Umpiring
Umpiring is an absolute essential for the club. When the under-8s, under-10s and under-12s are involved in tournaments there is an expectation that we provide umpires.
For parents of those children, please do let us know if that is something you would consider.
For our under-14s and under-16s it also helps gain a better understanding of the game. In the Netherlands, it is routine for youngsters in those age groups to get involved in umpiring – and that is a model we would like to replicate. And for those under-14s and under-16s with any aspirations of becoming an international umpire, then they need to start now.
In both cases – parents and under-14s and under-16s – Blackheath and Elthamians would organise special umpire sessions, which could include umpiring during match practice at training sessions.
If you are interested or have any further questions please contact your team manager or Niall Couper.

Coaching pathway
As mentioned at the Christmas party, we will be developing a coach educator pathway for our under-14s and under-16s. A selected group of 10 people will be invited to join an elite group over the summer term to develop their skills. The first session will happen after the Easter holidays and is expected to be on a midweek night at College Meadow. If you are interested or have any further questions please contact your team manager.

Quiz night
The quiz night is rapidly approaching and there are still a small number of tables available.
It will take place on Saturday 8 February between 7.30 and 10.30pm. Tickets are £15 each and include a curry (vegetable or chicken).
It is for teams of six or eight at Old Colfeians and will also include an adult raffle and some simple fundraising games.
The bar will be open.
We will be raising money for goalkeeping kit and coaches’ match bags.
If you are interested in taking a table or coming as an individual (we can allocate you to teams) please contact the event organiser Claire Dykan or your team manager.

Second pitch planning
This has been on our radar for many years now and the crunch meeting is expected in the next couple of days. If we get the go ahead it will represent a huge leap forward for the club with a second pitch going down at College Meadow hopefully by the end of the year.

Feedback
Blackheath and Elthamians is primarily a community club and our coaches are approachable. If you have any queries about that day’s coaching, feedback on your own child’s performance or tips on how they might improve then please do not be afraid to ask them.