Chairman's Update - September

Newton Willows FC Podcast: Chairman's Update Rob Fludder is joined by chairman Andy Tither for the first of the club's monthly chairman updates, covering summer progress, new-season readiness, and the work happening behind the scenes. Andy shares the scale of the club's volunteer effort, the success of the summer tournaments, and the ongoing plan to turn club facilities into a stronger community asset.In this episode, we also hear a heartfelt tribute to Lewis Bishop, including how the club and open age group are honouring his memory this season. Key topics In this episode: why the club is launching monthly chairman updates and what members can expect from them The summer tournaments were a major success, with weekly events across age groups from under 7s to under 16s, boys and girls The tournament format was adjusted to keep squads together and make events more competitive, fair, and short and sharp Andy highlights the volunteers and organisers who made the tournament schedule work, including James Styles, Chris Walker, Luke Ramsden, Phil and Michelle, and Kerry Morris A successful Armed Forces Day tournament stood out for the players' respect, including a two-minute silence and excellent behaviour throughout The club used the summer to improve the look of Newton Sports Club, installing new vinyls, painting railings, and replacing advertising boards A new sponsors day is being planned to give partners a first-hand view of the club and build a more reciprocal relationship with local businesses Pre-season is described as the club's busiest period, with affiliations, DBS checks, coaching courses, safeguarding, registrations, kits, fixtures, and subscriptions all needing to be completed The club now has 43 teams, including new under 7, under 8, and under 12 additions, plus growing senior pathways from juniors into open age football The KGV project is still moving forward, with lease, trust, and funding discussions continuing, and a potential six-figure funding opportunity being explored Andy pays tribute to Lewis Bishop, sharing how the club, the open age lads, and the wider community have supported his family and how his memory will be honoured through memorial plans and a renamed goal of the season trophy