THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

Before I embark on comments pertaining to the new season coming I think it fitting that we fully bring the curtain down on last season at least with regard to off the field matters.

Shortly after the end of last season those who attended the Club’s Annual Presentation Evening in Kelly’s Bar were able to experience a thoroughly enjoyable occasion with a live local band providing the backing music for those who wished to demonstrate their vocal skills in the karaoke section of the evening. Among the usual presentations made the one that struck me most was the Ossett United ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award. In fact it turned out to be the ‘Volunteers of the Year’ award. This time around the accolade went to the Hudson Brothers - Simon and Wayne and it’s hard to think of anybody more deserving of public recognition for what they do than these two gentlemen.

Anybody who has come down to the ground on a Saturday morning cannot have failed to notice these two lads hard at work. They are invariably the first to arrive and tackle any job put their way without hesitation or complaint.

What they do over the course of a season must save the Club literally hundreds if not thousands of pounds. They never look to seek praise and simply just get on with the job in hand. Non League Clubs all over the country need and are crying out for such volunteers but very few indeed are as fortunate as we are in having Simon and Wayne amongst our ranks. There will be more at a later date about the projects they have taken on this summer but, on behalf of everyone involved with Ossett United, we extend sincere congratulations on their much deserved awards and sincere gratitude for their efforts which in the long run benefit everyone who attends our home matches.

Back in June nine of our number represented the Club at the Northern Premier League Annual Dinner and Awards night held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. The celebrations were preceded by the Annual General Meeting at which all the business pertaining to the coming season is carried out and formalised. During the AGM there is always a time set aside to remember the people who, in their lifetimes, have given so much to Non League football and have sadly passed away. The reading of all the names and the clubs of which they were members is a very poignant part of the proceedings and the silence in their memories is impeccably observed.