at the AFC Executive Committee Meeting on Thursday 8th March that if Marsh failed to do so, and the Amateur Football Alliance have to impose a suspension, then the AFC will be forced to suspend Marsh FC for the remainder of the season, and expunge their record. With fixture backlogs already certain, we cannot allow other clubs to be further disrupted by this ongoing situation.

It is our hope that Marsh can meet their commitments to the Amateur Football Alliance, and that no suspensions will be imposed. As of Thursday 15th March we are pleased to report that Marsh F.C. have kept to this schedule, and are not under suspension.

Ravenscroft Old Boys F.C. - Suspension (12th March 2007) - At the AFC Executive Committee meeting on 10th January the suspension previously imposed on Ravenscroft Old Boys F.C. was lifted subject to the following:-

�The Club suspension will be reactivated immediately if your Club or your members are responsible for any incidents of violence during the rest of the season.  This applies both to threats of violence and to acts of violence.�

Following a number of serious incidents involving the abandonment of Ravenscroft 2nd XI's match with London Hospital FC on Saturday 10th March Ravenscroft Old Boys F.C. are suspended from all Amateur Football Combination matches with immediate effect and until further notice.

This matter will be further considered at the next AFC Executive Committee to be held on Wednesday 18th April.

Club Ratings (March 2007) - the average marks for Spirit of Football, Club Organisation, Facilities and Hospitality up until the end of February 2007 have now been published. Click here for details.

Postponements and Venues (March 2007) - With the continuing bad weather a number of sides are now facing serious fixture backlogs for the remainder of the season. Clubs are advised that if a ground falls victim to the weather it is our expectation that if at all possible, where either side has a fixture backlog, the fixture is switched to the opposition ground, if available, to ensure that the fixture is played, even if this means conceding home advantage.

If clubs have any questions or concerns, please contact the relevant League Match Secretary.

It's Been a Wet One (March 2007) - Just in case you haven't recently been trawling through the Met Office statistics on rainfall (!) it's been a wet winter. The last six months have all had above average rainfall for the South East, February 106mm (201% of the monthly average), January 80mm (103%), December 109mm (135%), November 107mm (136%), October 118mm (157%) and September 71mm (106%), which explains why those pitches are so soft, and often waterlogged.

On the bright side, it's nowhere near as bad as the winter of 2000-01, when the percentages were February 153%, January 103%, December 141%, November 192%, October 213%, September 161%. At this stage of March 2001, we'd had more than twice as many games cancelled due to the weather as we have had so far in winter 2007!

Also on the bright side, the hosepipe bans were lifted in early February!

AFC vs Oxford University (February 2007) - The next AFC Representative Game against Oxford University due to be played on Wednesday 28th February has been postponed, due to Oxford's inability to raise a side.

John Monk away (February 2007) - John Monk, League Secretary, will be away from 3rd March to 10th March. In his absence please contact Danny McConnell.

Easter Fixtures/Fixture Backlogs (16th February 2007) - As for the first time in months (it seems) we contemplate a weekend with no rain about (even so, a few pitches still so wet there've been cancellations) it's worth noting that we're effectively three weeks behind in the league programme compared to last season (as of 10th February, we've played 56.3% of league fixtures, which compares to a similar figure on 21st January 2006 and 22nd January 2005).

Whilst we should remember that for many sides last season finished particularly early (hence us running the Spring Cups last season) it does mean that this season will see a much busier April and early May, with a much higher number of midweek games on the cards than we've been used to the last couple of seasons.

As such, over the next week can clubs give consideration as to whether any of their sides (particularly those with backlog problems) would be available over Easter at all, whether it be Friday 6th April, Saturday 7th April or Monday 9th April (obviously the more availability the better). And before skippers squeal about one key player being away so they don't want to play, balance up what will be less hassle - dragging a side out on Easter Saturday, or for a 6.15pm KO on a Wednesday in late April when there's a Champions League semi on the telly.

