LSFA Report 2009-10
The Report of the Council 2009-10The number of Council Meetings was again reduced this season due to members’ commitments and the ability to share information via e-mail and the LSFA website
Council met in Cabinet Rooms in County Hall, Preston as follows:
June 8th 2009 – the AGM (9)
July 13th 2009 (7)
September 7th 2009 (10)
October 12th 2009 (9)
December 7th 2010 (12)
April 26th 2010
The attendance of officers and elected members at these six meetings was as follows:
Chairman, A.Kelly (6): Secretary, M. Duffy (5): Treasurer, R. Brownlee (5): Competitions Secretary and Pendle District, M. Timberlake (6) : Blackpool & District, B. Lavelle (3): Hyndburn & Ribble Valley, A. Kelly (5): Lancaster & Morecambe, D. Mc Fall (4): Preston, D. Spence (3):
The following areas were not represented at Council Meeting by elected members: Chorley, Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Rossendale, South Ribble and West Lancashire. Had it not been for co-opted members some other areas would not have been represented. This begs the question which now needs to be stated plainly – Why elect someone to represent your interests when the representative does not appear at meetings? This long-standing issue is still unresolved by districts and the problem seems to be worsening. When communications break down or problems occur, Council finds it difficult to sympathise with schools in unrepresented areas. An appeal for new blood to revitalise the Association did produce some response, but again from limited areas. Without co-opted members, some areas would have no voice on Council. Furthermore, the burden of work is clearly now falling on the shoulders of a few stalwarts. This is not just a Lancashire problem, but one replicated across the country. Unless it is addressed there will be problems for the future of schools football at all levels in the county as well as nationally.
Co-opted members were:
Mr R.D. Blacktop Under 19 Advisory
Mr. N. Corless Primary Schools
Mr. A. Buckingham Under 16 Coaching
Mr. N. Brown ESFA Area Member
Mr A. Mollon Under 18s Assistant Manager
Mr N Addison Under 18 Assistant Manager
Mr A. Clitheroe Under 16s Assistant Manager
Mr D Yarwood Under 16s Assistant Manager
The assistance provided by these gentlemen is vital in the delivery of our annual events and the administration of schools’ football throughout the county at all levels. In the light of comments made above, their work seems to be vital in keeping meetings quorate and giving a voice to unrepresented districts.
Council was represented at the following meetings during the season:
English Schools’ FA AGM (Stafford) – M. Duffy
Northern Counties FA AGM (Huddersfield) – M. Duffy
Lancashire Schools’ Sports Federation – M. Duffy
Lancashire SFA/LFA Competition Planning for FA funding – M. Duffy, M. Timberlake
The County CompetitionsPrimary Schools League 5 associations
Luther Mercer Primary Cup 6 associations
ESFA Qualifier 5 associations
ESFA Qualifier 16 schools
Wrennall Cup (Under 14s) 6 associations
Lancashire Cup (Under 15s) 9 associations
Under 12s LFA Shield 65 schools
Under 13s Coca Cola/Jim Tolson Cup 64 schools
Under 14s Kay Cup 64 schools
Under 15s Jim Hayhurst Cup 63 schools
Under 16s Daily Dispatch Shield 66 schools
ESFA Under 15s Trophy 9 associations
Under 16s ESFA Qualifier 19 nominations
Under 19s Colleges Lancashire Cup 10 colleges
Under 19s Schools Lancashire Cup 16 schools
Under 12s Area Hodkinson Cup 3 associations
Under 13s Area Green Cup 2 associations
Under 14s Area Woodward Cup 7 associations
Under 15s Area Alder Cup 9 associations
Under 13s Girls’ Coca Cola Cup 35 schools
Under 14s Girls’ 7-a-side Cup 28 schoools
Under 16s Girls’ Lancashire Cup 36 schools
Mike Timberlake has ensured that these competitions run to schedule. A blend of determination and diplomacy ensured that competitions ran close to schedule despite a season of adverse weather conditions of various kinds which caused postponements and abandonments. The usual problem that makes the task unnecessarily difficult is the failure of some schools to provide results. Mike’s arrangements for finals at appropriate venues were excellent.
