Amateur Football Combination - News

Ken Bass Remembered (June 2008) - It is with regret that we have to report that Vice President Ken Bass passed away last week. As an Old Highburian, Ken joined the club in 1950, holding many Committee posts and serving as Chairman from 1970 until 1999. He was also a Vice President of the Old Boys Football League and the London Old Boys Cup.

The funeral will take place at St Faith Crematorium, 75 Manor Road, Horsham St Faith, Norwich, NR10 3LF on Monday, 7th July at 2.45pm. 

The family have requested family flowers only, but donations may be made to either The British Legion, Drayton or the Priscilla Bacon Lodge Macmillan Hospice, which should be sent to the Funeral Directors (Peter Taylor Funeral Services, 85 Unthank Road, Norwich, NR2 2PE, Tel: 01603 760787) marked "In memory of Kenneth Bass".

2008-09 Season Kickoff (June 2008) - The 2008-09 season will kick off on Saturday 13th September for the Senior and Intermediate Divisions, and Saturday 20th September for all other divisions. Fixtures will be published at the start of September.

AFC Annual General Meeting (June 2008) - Clubs are reminded that the 2008 Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday 20th June, 6.30pm start at the Chadwick Street Recreation Centre, 1 Chadwick Street, Westminster, SW1. All clubs must be represented.

2007-08 Season at a Glance (June 2008) - Click here for the Secretary's Report on the 2007-08 season.

AFC Constitution 2008-09 (June 2008) - The Constitution to be proposed at the AGM for season 2008-09 has been published. Click here for details.

Club Long Service Awards (June 2008) - Congratulations to Martin Armstrong and Ernie Gray, who at the AFC Dinner last Friday were presented with an AFC Long Service Award for twenty or more years service to Old Suttonians and Old Kingsburians respectively.

Martin started playing for Old Suttonians in September 1973 upon leaving Sutton Grammar School, and joined the club committee in 1975 as social secretary. He organised many social events to help towards raising the £60000 to enable us to purchase the Priest Hill Ground, Banstead Road, Ewell in 1979/1980 from the London Residuary Body. He became chairman of Old Sutts in 1979 in succession to Peter Kearns to the current day. He has been a Saturday team captain since 1986/87 and have been Sunday vets captain since 1990.

Ernie Gray joined the Old Kingsburians committee after leaving school in 1974 as team secretary recruiting school players into the club. He played, refereed and carried out any tasks that came to hand over the years for the club before settling into the match secretary's position halfway through the 1987/88 season. Despite restricted eye sight and moving up to Yorkshire eight years ago has continued to organise the fixtures. Though by his own admission not a great or regular player he's reminded us that his playing highlight was scoring two goals against Paludians in 1975 and then scoring his next & final goal some eighteen years later!!

Congratulations to them both.

For more details on Long Service Awards, please click here.

AFC Regional Meetings (May 2008) - The AFC will be holding two regional meetings in late May to discuss the results of the AFC Survey, the Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons Act 2006 and any other issues clubs wish to raise surrounding our football. 

These will be held on Thursday 22nd May at Wood Green Old Boys and on Tuesday 27th May at Sinjuns Grammarians. Both evenings will kick off at 7pm, and food will be provided during the evening.

Click here for more details. We hope to see as many clubs and referees as possible.

AFC Club Ratings Season 2007-08 - The final 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 (1-96) 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.

It is worth noting that the average marks from season 2007-08 compared to season 2006-07:-

Although slightly fewer games were played (cup games are included in marks awarded, but not in the total of league matches played) it is worth noting that AFA Disciplinary points significantly dropped (13.8%), and assuming this was not due to fewer referees reporting games (and it should be safe to assume a referee who sends a report to the AFC - including Spirit of Football Marks - would also report any misconduct to the AFA).

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.

AFC Referee Awards (May 2008) - Congratulations to John Cammell, John Harkin and Andrew MacRae, who are the recipients of our Referee of the Year Awards. These will be presented at the AFC Dinner on 6th June. Click here for details of all of the season's awards and plum appointments.

FA Strategic Vision (May 2008) - The FA have launched their strategic vision for 2008-2012. Click here a PDF copy of the strategy or here for a videoclip from the FA.

