Monthly Archives: April 2010
Dragons Weekly Bulletin – 15th April 2010
News
Firstly a quick apology for the email being a day late. This was due to unforeseen circumstances. Some important news this week so please make sure you read. As always any suggestions for the email, please email me pressmarketing@cardiffdragonsfc.co.uk.
Well done to all those who took part in our first ever 11 a side match with Bristol Panthers (our local rivals) The results was 7 – 3 to Bristol on the day but a fanastic day was had by all. A big thank you to Bristol for coming down. Congratulations to Jason, Dave Amos and Dave Keith for finding and moving everyone to an alternative venue at extremely short notice thanks to an error made by the council with the pitch.
EGM, an EGM to vote for the next Secretary has been called for Sunday the 25th of April 12.30 pm which is just before the Leicester Wildcats Game. To cast a vote at the EGM you need to be a club member on the 30th of April 2009 and to carry the vote we need at least 25% of the eligible members to be in attendance. The vote will be completed in ballot format and these will be given out to you and after each of the delegates have had a minute to put a small 1 minute presentation to you I will then ask for the votes to be cast and these will be counted by myself and Dave Keith. The nominations are Jordan Wall and Anthony Read.
The other big news this week comes from our Treasurer Dave Keith. As you are all aware the club is growing and the costs are getting higher so the committee will be implementing a new subs policy to ensure the club continues to run successfully and provide opportunitys to everyone. Please read the below carefully:
New Subs Policy
When we set the club up in July 2008, little did any of us realise just how much we would develop in a short space of time. We gained entry to the GFSN League quicker than any club in its history, we delivered what most people acknowledge is the most successful GFSN Get Together ever and we’ve attracted over 60 members to participate in our club’s activities. Last weekend’s trip to Edinburgh marked another major milestone in the Club’s history when we completed our furthest ever trip, travelling a total of 840 miles to the wintry north and back.
With such growth comes a corresponding increase in running costs. We’ve come a long way since our inaugural training session, where we used a donated football, had a couple of cones for goalposts and the only cost we had to worry about was how much the post-training pint would be in the Blackweir. Subs were set at a measly £1 per week voluntary donation, which was later to be supplemented by a compulsory £3 charge when we moved indoors in midweek to Pentwyn Leisure Centre in the winter of 2008.
Our running costs today bear no resemblance to those early days. We now have training ground fees to cover, equipment and kit to buy, refs to pay and pitches to book. The club pays many costs in advance, then collects money from members in the hope that this will cover the funds already paid out. This is quite a risky approach and can involve significant sums being paid by the club up front. For example, last week alone we paid out over £650 for the Terriers home match and Edinburgh travel costs combined. Considering we usually operate with a bank balance of about £500 it’s was a very stressful week indeed for your Treasurer!
The Terriers match is a good example of why our current subs policy needs to be revised. The Welsh climate forced us onto Astroturf at short notice, which is 3 times more expensive to play on than grass. As a result subs for that match were an uncomfortably high £8 (which still didn’t cover all our costs). Some people were, quite rightly, unhappy at having to pay such a large amount with little warning.
Your Committee have therefore decided to revise the club’s subs policy. In doing so we had 2 main objectives:
To ensure that subs are kept as affordable as possible.
To simplify the structure so that people know in advance what they have to pay and can plan/save for it.
We have agreed that the following subs structure will apply with effect from Sunday 11 April 2010:
Day Type Location Min Amount
Sunday/Midweek Training Blackweir £2
Matches Home & Away Various £5
Some important points to note are:
Weekly subs for training sessions haven’t actually changed. It’s still a total of £4 per week, with the cost now spread evenly over the 2 sessions rather than £3 for midweek and £1 for Sundays.
Match-day subs will now also be fixed at £5 for every match you are picked for, home and away. It’s hoped that by adopting this system we will have a more stable situation and avoid the problems caused by the expensive combination of the Welsh weather and trying to cover all costs on the day.
The new system will also reduce the maximum anyone will be required to pay in any week to £7, as opposed to £11 under the old system, so it is hoped it’ll make life easier for everyone.
Finally, all subs are a minimum compulsory amount. Please feel free to contribute more if you can afford it.