Can clubs please consider this weekend, and if you do have sides available, please contact their League Match Secretaries.

Southern Combination Challenge Cup (February 2007) - Two late goals from Glen Stanley and Joe Chandiram prevented a determined Old Hamptonians side from causing a 'giant killing' in the quarter finals of the Southern Combination Cup. The Amateur Football Combination league title chasers took the lead just before half time, but Godalming came back in the last ten minutes to steal a 2-1 win. Roger Steer chose to start reserve goalkeeper Gary Aulsberry with Ahmed Tchankou and Tom Winter both starting upfront and Shaun Elliot in midfield.

Old Hamptonians made a promising start to the game looking a match for their Ryman League opponents and showing the home side that they weren't going to be pushed around. Indeed Old Hamptonians had more possession than Godalming and after twenty minutes they were looking by far the better team, forcing a series of corners that threatened the Godalming goal. Town replied with Tchankou casually flicking Winter's pass goalwards forcing James Holdsworth to dive across his goal line and save the ball.

Town picked up their game with half time approaching and Elliot really should have put his first goal of the season away when a ball over the top was wonderfully controlled by the young defender/midfielder only for him to send the ball over the bar. Martin Beard also had a good chance to take the lead, but his header was well saved by Holdsworth. Entering added on time, Old Hamptonians scored the goal that they had in truth deserved through Matthew Harrison. He shot from twenty yards into the bottom corner of Aulsberry's goal to send the underdogs in a goal up. More unfortunate news for Godalming was to come when Ahmed Tchankou had to be taken off because of injury and was replaced by Joe Chandiram. 

After half time Godalming looked brighter and more determined than the first half and started to create good chances only to be cut out by the excellent Old Hamptonians backline. Town were starting to get frustrated though and were lacking in confidence on the ball, giving possession away too cheaply and letting themselves down with their first touch. In a bid to turn the game, Roger Steer came on with twenty minutes left. The performance may have risen but Godalming were still a goal down and it felt as though it might never come when Martin Beard's downwards header was cleared off the line by the visitor's man on the post. Despite the Old Hamptonians valiant efforts, Godalming eventually showed their class equalising with ten minutes to go through Glen Stanley. The goal though came as a bit of a surprise when Stanley opened fire thirty yards from goal, his shot bobbling on the uneven surface past the stunned Holdsworth into the back of the net. This was a cruel blow for the away side which was made even worse five minutes later when Joe Chandiram was played in on goal and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to save the game from extra time.

AFA FAMOA Evening (February 2007) - The AFA will hold its FAMOA (Football Association Match Officials Association) evening at White Hart Lane on Tuesday 20th February. For more details, and how to get tickets, please the AFA website. For more information, please contact Trevor Syms.

National League System Cup (February 2007) - The AFC have entered for season the 2007/08 National League System Cup, which is for leagues at step 7 and below. Our first game (against Bedfordshire Football League) isn't until the autumn, but some of the more minor leagues have to play preliminary round games this spring.

The first of these sees the Southern Amateur League play the Kent County League on Wednesday 21 February at 7.30pm at Carshalton Athletic FC, Colston Avenue, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2PW. Any spectators will be welcome.

AFA Development News (February 2007) - The February issue of AFA Development News is now available as a downloadable Adobe PDF file. Click here to download a copy

How The Other Half Live (February 2007) - The FA's "superfan" David Barber recently visited Cardinal Manning to watch their AFA Senior Cup game against UCL Academicals, and then slummed it the next day at Stamford Bridge. Click here for a report.

AFC vs London Legal League (January 2007) - On Tuesday 30th January, the AFC drew 1-1 with the London Legal League at Borehamwood F.C.. Click here for a match report.

