About Marauders FC

Important Notice Please Note:
Date change to Our Under 6s&7s season. The season now starts 14th September 2008. please contact Carl. Also, check the Marauders FC Forum for more details.

Good luck to all our teams for the coming season!

Added Sept 8, 2007

Club History

Marauders F.C. was formed in 1972 to provide football, primarily for young boys from the Prestwich and Whitefield area.

Today Marauders has over 450 members, both boys and girls aged between 5 and 16. We also have one adult team. And we’ve extend beyond Prestwich and Whitefield, with members travelling from M/cr, Bury, Heywood, Rochdale, even Blackpool!

Marauders field 34 teams in a number of local league competitions, and enter teams in the Lancashire County and M/cr County Cups, as well as subsidising the cost for one team per season to enter a tournament abroad.

We use three sites - St Mary’s Park, and Clifton Road (both Prestwich), and Sandgate Road (Whitefield).

At all ages, Marauders takes the training of our players seriously. We have approximately 30 level 1 qualified football coaches, which is the main reason why last season was the most successful season, trophy-wise, for Marauders. Importantly though, as much as we want playing success, enjoyment is the most important single prerequisite.

Past Marauders now playing professional or having played professional are Trevor Sinclair (ex England International& Manchester City Now Cardiff City), Paul Tierney (currently Stockport), and Ian Scott (Man City and Bury). A large number of Marauders players, both current and recent, are playing for professional clubs Academies or Schools of Excellence. Kyle Clancy and David Ball are two players who hopefully will soon be knocking on the first team door of Blackpool and Man City.

As well as providing football, Marauders host an annual Sportsman’s Evening where recent speakers have included Frank Worthington, Micky Thomas, Steve Daley, and Wilf McGuiness.

The weekend at Haven playing against Welsh teams, has become an eagerly awaited annual event.

One of the main highlights of the year is our end of season Presentation Evening, where every player receives an attendance trophy, in addition to Player of the Year awards, skills awards etc. To see the younger players on stage receiving their trophies makes it all worthwhile!

Marauders is always endeavouring to go forwards. Every season, a Level 1 football course is run at St Mary’s Park, Prestwich. Some will take the Level 2, and we have some enrolling on a referees course held by M/cr County FA. No arguments there, then!

Marauders has recently received some fairly substantial funding, and are always looking to raise more funds, either from grants, or from the many sponsors who sponsor the 34 or so teams. Marauders would like to thank those sponsors again. Please view the sponsors page, and support them. Without sponsors, there would be no Marauders.

In February this Year we received the Charter Standard Development Club Award.

Club Constitution

Fair Play Sports and Leisure.

(Amended August 2006)

1. Name

1.1 The name of the club shall be “Marauders – Fair Play Sports and Leisure” (hereinafter called “the Club”).

1.2 The address of the Club is c/o

1.3 The premises of the Club are situated at Sandgate Rd Whitefield & Clifton Rd Prestwich.

2. Objective

2.1 The objective of the Club shall be: -

a) To promote sporting and leisure activities for children of both sexes in the Prestwich and Whitefield area,

b) To provide facilities, equipment and the opportunity for the Club Members to participate in a wide range of activities,

c) To improve the abilities and fitness of Club Members and educate them in the value of health and sportsmanship.

d) To ensure all the above are in a safe environment

3. Rules and Regulations

3.1 The Club shall have status of Affiliated Member Club of The Football Association by virtue of its affiliation to/membership of The Football Association. The Rules and Regulations of the Football Association Limited and parent County Association and any League or Competition, which the Club is affiliated for the time being, shall be deemed to be incorporated into the Club Rules.

3.2 The Club will abide by The Football Association’s Child Protection Policies and Procedures, Codes of Conduct and the Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discrimination Policy. In addition, the Club will produce its own Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy.

3.3 Failure to adhere to any of the Clubs Rules, by any Member, may result in disciplinary action by the Executive committee.

3.4 Any Member who shall fail to comply with the Rules or Bye-Laws or issued Code of Conduct or whose conduct whether inside or outside the Club premises shall in the opinion of the Executive Committee make it desirable that the Member should be censured, suspended or expelled, may be censured, suspended or expelled by the Executive Committee.

3.5 In the case of a breach of the Rules or Byelaws or other misconduct by a Member or Members (whether inside or outside the Club premises) any Officer or Member of the Executive Committee may order the immediate suspension of the offending Member or Members pending submission of a full report to the Executive Committee.

3.6 A Member whose conduct is under consideration at any Executive or General Meeting shall be invited to attend at that meeting to explain their conduct.

