It's been another positive season on and off the pitch at Wellington AFC, as revealed during the club's annual general meeting (AGM).
Chairman Mike Hall reported improvements for the first team, which ended the season with six wins in 10 games, and the reserves, who are eagerly awaiting for promotion to the Premier Division after finishing third in the First Division of the Devon & Exeter League.
Mr Hall also reported that the A Team won a promotion as champions of the First Division of the Taunton Saturday League.
Despite the challenges faced in the First Division of the Somerset County Women’s League, the Wildcats finished in a respectable position.
The Under 18s, on the other hand, had their best season in recent years.
In the youth section, Wellington AFC's Under 16 Town, Under 12 Rovers, and the Under 9s stood out with remarkable performances.
The Ability Counts teams were equally commendable, indicating an overall successful season for the club.
However, the increase in costs resulted in the club dropping plans to move its main pitch to Longforth Farm.
Instead, efforts shifted towards upgrading the playing field facilities.
Significant funding from the Premier League Stadium Fund enabled replacement of the current floodlights with four permanent LED lights columns.
Mr Hall expressed his gratitude to the club's officers, committee members, managers, and coaches for their dedication.
Also, he acknowledged the indispensable support of match day volunteers, bartenders, caterers as well as those assisting the youth teams.
Without these collective contributions, Mr Hall affirmed the club could not operate.
The club's secretary, Jane Brown, confirmed that despite the disruption caused by periodic heavy rain leading to game postponements, all fixtures were completed on time; thanks, in part, to the extension granted by the cricket club at the playing field.
As stipulated in the final report by treasurer Reg Oxby before his resignation, the club recorded a loss of £4,000 for the 2023-24 season.
This was primarily due to an increase in heating and lighting expenses and bar running costs.
Nonetheless, he was confident in the club’s financial resilience to meet forthcoming season demands and support future growth.
Mr Hall particularly emphasized the contributions of retiring members: Reg Oxby, his wife Jenny Oxby, and committee member Steve Coles.
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