Amateur
Football Combination - 2009-10 News
AFC
Constitution 2010-11 (May 2010) - The
Constitution to be proposed at the AGM for season 2010-11 has been published. Click
here for details. Spirit
of Football Winners (May 2010) -
Congratulations to this year's Spirit of Football Winners - Heathrow Seniors,
Kings Old Boys and UCL Academicals. AFC/LOB/LFFA
Annual Dinner and Presentation of Trophies (May 2010) -
The 2010 Annual Dinner and Presentation of Trophies will be held on Thursday 27th May, at the Oval (Surrey
County Cricket Club).
Tickets will be priced at �40. This
is the highlight of the league season, and we hope as many as possible of our
clubs, players, referees and league officials will attend. Click
here for more details. Ken
Fletcher Club Development Award -
Congratulations to Heathrow Seniors, worthy winners of the Ken Fletcher Club
Development Award for 2009-10. This award will be presented at the AFC Dinner. Final
Club and Team Ratings (May 2010) -
The final club and team ratings for the season have now been published. Click
here for more details. AFC
Equality Policy (May 2010) -
The AFC have announced an Equality Policy. Click
here for
more details. 2
West Trophy Withheld (May 2010) - At the
meeting of the AFC Executive Committee on Tuesday 18th May, it was decided that
the trophy for Division 2 West should be withheld from Old Salvatorians. This
was due to the respective records of their 5th XI in 2 West and their 4th XI in
1 West. Centymca
(May 2010) - Centymca have informed us
they will be resigning from the Amateur Football Combination following the
2009-10 season. Spirit
of Football Co-ordinators (May 2010) - For next
season, Rob Gibbs is going to reduce his role within the Spirit of Football
Campaign, and we are looking for successors to take over the role of Spirit of
Football Co-ordinators, monitoring behaviour and contacting clubs with issues to
offer advice and guidance. Our hope is to find separate co-ordinators for each
of the regions (North, South and West), with each being supported by Rob, and
the rest of the Spirit of Football Committee. The
AFC continues to believe that the Spirit of Football Campaign, working alongside
Respect, is essential to the continued enjoyment of our league and our football,
but it needs the support of everyone, especially when our "role
models" sometimes leave much to be desired. If
you are interested in getting involved, please contact Rob
Gibbs (Tel: 020 8866 2033). Non
League Paper Columnist Needed 2010-11 (May 2010) -
Are you looking to break into Sports Journalism, or know someone at your club
who is? Next season we need to find someone to produce our column for the Non
League Paper, as Stuart Lock is stepping down. The column needs to be 400 words,
produced by 7pm on Saturday evening, and whilst all games within the league can
be covered, it should have some emphasis on the Premier Division. The
Premier Division clubs should phone through brief match reports to voicemail
straight after games, so all it needs is someone to collate them and type them
up and email through the column. The
task itself isn't too onerous, the biggest issue is the deadline. The
positive is you've got a ready made column in the Non League Paper, which
they'll publish under your name. If
you're interested, and would like more details, please contact Danny
McConnell (07932 626 716). Many
thanks are due to Stuart for his hard work during this season - his efforts will
be missed. AFC
Sponsorship Officer (May 2010) - The AFC
Communications Committee are keen to build on the recent Carling sponsorship,
and develop more opportunities to increase League Income (and therefore reduce
club subscriptions), and ideally we'd like someone with some marketing expertise
to work within our Communications Committee. If you're interested, and would
like more details, please contact Danny
McConnell (07932 626 716).
AFC
Club Representatives (May 2010)
- 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? The
AFC Rules provide that together with the League Officers (Chairman, Hon
Secretary, Treasurer, the Chairman of each sub-Committee etc.) up to 12 Club
Representatives are elected to the league - typically serving on one of the
sub-committees of the league involved in the day-to-day running, as well as
being eligible to attend the Executive Committee.
Typically,
as a Club Representative, you�ll be asked to attend one meeting per month.
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. Also being a Club representative
gives you the opportunity to see at first hand how the league runs and what is
involved. Very often people who start as Club Representatives move on to
other offices in the competition and play vital roles in shaping the
competition into the future.
To
be a Club Representative of the League Executive Committee, you must be an
Officer of a Member Club.
