News

Hey Dragons. What a week!! What a Weekend!! What a Result!! What a Team!!

The Dragons entertained the Leicester Wildecats this weekend. An awesome night was had out on the the Saturday!! Its great when teams come down and we can show them what Cardiff is all about. As good as Saturday was though Sunday was amazing. Cardiff Dragons winning their first home league game 2-1. Everyone was fantastic on the day. From the players to the supporters, everyone played their part and Dragons are now up to 9th in the GFSN league table!!

EGM: Before the game on Sunday we held our EGM, this was to vote for the next Secretary of the club. The nominees were Jordan Wall and Anthony Read, and in a close vote Anthony Read was voted in. Thank you to all those who attended.

BOOTSALE: On Saturday morning, a few Dragons attended a car boot sale at bessemer market. On a lovely Saturday morning we managed to raise an impressive £54.00 for the club. A big well done to John B on his first fundraising event and a big thank you to all of those who donated items to sell and their time. Special thanks to Dave Amos for supplying the car boot and to Muzz for his “special teddy bears”.

WELCOME: A big welcome to the Cardiff Dragons family to Louie. Who on his debut in our friendly against CSKA Spohia on Thursday (see football news) scored his first goal for the club. A great way to introduce yourself!!! As always, tell your friends, family, random strangers, about the club. it is fantastic to see the club grow and every new member brings something to the club.

Football News

Training

Thursday nights training will be the usual time of 6:45pm for a 7:00pm start at Blackwier.

Training this Sunday will be at 12pm and not 1pm as usual. This is due to the Pub Golf social (carnage!) later that afternoon.

Matches

Thursday 22nd April – Friendly – CSKA Sophia 3-1 Cardiff Dragons – Blackweir Fields

On Thursday night we played a hastily arranged friendly versus CSKA Sophia, in which The Dragons got a good opportunity to play and to practice ahead of the Leicester league game. Though the full-time score was 1-3, it was a much closer game, in which The Dragons were competitive throughout, conceding two goals late on. Congratulations go to Louie (sorry if I have mis-spelt) for his first goal in a Dragons shirt.

Sunday 25th April – GFSN League – Cardiff Dragons 2-1 Leicester Wildcats in Cardiff

2pm Kick-Off – University Fields, Llanrumney, Cardiff

Our first meeting with Leicester happened to be an important, “6 point” match at the bottom of the GFSN table. Fighting for final league positions, The Dragons took an early lead through a well taken Chris C header from a good move down the right between Hywel and Mark. A few minutes later, Mark was controversially fouled in the Wildcats penalty area which Murray converted for a two goal lead. In the second half Leicester pressed hard and eventually managed to scramble a goal with 10 minutes remaining. After a tense final few minutes, The Dragons took the match 2-1 and moved up to 9th in the table, ahead of Leftfooters, Leicester and Brighton.

Upcoming Fixtures

Sunday 9th May – GFSN League – Cardiff Dragons vs GFC Bournemouth in Cardiff

GFC Bournemouth, chasing their second GFSN title, come to Cardiff for the first time, chasing London Falcons in the overall standings. The Dragons will be looking to continue their progress on from their 2-1 victory over Leicester Wildcats. As it is a league match the strongest squad of 16 will be selected from those available.

The deadline for this match is Sunday 2nd May

Sunday 16th May – Friendly – Bristol Panthers vs Cardiff Dragons in Bristol

Having recently lost 3-7 in Cardiff, The Dragons will be aiming to make amends when they travel to Bristol. As it is a friendly match, the  first 18 players to make themselves available will be in the squad

The deadline for this match is Sunday 9th May

Sunday 23rd May – GFSN League – Birmingham Blaze vs Cardiff Dragons in Birmingham

Re-arranged from January, our trip to Birmingham is our final match of the season. At present, Blaze are in 8th place, one ahead of The Dragons, so there will be plenty of pride at stake as both clubs try to get as high up the table as possible. As it is a league match the strongest squad of 16 will be selected from those available.

The deadline for this match is Sunday 16th May

Friday 11th – Sunday 13th June – GFSN Get-Together – 5-a-side Tournament and GFSN Party – Blackpool

Blackpool is fast approaching us and we really need all members to let us know their intentions for this trip. The other clubs will be booking up the cheap hotels as we speak so it is important that everybody ensures that they get back to us ASAP

It may seem a long way away but we need to get this trip organised, read the form if you are interested in coming and let us know your intentions by the deadline of Sunday 9th May

Fixtures

Thu 29/5 – Training – Blackweir Fields – 7pm

Sun 2/5 – Training – Blackweir Fields – 12pm – Moved Due to Pub Golf in Afternoon

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 11/6-13/6 – GFSN Get-Together – Blackpool

Football News

Unfortunately two weeks ago, Amy picked up a nasty injury on her knee whilst playing for the Pink Panthers at 5-a-side. Everybody at the club wishes her well and a speedy recovery, we hope to see her back thwarting opposing wingers again next season.

