Top Tigers Take Trophies at Awards Afternoon. 

Players and supporters joined coaching and admin staff for Glasgow Tigers FFC’s Awards Afternoon on Saturday 8^th December 2007. 

Before the raffle was drawn, and everyone tucked into the buffet, coaches Clee, Graham, Irwin, Stevenson, and West announced which players they had decided would receive the MVP (Most Valuable Player) and MIP (Most Improved Player) for 2007 at each age level; presenting them with their trophies. GM: Andrew Wallace, presented each player with a medal to show Glasgow Tigers FFC’s appreciation of their efforts in the 2007 season. 

Recipients of the trophies were as follows:- 

Cadet MVP 2007:  Josh Fletcher 

Cadet MIP 2007: Liam O’Connor 

Junior MVP 2007: Andrew Steen 

Junior MIP 2007: Liam Baird 

Youth MVP – Offense 2007: Scott McIntosh 

Youth MVP – Defense 2007: Nick Halfpenny 

One other award was presented by Andrew Wallace, with his SFFA Secretary’s hat on, to the Tigers’ player who had received the most MVP nominations for the SFFA league matches played during 2007. 

The trophy for SFFA Junior MVP 2007 went to Andrew Steen   

Glasgow Tigers FFC would, once again, like to congratulate the MVPs, MIPs and, indeed, all the players, for their achievements this year and to thank all those who made the effort to come along to our Awards Afternoon. 

We hope to see you all on Saturday 12 January for our first practice session of 2008 when we will begin our bid to maintain or even surpass our accomplishments of 2007.  

Seasons Greetings to all Glasgow Tigers FFC members and here’s to a prosperous and successful 2008 season.

AKW 13/12/2007

GLASGOW TIGERS FFC AWARDS 2007 

Glasgow Tigers FFC invites all our Cadet, Junior and Youth players, their coaches and supporters to our awards afternoon.

 This will take place in the clubhouse at Cambuslang RFC on Saturday 8^th December 2007 from 2pm to 3pm; after our very last practice for this year.

 What with becoming SFFA Scottish Champions 2007 at Youth and Junior levels and the third placed squad at Cadet, as well as having 10 players in the 2007 Scotland squads, Glasgow Tigers FFC have got plenty to celebrate this year. We want to show all our players how much we appreciate their efforts. We also want to thank their families for their support throughout 2007. So we’ve laid on a buffet and there will be the chance to win a prize in our raffle.

 As well as these, we’ll have our awards ceremony when medals will be presented and guests will learn who will receive the trophies awarded to those players whom our coaches have nominated as Glasgow Tigers FFC’s MVP (Most Valuable Player) and MIP (Most Improved Player) at each age level for 2007.  

So we ask all players and their families to please come along to the Glasgow Tigers FFC Awards 2007 to show your support for your fellow club members, help us share our appreciation of their achievements, and celebrate our successful 2007 season with us.

 I’d be grateful if, after reading this, you could contact any of your fellow players and/or club members you think might not have seen it and make sure that they and their families know about our awards afternoon. We want to encourage as many of them as possible attend. 

We look forward to seeing you there!                                                                                                          

       AKW 27 Nov. 2007

10 Tigers Make Team Scotland 2007 Squads

 Well done to all the Tigers’ players who were selected for the Team Scotland squads at the final SDS Session of 2007 in Stirling University Campus on 13 October 2007. 

SDS Head Coach; Adam Donaldson, has now announced the selections to the clubs involved. 

Squad selections are as follows (Tigers in Orange Font); 

Cadet Team Scotland Squad  2007:

Craig Findlay                                                                                                 Josh Fletcher                                                                                                       Scott MacDonald                                                                                              David McCrum                                                                                  OwenMoir                                                                                                 Andrew Skinner                                                                                          Fraser Thompson                                                                                        Kevin Woods 

Junior Team Scotland Squad 2007:
 
Ally Ferguson
Chris Graham
David McInally
Martyn Paterson
Marc Prasher
Craig Samuel
Andrew Steen
Callum Woods
 
Youth Team Scotland Squad 2007:
 
Andrew Burns
David Ewing
David Fallon
Nick Halfpenny
Grant Isdale
Kenny MacKay
Scott McIntosh
Alan Steen
 

So, out of the 24 players selected in total for the Cadet, Junior and Youth squads a very creditable 10 of them are Tigers’ players. That means that Tigers make up 41.66% of the Scotland squads.

