At the annual meeting of Aylsham Football Club, those gathered were encourage to look to the future rather than back at the pastChairman Chris Gowman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

At the annual meeting of Aylsham Football Club, those gathered were encourage to look to the future rather than back at the past

Chairman Chris Gowman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

This is a time in the club's history, to look forward rather than back, towards the exciting new facility proposals currently being submitted to Broadland District Council.

The proposed new facilities and playing surfaces will enable the Charter Community Club to move into the future, offering Aylsham a very special and significant flagship club of which everyone can be proud.

Chris thanked the committee members for their efforts and support, particularly over the past two years, bringing the proposals to the point at which they now stand. While intending to continue as a driving force in the development of the club, Chris handed over the chair to Ian Potter.

Treasurer, Angela Rusbridge presented the audited accounts to the meeting.

Club thanks go to all of their sponsors for their support and interest. All but one team now play in the striking new orange and blue AFC kit.

Elected officers were: chair Ian Potter, secretary Mick McCann, treasurer Angela Rusbridge. Representatives from sections of the club; girls Heidi Clark, boys vacant position, ladies Steve Grice, men Rob Howe.

Incoming chairman Ian Potter paid tribute to the significant contribution made to the club by Chris Gowman and looked forward to continuing working together in the future.

Various goals were highlighted as important for the future;

To create a purpose-built football club facility with clubhouse.

To aspire to the men's first team playing in Division One within five years.

To ensure the sustainable growth of the ladies' and girls' teams.

To fully integrate and substantially improve the ladder of progression between boys' and

men's football.

These four goals are underpinned by the club's community and coaching focus.

Organised fundraising and excellent lines of communication will be vital to ensure the success of AFC in the future.

Architect for Chaplin Farrant, Mark Camidge, gave a most interesting presentation of the proposals and how Aylsham FC aim to welcome the community to the facilities.

The detailed plans show a 20-acre site on Cawston Road with several playing pitches, including a senior pitch with floodlighting, a phase one and phase two club house with four changing rooms, kitchen, bar and community room.

The new facility will provide a top-quality cricket square, community facilities, and the club looks forward to working with the whole community of Aylsham in further developing its plans to meet the needs of local groups.

A club spokesman said: 'This is a true community project and we would welcome contact from local organisations to help us shape the final project. Do have a look at our website at www.aylshamfc.co.uk to view the proposals.

'We welcome volunteers from our community who have a desire to be involved in this wonderful project. If you have experience or are interested in fundraising, communications or governance, we'll be delighted to hear from you and look forward to meeting you and working with you to secure this first rate facility for Aylsham.

'If you are interested in joining one of our football teams, or if coaching and helping the teams in some way is your wish, we run girls' and boys' teams from the age of six years, right up to ladies' and men's squads.'

If you're interested in getting involved in Aylsham FC, contact chairman Ian Potter on 07767291031 or ian.potter13@btinternet.com