The County CompetitionsA. Primary League winners seem to be Preston.. Blackpool inexplicably withdrew from competition at the very end of the season, thereby causing problems that could have been avoided with better communication between associations and LSFA. Winners of the Primary Cup Competition are not yet known. The confusion and delay in this sector this year has caused problems for many.
B. Luther Mercer Primary Cup Winners were Blackpool PSFA.The winners of the ESFA Primary Schools Qualifying Competition at Corpus Christi Sports College Preston were the boys from a relatively small school Pendle School, Clitheroe. Thanks are due to Hassan Ahmed from IDI Consultancy, who left work at a school to present the awards and then visited Pendle School to present the new kit. The 7-a-side competition for districts was played at St. Bede’s Blackburn, an excellent venue for these competitions. Support here from Chris Bentley and Head Teacher John Challenor continues to be excellent.
The U11s EAFA Qualifier found a new sponsor as Hassan Ahmed, Senior Consultant of IDI Consultancy, a firm specialising in financial administration for schools, presented IDI Consultancy Shield, a replica trophy and a new kit for the winners and individual medals for this competition with a new format and increased entry. The final was played at Corpus Christi Sports College, another fine venue with excellent support from the Head and the PE department.
C. The Under 12s LFA Shield play-offs were held at St Bede’s Blackburn, where four teams, Ribblesdale Clitheroe, Lytham St Annes, St Bede’s Ormskirk and Our Lady’s Preston played each other in a round robin tournament. Champions were Our Lady’s Preston, who defeated the possible favourites Ribblesdale in the final game, which turned ut to be the ‘final’. Our thanks are due to St Bede’s Sports College Blackburn, the Head Teacher and all the PE staff, especially to a Year 11 student and member of Blackburn RefereesSociety, who stepped in at the last minute to relieve M. Duffy who had refereed the first three games, due to a problem with appointed officials from Pendle. M Duffy and M Timberlake presented the awards
D. The ESFA Indoor Competitions for Under 12s for Boys and Girls were played at the Corpus Christi Sports College, Preston, where Assistant Head Dave Bote and Head Teacher Martin Callagher, a former LSFA County player and U16 Team Manager, once again offered their fine facilties. The boys’ competition was won by St Bede’s Lytham andSt Cecilia’s Longridge won the girls’ competition, Mike Duffy refereed the games, whilst Mike Timberlake acted as recorder and time-keeper. Mike Duffy visited both schools to present Lancashire badges and wish the teams well as Lancashire representatives.
E The Under 13s competition for the Jim Tolson Cup was played at Bloomfield Road Blackpol where St Bede’s Ormskirk defeated Archbishop Temple in an exciting 4-3 final. Mike Timberlake presented the awards
F The Under 14s competition for the Kay Cup took place at Accrington Football Club. In a close match scores were level 1-1 at end of normal time, 2-2 at the end of extra time. This resulted in a penalty shoot-out, now introduced by popular demand and a change to the tradition of a shared trophy. St Wilfrid’s kept their nerve and won by 5-3. Andy Kelly and Mike Duffy completed the evening by presenting the trophy and medals
G The Under 15s Jim Hayhurst Trophy was played on a fine evening at Nelson FC whereLeyland St Mary’s and St Augustine’s Billington fought out a tense encounter. A complete replica of the progress of the Under 14 final saw the scores 1-1 at end of normal time, 2-2 after extra time, with Leyland St Mary’s winning the penalty shoot – out 5-3. Presentation was completed by Chairman Andy Kelly with Mike Duffy assisting.
I The Under 16s Trophy (the Daily Dispatch Shield) this fine historic trophy was won by Montgomery, the ‘home’ side at Bloomfield Road with a 3-1 win over Blessed Trinity, Burnley. Mike Timberlake presented the awards
J The Under 19s Schools’ Competition took place at Barnoldswick Town FC where Thomas Witham Sixth Form Centre Burnley defeated QEGS Blackburn with a last minute winner in a 3-2 victory, achieved after conceding two goals in the opening stages. Mike Timberlake presented the awards as Chairman Andy Kelly and Mike Duffy were detained at Nelson by a final which went into extra time and penalties.