The
AFC AGM is approaching, so if you have any club officers interested in standing
for any of these, then please contact Danny
McConnell with the details of the person you
wish to nominate. Click
here for more details about the current
officers and committees. Davenant
Wanderers (April 2010) -
Unfortunately, Davenant Wanderers have confirmed that their ongoing difficulty
in fulfilling fixtures will mean that they are unable to complete the season in
6 North, and therefore the decision has been taken to expunge their record (the
alternative was to award games, which we try to avoid, and would have had no
differing impact on the league title race). Captains'
Responsibilities for 2010-11 (April 2010) - We
are approaching the end of the AFC�s first season as a RESPECT league, the FA
programme we have run in tandem with our own Spirit of Football Initiative. As
everyone is aware, one of the key elements of the RESPECT programme is that team
captains have a good working relationship with the referee/match officials �
seeking to work them during the game to maintain good behaviour and discipline,
and accepting a degree of responsibility for the behaviour of their team-mates. The key
points:-
For more details on the responsibilities of captains, and our expectations of them, please click here. Whilst the majority of teams and captains have been supportive of the programme, we are aware that a number have failed to do so, and in the most extreme cases, as clubs are aware, sides have been withdrawn from the league during the season. With clubs' AGM�s approaching, and the time for election of officers and captains for the new season, we�d like to draw particular attention to the captain�s role, and the need to ensure that club�s appoint people who both understand their responsibilities and are prepared to adopt them, with a willingness to work with the match officials, and have the strength to control their team-mates, and ensure that their players conduct themselves appropriately on the pitch. We�re aware that it�s not easy to find volunteers nowadays, but clubs should endeavour to ensure that those elected are prepared to support the campaign, and ensure that they will uphold the club�s reputation. If clubs have any questions, please feel free to contact Rob Gibbs (Tel: 020 8866 2033). McCarthy Awards (April 2010) - Congratulations are due to Philip Gilmore, John Stockman and Mike Barron, recipients of the AFC's McCarthy Awards for 2009-10. These annual referees' awards, presented in memory of past Referees' Secretary, David McCarthy, are made by the Referees' Committee in recognition of the efforts of our referees during the past season. These awards are normally presented at the League Annual Dinner. AFC Referee Registration 2010-11 (April 2010) - Details are now available for Referee Registration for Season 2010-11. We hope the majority of our officials will return for a new season, as well as a number of new faces, and would like to offer our thanks to those who have decided to hang up their whistles. We'll be sending out details by post and email in the next few days, or click here for more details. Old Thorntonians (April 2010) - throughout the summer Old Thorntonians are hoping to play friendlies on Saturday mornings (11am) on the astroturf at Raynes Park. Clubs wishing to play them (cost is �70 for each side) should contact Richard Lundie. AFC Announce Carling Sponsorship (April 2010) - We're delighted to report that the AFC have reached an agreement with Carling, part of the Molson Coors Brewing Company (UK), in which Carling will partially sponsor the Spirit of Football initiative in return for an opportunity to explore potential drinks sales with our clubs. In addition, the AFC will add the words �Supported by Carling� to the �Spirit of Football� branding. The
AFC are grateful for Carling�s support, and a Carling representative will be
in touch with clubs in the near future to discuss drinks supply (if relevant). Old Meadonians 7-a-side Tournament (April 2010) - Old Meadonians will be celebrating their 80th anniversary with a 7-a-side tournament on 12th June 2010 at Riverside Lands, Chiswick, W4 2SH.
AFC Club Marks (April 2010) - The AFC Club Marks to 10th April 2010 have been published. Non League Paper Reports (April 2010) - With teams now clinching leagues/promotion/safety, Stuart is keen to mention them in the Non League Paper, so can clubs try and arrange for brief reports as and when this happens, regardless of division, over the coming weeks? Also, some club secretaries or team captains have sent him reports of mid-week games - this means he can ensure he gets names spelled right and so on, and means it takes the pressure off Stuart on a Saturday, so reports after midweek matches are also be appreciated. For full details, see:- http://www.amateurfootballcombination.com/NonLeaguePaper.htm London Old Boys Senior Cup Final (April 2010) - The London Old Boys Senior Cup Final, Albanian vs Old Parmiterians, will take place on Wednesday 21st April, a 7.30pm KO at Potters Bar Town F.C.. The match officials will be Tony Anderson, Philip Gilmore, Simon Harradine and Chad Chaudhuri. All spectators are welcome. Old Camdenians (April 2010) - Due to a number of serious incidents, culminating in an alleged assault on an