Reflection on the ‘Off the Field’ Activities during 1998.

Tricia Chillas reflects on a very successful year off the field for Stirling Albion Football Club

At the beginning of a new year it is always good to reflect on the successes of the past year.   Thanks to the efforts of many volunteers there have been many positive off the field developments which the club has been involved in.  

These include:

January 98

• Sale of SAFC Merchandise in the town centre thanks to Frank Gordon, Stirling Racket and Trophy Centre.

• Return visit of Airdrie Junior Diamonds.

February

• Young Reds Player of the Year Awards Evening.

March

• Allocation of ‘Gold Award’ to Stirling Albion for its unique and innovative youth scheme.  

• Launch of the Young Reds Web Site - thanks to Steven and Ian Jones.

June

• Staged Under 15 tournament hosting Middlesborough, Dundee and Derby County.

July

• The SAFC Am Am Golf tournament proved to be a resounding success as 39 local businesses and organisations gave their support raising in excess of £4,000

• Carol Ogilvie organised a fund raising disco at McCues which raised £600 for the club.

• Thanks to Mark McGeown’s Testimonial committee who organised a successful testimonial match v Glasgow Rangers.  

August

• The Young Reds celebrated the good news that they had been awarded a grant of £4,800 from the Scottish Sports Council for a project which will take football coaching to children and young people in disadvantaged communities within the Stirling Council area.  

September

• The Mark McGeown Testimonial Committee organised a golf tournament as part of the events programme to celebrate Mark’s 10 year association with Stirling Albion

• Start of the Match Day Shop in the Bruce Suite.

• Stirling Albion Football Club is delighted to announce Fergusson Coal as the official sponsor of the three Stirling Albion Youth Teams.  

October

• The second Forthbank Open Day in conjunction with Stirling Council attracted 500 participants.

• Since October Gavin Price has been playing a commercial operations role with much success.   Although almost fully fit, Gavin is keen to continue to assist in this role.

November

• Launch of Stirling Albion F.C. Web Site - thanks to Scott McLean.

• Launch of the Stirling Council/Stirling Albion FC “Schools Package”

• A fund raising mixed sporting dinner in aid of Stirling Albion FC held at Spencers Leisure on Sunday 15th November raised £8,000 for club funds.  

• Carol Ogilvie organised a successful ‘Body Shop’ evening which raised £440 for the Youth Team Funds.

December

• Young Reds join the SAFC players for a successful indoor bowling evening.

• Bag Packing at Safeway on 20th December.   The Young Reds raised £600.

• All Young Reds receive their individual Christmas Cards from the team. During the season they receive regular newsletters and a personalised Birthday Card signed by John Philliben.

Thanks to everyone who has assisted in making these events possible.