K The Under 19s Colleges Cup was played at BAe Canberra with Preston College, surprising but worthy winners over the strong Myerscough side in the semi-final, meeting another strong ‘academy’ side, Lancaster & Morecambe College, who tok the trophy with a 1-0 win.
Roy Blacktop presented the awards, as the Chairman was in school, and Competition Secretary and Hon Secretary were at finals elsewhere at Nelson and Euxton
L The Under 15s Lancashire Cup took place on the same night as the Wrennall Cup, as in previous years a fine occasion at Nelson FC. Preston defeated neighbours across the river, South Ribble, in a narrow 1-0 final Mike Timberlake and Roy Blacktop completed the presentation ceremony.
M The Wrennall Cup Final was played at Nelson FC as reported above, this time between Blackpool and Burnley, the latter winning 2-0. Andy Clitheroe (South Ribble) stepped in to assist Mike Timberlake and presented the awards..
N The Under 16s Girls’ Open Cup final for the Northwest Ladies Football League Shield was played at Euxton Villa where a strong Ormskirk side defeated a plucky St Michael’s Chorley side by 4-0, a score which might have been higher had it not been for an excellent display by the St Michael’s goalkeeper. M Duffy presented the awards on a hot night more suited to cricket than football.
O The Under 13 Girls’ Lancashire Cup final was a close encounter between Unity College and St Wilfrid’s . With scores level at 2-2, Unity College girls kept their heads and won the penalty shoot-out. Trophy and medals were presented by Andy Buckingham and Mike Timberlake
P Northern Counties Championship matches for Under 18s and Under 16s appear elsewhere.
R The Regional Cup Competitions: The Alder Cup was won by Liverpool 3-2 0ver Tameside, whilst the Woodward Cup winners between Warrington and Liverpool will not be known until 8th June
In the Green Cup (Under 13 Associations) Liverpool drew 0-0 with Knowsley, and went on to win 5-3 on penalties.
The Hodkinson Cup was won by Liverpool over Macclesfield at Deepdale, Preston North End. A powerful display from Liverpool resulted in a 13-0 victory over a fair Macclesfield side which could not compete with the Liverpool control and scoring abilities.
The County Representative TeamsLancashire CSFA Under 16sThe following boys represented the county at some point in the season’s preparations and league programme:
Burnley:
T Boyle 2
O Deakin-Pickard 7
G Comer 6 (1g)
T Anderson 4
N Lawless 6
A Stockdale 1
West Lancs
M Forsyth 3
J Carragher 2
M Simpson 2
R Quine 1
P Wylie 1
J Stephenson 1
M Ryan 1
Preston:
E Tarney 10
J Lewis 10(1g)
J Priestner 10 (1g)
W Hayhurst 7
M Dudley 5 (2g)
Rossendale:
A Coleman 5
Hynburn & RV:
C Bunting 3
J Hession 1
Blackpool:
C Thompson 8
B Duffield 8 (1g)
G Tchobanian 9 (2g)
Blackburn w Darwen:
J Schofield 3 (1g)
M Challenor 7
M Fay 1
M Carver 11 (5g)
J Riley 4
Lanc/Mcambe:
C Needham 10 (3g)
R Winder 10
Ben Lavelle (Blackpool & District), assisted by Andy Clitheroe (South Ribble) and Derek Yarwood (Blackpool & District) managed the side. Having three members in the management team is a definite asset. Another asset was the training games at the start of the season, which, whilst doing little for the actual records, did provide challenges, which aided selection and the strengthening of the squad. Defeats in the semi-final of the ESFA National Competition and the quarter final of the Northern Counties meant that ultimate success evaded Lancashire this season, though the line between success and failure at this level often does hang on the one game.