opposing player which has been reported to the Metropolitan Police, the AFC Executive Committee decided at the meeting on 14th April 2010 that Old Camdenians would be required to appear before the league on 11th May, to discuss their membership and playing records. The club had requested time to review their playing membership, and address a number of administrative issues - particularly their records of who was actually playing for them. In the interim, the Executive Committee felt it could not permit the club to continue to field its sides, a position which the club has recognised and agreed with. Given the late stage of the season, we felt we could not disrupt other clubs further, and consequently all Old Camdenians teams have been withdrawn from the Amateur Football Combination this season, and their records expunged. We are aware that this will have an impact on the divisions (4 North, 6 North, 7 North, 8 North) in which Camdenians compete, and whilst that is regrettable, our priority has to be to ensure the safety of other club's players. The club's records have therefore been expunged, and will not be reinstated this season. Any queries should be sent to Danny McConnell. 2010-11 Constitution (April 2010) - Bob Coates is starting to work on the League Constitution for next season. If clubs are expecting to want to enter new sides, or feel they may drop sides, please can they contact him as soon as possible. University of Hertfordshire (April 2010) - Congratulations to University of Hertfordshire, who have recently been awarded the FA Charter Standard. Boots and Balls/Why England Lose (April 2010) - The Royal Institution are holding a couple of lectures in June with a footballing nature, prior to the World Cup. If you're interested in Boots and Balls: the science behind the World Cup, or Why England Lose, click on the links for details. Old Tenisonians (April 2010) - Following the club's appearance before the AFC Executive Committee, the Old Tenisonians sides from 5 South and 8 South have been withdrawn from the league, due to concerns about behaviour. A full letter has been sent to clubs, officers and referees. Their records have now been expunged. Any queries should be sent to Danny McConnell. Old Hamptonians March On (April 2010) - Having previously beaten Staines Town 3-2 in extra time, on Thursday 8th April, Old Hamptonians faced Hartley Wintney in the Southern Combination Cup quarter final, running out 2-0 winners with a goal in each half, first from Ed Holdsworth and a second from Richard Sexton. AFC vs Yorkshire Old Boys (March 2010) - The Yorkshire Old Boys vs AFC match will take place on Saturday 3rd April 2010, a 3pm KO at Elland Cricket, Athletic and Bowling Club, Hullenedge Road, Elland, West Yorks, HX5 0QY. All support is welcome. Old Salvatorians (March 2010) - Congratulations to Old Salvatorians, who have recently been awarded the FA Charter Standard. Finishing the Season (March 2010) - Clubs are reminded that we have a major fixture backlog to catch up having had the wettest winter since 1999-2000, and this will mean a significant number of double headers and/or midweek matches, even in the Senior Divisions (where we normally try and avoid them). Normally, double headers will be arranged in preference to midweek games (we are a Saturday league), though if clubs can mutually agree a midweek date in preference, the League Match Secretary may agree to this. Just because your club/team doesn't have a fixture backlog doesn't mean your opposition won't, so yes, it does mean you have to play a double header/midweek game because of someone else's backlog, which can easily occur if they have good runs in cups (especially sides that enter three cups - the maximum allowed under league rules). We will not accept clubs refusing to play double headers or midweek games. If a team is not prepared to meet their commitment to completing a season, then we will consider whether to allow them to enter next year - to not do so simply isn't fair on the rest of the league. Everyone appreciates the next six weeks will be a hectic time, for clubs, players and league officers, but we have to complete the season, and it has been an exceptionally wet one, so there are significant backlogs to catch up on. If clubs wish to bring fixtures forward to Easter (Saturday, Monday, or both), they are more than welcome to try and do so. Final Date for Fixtures (March 2010) - The final date for fixtures will be Sunday 9th May 2010. Double Headers - Reminders (March 2010) - If a fixture is shown as DH then a double header must be played. Double headers are played 30 minutes each way (60 minutes per match, so 120 minutes in total), with the first fixture kicking off no later than 2pm. Each game counts separately, and clubs cannot play one game for "double points". Referees should be offered a separate match fee by each club and substitutes should be nominated prior to each game. Clubs normally share the match expenses. AFC Club Marks (March 2010) - The AFC Club Marks to 6th March 2010 have been published. AFC vs Arthurian League (March 2010) - Unfortunately, the AFC Representative Team game against the Arthurian League on Wednesday 24th March has now been cancelled. Dulwich Hamlet FC is not available due to a double booking and we have been