Present:
Men players: Irwin, Phil, Michael, Tim, Dave, Kasper (jnr), Hayden (jnr).
Women players: Zuzana, Donna, Alena, Laura, Wiesia, Oriele (jnr), Charlotte (jnr), Maisie (jnr).
Others: Julie (CWO), Richard (website), David (parent).
Apologies were received from:
Mark, James, Zafer, Ed, Pawel, Mirella, Elena, Helen, Kat, Isabel (jnr).
Business
Minutes of the 2015 AGM were accepted.
Season 2015/16 reports were discussed and accepted (chair, head coach, treasurer, secretary):
- All committee members and people who helped in other ways were thanked for their work for the club, including outgoing secretary Mark. Retiring player/coach Irwin was celebrated and thanked for his 33-year service since the club was founded in 1984.
- We discussed the need for new coaches to develop if the club is to remain healthy ad sustainable. All members were asked to consider whether they wish to help. Some volunteered at the meeting and others will be approached to identify a group of potential coaches and assistants before next season (Action: Head Coach).
- Total club expenses for the year will be around £3,000. For the past two seasons our financial reserves have been running down (now only £900) and some members payments have been late (at least £1600 shortfall), creating too much financial risk for the club. Hall hire costs are rising and we would like to subsidise the training of new coaches. The committee will consider next season’s fees, and a rise is likely to be necessary. We will also ask all members to pay their annual subscriptions and monthly training fees promptly (otherwise they are not eligible to play). One member volunteered to approach their employer for potential sponsorship. (Actions: Treasurer and Committee)
Summer 2016 plans:
- Various teams from our club are playing tournaments in April, May and July.
- We agreed weekly volleyball in the Park (on grass) will be on Tuesday evenings starting 17th May. Watch the club website for info: www.woottonbassettvbc.co.uk
Season 2016-17 plans were discussed:
- On current player numbers we’re likely to enter 3 league teams again: Men in the Wilts Volleyball League Div 1; Women SW League; Wilts Ladies & Junior League. Remember women can play in the men’s team if they wish, as WVL allows mixed teams over a mens net height.
- Over the year as a whole we try to provide a balance between open mixed sessions and dedicated team training. Members recognise the need to have both, even if individual preferences vary. Members agreed that this season’s schedule was well balanced and supported a similar approach next season. (Action: Head Coach)
- Members expressed enthusiasm for more social events. Julie volunteered to organise a Christmas event. Oriele, Wiesia and others suggested ideas, and anyone is encouraged to organise events throughout the year.
- Members were keen to improve communications within the club. Kasper offered to re-energise the club Facebook page and Alena offered to update the club website.
- Members supported Alena’s offer to investigate club clothing (eg hoodies) for players to buy.
Election of committee officers
Chair – Phil stood down and Dave was elected unopposed.
Secretary – Mark stood down and Alena was elected unopposed.
Team organisers agreed to work closely with Alena to manage the secretarial workload.
Treasurer – Donna was elected unopposed.
Club welfare officer – Julie was re-elected unopposed.
Coaches
- Phil re-elected as Head Coach unopposed.
- Team coaches will be considered over the summer, as we identify potential new coaches and assistants (see above).
Team organisers
- Helen and Zuzana were re-elected unopposed (job-share) for the SWL Women.
- James was re-elected unopposed for the Men.
- Wiesia was elected unopposed for the Wilts Ladies & Junior team.
Other roles
- Web administrator – Richard continues to provide a service to the club for a small fee.
- The committee take turns to attend WVA meetings.
- Anyone is encouraged to organise club social events.
Club awards 2015/16
Best or most improved player:
Men – 5 players were nominated, Zafer received the most votes.
SWL Women – 5 nominated, Laura received the most votes.
Women & Juniors (adult) – 2 nominated, Wiesia awarded.
Women & Juniors (junior) – 6 nominated, Emma awarded.
Kevan Hobbis Award – 9 members were nominated, the award went to Phil in recognition of his contribution as chairman and multiple coach roles.
Irwin was presented with an engraved tankard to thank him for his 33-year service with the club.