These changes are designed to stabilise the club’s finances, while at the same time keeping subs at a level that allows everyone to take part. We’re not actually trying to collect any more money from you, we’re just changing when we collect it to make sure we are always able to cover our costs in advance.
It is very important to be aware that while the payment of all subs is compulsory, we recognise there are occasions when some members might not be able to contribute the full amount. As a club, it is imperative to us that we try to make sure that anyone who wants to participate can do so. There are various options open for us to help you if you experience genuine financial difficulties, so please do speak to me about it. All discussions will be in confidence, and will be aimed at reaching agreement about how you can continue to take part.
The need to revise how we fund our activities has arisen because the club has been such a success and should be viewed as an indication of the progress we are making. The new structure will guarantee that we all continue to create Dragon history for many years to come.
David Keith
Treasurer@cardiffdragonsfc.co.uk
Club Treasurer
Cardiff Dragons FC
Football News
Thursday 8th April – Thursday Training – 6:45pm
As it is now lighter in the evenings (anyone would think it is summer!) training is at Blackweir Fields at 6:45-7:00pm on Thursday nights throughout the summer. One drawback is that there are lot of flies down there at sunset in the summer so if anybody can suggest good bug repellent, your advise would be very welcome for all!
Sunday 11th April – Friendly – Cardiff Dragons XI vs Bristol Panthers in Cardiff
A great day was had by all in our first ever game against Bristol Panthers. The final result was 7 – 3 to Bristol. However the result doesn’t tell the whole story. The game was a fantastic opportunity to get everyone football and also try out new tactics. There were lots of positives from the day but the biggest positive has to be how happy everyone was after the game. Its amazing to see all players and supporters alike enjoying the day and is something this club is very proud of.
Upcoming Fixtures
Sunday 18th April – Friendly – Trowbridge Tigers vs Cardiff Dragons in Trowbridge
After our 3-0 victory in Cardiff earlier in the season, Trowbridge will be looking to reverse the score when we travel to Wiltshire. As this match is a friendly game, we will be accepting the first 18 players who reply and will aim to give everybody in the squad game time.
The Deadline for availability forms has closed for this game.
Sunday 25th April – GFSN League – Cardiff Dragons vs Leicester Wildcats in Cardiff
Our first meeting with Leicester at present promises to be an important six point game at the bottom of the GFSN table. As it is a league game we will be selecting the strongest 16 from those available.
Availability forms are attached and we will have forms at training also. Deadline is Sunday 18th April
Fixtures
Sun 18/4 – Friendly – Trowbridge Tigers – Trowbridge
Sun 25/4 – GFSN League – Leicester Wildcats – Cardiff
Sun 2/5 – Training – Blackweir Fields
Sun 9/5 – GFSN League – GFC Bournemouth & Hampshire – Cardiff
Sun 16/5 – Friendly – Bristol Panthers – Bristol
Sun 23/5 – GFSN League – Brimingham Blaze – Birmingham
Fri-Sun 11-13/6 – GFSN Get Together Weekend – Blackpool
Football News
We will be proposing a mini 11-a-side league next season between Bristol, Cardiff, Trowbridge and Exeter in place of friendlies. These matches will be open to the entire squad and should give opportunities to everybody to play.
Watch out in upcoming weeks for 5-a-side Tuesdays. We will be scheduling a 5-a-side session soon at powerleagues. The intention will be for this to be a regular part of the Cardiff Dragons week, but will just be a trial evening to begin with.
Cologne
Jason, John A and Richie are definitely going to Cologne now, if anybody is interested in going it is important that they let Murray or Jason know as soon as possible.
Social
Kings Cross Quiz
This has been our biggest success socially and is a great evening oiut. Anyone who would like to some along for a chat and to win some free drinks (main reason I go!) please do. We meet aroung 8ish every monday at the Kings Cross.
Pub Golf
Sunday 2nd May. We are currently finalising the plans for this event and will get back with the full details. Please put this date in your diaries and get your costumes at the ready!
Champions League Final
Saturday 22nd May. Venue will be Lloyds No.1 Bar on Greyfriars Road. Times will be confirmed in the future.
