Little League Football

Annual Report for the year to 30th April, 2008

Constitution

Little League Football (LLF) is an Unincorporated Association and a Registered Charity, number 1001312. Its current address is c/o 11a Tonfield Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM3 9JP.

A National Executive Committee (NEC) comprised of members of southern leagues and with a West Midlands representative administers the charity.

Aims and Organisation

LLF continues to meet its objective of providing football at minimal cost, with emphasis on enjoyment and fun for children, some 6,000 of which participate each Saturday or Sunday. Adult volunteers are becoming more difficult to recruit and some leagues are dependent on a small nucleus of support each weekend. It is vital that people are forthcoming as LLF plays an important part in various local communities, some of which have little else to offer young boys and girls.

Progress and Achievements

As reported last year, the NEC underwent significant personnel change but we have continued to support the individual leagues and are trying to develop new initiatives. We are conscious that our rules and modus operandi may not now be totally appropriate in some areas, some 40 years on from the founding of the organisation. To assist in re-evaluation, we have asked leagues to complete a survey detailing their present structure, player numbers, local rules etc. Disappointingly, only just over a third of leagues have responded, despite reminders and we are therefore not too far forward in progressing matters. If your league has not complied, please give the matter early attention.

Discussions are at an embryo stage to possibly form a league on Little League principles for players under 14/15/16 who often struggle to find football when they reach the current maximum age. There is a lot to consider and logistics to evaluate and a working party sub committee has been formed to explore matters.

Morden League are piloting an idea to provide a formal structure for training players and develop coaching qualifications for team managers which will be taken forward if there proves to be a benefit/demand.

Last year saw the inaugural Under 10's inter league tournament, which proved a great success and will take place again in June. Alongside the long established boys' tournament for 11 and 12 year olds and the girls' version that is now in its fourth year, more children now have the opportunity to represent their league in these popular events.

In an effort to encourage league interaction, a quiz night was held in January, which was attended by 6 leagues and proved to be a successful social occasion. Logistically, it was not possible for West Midlands leagues to participate and a greater number of entrants from the south would have been welcome, but again, it was something new for our organisation.

It is pleasing to note that the majority of leagues have now properly embraced the need for mandatory Criminal Records Bureau checks on volunteers, albeit some need regular reminders and others verge on neglecting their responsibilities, to the extent that disaffiliation from LLF has to be entertained. Would those leagues that do not have a system in place to ensure compliance, please introduce one with immediate effect.

Regrettably no issues of 'Football Focus' have been produced this season. We have been endeavouring to explore the possibility of issuing it in electronic format as opposed to the paper booklet that has been in existence for many years, but have encountered difficulties, both technically and from the resource viewpoint. If anyone has the time and inclination to help in this respect, please let me know, as it is important that we keep open this communication medium.

Future Development

No opportunities to form new leagues have arisen during the year although we did receive an approach from a company who were keen to work with us to that end. However, matters have not progressed to date and probably organic growth is the most likely source of expansion. The difficulties in recruiting adult volunteers obviously hinders progress, as while there are no doubt countless numbers of children who would benefit from joining a Little League in other parts of the country, without adult supervision we cannot move forward.

Financial Activities and Affairs

After reference to the Charity Commissioners Guide to Charities' Statement of Recommended Practice, no specific comments are necessary on LLF financial activities, the accompanying statement of accounts providing requisite detail of affairs.

In closing, my thanks to all who work tirelessly for the various leagues, particularly those who have little adult support. Many people have been associated with LLF for considerable periods of time and their dedication is much valued and appreciated.

Bob Goodall
Chairman
5th May, 2008