Club Referees from September 2008 (May 2008) - The AFC has issued guidance and advice to clubs on the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, which from September 2008 will have significance for Club Referees. Click here for more details.

AFC Annual General Meeting (May 2008) - Clubs and officers should note that the date of the Annual General Meeting has been changed to Friday 20th June 2008. Details will be circulated closer to the time.

NLS Cup Congratulations (May 2008) - Congratulations to the Southern Amateur League who won the National League Systems Cup on penalties following a 1-1 draw against the Midland Football Combination on Saturday 3rd May at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. Click here for a match report.

Return of League Trophies (May 2008) - Clubs are reminded that all AFC Trophies were due to be returned to Len Fowler (Trophies), 55 Lambs Conduit Street, Holborn, London, WC1N 3NB (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm, Telephone 020 7405 6130) by 31st March.

We would be grateful if clubs could ensure trophies are returned as soon as possible. Clubs are reminded that late trophies are liable to a fine of £5 per day.

League Medals/Centres (May 2008) - Clubs are reminded that if they wish to produce their own end of season medals or purchase AFC centres for club trophies they can do so via Len Fowler Trophies using the "AFC Shop" link.

FIFA Football Survey (May 2008) - Peter Simmons from Charles Sturt University in Bathurst (Australia) is doing an international study of footballers as part of a FIFA Scholarship. If you've got five minutes spare to read a short incident report and make some comments he'd appreciate it - see http://wsww01.csumain.csu.edu.au/psysurveys/ps_survey/

London Old Boys Senior Cup Final (April 2008) - Congratulations to UCL Academicals, who in a well contested tight match, drew 2-2 with Old Challoners and then won the penalty shootout 3-2 to win the London Old Boys Senior Cup Final on Wednesday 16th April at Potters Bar F.C..

Les Abbs (April 2008) - Our sympathies to the friends, family and team-mates of Chislehurst Sports' Les Abbs, who passed away suddenly during the week. Our thanks go to Old Sedcopians, and referee Gary Hopkins, who marked this on Saturday 5th April, the referee donating his match fee to the funeral expenses.

Latymer Old Boys vs Tottenham Hotspur (April 2008) - On Sunday 6th April, Latymer Old Boys beat a Tottenham Hotspur XI at Botany Bay, in a match to mark the 125th anniversary of their first fixture. Hotspur (members of the bible class at All Hallows Church) vs Latymer (presumed to be members of Latymer School, although Latymer Old Boys weren't formed as a club until 1897) was first played in 1883, the year after Hotspur's formation and the year before "Tottenham" was added to their name. It was another dozen years before Tottenham Hotspur were admitted to the Southern League, when in 1901 they became the only non-league winners of the FA Cup since the formation of the Football League (in 1888), to which they were finally elected in 1908.

The team on Sunday featured Martin Chivers, Tony Galvin, Ralph Coates and Steve Sedgley, and thanks to the hard work by Mike Deasey and other stalwarts of Latymer, the early morning snow didn't prevent the game being played. Latymer prevailed 5-1, in a match preceded by Latymer Old Boys under 14's against Latymer School's under 14's.

Congratulations to both Latymer Old Boys, and also to Tottenham Hotspur, it's good to see even in the ultra-professional world of Premiership football, a club who remember their roots and their history.

AFC Club Ratings (April 2008) - The club ratings for Spirit of Football, Organisation, Facilities and Hospitality have now been updated up to and including Saturday 29th March. The figures are taken from ALL marks submitted to the league by clubs and referees. Click here for more details.

SAL vs AFC (March 2008) - The Southern Amateur League deservedly beat the AFC 2-0 in the semi finals of the National League Systems Cup. Click here for a brief match report from the FA. A full match report will appear in due course.

NLS Cup (March 2008) - On Saturday 29th, the Amateur Football Combination will meet the Southern Amateur League in the semi-final of the National League Systems Cup. The match will be played on Saturday 29th March, Dulwich Hamlet F.C., Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, Dog Kennel Hill, SE22 8BD

In the final the winners will meet either the Isle of Man League, or the Midland Football Combination (Division 1).

