A Week of Triumphs, Trials, and Unforeseen Challenges

This past week has been a roller-coaster, marked by remarkable on-field performances and unforeseen off-field challenges.

On Tuesday, our first team faced Worksop FC in the Sheffield Senior Cup. Despite a close match that ended in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, we narrowly missed victory. Saturday brought mixed results, with our development team, 35s, and under 18 girls experiencing tough losses. However, our first team's 1-3 win against Barton Town has now positioned us just three points off from fourth place.

Off the field, we found ourselves in the global spotlight due to a topic surrounding the Fa's Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policy, concerning our ladies' team. While legal constraints prevent me from delving into specifics, we've left the matter in the hands of the FA and as a club we have been exemplary at adhering to the policies.

This unexpected media attention has been a challenging experience, with the BBC stationed outside our gates prior to our game against Worksop FC. Amidst this storm, our primary concern remains the well-being of the player at the center of the controversy. Beyond the headlines, we must remember there's a person involved, and compassion must guide our actions.

In navigating this media storm, I've had to draw on all my leadership skills like never before. Communicating clearly with our players, key personal, staff, and the media became crucial. Transparency and a commitment to the values that define our club have been at the forefront of our responses. I've worked tirelessly to ensure that the focus remains on the game, our players, and the positive impact we aim to have in our community.

Despite the chaos, the business of running our club continued. I reviewed our accounts, managed stock and material orders, and settled bills. Thursday offered a brief reprieve as I caught up with our dedicated volunteers, and Friday involved meetings with the FA and discussions with our first-team manager, ensuring our focus on football excellence remained undeterred.

Looking ahead, the coming week promises to be just as demanding. Several meetings after work, the completion of a grant funding bid for essential machinery, and attendance at the league cup game on Tuesday and the Doncaster Rovers Academy game on Thursday—all essential components of our commitment to excellence.

We're excited about our new partnership with the Doncaster Rovers Academy, not just for the prestige it brings, but also as another source of income for our club. As we gear up for the game, we hope to see a strong turnout of fans, reinforcing the sense of community that makes our club truly special.

In addition, it's been great to onboard two new sponsors this week. This gives me great confidence that we are doing the right things as a club. Furthermore, I have another lead to follow up on this coming week, indicating that our club's reputation and reach continue to grow.