OFF the Field - Review of 1999/2000 - by Tricia Chillas
Many of us will pleased that the close season is almost upon us. It has once again been a difficult season for all concerned, not least you - the loyal fans. Despite your obvious disappointment many of you have taken time to compliment the club on the success of many of the "off the field" initiatives. Here is a little review of the most successful schemes which have been implemented largely due to a number of willing and able volunteers.
Young Reds
The highly successful Young Reds Scheme completes its third year, on average 250 members have enrolled each year. A number of events have taken place for the benefit of members including:
Player of the Year EveningSoccer 7's Weekly Coaching - Scotland v Lithuania, Scotland v England, Scotland v France - Stirling Albion v Partick Thistle (Firhill) - Bowling Evening with the players.
Stirling Albion / Stirling Council Schools Scheme
The highly successful schools scheme introduced last season has continued in 1999/2000. Both parties have been extremely satisfied with progress and look forward to the expansion of the scheme. Stirling Council Education Services funded the cost of the tickets whilst the club attended to the administration of the scheme.
Stirling High School Supporters Club
As a result of the Schools Scheme, Stirling High School has introduced its' very own supporters club. John Philliben and 6 Albion players attended the school for a Roadshow.
Awards for All
The Young Reds Committee received a grant of £4,700 for three community projects. Supporters will recall that last year the Young Reds received £4,900 to take football to disadvantaged communities.
S.A.F.C.Shop
Following the successful introduction of the match day shop, SAFC and Stirling Council have established a permanent shop for the benefit of the club and its supporters. Allan Grieve and John Turnbull voluntarily agreed to staff the shop on match days and sincere thanks go to them for all of their hard work. Frank Gordon continues to provide an excellent town centre outlet for merchandise. Thanks to everyone who has supported both ventures.
Stirling Albion Am Am Golf Tournament
The second Stirling Albion Am Am Golf tournament was held in July won by DENNY INSURANCESERVICES by the narrowest of margins from BRIDGE OF ALLAN GOLF CLUB. Almost £4,000 was raised for the club.
Fixture Cards
A handy wallet sized fixture list replaced the normal card list and proved popular with supporters. Thanks to the Stirling Observer for printing and sponsoring the fixture cards.
SAFC Youth Scheme
Stirling Albion's Youth Scheme has once again been awarded the top award. This year, applications were graded on a ladder system 1 - 10 Stirling Albion was one of the few teams outwith the Premier League to receive the top grant which effectively results in £30,000 being awarded to the club solely for youth football. The scheme has produced its first Scottish Squad Member Under 15 Goalkeeper lan Turner.
Congratulations to all of the personnel involved inthe scheme and thanks to Fergusson Coal for their continued support and sponsorship.
Websites
The number of websites has increased and now incorporates the official 'Twist and Shout' site plus the Young Reds Site. The Unofficial websites are also a useful tool for Albion supporters!
Central Sports lottery
The new combined Central Sports Lottery is now up and running. With increased prizes and a larger membership base both the subscribers and the clubs are benefiting to a greater extent.
Sports Dinner
The second sports dinner was held at Spencers Leisure Centre. £4,000 was raised for the club on this occasion. Thanks to lan and Lee Doyle for their assistance with the dinner.
Disabled Festival
Stirling Albion recently staged a football festival for disabled youngsters. This was followed by an excellent display by the National Cerebral Palsy Squad.
Thank You to everyone who has assisted