John Bowerman Remembered (March 2008) - It is with regret we have to report the passing of John Bowerman following a long illness. He began his playing career with Old Uffingtonians in the early 70s before moving to Old Manorians, for whom he was 1st XI Captain, Chairman and Fixture Secretary. Following his retirement from playing, he was a regular referee for both the Old Boys League and the AFA. 

His funeral will be held at 1.15pm on 4th April at Breakspear Crematorium, Breakspear Rd, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 7SJ.

FA National Strategy 2008-12 (March 2008) - The Football Association have launched their National Strategy for 2008-12. Click here for more details, or download a copy of the PDF document. 

OBFL Reunion (March 2008) - To mark the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Old Boys Football League, Tim Rowley has organised a get together on Friday 4th April at Chessington Cricket Club. Click here for more details.

AFC Club Ratings (March 2008) - The club ratings for Spirit of Football, Organisation, Facilities and Hospitality have now been updated up to and including Saturday 1st March. The figures are taken from ALL marks submitted to the league by clubs and referees. Click here for more details.

Albert Whitelaw (March 2008) - It is with regret we have to report the passing away of one of our referees, Albert Whitelaw, following a long illness. Our sympathies and thoughts are with his friends and family.

AFC Survey Results (February 2008) - Thanks to all of those who participated in the recent AFC Survey. We've received well over 250 responses, and the results can be found by clicking here.

Spring Cups 2008 (February 2008) - It is not our expectation that we shall be able to run Spring Cups this season, save for a few exceptional cases (such as 5 West, which only has eight teams). However, if any clubs have sides who expect to complete their league programmes by mid March and would be interested in a Spring Cup Competition, please contact your League Match Secretary so that we can consider this at the AFC Fixtures Committee meeting on Tuesday 11th March.

Valuables and Cars (February 2008) - 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 recent thefts at 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.

NLS Cup (February 2008) - On Saturday 2nd February, the Southern Amateur League defeated the Dorset Premier League 3-1 in the National League Systems Cup after extra time to set up a semi-final against the Amateur Football Combination. 

The match will be played on Saturday 29th March, Dulwich Hamlet F.C., Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, Dog Kennel Hill, SE22 8BD

In the final the winners will meet either the Isle of Man League, or the Midland Football Combination (Division 1).

The Oldest Swingers in Barnet (February 2008) - The "new" Centre Back partnership of perennial youngsters David Goldring and Derek Lamb, first seen in a friendly game for the Old Woodhouseians Supervets (over 45s) game on 2nd December 2007, was extended into full competitive play in the AFC on Saturday 16th February 2008, when David and Derek partnered each other again at Centre Back in a 7 North game for Woods Thirds away to Ravenscroft Seconds at Oak Hill Park, East Barnet.  Although Derek and David have played for the same club, often in the same team together, many times over the (very many) years that they have both played for Old Woodhouseians, they had not previously partnered each other at Centre Back.

It is believed that this must form the oldest known centre back partnership in the history of the AFC, or indeed the Amateur Football Alliance (AFA), with David (53) and Derek (50) clocking up some 103 years of general experience and between them over 70 seasons of playing experience for the Woods, since they both first appeared for the club in the early 1970s. In those years David and Derek have been stalwarts for the club, regularly coming near the top of the appearance tables every season and between them they have now played almost 2000 games for the Woods.

For the record Old Woodhouseians won the game 4 – 1 and both David and Derek are looking forward to continuing their record partnership (at least in the Supervets) if not for the Club Third XI.

AFA vs Cambridge University (January 2008) - Note that the Cambridge University vs AFA match, due originally to be played at 2.30pm in Cambridge on Tuesday 5th February has now been moved to Dulwich Hamlet FC in SE London, a 7.30pm KO on Thursday 7th February.

NLS Cup Quarter Final - AFC Sneak a Thriller (January 2008) - The AFC won a thrilling National League System Cup quarter final 10-9 on penalties, after the match against Guernsey Football League finished 2-2 after extra time. Click here for a full match report, a video report from Guernsey TV and a picture gallery from BBC Guernsey. In the semi finals we will play the winners of the Southern Amateur League vs Dorset Premier League tie, which is being played on Saturday 2nd February, 3pm KO at Potters Bar Town F.C..