31st July – 8th August – Gay Games – Cologne

Cologne is fast approaching now, The Dragons won’t be out there as a club this year, but if you are interested in taking part and representing the club for another side, it is important that you let Murray or Jason know as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Social

Kings Cross Quiz

Don’t forget, every Monday at the Kings Cross, Cardiff Dragons has a team for the quiz (a very successful team!) if you want to come along please do. This Monday the Dragons returned to winning ways, scooping a £50.00 prize to be spent in the Kings Cross. We meet around 8:00ish at the Kings.

PUB GOLF

Look out for an email later this week from Richie Jones regarding this. Make sure your outfits our ready as the Dragons descend upon Cardiff for Pub Golf. It promises to be an amazing night!!

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

Saturday 22nd May. Venue will be Lloyds No.1 Bar on Greyfriars Road.  Times will be confirmed in the future.

Fundraising

Car Boot Sale

See news section for more details

Cardiff Half Marathon

Anyone fancy running/walking to raise money for the club? Cardiff half Marathon is coming soon and anyone wishing to take part on behalf of the Dragons would be greatly appreciated. As with all our fundraising events, 25% of the money raised is donated to the Terrance Higgins Trust. This is a great cause and anyone who would like more information 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.

Alliance & Leicester Current Account

£22.50 Donation

£100 Cashback From ALLIANCE & LEICESTER

Switch to an Alliance & Leicester Premier Current Account and get £100 cashback for you and £22.50 donation for your cause!

*See Alliance & Leicester website for terms and conditions.

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

Football Tip of the Week

Communicate – It is vitally important to communicate on the field. Simple directions or alerts, such as ‘man on’ and ‘turn’ or ‘you have time’ make playing so much easier and become more important as the game speeds up at higher levels.

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: gwaith tîm =   Teamwork

The fantasy football, Ed is all but confirmed as this seasons winner. The battle for 2nd place is looking good for Matt Jones with a 14 point lead over third place. Congratulations to this weeks top scorer Muzz.

Video of the Week

And i always worried about the Welsh Weather!!

Have an awesome week!!

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The Dragons secured their second GFSN League victory and their first home points of the season with a well earned victory over Leicester Wildcats. It was the first 11-a-side match between the two Clubs and proved to be an exciting encounter. The weather was fine on the day with the match taking place at University Playing fields the Dragons usual home venue.

The first half was saw plenty of chances as both sides fielded attacking formations. The home side were forced into a change early on when Alfie had to limp off after 5 minutes to be replaced by Paul. They coped well with this though as the defence gave a strong showing. Following a couple of early half chances for either side it was not long before the first goal arrived when Mark was put free down the right flank and his pinpoint cross found Chris C who headed low into the corner of the net. This gave the Dragons confidence and another forceful run by Mark resulted in a penalty following a push by a Leicester defender. The spot kick was confidently dispatched by captain Murray H to give the Dragons a 2-0 cushion. Leicester were by no means out of the game though and were unlucky not to reduce the deficit. The first of two good attempts saw Kris L save well with his legs to clear a goal bound shot for a corner and shortly afterwards tip a fine free kick onto the crossbar. The Dragons continued to have much of the play though and could have increased their lead further when Mark was put clear but his low shot was well blocked by the visiting keeper.

The tempo did not let up after the break in a fully committed game as the Wildcats searched for a way back into the match. They again came close to this but another excellent free kick once again was tipped away by a fine fingertip save from Kris L. At the other end the Dragons always looked dangerous on the counter attack with the midfield quartet all having strong games. Stefan was harshly adjudged offside when put through  the middle and the pace of Mark caused the Wildcats problems all afternoon,  creating himself a couple of further chances but he was unable to find the target. With the score at 2-0 Leicester could still see a way back and following a couple of snapshots which flew wide they made it 2-1 with 5 minutes remaining. The Dragons defence were unable to clear from inside their area allowing a Leicester player in to score with an opportunist close range finish. The Wildcats threw some long balls forward in search of an equaliser  but could only muster a couple of long range efforts as the Dragons saw out the game to seal the win.

The support for the team on the day from the sidelines  was as enthusiastic as ever, thanks to all those who were able to come and support the team.

Dragons Squad – Kris Llewellyn, David Fry, Murray Harvey (captain), Germain Cedric, Paul Searle, John Ainsley, Hywel Jones, Anthony Read (vice-captain), Edwin Lyons, Steffan Morgan, Chris Crimmins, Mark Biggs, Samuel Ashton, Chris Seabrook, Darrin Hughes.

