Padiham Saints J.F.C

Well that was a decent night down at Turf Moor for the Saints Christmas party and it looks like most enjoyed it especially the kids. They ran riot and had a ball.

What was disappointing was the numbers that turned out, way below what I was expecting and I don't think it was because people didn't know about it. I'm sure there are lots of good valid excuses for not supporting this event i.e. Christmas period, Saturday night, financial etc.etc.etc. That said I also think there's a fair proportion that just couldn't be bothered.
I think the u15's team were the best represented on the night, well done Barry Martin for motivating your lads to attend. The rest of the teams were somewhat lacking.

Some of you are going to wonder why I'm having a gripe, well to be honest I felt really sorry for the people that organise these events, Lindsay inparticular. It doesn't matter whether there's 20 or 200 attending the work they have to put in is the same and should be supported. They don't do it for themselves but for the kids.
Second point is that from my understanding the tickets were subsidised to the tune of £1.50 per person and if my conclusions are correct there was a huge loss on the night despite a reasonable raffle.
It's not the organisers that lose out here, once again it's going to be the kids. I'd like to see a balance sheet for the party just out of curiosity.

No amateur organisation whatever it is can afford to throw money away on loss making ventures like this when its own members can't support it. It surely has to be considered as to whether this party, particularly in its present format goes forward to next year. Times are hard and likely to get harder, sponsors are not likely to be as free giving as they have been so every penny will count. I'd love to hear other people's views particularly if you are one that didn't attend. Not to beat anyone with a big stick but to indicate what the general opinion is. If it's not wanted then you can save a lot of people a lot of work and save the club some money.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

To all the teams, go for it lads in 2009.

Special thanks to all that run Saints, Coach's, Managers and Admin personnel, your efforts pay dividends. Just look at the leagues.

Same old, same old. its hard but its true but its always the same people that put the effort in, for sometimes litte reward. I look at it like this Jon, when someone is lookin down on me they see a guy putting alot of effort in for other people, and that for me will ,do!

Keep up the good work you people at the Saints, Merry Christmas to you all.

Regards

Simon
Rishton Utd.

Thanks Simon, yes that offen is the case but when i see my son and gang enjoying themselves and having a ball on or off the pitch it makes it all worth while, they always say thankyou and thats good enough for me !!

I wish you a very merry christmas and a happy new year. Thankyou for your huge support this season. All the best to your club from Lyndsay and the Padiham Saints gang xxx

Thanks for your input Simon, I'm sure Lyndsay and whoever else was involved in organising didn't quite see it as I did. Over the years I've been involved with organising many functions and when you've done all you can to make it a success and people just don't come, it's a real 'smack in the face'. I really did feel a little sorry for them Saturday.

As Lyndsay pointed out the people that did attend had a great time especially the kids which is what it's all about anyway. I didn't post particularly to knock anybody just to point out what a shame it was that the club has probably lost money I'm sure they can ill afford to lose.

As you pointed out Simon, the 'feel good factor' comes into play and right throughout the year people put time and effort in at all levels to make these clubs a success. Well done to those folks whichever club you're at. You will be rewarded.