ANOTHER very positive season for Wellington AFC, both on and off the pitch, was reported by chairman Mike Hall at the club’s annual meeting.

Mr Hall thanked all officers, committee members, managers, and coaches for their work together with volunteers undertaking match day support, bar work and catering along with the support for youth teams. Particular thanks were also owing to the club’s sponsors.

Secretary Jane Brown said, once again, the weather had an adverse effect on the season. Fortunately, the club’s teams were able to complete their fixtures in reasonable time with thanks to the cricket club for allowing an extension of use at the Playing Field.

The first team had finished 15th in the Jewson Western League Premier Division and reached the semi-finals of the Les Phillips Cup.

The Reserves enjoyed a competitive season in the Premier Division of the Stitch2Print Devon & Exeter League, finishing in third place.

Unfortunately, the Premier Division of the West Country Drainage Services Taunton Saturday League proved too much of a challenge for the A team and they struggled for most of the season.

In the First Division of the Somerset County Women’s League, the Wildcats finished in a creditable mid-table position.

Meanwhile, the Under 18s finished fourth in their league with a number of their players playing for the first team, Reserves and A team. In the youth section, there were some outstanding performances.

Mrs Brown said special mention must go to the Under 11 Wanderers - Fair Play Award; the Under 14s - Division 1 runners-up; Under 12 Wildcats – League Cup runners-up; Under 13 Wildcats - League winners; Under 15 Wildcats – League Cup winners; and U16 Wildcats – League runners-up and Sheild finalists.

She added, having gone through a period of change, the Abilities Counts section was now thriving.

“We have over 400 players, from under sevens to under 18s, supported by some 40 managers and coaches and many volunteers.

New floodlights enabled the footpath/hardstanding in front of the clubhouse to be replaced, and a new pitch surround erected. Thanks were due to Jeff Brown for the work he had done on leading the projects.

Under the new sponsorship arrangements with Carly Press, the club’s ground has been renamed the Carly Press Ground.

Thanks were also given to Ken Bird for managing media coverage provided through the website, Twitter/X, Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Jamie Webber presented the annual accounts which showed an adjusted deficit of £16,657 for the financial year following significant investment to comply with the Western League Premier Division’s ground grading requirements.

“Club running costs have also increased with a tough economic environment and when coupled with poor winter weather postponing many Saturday home games, it added further pressure on the club’s resources.

“Bank reserves decreased by £9,469 over the year, so it will be important to consolidate and improve on this.

“A thank-you needs to go the volunteers and committee members who help run the bars, daytime lettings and keep the club running to offer football and events for the community.”

Officers elected: President, Alan Shire; Chairman, Mike Hall; Vice-Chairman, Graham Aspin; Secretary, Jane Brown; Treasurer, Jamie Webber; Club Welfare Officer, Yvette Waygood; Bar Manager, Michael Owen; Bookings Officer, Jeanette Bird; Media Manager, Ken Bird.

Committee members: Officers plus Stephen Bird, Mike Bull along with senior team managers plus John Norman (boys' representative) and Georgia Purdy (girls’ representative),