3.7 Any member who feels they have suffered discrimination in any way or that Club Rules have been broken should follow the issued Complaints procedure.

4. Membership

4.1 The Club shall comprise Members of the following categories: -

i) Full Members – any parent or guardian of a person having parental responsibility for a child who becomes a Junior Member shall be eligible to become a full Member (but only for so long as such child remains a Junior Member.

ii) Junior Member – any boy or girl who resides in the Prestwich or Whitefield area who may wish to take part in the athletic, sporting and other recreational facilities offered by the Club and is who is under 18 years of age shall be eligible to become a Junior Member.

iii) Associate Member – any person aver the age of 18 years who resides in the Prestwich or Whitefield area shall be eligible to become an Associate Member.

4.2. Junior Members shall not be entitled to hold any office, nor be members of any elected committee.

4.3. Associate Members shall not exceed 33% of the total number of the Executive Committee.

4.4. Junior and Associate Members shall not enjoy voting rights at any General Meeting of the Club.

4.5. Any candidate for Full Membership or for Junior Membership shall deliver to the Secretary of the Executive Committee an application form signed by him or her and in the case of an application for Junior Membership countersigned by his or her parent guardian or person having parental responsibility.

4.6 Any candidate for Associate Membership shall deliver to the Secretary of the Executive Committee an application form countersigned by two current Full Members.

4.7 Not sooner than 48 hours after receipt of the duly completed application form for Membership, the Secretary of the Executive Committee may elect a candidate to Membership although such election shall be subject to confirmation by the Executive Committee at it’s next available meeting and the decision of the Executive Committee shall be final.

5. Executive Committee

5.1 The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the overall management and financial control of the affairs of the Club in all matters not in these Rules reserved for the Club in General Meetings and shall comprise not less than eight Full Members and shall elect from within it’s numbers the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer of the Club.

5.2 The Executive Committee shall meet at least once every three months and four Members of the Executive Committee shall form a quorum.

5.3 At all Executive Committee meetings voting shall be decided by simple majority of those present and attending the meeting. The Chairman or his nominated representative at a meeting shall have a second and casting vote in the event of equality of votes.

5.4 The Treasurer will be responsible for the Club’s finances.

5.5 The Treasurer shall be an ex-officio Member of all sub-committees of the Club and shall be entitled to attend at the meetings but not to vote thereat.

5.6 The Executive Committee shall power to appoint any Full Members to fill the remainder of the term of Office any vacancy, which shall arise on the Executive Committee.

5.7 Any property of the Club shall be vested upon trust for the Members of the Club in the names of not more than four nor less than two Trustees who may be appointed from time to time by the Chairman pursuant to a resolution of the Executive Committee. The Trustees shall deal with such property in accordance with the directions of the Executive Committee.

5.8 The Club may purchase or otherwise acquire and hold property of any nature and may sell lease mortgage or otherwise deal with the same in accordance with a resolution of the Executive Committee.

5.9 All kit & equipment purchased from Marauders funds, Sponsorship or Donations will remain Marauders property at all times

5.10 Reasonable office travelling and other expenses incurred by officers and Members of the Club may be reimbursed by the Treasurer in accordance with directions from the Executive Committee.

5.11 All officers of the Club, Trustees and Members shall be effectively indemnified by the Club from the Club funds from and against any liability costs expenses and payments whatsoever which may be properly incurred or made by them in relation to any matters arising directly or indirectly from the proper performance of their duties and obligations hereunder. The Club will seek suitable Public Liability Insurance in respect of this matter.

5.12 No Officer of the Club, Trustee or Member shall be personally liable to any Member of the Club or to any third party for any matter arising directly or indirectly from the proper performance of their duties and obligations hereunder.

5.13 The Executive Committee shall have power to form a sub-committee and make by-laws as it thinks necessary for the proper running and management of the Club.

6. General Meetings of the Club

6.1 There shall be an Annual General Meeting of the Club held during the month of June each year.

6.2 The business of the Annual General Meeting shall be: -

i) To receive a report from the Chairman

ii) To receive a report from the Secretary

iii) To receive the report from the Treasurer including the accounts and balance sheets.

iv) To elect the Executive Committee for the following year from nominations signed by two Full Members and submitted to the Secretary at least ten days before the Annual General Meeting.

v) To deal with any other business where the notice of intention to raise the subject has been given in writing to the Secretary not later than 1st June preceding the relevant Annual General Meeting.

6.3. On receipt of a requisition signed by not less than one fifth of the total Membership eligible to vote at an Annual General Meeting or ten Full Members of the Club (whichever shall be the lesser number) the Secretary shall convene a Special General Meeting for the transaction of special business as set out in the requisition.