Statistics p w d l f a
12 6 2 4 23 21
Under 16s Results
V Burnley lost 4-1 (Carver)
V Cumbria won 6-1 (Riley 3, Carver, Schofield, Needham)
V Preston lost 1-4 (og)
V Blackburn drew 1-1 (Tchobanian)
V North Yorkshire won 2-1 (Tchobanian, Dudley)
V Cheshire won 2-0 (Carver 2)
V Gtr Manchester lost 0-3
V West Yorkshire won 2-0 (Needham 2)
V Mersyside drew 3-3 (Carver, Priestner, Comer)
V Cheshire won 3-1 (Tchobanian, Lewis, Duffield)
Lancashire CSFA Under 18s
The following boys represented the county:
Craig Stevenson Lancaster & Morecambe College
Billy Akrigg Morecambe High
Joe Rawlinson Clitheroe RGS
Chris Wooley Preston College
Lewis Lambeth Blackpool & Fylde College
Matt Baygott Blackburn College
Liam Sealey Preston College
Mike Dixon Preston College
Isaac Kusaloka Preston College
Riccardo Egidi Preston College
Steve Watson Lancaster & Morecambe College
Mike Galliers Runshaw College
Nat Taylor Accrington & Rosendale College
Tom Jayne Blackburn College
R.Johnson and M Tindall also made appearances
Statistics p w d l f a
7 1 2 4 12 19
Results
V Merseyside lost 3-0
V Cheshire drew 2-2
V West Yorkshire drew 2-2
V Gtr Manchester lost 1-3
V Cumbria won 6-4
V LFA lost 0-2
V North Yorkshire lost 1-3
DisciplineThe reciprocal policy between Lancashire SFA and the Lancashire FA continues to operate successfully. There were very few incidents in comparison to the tremendous number of games taking place across the county at school, district and county levels across the seven age groups.
FinanceTreasurer Bob Brownlee will present his final financial report for the season. A reasonably healthy balance sheet provides a good platform for the coming season. LSFA accounts are in a healthy state despite heavy and increasing outlays on grounds, officials, refreshments, kit, medals and travel. Council members’ expenses remain remarkably low. Mike Timberlake’s efforts on the gate at finals, especially those at Nelson FC meant that many finals not only covered expenses but actually made a profit. Andy Buckingham will step into the role of Treasurer, the third Blackburn with Darwen member to take on the role.
GeneralAnother season in which the optimistic view prevailed:
a) two excellent sets of three managers for these teams – Messrs Lavelle,Clitheroe and Yarwood for the 16s, Spence, Mollon and Addison for the 18s
b) near success for another Lancashire team in national competition – Accrington &R ossendale College girls’ team, finalists in the ESFA U18 Girls’ Trophy
c) continued high levels of entry in our county competitions for schools and increased entry in primary schools’ competition
d) a good spread of winners in the cup competitions from schools across the county
e) continued good liaison with our local professional clubs, Accrington Stanley, Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool, Burnley, Morecambe and Preston North End
f) a particularly excellent relationship at Nelson FC with Alan Pickering so supportive of our work in staging finals and county games
g) the emergence of new fine supporters of LSFA activities, AFC Fylde with a great team of helpers, a superb playing surface and supportive liaison from Martin Booker
h) a successful coaching course and pre-season ‘friendlies’, now the regular feature of the smooth transition from one season to the next
j) the great work of Mike Timberlake as competitions secretary, his efforts in contacting under 16 county players and arranging venues, programmes and officials for finals.
k) two ESFA Finals in Lancashire, the u18s Colleges final at Christie Park, home of Morecambe FC until the move to a fine new ground next season and the u18 Girls’ Final, at Accrington Stanley FC. Mike Duffy and Mike Timberlake assisted ESFA officials on the gate and at the reception at the two events.
l) a new young Chairman Andy Kelly from Hyndburn & Ribble Valley SFA, who brought a breath of fresh air to our presentations at the end of the season. A young Vice-Chairman, Paul Bradley also from the Hyndburn & Ribble Valley Association also took over from Mike Duffy as the designated Child Protection Officer.
m) the appointment of Andy Buckingham as Treasurer, showing that County duties can be delivered by men already committed to service elsewhere – Andy is also Coaching Director for the u16s, an LFA coach/instructor and will be assistant manager of the ESFA Under 18s national side next season, as well as teaching full time at QEGS
n) Hassan Ahmed, a new sponsor of the IDI Consultancy Shield for the u11s LSFA boys’ qualifying competition for the ESFA Regional and National Finals.
