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Presidents End of Season Update

Presidents End of Season Update

Dale Ashworth4 Jun 2019 - 12:03
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An end of season update from club president Bill Faulds


Hi FRFC Members & Supporters,

Well that’s another season done and dusted, with a considerable number of positives and, maybe, a couple of areas for work-on? Lots of stuff to feel good about, and lots of people to thank!

Where to start? It is, and should be, all about the players. I’m a strong believer that leagues don’t lie, and I guess if you’d asked me at this time last year would I accept 8th place I’d have taken it, but I’m left with a feeling we maybe slightly under achieved this season? A strong first half performance stalled after the narrow loss at Highland. The injuries sustained that day would, in hindsight, impact us more than the loss.

Whilst not losing sight that we’re a young side and suffered badly post Simon having to return to New Zealand, co-incident with injuries to our scarce senior player pool, if we were to win just one off the two losses to Whitecraigs, the home loss to PL or away to Glasgow Accies, then we finish 7th. One further win along with some losing bonuses and we’re top half. If, but, maybe……our lack of losing bonuses is insightful.

Our similarly young 2s finished 6th in Caley 2, with several good performances, but were impacted at times by the 1s injury list. Huge hand up to the 3s who had to get old bones into a league game on a number of occasions - that’s why we need a 3s! The boys won the games they needed to win, so well done. And the 3s themselves grew in numbers and competitiveness as the season progressed, well done Mark and the ‘Mighty 3s’!

Our Ladies Team has seen a number of leavers and joiners and is in transition. There’s been a real focus on the basics. With team ethic and skills progressing nicely, as are playing numbers and athleticism. We’re looking to field a ladies league team next season which will be a huge milestone.

Junior wise, the Minis accepted my challenge and have near doubled their numbers over the last 10 months with over 60 kids now training regularly. Kelpies have also enjoyed good player growth and will hopefully field teams at each age grade next season, but extra Kelpies Coaches & helpers are needed to continue this growth and progression.

So, thanks go to ALL players who’ve pulled on a Falkirk jersey this season, from 5 – 56. You’re the reason the committee & I do what we do. Similarly, big thanks to all our coaches, most of whom are volunteers – without your efforts we’d have no club.
I’m delighted to advise that the hunt for a new head coach has successfully completed, after a few twists and turns.

New jersey sponsor – Luddons, well done Phil, and thanks to Stevie Horne who’s agreed to sponsor the pitch and our playing shorts. Thanks also to ALL who’ve supported the club financially, too many to name individually, but especially Graham Scott, GRS, and Alex McQuade.

Finally, thanks to the Groundhogs and the Committee, some sterling work this year sees us in a good position as we move into next.

Where are we Heading & What's Important
Key Dates
Beer festival; Saturday 15th June, with separate Gin & Prosecco Bars, tickets on sale now.
Club Sportsman's Dinner; Friday 1st November, see Rooz for details. Bigger & better than last year is the aim

Focus Areas
Senior Squad off-season S&C – now well underway with Griz distributing the pain!
We will be a fitter, physically and mentally, proposition next season.

Kelpies – assistant Coaches needed, this may start to limit growth.

Ladies Team – we still need more numbers if we’re to make a success of the new League.

Pitch side Boards – my ambition remains to have the far side 50% filled with Boards. Think we need another 3-4 to get there…………..then both ends………

Club Hire - The club & bar are available for hire. Birthdays, anniversaries, wakes. We can cater for a range of functions at a great price.

Good News
At the recent SRU awards night Connor Faulds was voted National 2 player of the season. Well done to Connor.

Club Development; Mark Crawford shared a vision of the club development, early stages but an exciting prospect for the future of the club.

Who's Done the Work?
Player Recruitment & Retention Alex McQuade
Facilities Booking Alex Ronnay
Ladies Coach Andy Gillespie
Mini Contact Derek Stanners
Kelpies / Midi Contact Paul Morgan
Child Protection / PVG Kerry Stanners
Banking Ross Strang
1st Team Manager Chris Fisher
1st Team Travelling Touch Judge
2s Team Manager Neil Logan
100 Club Margo Gilmour
1st Match Reporter Tosh Marshall
2s Match Reported Neil Logan
Subscription Secretary Walter Linton
Strip Laundry Co-ordinator

Remember - Ultimately, it’s ALL about making people feel good about themselves.
( Bill.faulds@falkirkrfc.com )

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