Bangor Ladies view future role at Clandeboye Park

Stakeholders meeting welcomes ladies

Bangor ladies welcomed an invitation to a more inclusive attitude and relaxed atmosphere at Clandeboye Park as along with the majority of the existing stakeholders, the ladies section were given a valuable insight into the current state financially and also the important 'blue print' as regards the next steps in the future of Bangor Football Club.



Invited to attend the informal gathering, along with the various active organisations and related sections of the football club were representatives of the 2009 N.I.Women's Football Association (NIWFA) Coca Cola Division 3 champions Bangor Ladies.



Along with Bangor Rangers F.C., who represent the youth development wing, ie: from the very young (Under 10s) right through the 250 strong membership which includes a whole range of youth teams, right up to what should be feeder club of the town's Irish League side, the ladies section make up the directly competitive teams, under the umbrella of the football club.



Bangor Ladies obviously enjoyed a quite unprecedented successful season in 2009, and the committee are determined to continue to develop their relationship with both the Board of Directors and the mains sponsors at Clandeboye Park, Sammy Mellon & Sons, who this season have worked closely with the ladies section.

A recognition of Bangor Ladies by the Board at Clandeboye Park

This meeting gave the representative of the ladies section an opportunity to hear the viewpoint from all the various parties that are active at Clandeboye Park and also to give their own input on how they view and value their current association with the club.



Attending were Andy Craig (Manager) and Trish Webb (Committee Member), giving a short and concise overall view of their role at the club and how the ladies section would like to develop the relationship, ie: being more active within the club and hopefully presenting a more professional image of the ladies team - promoting the club and the sponsors with track suits etc.



The point was also raised as regards the traveling which, following their promotion in 2009 is expected to put additional strains financially on the resources on the ladies. The representatives expressing a desire to meet with Trevor and the Board to discuss this and additional proposals regarding the use of the excellent facilities, travelling etc., at Bangor FC.



The response from the meeting was that the ladies would be invited to the next Board Meeting to discuss these issues further, and also it was noted, later in the evening, that the Board had heard from all sections, including the ladies, and the onus was on the Board to react positively and accordingly to all the issues raised.



Following various consultations and discussions, the Stakeholders would be invited back in a month or two to discuss the conclusions, outcome and the actions which it was assumed would now be addressed by the board of directors.



Some clear indications: The use of Clandeboye Park doesn't seem to present any problems, apart fro aintenance, and this will be followed up with a discussion with our main liaison (2009) groundsman Brian Ritchie.



The function room was available (holds 180) and at no additional cost. All money taken at the bar was profit to the social club, all other money, ie tickets etc., went to the section running the event. The ladies section were also welcome to use the excellent acilities at the social club, after home matches.



Membership of the social club would also be offered at a reduced rate.




Next Step: The Ladies section will be invited to the next Board Meeting to discuss their proposals.



Ivan Mellon, of Sponsors Sammy Mellon & Sons, present at the meeting, again expressed an genuine interest in the club, offered to meet with the ladies committee, before the start of the season.



The meeting represented a good building block in terms of getting more inclusive recognition at Bangor F.C. While the ladies section have enjoyed a good relationship with Trevor Best, Chairman, this gave the club an opportunity to broaden this relationship, express our views, and hopefully initiate an appropriate supportive action from the football club.

Ivan Mellon, at the launch of the 2009 sponsorship package

Last Edited on 9-Feb-2010 1:30 PM