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We will be doing a car boot sale at bessemer market this Saturday the 24th April. So bring 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. All volunteers to help on the day are appreciated. Speak to John B for more info ( financefundraising@cardiffdragonsfc.co.uk )

On Thursday night Training is being replaced by a friendly against CSKA Sophia at Blackwier. Kick Off is at 6:15 so please get there as close to 6:00 as possible.

The Dragons travelled to Trowbridge on Sunday for a friendly against the Trowbirdge Tigers. On what was a ridiculously hot day (hopefully more of them and hotter one to come) the Dragons unfortunately lost 3-1. Everyone who came got a game and people tried out new positions so whilst the scoreline may not of been positive a lot of good things came from the day. More info is in the football news.

This weekend sees us host Leicester Wildcats in our first ever encounter. They will be coming down on the Saturday night so if your about please come along and show the Leicester boys and girls just how awesome Cardiff is!! more details to come later in the week.

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. Ray 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.

Football News

Sunday 18th April – Friendly – Trowbridge Tigers vs Cardiff Dragons in Trowbridge

After our 3-0 victory in Cardiff earlier in the season, Trowbridge managed to almost reverse the scoreline against a young Cardiff Dragons team. Trowbridge went 2-0 up at half time, Mark scoring late on to salvage some pride for the Dragons, We kept battling to the end and showed a great fighting spirit that is sure to do us well in the future.

Thursday 20th April – Thursday Training – 6:00pm

In preparation for Sundays big game against Leicester Wildcats training this week has been cancelled. Instead we will be having an 11 a side friendly against CSKA Sophia at Blackwier. Kick off is 615 so please get there as near to 6:00 as you can. We understand due to work etc. this may be difficult for everyone but if you can get there as soon as possible it will be greatly appreciated.

Upcoming Fixtures

Sunday 25th April – GFSN League – Cardiff Dragons vs Leicester Wildcats in Cardiff

2pm Kick-Off – University Fields, Llanrumney, Cardiff

Our first meeting with Leicester promises to be an important six point game at the bottom of the GFSN table. We are looking forward to welcoming Leicester to Cardiff and hope to see as many of you as possible at the game

The deadline has now passed.

Sunday 9th May – GFSN League – Cardiff Dragons vs GFC Bournemouth in Cardiff

GFC Bournemouth come to Cardiff for the first time, with the aim to secure a win to help them in their bid for the GFSN League title. Our job is to stop them. As it is a league match the strongest squad of 16 will be selected from those available.

The deadline for this match is Sunday 2nd May

Sunday 16th May – Friendly – Bristol Panthers vs Cardiff Dragons in Bristol

After Bristol’s recent visit to the capitol comes the return trip. Our aim will be to overturn the 3-7 defeat from a couple of weeks ago. As it is a friendly match, the  first 18 players to make themselves available will be in the squad

The deadline for this match is Sunday 9th May

Sunday 23rd May – GFSN League – Birmingham Blaze vs Cardiff Dragons in Birmingham

Re-arranged from January, our trip to Birmingham is our final match of the season. As it is a league match the strongest squad of 16 will be selected from those available.

The deadline for this match is Sunday 16th May

Friday 11th – Sunday 13th June – GFSN Get-Together – Blackpool

Cardiff Dragons Participate in their 3rd GFSN Get-Together. It may seem a long way away but we need to get this trip organised, read the form if you are interested in coming and let us know your intentions by the deadline of Sunday 9th May

Fixtures

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 11/6-13/6 – GFSN Get-Together – 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

BBQ

Due to a problem at Trowbridge’s end, unfortunately they could not provide us with food after the match. Jason and Richie jumped in to save the day with an impromptu BBQ. A lovely evening was had by all those who attended and a big thank you to our hosts.

Kings Cross Quiz

Don’t forget, every Monday at the Kings Cross, Cardiff Dragons has a team for the quiz (a very successful team!) if you wan to come along please do. We meet around 8:00ish at the Kings.

PUB GOLF

Sunday 2nd May. Time to preparing your golfing outfits for what promises to be an amazing social. Many drinks will be had by all and we will look exceptionally cool in the process!!

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL

Saturday 22nd May. Venue will be Lloyds No.1 Bar on Greyfriars Road.  Times will be confirmed in the future.

Fundraising

Car Boot Sale

See news section for more details

Cardiff Half Marathon

Anyone fancy running/walking to raise money for the club? Cardiff half Marathon is coming soon and anyone wishing to take part on behalf of the Dragons would be greatly appreciated. As with all our fundraising events, 25% of the money raised is donated to the Terrance Higgins Trust. This is a great cause and anyone who would like more information 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.