6.4. The Executive Committee may summon a Special General Meeting at any time by notice given by the Secretary to all Full Members.

6.5. The Secretary shall give notice of all General Meetings to all Full Members not less than seven days before the date of the relevant General Meeting. Such notice shall identify the place, date and time at which the meeting is to be held.

6.6. The quorum for a General Meeting shall be twenty Full Members. If half an hour after the time appointed for a General Meeting, insufficient Full Members are in attendance to constitute a quorum, the meeting, if it is an Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting convened by the Executive Committee, shall be adjourned for one week and at any such adjourned meeting the numbers of Members attending at the designated time and place shall constitute a quorum. But if the original meeting is a Special General Meeting convened by requisition of Members, it shall be declared a nullity and any resolution or proposal, which was to be put to the meeting, shall be deemed to have been lost.

6.7. Every Full Member shall be eligible to vote at any General Meeting.

7. Subscriptions

7.1. Subscriptions for Members shall be such sum as the Executive Committee may propose and the Club approves by simple majority each year at the Annual General Meeting.

7.2. The subscription year for all Members shall commence the first of July following the Annual General Meeting until the following thirtieth of June.

7.3. Late payment of subscriptions or Membership fee may incur a Suspension or expulsion from all club activities until a settlement is agreed. The Executive Committee will determine this.

7.4 The Executive Committee may approve different rates of subscriptions for Members by reason of age, hardship and/or for different categories of Membership, or for any reason, which in their absolute discretion they believe to be relevant.

7.5 All fines must be paid by the perpetrator within 28 days & will include an administration fee.

8 Accounts and Finance

8.1. The Treasurer shall keep proper books for accounts and shall produce these so that they may be reviewed by a professional accountant without an audit being undertaken, the accountants will be nominated by the Executive Committee and approved by the Club at the previous Annual General Meeting, and the accounts and balance sheets shall be presented at the Annual General Meeting in accordance with sub-rule 6.2(iii).

8.2 The Treasure shall open and maintain a bank account into which all monies received by the Club shall be paid. The Treasurer and either Secretary or Chairman shall sign all cheques, negotiable instruments or other documents relevant to the said account and requiring the authority of the Club.

8.3. The Executive Committee shall, when authorised to do so by the Club in General Meetings, be empowered to borrow and raise money on behalf of the Club. The nominated signatories specified in sub-rule 8.2 shall be authorised to negotiate agreements for repayments of any such monies borrowed within the limits set by the Club in General Meetings.

9. Amendment of Rules

9.1 These rules may be amended, repealed or added to by resolution of the Members at a General Meeting provided that such resolutions shall have been approved by not less than two thirds of the Members attending and entitled to vote at such General Meeting.

9.2 Notice of any proposal to amend these rules shall be given to all Full Members not less than 7 days before the holding of the General Meeting.

10. Notices

The accidental omission to give notice of a meeting to, or the non-receipt of notice a General Meeting by any Member shall not invalidate any proceedings or resolutions at any General Meeting of the Club or any Committee or sub-committee thereof.

Child Protection Policy

Building a better future for football

At Marauders Football Club, We believe that taking part in the sport of association football should be a positive and enjoyable part of children’s lives. We aim to do our up most to protect all children from any form of harm whilst under the supervision of Marauders managers, coaches and helpers. To comply with the recently achieved FA Charter Standard award, Marauders now have two Child Welfare Officers and Police check all Managers, coaches and main helpers. We also follow FA guidelines for Child Protection. We have these aims to help us deliver these policies:-

The children’s welfare is paramount. All children regardless of age, culture, gender or racial origin have the same rights to protection from abuse.
The Club will keep in place suitably qualified persons in a role to deal with any concerns within the Club about child abuse issues.
The Club will ensure all Managers, Coaches and any other regular helpers are CRB checked as quickly as possible, preferably before the start of any season.
All Managers will be provided with a written procedure for reporting and dealing with accusations or suspicions of abuse.
The Club will keep written records of attendance, parental consent and accidents.
The Club will promote ‘good practice’ in the care of children whilst they are taking part in any Marauders activity.
The Club will take all allegations of abuse (of whatever form) seriously and should the need arise the proper authorities will be informed.
For the safety of the Children the Club Welfare Officers have the authority to suspend any party whilst investigations of an allegation take place.
The Club will ensure that all managers are adequately qualified to FA Level 1 in coaching, and hold a current Emergency Aid certificate. If this isn’t possible an alternative person with such qualifications will be present at all times.
All teams will be given a copy of the Clubs Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy, Complaints Procedure and any other relevant Club Rules. All members of that team both Players and Parents will be expected to adhere to them at all times.
It is the Clubs policy that a minimum of three adults (to include parents) will be present at all training sessions, and that all completed medical forms will be available at every session.
The Club will encourage parents to play a regular part in supporting their child whilst at Marauders sessions.
Marauders now have a dedicated e-mail address sent directly to the Clubs Welfare Officers. It is totally confidential & cannot be accessed by anyone else. childprotection@marauders.co.uk