AFC Survey (January 2008) - over 250 responses so far - have you responded yet? We've now extended the deadline to Wednesday 23rd January.

The AFC is conducting a survey of clubs, players, referees - anyone involved in the AFC. Please send us your feedback, and encourage anyone else involved to do so. 

There are forty statements, divided into five sections (Spirit of Football, Referees, Fixtures & Amenities, Constitution & League Structure and League Administration) and we simply want you to tell us whether you strongly agree/agree/no opinion/disagree or strongly disagree with each statement. It shouldn't take more than five minutes, though you may choose to take longer.

Click here for more details.

Wally Goss - Minute's Silence (January 2008) - In view of the number of postponements last weekend, we would ask that clubs and referees observe a minute's silence in memory of Wally Goss at all AFA games on Saturday 26th January.

Wally Goss MSc ARCS DIC - Obituary and Funeral Details (January 2008) - It's with the deepest regret we have to report that Wally Goss passed away peacefully on Sunday 13th January following a short illness.

Wally was made a Life Member of the FA in September, having served as the AFA Representative on the FA Council since 1987, becoming one of its most widely respected members. A Life Vice President of the AFA since 1969, and its Secretary for many years, he remained closely involved with both Ulysses and the University of London Football Club.

Wally originally hailed from Norfolk and was a professor, lecturing at the University of London and Head of Radiology at the Royal London Hospital. Following the Second World War, where he served in the RAF, he qualified as a referee, in the days before they were paid, but such was his integrity, he gave it up feeling that to accept a fee would render him as a professional. The word ‘Amateur’ featured high on the list of priorities with Wally Goss. He threw himself entirely in to the voluntary sector of grassroots football and continued to do so right up until his death.

Wally was a mine of information and was always on hand to give help and advice to any up and coming football administrator. He served on, amongst others, the rules & regulations committee at the FA, where his style of nuancing a document was known as ‘Wally Gossing’ among other FA council members.

Wally also had a host of amusing anecdotes, one of which involved the dinner following the World Cup Final in 1966, where Wally was given the task of looking after one Tofik Bakhramov, the famous Russian linesman. Wally with his usual diligence spent the whole day learning Russian phrases in order that he could entertain his guest correctly.

Wally was a stalwart of the Amateur Football Alliance and will be sadly missed by all that knew him.

Adomah for Barnet (January 2008) - Albert Adomah, who was the top scorer for Old Meadonians in the Premier Division winning season 2005-06, then moved on to Harrow Borough, and has now signed for Barnet F.C. of League Two. Click here for the full story (that Old Meadonians are part of Harrow Borough's "youth scheme" is probably news to everyone, including Meadonians).

AFC vs Oxford University (January 2008) - On Wednesday 9th January, the AFC Representative Team won 3-2 away to Oxford University. Click here for a match report. Our next match is the quarter final match of the NLS Cup, away to Guernsey Football League, a 2.30pm KO on Saturday 19th January 2008.

AFC Club Ratings (January 2008) - The club ratings for Spirit of Football, Organisation, Facilities and Hospitality have now been updated up to and including Saturday 15th December. The figures are taken from ALL marks submitted to the league by clubs and referees. Click here for more details.

Steve Benjamin Remembered (January 2008) - It's with deep regret that we have to report the death of Steve Benjamin, 35, of Old Westminster Citizens FC, who collapsed 10 minutes before the end of their Southern Amateur League game at Mitcham on Saturday.

Despite attempts at resuscitation from team mates, opponents and paramedics at the scene, Steve passed away at St George's Hospital, Tooting on Saturday evening.

Steve had played for OWC for a number of seasons and was an integral part of their 6th XI league winning side of 2006/07. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.

AFC vs Oxford University (January 2008) - The next AFC Representative fixture is away to Oxford University at Iffley Road, Oxford on Wednesday 9th January, a 2pm KO. All support is welcome.