Play.com

1% Donation

20% OFF Selected DVDs

Get 20% OFF any DVDs from the TV-series section at Play.com. Enter the eVoucher code ‘TVDISCOUNT’ at checkout.

*Offer valid ONCE per person.

OFFER EXPIRES: 23-April-2010

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

Football Tip of the Week

Diet – A balanced day should contain: Breakfast, at least 2 balanced meals, extra fluids, extra snacks if required and 5 portions of a mix of fruit, vegetables, and salad. (The more colours the better, smoothies are an easy way to eat fruit)

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: canolwr  =   Referee

Fantasy Premier League

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. The battle for 2nd place is starting to look like a two horse race between Anthony read and Matt Jones with only 11 points separating them. Congratulations to this weeks top scorer Ed Lyons.

Video of the Week

A very clever video (sorry Man Utd fans!!)

Have an awesome week!!

Pojď draci!!!

–

Anthony Read

Press & Marketing

Cardiff Dragons FC

Email:   pressmarketing@cardiffdragonsfc.co.uk

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On a warm evening Cardiff played a full 90 minute friendly against regular opposition CSKA, the match taking place at Blackweir playing fields.

The first half was an even affair as both sides had plenty of possession but failed to make many clear cut chances . The Dragons had much play in and around the CSKA area in the opening quarter but were limited to mainly long range efforts and a couple of dangerous crosses  from good wing play by Hywel and John A and solid performances in the middle by Anthony, Edwin and Sam. At the other end CSKA had a good opportunity but their forwards firm shot was well parried away by Dragons keeper Kris L. The opening goal of the game resulted when the home defence was slow to react following a foul throw and as the ball found its way into the area it was finished low into the corner by CSKA’s centre forward. There was no further scoring in the first half as CSKA went in 1-0 ahead.

The Dragons made some changes at half time to allow everyone a game and some further experience. The second half also began brightly for the Dragons and they were rewarded with a deserved equaliser on the hour. Some good link up play down the left saw a testing cross well converted by Louis from close range. At this stage the Dragons looked good for at least a draw but a few minutes after the equalising goal an inspired strike from the corner of the box restored the lead for CSKA.  The Dragons were unlucky not to earn a penalty as they again pressed forward but the game was sewn up when CSKA added a third goal late on.

Dragons team – Kris Llewellyn, Christian Jones, Murray Harvey (captain), Cedric Germain, David Fry, Jerry Bull, Darrin Hughes, John Ainsley, Anthony Read (vice-captain), Edwin Lyons, Samuel  Ashton, Hywel Jones, Stefan Morgan, Chris Crimmins, Stuart Harris, Louis.

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Cardiff Dragons visited Trowbridge for a return friendly fixture which was played in warm and sunny conditions.

The game was a fairly open affair from the start with both sides making chances Trowbridge however gained the initiative when a ball though the middle caught the Dragons defence out with as hosts forward finished well into the opposite corner of the net. The Dragons had chances of their own with attempts from Kris L and Stefan from the edge of the box but both flew narrowly wide. Trowbridge double their lead capitalising when the Dragons lost possession on the edge of their box.  The hosts continued to make chances benefitting from hesitancy in the Dragons defence and could have extended their lead further. The Dragons however managed to weather this finishing the half much better and could have reduced the deficit when Chris C was put through but his shot was parried away for a corner.

The second half saw the Dragons re-adjust and although further chances ensued for both teams there were no early goals as both keepers made some good saves. For the Dragons Mark headed over from close range following one of many well directed free kick’s from Anthony and Muzz’s shot from the edge of the box was scrambled round the post by the Trowbridge keeper. The hosts however made it 3-0 when a clearance caught the Dragons defence out and the Trowbrige forward’s  shot looped into the corner. Dragons introduced further substitutes and were rewarded with a deserved goal when Mark controlled and finished powerfully into the bottom corner following a good through ball.  There was no further addition to the score line however as Trowbridge ran out 3-1 winners on the day. Thanks to Dave A for helping manage and run the line.

Dragons squad on the day –

Chris Seabrook, Christian Jones, Murray Harvey (captain), Anthony Read (vice-captain), Graeme Monk, David Fry, Chris Crimmins, John Ainsley, Stefan Morgan, Mark Biggs, Kris Llewellyn, Jason Cousins,  Lucas Owen, Richie Jones, Jerry Bull.

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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

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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.

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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, Edwin Lyons, John Ainsley, Sam Ashton, Darrin Hughes, Mark Biggs, Kris Llewellyn, Jordan Wall, Richie Jones, Dave Amos, Murray Harvey.

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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

Rules and Regulations:

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