unable to find an alternative venue. AFC Microsite (February 2010) - For those wishing to check on AFC results on their mobile phones/PDA's, note that the league has a microsite which can be found at:- www.TheFA.com/FULL-TIME/WAP AFC League Dinner 2010 (February 2010) - Please note that the 2010 AFC Dinner and Presentation of Trophies will be held on Thursday 27th May, at the Oval (Surrey County Cricket Club), where we are confident the evening will be somewhat less pricey than The Brewery had become! Tickets will be priced at �40. Non League Paper (February 2010) - Since the bad weather of December/January, Stuart Lock (07717 411 037) has had rather fewer reports for the Non League Paper being rung in (pre Christmas he was delighted with the volume). It's definitely the more the merrier, so can we get more reports coming through to him again please? Click here for more details on how to get your club featured. AFC Club Marks (February 2010) - The AFC Club Marks to the end of January 2010 have been published. Fixture Progress (February 2010) - As of the end of January, we've completed 46% of league fixtures, which compares with 54% at the same stage in 2009, and 52% in both 2007 and 2008. Be prepared for a busy March/April/May, and a mixture of double headers and midweek fixtures..... It's safe to assume Spring Cups are out of the question!!! Postponements and Switching Home Grounds (February 2010) - 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. Valuables and Cars (February 2010) - We've had similar problems in the past, and clubs and referees are warned of the potential for thefts of valuables from cars as well as changing rooms. The not uncommon MO of those concerned is to wait and watch teams putting valuables in cars and then break into them once games are in progress. Nor should clubs assume that the changing rooms are secure, as doors can be forced. We would recommend that valuables are taken out onto the field of play and left with the goalkeeper. With theft reported in recent seasons at Birkbeck College, Firs Farm, Hanwell Town, Northwick Park, Wimbledon Common Extensions and London Marathon, Mottingham, it really is clear that nowhere is completely safe. Please be aware. Old Sedcopians (February 2010) - Old Sedcopians are now running a 6th XI, looking for friendlies for the remainder of the season. Football Association/AFA National Strategy Survey (January 2010) - In conjunction with the Football Association, the AFA are running a survey on the National Game Strategy, and how it is performing. The more feedback from members of our league, the better. Click here for more details. Staines Town vs Old Hamptonians (January 2010) - The Old Hamptonians match against FA Cup giant killers Staines Town in the Southern Counties Combination Cup, has been re-arranged for Tuesday 26th January, a 7.45pm KO at Staines Town F.C., Wheatsheaf Park, Wheatsheaf Lane, Staines, Middlesex, TW18 2PD. There will be a small entrance fee charged by Staines Town. League Executive Committee (January 2010) - The League Executive Committee meeting on Wednesday 13th January 2010 has been cancelled due to the fresh snowfall and travel problems. Fixtures for 16th/23rd January (January 2010) - Apologies for the late publication of these fixtures, but with the likely number of postponements on Saturday 9th January (100% as it turned out) and 16th January the number of Cup games rolling over as a consequence, it was pointless issuing a set of fixtures in advance, only to re-arrange a substantial number of them later in the week.We plan to publish fixtures for 23rd January on Friday 15th or Saturday 16th. New Look AFC Website (January 2010) - As you'll see, a somewhat changed look to the AFC website, with the side and bottom menus having been deleted, and drop-down menus added to the top - hopefully in such a way you can still navigate around the site more easily. The main reason for the change is to make the Match Centre page look neater, though it also tidies up the navigation as well. For those who regularly want to check this news page, there's a hyperlink underneath the AFC logo as well, so you can click on that to reach here. Finally, a mini-plea - whilst the new menus are working fine for Internet Explorer users, I'm still having a few problems with it for other browsers (Firefox, Chrome, Safari) - if you happen to be an expert on Javascript, and don't mind looking at tidying a piece of code for me, please drop me an email - Danny McConnell. AFC vs The Champions (January 2010) - On Saturday 2nd January 2010 the AFC lost 3-2 to The Champions (Bealonians), a 1.30pm KO at Redbridge Sports Centre, Forest Road, Ilford, Essex, IG6 3HD. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (December 2009) - On behalf of all officers of the Amateur Football Combination, can I wish our clubs, players, referees and everyone involved with the league a very Merry Christmas, and a prosperous New Year. Fixtures for 9th January will be issued before Christmas, and with luck we'll have a thaw before the New Year! Football Foundation Grants (December 2009) - Are you making the most of Football Foundation grants? The following is a list of current projects within the M25 with Football Foundation Support, either through the AFA, London FA or Middlesex FA.