Southern Combination Challenge Cup (January 2007) - Following their 3-2 win over Feltham F.C. of the Combined Counties League, in the next round of the Southern Combination Challenge Cup Old Hamptonians will travel to play Godalming Town F.C. of Rymans League One South on Tuesday 20th February 2007, 7.30pm KO. The address is Godalming Town F.C., Weycourt, Meadrow, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 3JE. All support is welcome.

Ineligible Players (January 2007) - Clubs are reminded of rule 8f, and that any club found to be playing an ineligible player may be liable to points deductions, matches ordered to be replayed, fines and/or any other sanction determined by the Fixtures Committee.

Clubs are reminded that in amateur football, a suspension is for a period of time, not a set number of games, and if a player is suspended by ANY County FA it covers ALL football, so a player suspended because of a midweek or Sunday misdemeanour will also be suspended from Saturday play (ie the Amateur Football Combination) and vice versa.

Click here for  link to the section of the AFA website showing all banned players and full details on discipline.

Roger Price Memorial Game (January 2007) - Congratulations are due to Ealing Association. On Sunday 21st January they held a Memorial Game for Roger Price, their past Secretary who sadly passed away last November. The match was held at the David Beckham Academy in Greenwich, with Ealing Association overcoming Old Ealing 4-1 with over 150 people present. �7445 was raised for Pancreatic Cancer U.K. and Leukaemia Research on the day, and we expect that a further �5000 will be raised from various corporate sponsorship sources.

Roger's mother, Pat, said:- "We were very surprised that friends and family beat the other team 4-1. It was really good. It was a pleasure to meet some of his football friends as well because some of them we'd never met before, but we'll definitely keep the charity as ours. If what we're doing can save one person's life, we'd be grateful. Everybody's pleased with the amount that was raised, it was far beyond our expectations. 

Roger also enjoyed playing golf and was a keen cricket fan, which Pat thought could provide inspiration for any future fundraising events. She added: "He was into all sorts of sports, he certainly lived life to the full."

Pat wanted to thank Roger's school friends Adrian, Phil, Tim and Charlie who helped organise the match and staff at the David Beckham Academy.

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The league would also like to pass on our thanks to Roger's family and to the Club - a donation of �2000 has been made to the Amateur Football Combination so that we may buy a League Trophy which will act as a memorial to him within the AFC.

Club Ratings (January 2007) - the average marks for Spirit of Football, Club Organisation, Facilities and Hospitality up until Christmas have now been published. Click here for details.

Marsh FC (January 2007) - At the League Executive Committee meeting on Wednesday 10th January 2007 it was agreed that Marsh FC should be suspended for non-payment of fines. This suspension was lifted on Saturday 20th January 2007.

Ravenscroft Old Boys (January 2007) - At the League Executive Committee meeting on Wednesday 10th January 2007 it was agreed the suspension of Ravenscroft Old Boys should be lifted.

Southgate County (January 2007) - Over Christmas Southgate County have unfortunately been victims of some serious vandalism at their Chalk Lane/Ludgrove Playing Fields clubhouse. They hope to be able to use the adjacent Cricket Club for hospitality and by using staggered kickoff times hope to be able to cope with the remaining changing facilities available.

We would ask all clubs and referees to bear with Southgate during this difficult period, and please understand the difficult environment in which they are currently struggling.

AFC Constitution Survey (December 2006) - The Constitution Committee have published the details of the autumn survey of clubs on the future of the league Constitution. Click here for the Summary Letter and for the Full Constitution Survey.

Your Game, Your Say (December 2006) - Your Game, Your Say, is the FA Consultation project currently in progress with a view to setting out the vision for the shape of English Football until 2012 and beyond. Whether you're a player, club official, league official, referee or spectator, if you've not yet logged onto the FA website to give your feedback to their online survey please do so by clicking here.

This is your chance to have your view heard, please make sure you take it.

NLS Cup Draw 2007-08 (December 2006) - The Amateur Football Combination have drawn the Bedfordshire Football League in the first round of the 2007-08 NLS (National League System) Cup. This competition, open to all leagues throughout England, is primarily a midweek competition, and has had a record 38 entries for the 2007-08 competiton. Click here for more details.