Dragons “Come Dine With Me”
We discussed the option of this event at the meeting and feel it is a good idea. In order for this to go ahead we would like you to have your say and judge interest. If this is something you would like to participate in, please email me. We will then finalise plans at the next sub-committee meeting and get back with full details.
Please get in touch with Richie Jones( welfaresocial@cardiffdragonsfc.co.uk ) for more information or to put forward your ideas and suggestions for future socials.
Fundraising
Car Boot Sale
We will be doing a car boot sale at bessemer market on 24th April. So start bringing anything you are happy to sell in aid of the club along with you to training so we can collect it all and then hopefully raise lots of money for the club.
Cardiff Half Marathon
Anyone fancy running/walking to raise money for the club? Cardiff half amrathon is coming soon and anyone wishing to take part on behalf of the Dragons would be greatly appreciated. As with all our fundraising events, half of the money raised is donated to the Terrance Higgins Trust. This is a great cause and anyone who would like more inforation please speak to John B.
Club Lotto
We have launched a monthly Lotto. We will be selling raffle tickets at training sessions and on the last Sunday training session of the month we will give a prize to the winner. The cost of the prize will amount to half of the takings, so for example, if the takings are £100 then the prize will be worth £50
As always any ideas or suggestions for fundraising then please feel free to email John ( financefundraising@cardiffdragonsfc.co.uk )
If you are looking for the perfect gift online don’t forget to buy through http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/cdfc .You can register free, select Cardiff Dragons Football Club as the organisation you wish to support and shop at all your favourite online shops. A donation is made to the club from the shop with every purchase you make at no extra cost to yourself.
Sainsbury’s Groceries
£0.25 Donation
25p Donation On All Grocery Orders!
Brilliant news – Raise 25p for your cause with every grocery shop from Sainsbury’s!
*Previously donations were only paid for your first order.
You can also choose from over 2000 of the UK’s best-known retailers including many popular names such as Next, Argos, Debenhams, John Lewis and HMV
In Other News
Welsh Word of the Week
Each week we will be giving you a new football related Welsh Word. Let’s see how many of us non-welsh speakers can use this in training
This weeks word is: mynd i’r afael â = Tackle (Good luck saying that!!)
The fantasy football, Ed is still miles ahead out in front with the season in the latter stages it doesn’t look like there is any catching him. Congratulations to this weeks top scorer Mark Biggs.
Video of the Week
The Legend Chris Kamara at his greatest!!!
http://www.b3ta.com/links/Chris_Kamara_reporter_of_the_year
Have an awesome week!!
Vini non sou dragon!!!
—
Anthony Read
Press & Marketing
Cardiff Dragons FC
Email: pressmarketing@cardiffdragonsfc.co.uk
Cardiff Dragons 3 – 7 Bristol Panthers
On a warm and sunny afternoon the Dragons met Bristol Panthers for the first time in an 11’s fixture.
The game was an exciting affair throughout and the Dragons used it to give valuable experience to some of the less experienced footballers in the Club.
The game did not start well for the Dragons and after an early scare when Bristol hit the post they took the lead on 10 minutes with a neat finish low inside the near post. The Pace and movement of the Bristol forward line was causing continuous problems to the inexperienced Dragons defence and some clinical finishing saw the visitors 5-0 ahead after just 25 minutes. The Dragons made some changes at this stage and were rewarded when Alf finished from close range following a good corner from John A. Alf could have had a second shortly afterwards firing a volley from the edge of the area narrowly over. Bristol however extended their lead from the penalty spot following a hand ball to go into the break 6-1 ahead.
The Dragons made further changes at the break reverting to a 4-3-3 formation in an attempt to claw back the deficit and began the second half strongly with Stefan having a shot from inside the area parried away for a corner. Graham also came close to scoring with a well directed header which was palmed away for another corner. Bristol continued to remain a threat on the break though and Chris S in goal was alert to deal with a couple of good attempts at goal but could do nothing to prevent a well directed header into the top corner giving Bristol their seventh goal. The Dragons however still continued to make chances with Chris C and Stefan going close and were rewarded with Stefan’s debut goal for the Club firing low past the keeper. A third Dragons goal followed soon after from an own goal as the hosts finished the stronger. The Dragons nearly added a fourth from a disallowed goal from a corner as the game ended 7-3 to the Panthers. The match was refereed well throughout by Mark B assisted by David K as linesman.