There will be a coach leaving Bealonians FC, Redbridge Sports Centre, Forest Road, Fairlop at 10am, also calling at Old Actonians Sports Club, Gunnersbury Drive, London W5 4LL at 11am. To book your place or for more details please contact Fred Nuckey (01708 721 693). This game definitely goes ahead, having passed a pitch inspection on the morning of the match.

Time for Bed Said Zebedee (December 2007) - Please can everyone show some consideration when making calls to league and club officers, and referees. We've recently had a number of complaints about late phone calls. Personally, any time after 10pm in the evening I think is unreasonable and if you call me after that, you can expect a fairly grumpy reply (with no apology, whereas you might get one if I'm grumpy earlier than that!). Seriously though, please give some consideration to others before calling late in the evening.

Legal World Cup 2008 (December 2007) - calling all footballing lawyers - London Lawyers Football Club (LLFC) is commencing preparations for this summer’s Legal World Cup - "Mundiavocat" - and would like to hear from any London-based lawyers interested in representing the club at these championships.

Squad trials will be taking place at 3.00pm on Sunday 20 January at Battersea Park. For further information please contact:

LLFC was established in 2001 and comprises trainees and qualified lawyers selected to represent London in both the Mundiavocat the European Lawyers' Football Cup (ELFCup). In May 2007 in Portugal, the latter saw LLFC crowned European Champions beating Livorno Forense of Italy in the final.

The club is keen to strengthen the squad further and to build on this success. In addition to the London Legal League, current and recent players to have represented the club have come from a number of AFA sides including Old Hamptonians, UCL Academicals, Old Belgravians, Old Wilsonians, Norseman, Old Latymerians, Old Etonians and Old Chigwellians.

For further information please see the official tournament website at www.mundiavocat.com.

AFC vs Cambridge University (December 2007) - The AFC fixture against Cambridge University, due to be played on Wednesday 5th December 2007 at Old Meadonians (Riverside Lands) has been cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.

AFC vs Guernsey Football League (December 2007) - The quarter final match of the NLS Cup, away to Guernsey Football League, has been confirmed for Saturday 19th January 2008. Details will be provided in due course.

Spirit of Football Armbands (December 2007) - Spirit of Football Armbands have now been sent out to all clubs, who are reminded that these should be worn by captains in all games. Click here for details about how to get spares.

Warren Robertson Away (November 2007) - Warren Robertson (League Match Secretary, 5-8 SW) is away from 1/12/07 until 8/12/07. In his absence please contact Bob Coates, copying in Warren's email.

AFC vs Sussex County League (November 2007) - On Saturday 24th November, the AFC won 2-1 away to the Sussex County League in the second round of the National League Systems Cup. Click here for a match report.

Sutton United F.C. Reserves vs Old Suttonians (November 2007) - On Tuesday 11th December, Old Suttonians will travel to Sutton United F.C., The Borough Sports Ground, Gander Green Lane, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 2EY to play Sutton United Reserves in the 3rd round of the Surrey Premier Cup. Kickoff is 7.45pm, all support is welcome.

No Christmas Fixtures (November 2007) - Saturday 22nd December and Saturday 29th December will be optional dates for all divisions. Any sides wishing to play a league fixture should contact their League Match Secretary who will attempt to pair them up with another club who also wish to play.

Non League Paper Online (November 2007) - The Non League Paper is now online, including the weekly report written by us. Click here for more details of how to get your club included.

Club Guide for Visitors (November 2007) - Old Whitgiftians have provided a superb page on their website with introductory details and information for their opposition and referees - how to find it, and how to find your way around (changing rooms, pitches, hospitality afterwards). A copy is available for download and can be found on the web at:- http://www.oldwhits.co.uk/news/infoforteams.htm. Any clubs wishing to produce similar will be gratefully received - for more information, contact David Nix at Old Whitgiftians.

Smoking Ban (November 2007) - Players and referees are reminded that the new legislation means that smoking is banned within any club house or changing room. Please make sure you respect your opponents home grounds.

AFC Club Ratings (November 2007) - The first club ratings for Spirit of Football, Organisation, Facilities and Hospitality have now been published for this season. Only club rankings are shown, and clubs should note that it is still quite early in the season, but some trends from the 2006-07 club rankings are probably relevant. The figures are taken from ALL marks submitted to the league by clubs and referees.