If you want to know more, and think your club could look at a project, please contact Bob Leeds at the AFA. Staines Town vs Old Hamptonians postponed again (December 2009) - The Old Hamptonians match against FA Cup giant killers Staines Town in the Southern Counties Combination Cup, due on Monday 21st December, has been postponed because of a frozen pitch. The match will be re-arranged for the New Year. AFA Refereeing Course - East London, February 2010 (December 2009) - The AFA will be running a refereeing course on Thursday 11th and 18th February, and Saturday 13th and 20th February, in East London at Harrow Road Changing Pavilion, Wanstead Flats Playing Fields, London, E11 3QD. This is one of the �condensed� courses run over two evenings plus two full Saturdays. Click here for full details.AFA Welfare Officer Workshop (December 2009) - The AFA will be holding a Welfare Officer Workshop on Wednesday 20th January 2010. Click here for more details. Goalpost Grants (December 2009) - Can we remind clubs that the Football Foundation still offer grants of up to 50% to replace old goalposts. For more details see the Football Foundation website. AFC vs Cambridge University Cancelled (November 2009) - The AFC vs Cambridge University game, due to be played on Wednesday 2nd December at Hanwell Town F.C., has been cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch. Confirming Fixtures (November 2009) - Can we remind clubs that fixtures should be confirmed with the referee and opposition not later than five days before the match (confirmation means speaking to them/receiving acknowledgement). If referees or clubs do not receive confirmation in time, then please report the miscreant club to the appropriate referees/league match secretary, and we'll levy fines, or for repeated offenders consider withdrawing referees or fixtures. AFA Suspension Lookup (November 2009) - In conjunction with the Football Association, the AFA (our parent county) have launched a Suspension Lookup tool on their website. When you enter the default display is the Premiership, but there are options to search by club and surname, so any club member has access to check for current suspensions. Note that only limited information is provided, the name of the player, the club, and the suspension term. Further details are available to club secretaries via Members Services, but these are security protected. The age old excuse of "I didn't know I was suspended" is dead and buried. AFC Club Marks (November 2009) - The first set of AFC Club Marks for the 2009-10 have been published. AFC Player Registration Lists Overdue (November 2009) - Clubs are reminded of rule 8e, and that registers of players were due to be sent to Norman MacDonald, Chairman of the Fixtures Committee by 31st October. The following clubs have still not submitted their lists, and have now been fined a further �25 and will be suspended if these are not received by 4th December 2009.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. AFC End of Season Presentation of Trophies and Dinner (November 2009) - The end of season AFC Dinner will be held at a new venue, The Oval (Kennington) on Thursday 27th May, 2010. AFC over Christmas (November 2009) - There will be no AFC Fixtures (unless requested) on Saturday 26th December and Saturday 2nd January 2010. There will however be full programmes on Saturday 19th December and Saturday 9th January. AFC vs Southern Amateur League (November 2009) - On Wednesday 18th November the AFC overturned a 2-0 half-time deficit to win 3-2 against the Southern Amateur League and regain the Steve Langley Memorial Trophy at Dulwich Hamlet F.C. AFC Squad:- Stuart Henry (Albanian), Mat O'Sullivan (Old Ignatian), Jay Abberley (Old Parmiterians), Innis Pirrie (UCL Academicals), Chris Akinrele (Old Parmiterians), Will Gerrish (Old Meadonians), Eamon Keane (Albanian), Sean Power (Albanian), Ian Sawyer (Bealonians), Joe Fox (Albanian), Peter Eguae (Old Meadonians), Lawrie Pointer (Old Meadonians), Ed Glover (Old Meadonians), Andy Thompson (Old Meadonians), Lewis Jones (Old Parmiterians). SAL Squad:- Russell Hodges (Old Salesians), Chris Shaw (Old Salesians, capt), Jack Gavin (Old Salesians), Mark Jamieson (Old Parkonians), Arren Sutcliffe (Nottsborough), Paul Checketts (Polytechnic), Neil Parkinson (Old Salesians), Sean Gavin (Old Salesians), Nick Stavri (Nottsborough), Rob Tromans (Old Parkonians), Jeremy Fields (Polytechnic), Adewale Oshilaja (Old Salesians), James Alexander (Norsemen), Jack Lawrence (Crouch End Vampires), Chris Sinclair (Old Salesians). The next game will be on Wednesday 2nd December, vs Cambridge University at Hanwell Town F.C. All support is welcome. AFC League Forum (October 2009) - The AFC will be holding a League Forum on Tuesday 17th November, 7.00pm at the Chadwick Street Recreation Centre, 1 Chadwick Street, Westminster, SW1P 2EP. Club officers, league officers, players and referees are all welcome, for an informal evening�s discussion about some of the future of the AFC. Attendance is optional FA Charter Standard League - Should we be working to become a Charter Standard League, and how? Referees � Fees and Training - Should we pay a higher match fee to recruit referees, and should clubs provide more candidates for training AFC
