Thoughts of Chairman Pearson

Another very successful track season has come to a close with the two outstanding highlights from my perspective being crowned champions of the Men's British League division 2 and gaining promotion to the lofty heights of division one next year and the fantastic success of our UK Development league U13/U15 Southern Premier team in reaching the National finals in Birmingham next weekend. We have got some incredible young  athletes coming through so I am very optimistic for the future. We are still working hard at trying to improve the facilities at the Sports Centre I am still awaiting the much delayed feasibility study for the conversion of the existing track side building but the wheels in Southampton City Council move very slowly but this is something I will not give up on. The committee, subject to the approval of members at an EGM in the near future wishes to amend the status of the club to being a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). This has already been approved by the Charity Commission and, provide members do likewise we will be able to take advantage of the many opportunities this provides, particularly in raising funds for the new clubhouse. Please look out for the date of the EGM as this is a major step for the club and it is important that members attend. Finally with regard to fundraising I have registered the club on a web site easyfundraising .org.uk. How it works is that easyfundraising have agreements with a vast number of everyday companies for example Amazon,John Lewis,M & S,E Bay,Argos to name a few to pay a percentage of your online purchase (maybe 1% or 2% sometimes more) to Southampton Athletic Club. What you need to do 1  Register on the Web site as a supporter of Southampton Athletic Club 2 When you wish to make an online purchase Go to the easy fundraising web site first and follow the link to the seller you require. The cost to you will be exactly the same as if you had gone to the web site direct. 3 Download the banner to remind you to go to the easy fundraising web site prior to purchase in future The amounts the club receive are small but if enough members or friends register the sum will gradually build up. Now looking forward to the road relays and cross country. Richie