You may have heard the huge sigh of relief coming from the boardroom this week as we finally got back to hosting football matches at The Meadow, and yes, I don’t mind admitting that we even gave ourselves a little pat on the back for what we feel has been a hugely successful series of home friendlies over the past week or so.
Of course, none of that could have happened without our superb team of volunteers, in particular our Covid-19 Secure team that earned the club many plaudits for the way we have handled hosting public events so far. As previously mentioned, it has not come without a lot of hard work and a lot of £1,000’s of investment in equipment that was not originally budgeted for, but essential.
To see supporters clicking through the turnstiles again has made it all worthwhile. I hope you have enjoyed the games so far, the friendlies are all about building up towards the first league game of the season against Gosport Borough in a couple of weeks’ time and results mean very little at this stage, but I’m sure a few of you would have still enjoyed us coming out on top against our friends (but still local rivals!) Aylesbury United on Tuesday night.
I would also like to pass on my thanks to those season ticket holders that have made donations to the club funds when attending these friendlies, every penny really does help to make a difference and his hugely appreciated – If we were able to continue to do that for the remainder of the games that would be fantastic. No obligation of course, but if you can afford to, it will help us to fill that gap in the budget where we have spent wisely on equipment to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
New for this season, as much as possible we are delighted to have live commentary on the internet of first team home games, thanks to Chris Walker at CWSport Radio. Chris has covered our last couple of friendlies, and we have received positive feedback on the service. This is ideal for those who cannot get to games for whatever reason. It is free to listen to by going onto the website www.cwsportradio.com and using the ‘listen to’ web player on the screen. Usually broadcasts start 15 minutes before kick-off. Upcoming games being featured are posted up on social media at Facebook – CW_Sport Radio and on Twitter under @MottysMic.
The football continues to come thick and fast at The Meadow with another home game this Saturday against Bowers & Pitsea, then on Sunday the Ladies have a home friendly against Maidenhead United – Having won five of their six friendlies so far I recommend taking the opportunity to pop along and offer your support. Meanwhile the Youth team are in FA Youth Cup action on Tuesday night when they play host to Hanworth Villa, again, if you are not travelling to the First XI friendly at Enfield that night, we can offer some great cup action at The Meadow instead. For all these games the clubhouse will be open so you can enjoy a drink before, during and after the games.
Off the field we are very much looking to expand and develop relationships within the community, and within the club itself. On Tuesday night it was great to see our Under 11’s team provide ball boys for the game against Aylesbury, and they also supplied us with matchday stewards for our first friendly – I hope the lads enjoyed being a part of the club as much as we enjoyed having them involved, hopefully this is just the beginning of such interaction.
Finally, thank you for all the kind words we have received at recent games regarding the state of the ground, these weekly updates and the safety measures we have put in place for matches – We don’t do it for the compliments, but it is a good feeling when you get them! Remember I am always happy to answer your questions or queries, email me anytime at chairman@cheshamunited.co.uk.
Thanks for your support, it is hugely appreciated.
Peter Brown, Chairman
Chesham United Football Club