Dinner � Costs and Subsidy Should we join the Non-League Pyramid? - Are any clubs interested? Could we improve our facilities sufficiently? Should we have minimum standards of facilities for our Premier Division? It�s Your League � Open Forum - Any other topics you want to discuss? This is your chance. Whatever your role and interest within the AFC, we want you to come. This is your chance to have your say about how your league runs and develops. The Bar will be open beforehand for those who want food, and afterwards for those who want to join us for a drink! Click
here for
more information, or please contact Danny
McConnell. No
Jewellery
(October 2009)
-
Clubs
and referees are reminded that Law
4 of the Laws of the Game was amended in 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. Looking
After Your Visitors (October 2009) - Can we remind clubs of the
club
guidance notes (also on page 14 of the
handbook), with a checklist for looking after your visitors (clubs and referees). In particular the need to greet them, make sure they know of arrangements,
providing the referee with match balls and offering his/her match-fee prior to kickoff. Over the coming weeks we'll be asking referees/clubs to make sure they report home clubs who aren't following the rules. UCL
Academicals (October 2009) - Congratulations
to UCL Academicals, who have recently been awarded the FA Charter Standard. Roger
Craddock (50 not out), Media Star (October 2009)
-
Respect Monitoring (October 2009) - When referees (hopefully) log into Members Services to do Respect Monitoring, they should now find that County Cup and London Old Boys Cup games are included, as the Football Association upgraded the system last week. The FA systems will also send out a reminder email to referees who have not marked particular games. Centymca on theFA.com (October 2009) - The FA's "Superfan" has reported on Centymca's recent AFA Cup match. Click here for the report. AFC vs London Legal League (October 2009) - On Tuesday 13th October the AFC beat the London Legal League 1-0 at Haringey Borough FC, the winner coming with ten minutes to go.AFC over Christmas (October 2009) - There will be no AFC Fixtures (unless requested) on Saturday 26th December and Saturday 2nd January 2010. There will however be full programmes on Saturday 19th December and Saturday 9th January. AFC confirmed as a RESPECT league (October 2009) - We're delighted to be able to report that the Amateur Football Combination has now been confirmed by the Football Association as a RESPECT league. AFA Referee Training Courses (October 2009) - The AFA have announced two new training courses. The first begins on 22nd October in Enfield (registration deadline is 8th October), the second over Half Term in Woodford (27th, 28th and 30th October). If you are interested in training to become a referee, please click here for more details or contact John Monk at the Amateur Football Alliance on 0844 980 8200 # 4929. Heathrow Seniors (October 2009) - Congratulations to Heathrow Seniors, who have been awarded FA Charter Standard Club Status. AFC Referees Evening (September 2009) - The AFC Referees evening will be held on Monday 5th October, 6.30pm at the Chadwick Street Recreation Centre, 1 Chadwick Street, Westminster, SW1P 2EP. Click here for more details. We hope as many as possible of our panel referees and club referees will attend. Please could all those intending to come confirm to Bob Coates, who will happily answer any questions you might have. AFC Dinner Committee (September 2009) - Miles Briggs has recently moved to Cambridge, and consequently has had to step down as Chairman of the Dinner Committee. On behalf of everyone at the AFC, I'd like to offer our thanks to Miles for his time and efforts over the last few seasons, with the huge task of organising the dinner. In his stead, Andrew Cashmore-Till has volunteered to step into the breach - good luck Cash. Non League Paper (September 2009) - Can clubs please note that Stuart Lock (07717 411 037) is the contact for the Non League Paper reports this season. Click here for more details on how to get your club featured. New Club Officers Evening (September 2009) - It was summer, it was late in the evening, you were drunk. The next morning you woke up with a nagging feeling of doom, something bad had happened. A woman, no! The police, no! Worse! You'd agreed to become Club Secretary or Fixture Secretary. You tried to escape, even attended the AGM in the hope someone else would offer. They didn't (attend or offer). You tried pleading insanity, but it's football - that's never been a barrier! There is hope out there. On Tuesday 29th September, the AFC will hold its "New Club Officers Evening", aimed at providing an introduction to running an AFC club (including how to avoid fines!) for all new club officers (though more experienced ones are equally welcome). It's optional, and informal, and the idea is for some of the more experienced administrators to pass on their wisdom to the new guys (Fletcher and Godber in "Porridge" may be a perfect parallel!). Kickoff is 7pm at the Chadwick Street Recreation Centre, 1 Chadwick Street, Westminster, SW1P 2EP. We'll aim to be in the bar by 9pm, if not before! Click here for more details. Bedfordshire County League edge out AFC, FA National League Systems Cup (September 2009) - On Wednesday 23rd September, the AFC lost on penalties in a heart-breaker to the Bedfordshire County League at Biggleswade United FC. The AFC dominated the first half, and spurned a dozen clear chances, Ed Glover could've scored a hat-trick in five minutes, but either the AFC shot wide, defenders blocked them, and Bedfordshire keeper Luke Kiteley led a charmed life. The second half saw Bedfordshire come back into