Another very positive season for Wellington AFC, both on and off the pitch, was reported by vice-chairman Graham Aspin at the annual meeting.
Mr Aspin thanked all the officers, committee members, managers, and coaches for their work together with volunteers undertaking match day support, bar work, catering along with the support for youth teams. Particular thanks were also owing to the club’s sponsors.
Without all of this support, he added, the club would not be able to function.
Club secretary Jane Brown said that, once again, the weather had an adverse effect on the season leading to the postponement of games and a backlog of fixtures at all levels.
Fortunately, the club’s teams were able to complete their fixtures in reasonable time with thanks to the cricket club for allowing an extension of use at the Playing Field.
The First Team had finished in 13th position in the Jewson Western League Premier Division – their best position and highest points total for a number of years. At one stage early in the season, they were lying sixth.
Having been promoted at the beginning of the season, the Reserves enjoyed a very competitive season in the Premier Division of the Stitch2Print Deveon & Exeter League. They finished the season as runners-up, the first non-Devon team to win an award in the division.
Unfortunately, promotion to the Premier Division of the West Country Drainage Services of the Taunton Saturday League proved a challenge for the A Team and they struggled for most of the season.
In their second season in the First Division of the Somerset County Women’s League, the Wildcats finished in a creditable mid-table position while the Ladies had a testing campaign in Division Three South but put up some spirited performances.
Meanwhile, the Under 18s finished eighth in their league with a number of their players playing for the Reserves and the A Team.
In the youth section, there were some outstanding performances.
Mrs Brown said that special mention must go to the Under 12 Wildcats who won their division and plate competition in the Somerset Girls’ League, the Under 16 Town team who won their division of the Taunton Sunday Youth League, the Under 10s who won the Plate Competition for their age group.
She added that the club should also be proud of their Ability Counts teams.
Mrs Brown said that such a large diversity of teams requires an army of helpers and thanks must be given to all those who have worked hard to ensure that such a large number of adults and young people are able to enjoy the game.
“We have over 400 players from under sevens to under 18s attached to the club, supported by some 40 managers and coaches and their many volunteers.
At the end of the season, the club said goodbye to three people who have provided invaluable support for a number of years. John Sellick – Head of the Wildcats section; Lauren Watts – Sports Therapist with the First Team; and Matt Groves – Joint Manager of the A Team.
“We thank them for their contribution to the club and wish them all every success in the future.”
Funding had been secured from the Premier League Stadium Fund and planning permission received which allowed the construction of a new Standing Stand to accommodate 100 spectators while improved signage has been installed at the Playing Field.
Following an FA inspection, the ground passed the Step 5 grading which means the First Team can continue playing at their current level.
The club are now planning further improvements to the facilities at the Playing Field. New floodlights and a new pitch barrier are being installed and the footpath along the clubhouse side is being re-laid at the end of August / beginning of September.
On behalf of the Club, Mr Aspin thanked Jeff Brown for all of his work in leading the project and ensuring the necessary grant and planning approvals were in place to allow the improvements to be made.
Thanks were also given to Ken Bird for managing media coverage provided through the website, Twitter/X, Facebook and Instagram accounts all of which continue to promote and attract a large number of followers.
Reg Oxby presented the annual accounts which showed a reduction in the club’s revenue resources of £24,224 compared with a loss of £4,017 the previous year.
After taking out exceptional expenditure in respect of the new stand and forthcoming new floodlights of a net £23,101, it equated to a working loss £1,123 on the 2024-25 season.
He reported an exceptional increase in costs as a result of the current economic situation, which had seen clubhouse running expenses increase, including heating and lighting by £5,377.
Money coming in was essential for the running of the club and he thanked all the volunteers who helped in various roles, in particular the small group of bar staff as takings had increased to more than £90,000.
Mr Oxby was happy that the club was still in a reasonably sound financial position to meet the demands of the forthcoming season but stressed the need to contain expenditure and increase income.
Officers elected: President, Alan Shire; Chairman, Mike Hall; Vice-Chairman, Graham Aspin; Secretary, Jane Brown; Treasurer, Jamie Webber; Club Welfare Officer and Youth Teams Secretary, Colin Waller; Assistant Welfare Officer, Yvette Waygood; Assistant Secretary and Membership Secretary, Geoff Hamlyn; Bar Manager, Michael Owen; Bookings Officer, Jeanette Bird; Media Manager, Ken Bird.
Committee members: Officers plus Stephen Bird and Mike Bull together with senior team managers and youth team representatives, John Norman (boys) and Holly Sheehan (girls).