AFA Development News (December 2006) - The December issue of AFA Development News is now available as a downloadable Adobe PDF file. Click here to download a copy

AFC Subscriptions Overdue (December 2006) - As of 3rd December the following clubs have still not paid their Annual Subscriptions, which were due by 31st October. If these are not paid by 11th December the clubs involved will be suspended from the Amateur Football Combination:-

JP Morgan Chase.

Please can the clubs involved sort this out with the League Treasurer, Alan Robinson (020 7424 0196) as a matter of urgency.

AFC Player Registration Lists Overdue (December 2006) - Clubs are reminded of rule 8e, and that registers of players were due to be sent to Andy McClinton, Chairman of the Fixtures Committee by 31st October. 

As of 8th December the following clubs have still not submitted their lists, and have now been fined a further �25. If these lists are not received by 22nd December 2006 these clubs will be suspended:-

Marsh, Old Danes.

This requirement has been laid down for us by the Football Association and the AFA, and has to be enforced. Click here for more details and an electronic template.

Data Protection Act: This information is being collected by the Amateur Football Combination for the purposes of Player Registration and will be made available to the Amateur Football Alliance. It may also be made available to other County FA's and to the Football Association. It will not be made available to any external organisations for Commercial Purposes.

Fines Floats (December 2006) - The following clubs are still outstanding on their fines floats, despite reminders from Alan Meyer, and are reminded that if these floats are not topped up by Saturday 30th December 2006 they will be suspended for the New Year:-

BBC, JP Morgan Chase, Marsh, Nat West Bank, Pegasus.

Clean Sheets (December 2006) - Congratulations are due to the following clubs, who at Christmas haven't sustained a single fine. All results submitted properly, no late kickoffs, no late subscriptions, no late player registration lists. It can be done, and our thanks and congratulations to all of them.

Bealonians, Chislehurst Sports, Citigroup, City of London, Egbertians, Hale End Athletic, Heathrow Seniors, Holland Park, John Fisher Old Boys, Latymer Old Boys, Leyton County Old Boys, London Welsh, Mayfield Athletic, Old Buckwellians, Old Dorkinians, Old Ignatians, Old Isleworthians, Old Kingsburians, Old Kolsassians, Old Paulines, Old Sedcopians, Queen Mary College Old Boys, Ravenscroft Old Boys, Temple Bar, The Comets

Cambridge University 2 Amateur Football Combination 4 (December 2006) - Click here for a match report on the game played on Wednesday 6th December 2006.

Southern Combination Challenge Cup (December 2006) - On Wednesday 6th December Old Hamptonians met Feltham F.C. in the Southern Combination Challenge Cup at Hampton & Richmond Borough. In the first twenty minutes Hamptonians had the bulk of the possession, putting their Combined Counties League opposition under pressure and forcing saves from Matt Nash, but fell victims to two sucker punches from Feltham. The first, a quickly taken free kick allowed Leo Palmart to lash home from 20 yards at the near post, and Feltham extended their lead when James Holdsworth failed to deal with a speculative shot from Trevor Charlery.

At half-time the simple question was whether Hamptonians would make use of their possession and get back into the game and they answered it superbly. Within five minutes of the restart Matt Harrison turned on the edge of the area and fired in an unstoppable shot, and ten minutes later he converted a cross from six yards out to level the scores. Feltham were on the back foot now and with twenty minutes to go a goalmouth scramble saw Harrison complete his hat-trick via a deflection. Feltham fought back in the final quarter of an hour as Hamptonians rather sat back, but the AFC side held out for a win and a quarter final meeting with Chertsey Town or Godalming Town.

Cambridge University vs Amateur Football Combination - Wednesday 6th December (December 2006) - The AFC Representative Team will play Cambridge University on Wednesday 6th December, 1.45pm KO at Fenners Cricket Ground, Mortimer Road, Cambridge, CB1 2EL. There will be a coach travelling from London for players & spectators. 