the game, and the AFC needed Stuart Henry to make a good save from a fortuitous penalty to keep the game level. Although the AFC continued to have the bulk of the pressure, clear opportunities were few and far between. Extra time saw few clear chances, but just before the break, Kiteley made a superb double save, first from Glover and then, whilst still on the floor, pushing Colin Hawkins shot onto a defender's back and over the bar. With both sides tiring, penalties became inevitable, and with the AFC missing their first and fifth spot kicks, Bedfordshire stayed calm to notch the winner and progress to the next round. A disappointing result, but the team and staff (Rory Vermeulen, Paddy Rumley and Fred Nuckey) did the AFC proud, and we should give them our thanks on behalf of all of the league. AFC: Stuart Henry (Albanian), Matt O'Sullivan (Old Ignatians), Damien Swann (Old Aloysians), Innis Pirrie (UCL Academicals), Laurie Pointer (Old Meadonians), Chris Akinrele (Old Parmiterians), Eamonn Keane (Albanian), Will Gerrish (Old Meadonians), Peter Eguae (Old Meadonians), Ian Sawyer (Bealonians), Ed Glover (Old Meadonians). Substitutes:- Jay Abberly (Old Parmiterians), Nick Jones (Old Meadonians), Colin Hawkins (Old Meadonians), Andy Thompson (Old Meadonians). Bedfordshire County League: Luke Kiteley (Caldecote), Shahbaz Hussain (Meltis Corinthians), Scott Tallentire (AFC Kempston Town), Ollie Housden (Campton), Neville Allen (Meltis Corinthians), Adam Wombwell (Southill Alexander), Nicky Threadgold (Dunton), Alex Woolston (Meltis Corinthians), Kai Griffiths (Biggleswade United), Paul Jones (Wilshamstead), Jason Allison (Meltis Corinthians). Substitutes: Rakesh Gill (Meltis Corinthians), Sundeep Gill (Meltis Corinthians), David Morbin (Southill Alexander), Leeroy Odd (Caldecote), Dean Warren (Meltis Corinthians), Sheldon Washington (Meltis Corinthians). Match Officials: G.Kinnear (Northampton), R.Whitehouse (Northampton), S.Wills (Kettering). Click here for an alternative match report courtesy of Dave Stanners. AFA Referee Respect Workshop (September 2009) - The first AFA Respect Workshop for referees will be held on Thursday 1st October, 7.00pm start at the Chadwick Street Recreation Centre, 1 Chadwick Street, Westminster, SW1P 2EP. If you wish to attend,please contact John Monk at the Amateur Football Alliance on 0844 980 8200 # 4929 by 24th SeptemberWe would like to encourage all of our referees to attend a Respect Workshop through their County FAs. AFC Handbooks (September 2009) - AFC Handbooks went out to all clubs (via the Club Secretary), Referees and Officers during the first week of September, although I'm aware that they may have been held up due to the various postal strikes and backlogs around London at the moment. If you've not had yours by Friday 18th September, please contact Danny McConnell and I'll send a replacement. Old Suttonians (September 2009) - Congratulations to Old Suttonians, who have recently been awarded the FA Charter Standard. St Albans Rangers (September 2009) - Unfortunately, St Albans Rangers have had to withdraw their only side from the Amateur Football Combination (4 North) this season, due to a lack of players. The club are optimistic that next season they may again be able to field a side, as more players progress from their youth sides. AFC Golden Boot (September 2009) - From the start of the 2009-10 the AFC has launched a "Golden Boot". It's voluntary, and there are no prizes (sorry!) but any clubs or teams who wish to participate are able to do so. Clubs can register their goal-scorers (and a host of other match stats if they wish) on the FA system Full-Time, and these scorers appear within the AFC Match Centre. The match details will appear on the pages for each game, and the cumulative stats for the season will appear on the Stats link. Remember, it's voluntary, and you can pass over the leg work to team captains/managers, so please forward this around your committee, and if you wish to take part, let us have the required information and we'll set you up. If you want to see how it appears, go to Senior One and click on a Hale End 1sts fixture. FA Charter Standard (September 2009) - Our thanks to all clubs who attended the Charter Standard/Respect evening on Friday 4th September. For fuller information about Charter Standard click here, or to find out more, then please contact Samantha Brown at the Amateur Football Alliance (AFA) on 0844 980 8200 # 4948. Members Services (September 2009) - Click here for a draft user guide on Members' Services, which are available via the AFA website. Club officers who need to know their FA Number (FAN), Affiliation or Sanction numbers should contact Mike Grimshaw at the AFA. Referees and Coaches may also wish to look at the guide, as Members Services is also being developed with various elements designed for referees and coaches. AFC Season Kickoff (September 2009) - Yes, it's that time of the year again. The leaves are falling, October gales are blowing in, it's dank and dark and very Novembery. Bit of a shame for early September. Nevertheless, the football season is upon us. New kit to be ordered because we don't fit into the old one, the boots have vanished (in fact, disintegrated) and UCL Academicals are wondering why they've no goalkeepers for preseason (the answer is we're playing cricket, and we know they can't drop us). Suffice to say, the 2009-10 AFC season is here. The mailing of handbooks, start of season newsletter, Spirit of Football newsletter, details for