AGM Welcome and Agenda

The AGM for 2024 began with a warm welcome to all attendees. The evening’s agenda included a review of memorable points from the last season, a financial update, recognitions & thanks, and. finally, key announcements for the upcoming season. Additionally, a pub quiz was scheduled to kick off at 21:30. Unfortunately, the magician who we planned to perform could not make it.

Key Announcements and thanks

• Financial Stability: This season, the club remains financially stable. Sponsorship from Footnik has been confirmed, and they will renew their sponsorship for the next season. Thanks to Tatsuya and crew for their continued support.  A huge thanks for to Anna and Yuji for their continued support which allows us to operate the way we have been and host these types of events (over the years this has been a big part of the BFC community spirit).
• Treasurer and Manager Update: Rowan, our treasurer who also managed the club and website, is stepping down. We thank him for his professional work. Tomoki will take over as Manager and Andrew will assume the role of Treasurer.
• Futsal Coordination: Special thanks to Andrew, our Futsal coordinator, for organizing sessions like the one this evening.
• Farewell to Emil: We bid farewell to Emil, who captained BFC last season. Emil was presented with a club polo shirt by Don as a parting gift and a little something to remember us by.
• New Captain: Tomoki will take over as captain next season, with Romen helping out.
• Recognition: Tomoki received the Players Player trophy for last season.
• Special Thanks: A heartfelt thank you to the wives, girlfriends, partners, and kids for their support (for allowing Daddy to go play football and not drive Mummy crazy when Daddy is kicking ball).

Social Media and Website Updates

• Social Media: Tomoki will handle social media.
• Website: Will takes over website management. There are plenty of small tasks for those who want to help.

Key Results from the Club’s Ethos of Community and Football

1. Masters Futsal (+40s): Thanks to Sid, Toma and FootyJapan for getting this up and running.  Over the past season there have been monthly/bi-monthly mini 7s tournaments at BST which have gone down really well with the ageing footballers from 20years ago .  BFC are currently champions and looking forward to the start of the new league which should be hosted monthly at the newly turfed YCAC next season.
2. Tour: Though not BFC teams in name, this tour wouldn’t be happening without with the BFC.  There will be 3 ex-BFC captains and ex-BFC players participating in the +45s and +50s age categories in Phuket later this year in November.

Chairman’s Speech

The AGM also included a moment to honor the memory of JD, a BFC legend who passed away from cancer earlier this year. JD’s impact on our club was profound, and his presence is deeply missed. His mother, recently diagnosed with breast cancer, shared beautiful thoughts on kindness.

JD embodied kindness and compassion, reminding us that BFC is more than just a football team; we’re a community that supports and cares for each other. The support received from the club during tough times is a testament to the BFC spirit JD cherished.

Let’s continue to nurture this sense of community, looking out for each other both on and off the pitch. In JD’s honor, let’s uphold the values he cherished and keep his spirit alive.