o) the liaison with Iain Kay (LFA) and Jane Sheridan (Senoir Competitions Manager) in completing the return to the FA via ESFa for a schools competition plan
On the negative side we should take note of
a) low numbers of active members involved the administration of the association and at council meetings
b) the missing districts in district competitions at under 15 and particularly under 14 level
c) inexplicable cavalier attitudes to play-by dates and rules and non-communication of results from some schools, even when they have won. In a season of atrocious weather it is vital that LSFA is informed of progress or problems with fixtures at the earliest opportunity.
d) the continued unresponsive attitude of a minority of colleges in the nomination of boys for county football selection at Under 18 level, thereby denying some talented players not only county honours but also the opportunity of international selection by ESFA
e) the decline in district teams at primary level and at under 14
f) retirements this season mean that Bob Brownlee (Treasurer) and Mike Duffy (LSFA Secretary and CPO) will leave vacancies for these posts for the coming season, further indication of the urgent need for younger men to take office and carry thassociation forward Bob will definitely step down to be succeeded by Andy Buckingham. However, this is Mike Duffy’s third ‘resignation’ as secretary which highlights the need for recruitment and new blood.
The season ended with a flurry of finals in the pen-ultimate week in May which must have been a relief, as well as hard work, for Mike Timberlake.
In compiling this report special thanks are due to Mike Timberlake for information on County Finals and team managers Ben Lavelle and Dave Spence for statistics for the county teams.
AcknowledgementsThe final section of this report is to thank the many individuals, clubs, companies and associations who have helped Lancashire Schools’ F.A. deliver its programme for the season. The perennial hope is that no-one has been omitted:
The English Schools’ F.A, especially Rick Brown and Nigel Brown, as well as Dave Price, who is still on the scene and the office staff at Stafford for their assistance and prompt responses to queries
The Northern Counties Schools’ F.A., especially Peter Tracey and Neil Pont, both of Northumberland SFA.
The Lancashire F.A.and its officers, particularly Iain Kay and Mike Nadal
Referees Societies across the county
Lancashire County Council and the two unitary authorities of Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen.
Staff at County Hall, Preston
Lancashire Schools’ Sports Federation and its officers
Blackburn Rovers F.C. and the Youth Academy staff
Burnley F.C., especially Jeff Taylor,and Vince Overson
Preston North End F.C especially Nick Harrison nd the Centre of Excellence staff
Blackpool F.C., the Centre of Excellence staff and especially Brian McVittie and …… for assistance with finals at Bloomfield Road
AFC Fylde and its officers, especially Martin Booker, Business Development Manager
Accrington Stanley FC, directors and staff, especially
Barnoldswick Town F.C., directors and staff, especially
Fleetwood Town FC, directors and staff
Morecambe FC, directors and staff
Nelson F.C. especially Alan Pickering, groundsman and catering staff.
BAe Canberra F.C., Samlesbury
Euxton Villa FC
Preston College
Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Blackburn, the head teacher, sports and ground staff for the use of such excellent facilities for finals, ESFA Regional finals, ESFA U18 trials and the LSFA Summer Coaching Course.
St Bede’s Sports College, Blackburn,, especially Chris Bentley and head John Challenor for their help.
Corpus Christi HS Preston, all the sports staff, Dave Bote and head teacher Martin Callagher for excellent indoor and outdoor facilities
Staff at UCLAN
UCLAN Sports Science department for provision of physiotherapists at County games, particularly Alex Dexter
The RAF Football Association for our annual fixture
Sponsors of our National competitions
Hassan Ahmed of IDI Consultancy for his support of the new-format U11 ESFA Qualifier for Schools
Tez Marner at Phillips for excellent printing services for the handbook.
Chris Stringer a student at QEGS for continued advice on the website
Teachers at all levels, primary to tertiary, school team to district and county representative sides in their various roles as coaches, managers, administrators.
The non-teachers, who are now helping schools’ football in various capacities
Parents, families and supporters of players at all levels for their friendship and support.
M. Duffy
June 2010