Useful web sites: -

www.TheFA.com/Goal - The FA’s latest child protection information.

www.nspcc.org.uk - Britain’s largest children’s charity and a prime mover in the development of Child protection services in sport.

www.childline.org.uk - Children’s charity with national 24 hour telephone help line. Offers Children the opportunity to talk in confidence.

www.bullying.co.uk - This charity web site is designed for children and parents who are faced with dealing with bullying, giving practical advise and guidance.

Code of Conduct

This code of conduct has been drawn up to ensure the smooth running of our club. We are all stakeholders in our club and it is the responsibility of us all to act in a fair and professional manner. Please abide by this code.

1. Managers / Coaches

To try to keep all players / parents informed to changes to matches, venues and training sessions as soon as possible.
To the best of the manager’s ability, develop an appropriate relationship to assist each child to improve their skills and knowledge of the game.
To promote ethical principals within all decisions made.
Not to be a negative role model to the children, not to take charge of training sessions or matches whilst under the influence or alcohol or drugs. Not to be abusive or use abusive language.
The well-being and safety of each player must be placed above all considerations, including the development of performance.
The team manager must behave as a manager at all times, must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair-play, good equity) and never condone law violations.
Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
Increased responsibility is requested from coaches involved in coaching young people. The health, safety, welfare and moral education of young people are a first priority, before the achievement or the reputation of the club, coach or parent.
The managers must promote the idea that winning and loosing are not the primary objectives. Playing to enjoy the game is the primary objective
To actively promote the club wherever and whenever possible and to solicit sponsorship for the good of the club and subsequently the good of the team.
The manager and coach must not put himself / herself in a position where he / she could be accused or suspected of physical, sexual or emotional abuse of any child.
To listen to any questions the players or parents may have and answer them honestly.
Show due respect to Match Officials and others involved in the game.
2. Parents / Spectators
To pay all signing on fees and subscriptions on time unless by prior arrangement. To pay all fines due to bookings received during matches or being sent off.
To attend matches whenever possible (help with transport, replacement of equipment at home matches) and support your child and his / her team. Should you have any concerns voice them immediately with your team manager.
Not shout, abuse, give unfair or negative criticism of the players, manager, referee or the opposition. Encourage your child to perform to the best of their ability. Respect the referee’s decisions.
Inform the manager / coach as soon as you’re aware that your child is unable to attend matches or training sessions.
Positive encouragement contributes to children enjoying football, improving their self-esteem.
Not to interfere with team selection or tactics before or during a match. Not to coach the players during a game (you may cause confusion if the manager has asked your child to do something different).
Try to play a part in your clubs welfare and prosperity. Try to support your club in its efforts to raise funds (all additional funds are invested in your child). If your circumstances allow, try to become involved with the running of the club, either in the management of the football team or in the administration of the club.
Try to help your child by making sure that he / she should share secrets even if he / she has promised not to tell.
Encourage your child to tell you before he / she has a lift in someone else’s car.
Encourage your child to tell someone if he / she is being bullied for any reason, or they know of anyone being bullied.
Encourage your child to say NO to ANYONE who touches him / her, does or says something that makes your child feel uncomfortable.
Return ALL kit and equipment if your child leaves the club.
3. Players
Try to attend as many training sessions and matches as possible (shin pads and the correct footwear must be worn at all times during training sessions and matches).
Listen quietly to what is being said by the manager / coach.
To accept the decisions without protest of the manager / coach / referees and show respect to them at all times.
Players should ask questions if they are unsure of instructions or directions given by the manager / coach.
Not use bad language or behave in a manner likely to embarrass the club (this may result in expulsion for the club).
To look after the kit provided by the club and to make good any losses or damages at the players expense. Return all kit if leaving the club.
Not to smoke, drink or be under the influence of drugs or illegal substances during training sessions or matches.
Report all injuries to the manager / coach and parents.
Players must not ridicule any other player. Make your teammates feel valued.
Above all enjoy yourself and always give 100%