The coach will leave Embankment Station at 10.30am, and then go onto Norseman FC, Church Street, Edmonton N9, leaving at 11.15am to be at the ground by 12.45pm.

Any spectators who wish to reserve a place on the coach should contact Fred Nuckey (Tel: 01708 721693 or 07808 775008). Players should contact Rory Vermeulen.

The current squad is as follows:- John Read (Bealonians), Dan Salanson (Old Meadonians), Mat O'Sullivan (Old Ignatians), Jerome Britton (Old Parmiterians), Paul Tumelty (Shene Old Grammarians), Will Gerrish (Old Meadonians), Damian Swan (Old Aloysians), Dwain Rhone (Old Meadonians), Ian Sawyer (Bealonians), Peter Eguae (Southgate County), Leon Smith (Old Meadonians), Ross Flanders (Egbertians). Rory is still keen to get a couple of other players involved, if any clubs have players available please let him know -  Tel: 020 8878 9356 (H), 020 8742 6616 (B), 07979 858 595 (M).

Saturday 23rd and Saturday 30th December (December 2006) - The league has no plans to arrange any fixtures for Saturday 23rd or 30th December, but any club who wish to have league games arranged should contact their League Match Secretary who will arrange any if he is able to do so.

Ravenscroft Old Boys (November 2006) - Following an appearance of the club before a League Executive Committee meeting held on Monday 27th November it was agreed that the suspension of the club would be continued until the next League Executive Committee meeting, which is due to be held on 10th January 2007.

AFC Representative Team - Players Wanted (November 2006) - We are still keen to get players from as many clubs involved as possible. Any club who feels they have a player or players who are worthy of consideration for the representative side should contact the Representative Team Manager Rory Vermeulen - Tel: 020 8878 9356 (H), 020 8742 6616 (B), 07979 858 595 (M).

Click here for the full letter sent out by Rory Vermeulen.

AFC vs Southern Amateur League - Squad Announced (November 2006) - The AFC Representative Team plays its first game of the season on Wednesday 22nd November, against the Southern Amateur League, a 7.30pm KO at Potters Bar Town F.C., The Walk, Potters Bar, Herts, EN6 1QN. Trains leave regularly from Kings Cross (20 mins journey) and Finsbury Park (15 mins journey). Ground is ten minutes walk from the station (out of the station and cross over into The Walk). Last year we had over 100 spectators, come and see the Match of the Season.

The squad for the match is as follows:- James Holdsworth (Old Hamptonians), Dan Salanson (Old Meadonians), Ali McCombe (Old Meadonians), Jerome Britton (Old Parmiterians), Alex Hugh-Jones (Old Meadonians), Jack Costello (Old Meadonians), Chris Thomas (Old Aloysians), Damian Swan (Old Aloysians), Ollie Freeman (Old Hamptonians), Matt Harrison (Old Hamptonians), Peter Eguae (Southgate County), Matt O'Sullivan (Old Ignatians), Will Gerrish (Old Meadonians), Michael Lenihan (Old Aloysians), Leon Smith (Old Meadonians).

Unfortunately, this games was eventually postponed, due to a waterlogged pitch.

Ravenscroft Old Boys (November 2006) - In the light of various recent events it was agreed at the Executive Committee meeting held on Tuesday 14th November to suspend Ravenscroft Old Boys with immediate effect pending a hearing with the club on Monday 27th November.

Mick Larner (November 2006) - Sadly we have to report that Mick Larner of Old Camdenians passed away recently following a long illness. Mick was a regular in Camdenians' A.F.A. Senior Cup winning 1st XI in the 1960's and made several appearances for the League Representative side. The funeral will be held on Thursday 23rd November, at Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Church, London Road, Chelmsford at 11am, followed by a reception at the South Lodge Hotel, Chelmsford. 