AFC vs Southern Amateur League (November 2007) - On Wednesday 14th November, playing for the Steve Langley Trophy, the AFC drew 1-1 with the Southern Amateur League at Potters Bar Town F.C.  

SMS Results - Trial for Senior Divisions (November 2007) - From this weekend (10th November) we are trialling a new system of submitting scorelines, which will update the league tables and be available on the website (and mobile internet) immediately. Details have been sent to clubs. Click here for more details. Please can all Senior Clubs assist in making this system successful.

Spirit of Football Committee (November 2007) - the AFC is intending to set up a Spirit of Football Committee to take the campaign on, and in particular:- Developing Future Strategy, Introducing an Incentive Scheme, Awards, Publicity and PR with schools, colleges, media and Sponsorship. It is expected that the Committee will meet no more than two or three times per season.

If you have a club officer who would be interested in joining the committee, please contact Rob Gibbs, Tel: 020 8866 2033 for more details. We believe the Spirit of Football Campaign is central to our football, and the more representation and input we get from club officers and those involved at club level, the better.

Merstham FC vs Old Suttonians (October 2007) - On Tuesday 6th November, Old Suttonians played away to Merstham FC Reserves (Suburban League South) in the Surrey Premier Cup, winning 2-1 after extra time.

AFA Referee Development Officer (October 2007) - The AFA are advertising for a Referee Development Officer. Click here for more details.

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

Daphne Whitehall (October 2007) - We have received a letter from Daphne Whitehall, asking us to thank all members of the Amateur Football Combination who attended the recent celebration service for the life of Dennis Whitehall in September. She was particularly proud of the large number of people who attended, and asked to pass on the news that over £1000 had been collected for the Myeloma U.K. Charity and wished us to pass on her thanks to all of our clubs, referees and officers for their gestures and kind thoughts.

AFC vs London Legal League (October 2007) - On Wednesday 17th October, the AFC beat the London Legal League 2-1 in a 7.30pm KO at Hanwell Town F.C., Perivale Lane (off the B452), Perivale, UB6 8UT. Nearest Station: Perivale (Central Line).

The next fixture is against the Southern Amateur League, on Wednesday 14th November, a 7.30pm KO at Potters Bar Town F.C.

AFC 4 Bedfordshire Football League 0 (September 2007) - On Wednesday 19th September the AFC beat Bedfordshire and District Football League in the first round match of the FA Carlsberg National League System Cup. Click here for a match report.

President's Message (September 2007) - "Last season it took a tremendous joint effort by League and Club Match Secretaries to clear the fixture backlog which resulted from the winter's monsoons. This demonstrated the value of good teamwork so I would urge everyone involved to ensure that the new season's challenges are tackled in the same way.

Can I also ask all clubs to actively support the Spirit of Football Campaign, details of which have recently been circulated. This initiative is aimed at making Saturday afternoons a more rewarding experience for all concerned so do please continue to make sure that your club is fully involved.

Finally, enjoy your football whether winning or losing and always remember - it's only a game."

Alan Meyer (President, Amateur Football Combination - September 2007)

League Handbooks (September 2007) - League Handbooks and "Season Start Details" have been sent to all clubs, officers and referees. If you haven't yet received yours, please check with your local sorting office, and if they don't have, please contact Danny McConnell.

New Club Officers Evening (September 2007) - 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 Wednesday 3rd October, the AFC will hold its first "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, SW1.

We'll aim to be in the bar by 9pm, if not before!

Click here for more details.

Goalpost Safety - New Guidelines (September 2007) - The Football Association, along with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Health and Safety Executive and the British Standards Institute, have asked us to draw attention to the new guidelines for the safe use of goalposts. Clubs should ensure these guidelines are being met, otherwise fixtures will not be allowed to take place.

Dennis Whitehall (September 2007) - It is with regret we have to report that Dennis Whitehall passed away on 6th September 2007 following a long illness. 

Dennis was a Past President of the AFA, and a long serving referee and officer of the Southern Olympian League, as well as a Vice President of the AFC and Old Bromleians. He was a tremendous supporter of Amateur Football, and there were few for whom the phrase "larger than life" were more suited. Across many of the grounds, and clubhouse bars, of the AFA, he will be sadly missed.