sending results, etc is going out to clubs (Club Secretaries only), referees and league officers this week (2nd/3rd/4th September). If you haven't received details by Friday 11th September, please contact Danny McConnell. Best of luck to everyone for the new season! Amateur Football Combination - Club Respect Workshop (August 2009) - The Amateur Football Combination Club Respect Workshop will be held on Friday 4th September, 6.30pm at the Chadwick Street Recreation Centre, 1 Chadwick Street, Westminster, SW1P 2EP. The workshop will be no more than 2 hours.P 2EP. The workshop will be no more than 2 hours. There will also be a presentation on the evening about Charter Standard. Clubs are reminded that attendance is mandatory (a requirement laid down by the Football Association for us to become a Respect League) - we will be fining clubs who do not attend. AFA Referee Training Courses (August 2009) - The AFA have announced a number of new refereeing courses for the summer of 2009, including one starting on 17th September 2009 in south west London. If you are interested in training to become a referee, please click here for more details. Tom Barlow (August 2009) - Congratulations to Tom Barlow of UCL Academicals, who has just joined UEFA as a Match Administrator, based in Nyon, Switzerland. AFC Preseason Fixture Bureau (July 2009) - The AFC Preseason Fixture Bureau is now open. Click here for more details. Steve Lovejoy (July 2009) - Congratulations (or commiserations?) to Steve Lovejoy, who after 35 years playing for Old Kingsburians has decided to hang up his boots, though he will continue as club secretary and treasurer. Surrey Referees - Respect Workshops (July 2009) - Surrey FA are organising three RESPECT workshops, on 22nd July, 12th August and 15th September. Each is 2-3 hours long. If you're a Surrey FA referee, and not yet attended a RESPECT workshop, please try and sign up to one of the courses. For more details see www.surreyfa.com For referees from other counties wishing to attend Respect workshops, please contact your County FA. Season 2009-10 Kickoff (July 2009) - The Premier and Senior Divisions will start playing on Saturday 12th September 2009 (though Premier games will be available on 5th September for clubs that wish to play) and the remaining Divisions will begin play on Saturday 19th September 2009. Full-Time and Members Services (July 2009) - The eagle eyed amongst you will notice a new link at the top of the AFC website, "Match Centre". This displays the Football Association's "Full-Time" system within it, with our league tables, and in due course, fixtures and results. Full-Time - We shall be expanding our use of Full-Time next season, including offering clubs the facility to use it for their Player Registration, and the option (voluntary) to log their team sheets and match statistics (goalscorers etc) on the system each week. For an example of this, see the Wessex League on Full-Time or click on the thumbnails below to see examples. We would ask that where possible, clubs try to ensure their player registrations are recorded on the Excel spreadsheet available via our Player Registration page. Members Services - Next season we also want to encourage clubs to use Members Services on the AFA Website. This provides club secretaries with an invaluable online tool, giving you access to the county-held information about your club, teams, up-to-date discipline status and so forth. Click on the thumbnails below to see examples. Full-Time/Members Services Training Evening - To assist clubs in starting to use Full-Time for Player Registration and Team Sheets, and Members Services, we are offering to hold a Training evening, just before the start of the season. It would be voluntary (as is the use of the Team Sheets and Members Services) but if sufficient clubs and club officers feel they'd benefit from a training session (likely to be held at Chadwick Street in Westminster) we'll organise it. Could those clubs interested please contact Danny McConnell. Old Salvatorians/Premier Division (July 2009) - Following an investigation by the Amateur Football Combination, on 2nd July the Amateur Football Alliance found Old Salvatorians guilty of playing a player whilst suspended on 28th February in an AFC Premier Game (the player had been suspended by Huntingdonshire FA in a United Counties League game). The AFC are required by Football Association rules to wait until the AFA have dealt with the case, but once they had confirmed guilt, the AFC Emergency Committee considered the matter, and decided that according to rule 8f, a four point deduction should be levied on Old Salvatorians in the Premier Division. Old Salvatorians did co-operate with the investigation, and acknowledged that their selection and registration procedures had been lacking, but we have to be fair to all clubs and preserve the integrity of the competition. As a consequence, the club no longer finished in 8th position in the Premier Division, and therefore have been relegated to Senior One for next season, with Old Parmiterians finishing 8th and remaining in the Premier Division. AFC Representative Team (July 2009) - The Representative trial/training camp for Saturday 18th July has been postponed. We'll announce a new date in due course. We are keen to get new players involved, so if clubs have players they feel should be considered please contact the Representative Team Manager, Rory Vermeulen - Tel: 07979 858 595 (M).
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