Roger Price Remembered (November 2006) - It is with deep regret that we have to report the passing of Roger Price, a stalwart of Ealing Association Football Club. Roger played for Ealing for nine years including captaining the first team and being Honorary Secretary. Roger was a very keen footballer (although he would admit to not being the best) and played in various positions. His most comfortable position was as a tough tackling central defender, but he was also quite effective up front with some timely goals during important matches. Roger was a tremendous supporter to Ealing and had a massive circle of friends that would be the envy of most people. He was a very positive man and did his best to make sure that everybody around him was happy.

Roger had been unwell for the past twelve months and lost his brave battle against Cancer last night on 9th November. He was 34. Although Roger will be missed, he will never be forgotten. 

Everybody connected to Ealing Association Football Club would like to pass on their respects and best wishes to his Family and friends at this difficult time.

For any further information please contact Charles Brooks 07885 418 791.

The Football Paper and the AFC (November 2006) - From Sunday 12th November 2006, the "Non-League Paper" and the "League Paper" have been combined to form one single newspaper titled "The Football Paper" - effectively you'll get two papers for the price of one (�1.50) and the Amateur Football Combination will still be featured within the 64 page Non-League Paper section.

In one paper you can read about the Premiership, and the Amateur Football Combination.

Click here for more details on how to get in the AFC section of The Football Paper.

Please support the league by buying The Football Paper.

AFC Constitution 2007-08 (October 2006) - In July 2006 Bob Coates, Chairman of the AFC Constitution Committee, wrote to clubs about the EGM on the 20th of July. He stated then that he had received numerous emails about regionalisation, the number of regions and indeed where the borders between regions should be. There are a lot of different views, and were too many to discuss adequately at the EGM. We promised that we would seek the views of all the Clubs and League Officers about the future structure and regionalisation of the League.

Bob has therefore created a series of questions looking at the future structure and regionalisation of the League. We would like us to agree, by December, a structure to be in place for 2007/08. A change in structure and regionalisation will affect every team and club in the League, and not just those in the West and South.

We want to put next season�s regionalisation and structure before the clubs by Christmas 2006. Therefore, we need replies by November 7th at the latest. This gives the Clubs 5 weeks to discuss and answer the questions, and the League about 5 weeks to come up with a firm proposal for next season.

The League could offer to hold an open forum in early November if clubs want it. This will allow the Constitution Committee and the Clubs to meet and discuss the issues.

Please note that we need the opinions of all member clubs and therefore Rule 23b applies. Clubs who do not reply will be fined a maximum of �50.

Click here for a full copy of this letter and the questions concerned.

Bob Coates (Chairman Constitution Committee)

AFA Development News (October 2006) - The October issue of AFA Development News is now available as a downloadable Adobe PDF file. Click here to download a copy

Non League Paper - AFC Report (October 2006) - The new format for the Saturday night report for Sunday's Non League Paper is slowly taking place, but we still need more contributions on Saturday evening from clubs - going forward there may not be a photographer attending an AFC game each week, but there will be more space for match reports in the Paper.

Any club with a Senior fixture are asked to send a brief (2-3 minute) match report to Danny McConnell on voicemail (07932 626 716) by 6pm on Saturday (which I appreciate is tight). The phone will go to voicemail, so please leave it on that - I'd rather pick it up off voicemail rather than take it "live", as it's easier to write it up afterwards from the voicemail.

Please make sure you include the names of all scorers (from both sides!), and the sequence of goals, and anything else of interest. I'll fit in as many reports as I can, and the better the details, the more likely you are to be included.

Please, the more the merrier, and I'll try and fit in as much as I can. If I don't get the material, there's not much I can do.

Non League Paper - AFC Moving to Sunday (October 2006) - Please note that from now onwards the Friday issue of the Non-League Paper will no longer be produced. The Amateur Football Combination will now be featured in their Sunday issue (larger than before) so all league news will now be available the following morning. Look out for a copy at all good newsagents (and some bad ones!).