Dragons squad on the day-
Chris Seabrook, Graeme Monk, John Bladen, Jason Cousins, Jerry Bull, John Ainsley, Aris DaSilva (captain), Christian Jones, Lucy Lockwood, Stuart Harris, Kris Llewellyn, Germain Cedric, Chris Crimmins, Lucas Owen, Stefan Morgan, David Fry.
Hotscots FC 6 – 0 Cardiff Dragons
In an historic first game between a Welsh and Scottish team in the GFSN League Cardiff Dragons put up a very brave and committed performance on their visit to Edinburgh.
With several regular first team players missing through various circumstances including captain Murray Harvey the players that took the field played with commitment throughout making the Hotscots fight hard for all their goals.
The first half started encouragingly for the Dragons as solid defending from Ali on debut in goal, and the back four of Amy, John B on debut, Anthony and Jason held the Hotscots at bay for the first 20 minutes. The defence was aided by the midfield of John A, Ed, Darrin, Sam and Mark who also worked tirelessly for the cause as did Kris L up front. Although the home side had the majority of the play any chances they had were limited to long range until a pinpoint cross from the left was headed in firmly from close range at the back post to open the scoring. The Dragons responded well and had a chance to equalise when a through ball found Kris L in the box but his shot was well blocked and from the resulting corner the Hotscots keeper claimed well under pressure. Another half chance was created for the Dragons when Ed who was fouled 25 yards out following one of several good runs but the resulting free kick from Mark fell narrowly over the crossbar. Hotscots doubled their lead on the half hour mark converting a penalty following a trip on their winger. Although another couple of half chances were created by the home side the Dragons continued to defend stoutly as Hotscots went in 2-0 up at the break.
The second half saw the home side start very positively and it was not long before their pressure told with two goals in the first 10 minutes of the second half. The first of these goals was a well struck shot from 20 yards which curled just inside the post and this was followed by an opportunist goal from close range as the visiting defence could not clear following a scramble in the area. By now the Hotscots were having the vast majority of the possession and territory but the 11 Dragons who started the game stuck to their task until 2 late goals added a gloss to the Hotscots victory. Ali making her debut in goal made several fine claims and blocks but could not prevent the 2 late goals as the Hotscots players finished well after fashioning clear openings. The Dragons did have a little more territory towards the end with one of their forays ending in a firmly struck shot by Anthony which was held well by the home keeper but there was no further addition to the score.
The support as ever was as fantastic as usual on the day and a great lift to the team. Thanks go to David Keith for running the line.
Dragons squad on the day- Ali Mahoney, Amy Johnson, Jason Cousins, Anthony Read, John Bladen, Lyons, John Ainsley, Sam Ashton, Darrin Hughes, Mark Biggs, Kris Llewellyn, Jordan Wall, Richie Jones, Dave Amos, Murray Harvey.
Pub Golf – Sunday 2nd May
Get your balls and bags ready Boys and Girls!!! It’s the social event of the season: Dragons Pub Golf!!
Teeing off from Gassy Jacks in Cardiff at 6pm, we will be taking in 9 holes ending at the Kings Cross.
Please arrive on time as we will be moving on PROMPTLY to the next hole at 6.30pm. If you are not in attendance by this time we wil move on regardless…
The route for the course is going to be:
1st Hole – Gassy Jacks Cathays
2nd Hole – Lloyds No.1 Bar (Greyfriars Road)
3rd Hole – Varsity (Greyfriars Road)
4th Hole – Wow
5th Hole – Pulse
6th Hole – 4Play
7th Hole – Icon
8th Hole – Golden Cross
9th Hole – Kings Cross – The club has £50 in vouchers for the Kings so this will be a free hole!!
Richie will be bringing scorecards with him Sunday.
Aim
To drink your drinks in as few sips* as possible.
*A sip is continuously drinking until you either have to stop or the drink is finished