Our thoughts and sympathies are with his widow, Daphne, and the rest of his family.

The funeral will be held at 1.00pm on Tuesday 25th September at North East Surrey Crematorium, Lower Morden Lane, Morden SM4 4NU.

Following the funeral, mourners are invited to 'The Beverley' public house, which is opposite the crematorium.

The family have requested donations for Mycloma UK via the family or flowers, which should be sent to Alfred Smith 304-8 Ryde Lane, Carshalton and should arrive by 11.00am on the day of the funeral.

Veterans Dinner (September 2007) - Once again arrangements have been made to hold a Veterans Dinner during the forthcoming season. The date arranged is Friday 29th February 2008, 6pm start at HSBC, New Beckenham.

Click here for full details.

AFA Greenland Cup Final (September 2007) - The 2007 AFA Greenland Cup Final will be played between Old Meadonians and HAC on Saturday 15th September, 3pm KO at Civil Service FC, Civil Service SG, Riverside, Dukes Meadows, Chiswick, London W4 2SH. All support is welcome.

AFC Referees Evening (September 2007) - On Wednesday 19th September, the AFC will hold its first Referees Evening, to which we hope as many as possible of our panel referees and club referees will attend. Please click here for more details.

Old Gladstoneians (September 2007) - Unfortunately Old Gladstoneians have had to resign from the AFC. The club have lost a number of players over the summer, so the further running of the club was not viable. Their remaining players have joined Old Minchendenians.

AFA Youth Representative Team Trials (August 2007) - The AFA will be holding trials shortly for its Under 16 and Under 18 Representative Teams. If your club has players who would be interested, click here for more details.

2007-08 Season Kickoff (July 2007) - The 2007-08 starts on Saturday 15th September 2007 for all Senior and Intermediate Divisions, and Saturday 22nd September 2007 for all other divisions. Details of fixtures will be published closer to the time.

Inaugural Spirit of Football Awards (July 2007) - Congratulations to Old Belgravians and Old Paulines, who were the inaugural Spirit of Football Award winners, from the 2006-07 season.

Summer 2007 AFA Development News (July 2007) - Click here for the Summer 2007 Issue of AFA Development News.

London Old Boys Cup 2007-08 (July 2007) - The draws for the 2007-08 London Old Boys Cups have now been published. Click here for more details.

Peter Holliman Remembered (July 2007) - It is with great sadness we have to report that referee Peter Holliman, a stalwart of the southern region, passed away recently following a short illness, aged 59. Peter started out as a player for Fulham Compton Old Boys and Clapham Old Xaverians, and at the end of his playing days, Peter became a referee in the Old Boys League, joining the Amateur Football Combination on its formation. Popular opinion suggests he was a better referee than a goalkeeper, and even better in the bar afterwards!

The funeral will be held at 11am on Wednesday 18th July, at North East Surrey Crematorium, Lower Morden Lane, Morden, Surrey, SM4 4NU and will be followed by a reception at Banstead Cricket Club, Avenue Road, Banstead, Surrey, SM7 2PP. To contact Peter's son Andy please call 07931 301458.

Old Vaughanians in F.A. Futsal Finals (July 2007) - Congratulations to Old Vaughanians who recently took part in The F.A. Futsal Cup Finals at The Institute of Sport - Sheffield last weekend and narrowly missed out a UEFA Futsal Cup place for 2008 by losing in the final to Ipswich Wolves. For full reports please see the FA and AFA websites. 

AFC Annual General Meeting (June 2007) - Clubs are reminded that the 2007 Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday 29th June, 6.30pm start at the Chadwick Street Recreation Centre, 1 Chadwick Street, Westminster, SW1. All clubs must be represented.

Club Registration for 2007-08 (June 2007) - The following clubs have not yet registered with the AFC for season 2007-08. The deadline for registration is Friday 29th June, so please get them sorted by then. Any questions, please contact John Monk:-

Mayfield Athletic

AFA Level 2 Coaching Course (June 2007) - The AFA are running a Level 2 Coaching Course during late August. Click here for more details and to book your place.