AFC Publications Officers - Do you know someone who may be interested? (October 2006) - Since the formation of the Amateur Football Combination the post of "Publications Officer" has always been vacant, which has meant that our contribution to adding "colour" to the league has been limited to whatever I (Danny McConnell) have been able to find time to do (which I'd admit hasn't been much!).

The Communications Committee are keen to try and improve this situation, looking to recruit people who may be interested in writing or gathering reports, whether it be for the website, for the AFA Record, for a newsletter, for local press or any other outlet. There's a wealth of stories and sources out there, which we'd like to be able to utilise far more effectively.

If you are interested in getting involved, at whatever level, or shaping how we might progress this project (which has very much a "blank canvas") please contact the Communications Committee Chairman, Brian Watts, Tel: 01372 729 791.

AFC Handbooks (September 2006) - Should all now have been delivered to clubs, referees and officers. If you have not received your copies by Saturday 16th September, please contact Danny McConnell.

Season 2006-07 Kickoff (September 2006) - The 2006-07 Season kicks off on 16th September. Click here for fixtures.

Jewellery - New Football Association Restrictions (September 2006) - The Football Association has advised that Law 4 of the Laws of the Game has been amended for season 2006-07 and states that "A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewellery)".

There is one exception:- "A player, who can satisfy the referee prior to the game that their plain wedding band is unable to be removed, will be allowed to cover it with tape. (This only applies to a plain wedding band and no other type of jewellery).

Players should be clear that these items are their responsibility - it is not the referee's responsibility to provide tape to cover  a wedding ring! Players are expected to ensure their equipment is safe when they step on the field, and the referee is simply there to police this.

AFA Greenland Cup (August 2006) - The fixtures for the 2006 AFA Greenland Cup have been announced. In Group A Old Hamptonians are joined by Old Owens (SAL), Old Harrovians (Arthurian League) and Winchmore Hill, whilst in Group B Clapham Old Xaverians and Old Meadonians are joined by Old Carthusian (Arthurian League) and West Wickham (SAL).

Fixtures will be played on Saturday 26th August, Saturday 2nd September and Saturday 9th September, with the final on Saturday 16th September. See the AFA Website for more details.

Old Challoners 11-a-side (August 2006) - The Old Challoners annual Cobwebs 11-aside tournament is taking place on 2nd September 2006.  Each team will play a series of group games with the top sides going through to the main competition and the rest competing in the plate competition. Registration is at 10am. Entry is �50 per team and must be received prior to the day. There will be refreshments available to purchase. The ground is The Epilepsy Centre, Chesham Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks, SL9. For more details please contact  Paul Gardner on 07702 812 133.

AFA Wilkinson Sword (July 2006) - Congratulations to Mayfield Athletic, who have been awarded the AFA Wilkinson Sword for the 2005-06 season. This is awarded by the Alliance in recognition of a combination of good discipline, goodwill and hospitality towards oppositions and officials alike. Over the last ten years it has been won exclusively by AFC clubs.

Constitution Update (July 2006) - The Constitution was agreed at the AFC Special General Meeting held on Thursday 20th July 2006. Our thanks to all clubs and officers for their patience, particularly those who attended the meeting. Click here for more details.

Season 2006-07 Kickoff (July 2006) - Clubs should note that Senior and Intermediate Divisions will begin play on Saturday 16th September and all remaining Divisions on Saturday 23rd September. 

The preseason fixture bureau will open on Monday 7th August.

Bill Blackwell Award (July 2006) - Congratulations to Bill Blackwell of Bealonians FC, who has been chosen to receive an FA National Football Workforce Award for his work with the club. Click here for more details.

World Cup Refereeing (June 2006) - See the linked article for a contrast between refereeing at the World Cup and at AFC Level, featuring our own Bart O'Toole.

 

Click here for the 2005-06 League News

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