 In terms of each squad this breaks down as follows:

Cadets: 1 Tiger out of 8 players selected – 12.5% of the squad.

Juniors: 4 Tigers out of 8 players selected – 50% of the squad.

Youths: 5 Tigers out of 8 players selected – 62.5% of the squad.

These are great figures for Glasgow Tigers FFC!!

Team Scotland players will, hopefully, be travelling to Ireland early in the new year to take part in a national tournament. Adam Donaldson will keep all involved up to date with the progress in planning this event. 

I’m sure that the selected Tigers’ players will do their country, and Glasgow Tigers FFC, proud.

AKW 23/10/2007

Wallace’s Waffle 

So! Glasgow Tigers are SFFA Youth Scottish Champions 2007 and SFFA Junior Scottish Champions 2007 and it feels so good to be able to say it!. Doesn’t it!!? GO TIGERS!! 

A big well done to ALL the Glasgow Tigers flag squads for their performances at Finals Day V on Saturday 29^th September 2007. 

Although our Cadets didn’t bring home a trophy I was very impressed by the way in the 3rd/4th play-off you bounced back from being shut out in the first match against the eventual champions; Inverness Buccaneers (who were all clearly at the older end of the Cadet age level). You all showed your mettle by putting on an excellent display against the Pirates (who also stood head and shoulders above most of you) to take the third place spot!!

 The Junior final didn’t turn out to be the “walk in the park” we expected it to be but, like our Cadets, you all stepped up to the challenge; keeping the Hornets at bay in the first half and, with a full strength squad, stretching your lead in the second half to take the Championship!! 

That Youth final was something to behold!! Several people from other clubs have commented to me that this was the best display of flag football they have witnessed. The line judge from the match: John Scougall, told me it was a pleasure to be involved with it and in their match report Inverness Blitz write: “.. the true winner on the day was definitely Scottish American Flag Football with one of the closest and most exciting games played in good spirit and with both teams showing each other appreciation of their skills.”   

In such an important match, to stop the Rockets’ comeback; from being 2 TDs behind to taking the lead, then come within 8 yards of the end zone, call a time out on 4^th down with one second left on the clock and score the winning TD in that very last second of the game takes players of a special calibre and, in my opinion, that’s what you all are. You richly deserve the Championship (Although I think you should have been more considerate of your supporters’ health and not caused them quite so many palpitations!!).    

There are no words to express how deeply proud and honoured I felt presenting the Wallace Shields to the Tigers’ Junior and Youth Squads. 

Each and every one of you, at all age levels, played your hearts out and showed what being a Tigers’ player is all about. You were, to quote a certain Tigers’ parent and committee member (you know who you are!), “Fantastic!”

 It didn’t escape my notice, and was commented on by others also, that throughout the day Tigers’ players from other age levels were on the sidelines supporting their fellow club members during their matches. Indeed all our Cadets stayed on after their matches were over and were supporting the Youths and Juniors in their finals. They were also there to see the older lads receive their medals and trophies and (quite rightly) were called over to take their place in the team photo (Which, incidentally, is now the desktop wallpaper on my PC at home!). This is indicative of the inclusive and supportive nature of Glasgow Tigers FFC. It is very much a collaborative effort where the success of any of the squads is celebrated by every club member. This, I feel, is what makes us one of the most successful flag clubs in the country and what makes all my efforts for it worth while.

 Season 2007 has been a problematic one for the SFFA and, therefore, for me both as SFFA Secretary and GM of Glasgow Tigers FFC. Despite my best efforts; with numerous emails sent throughout the season offering several dates to other clubs, I was unable to arrange as many league matches for the Tigers as I, and no doubt, our players and coaches, would have liked (It’s kind of difficult to arrange matches with other clubs and coaches when they don’t answer any of your emails!!). There have also been many other issues and incidents to deal with; some of which you’ll know about and a few that you won’t, and don’t need to, know about. This has, unfortunately, always been part and parcel of the positions I hold in the flag-football community but I have to say there have been more than a few times this year when I’ve seriously considered whether I should continue in either, or both, of these roles. What it always comes down to in the end for me, though, is that I love the sport and ultimately I’m doing what I do for the players. Their enthusiasm and drive for the sport of flag football deserves every effort I can make to help them improve their skills. Whatever the age or skill level; whether it remains at club level; playing for fun, or gives them the ability, along with sufficient drive and dedication, to try out and play for their country’s national squad is irrelevant to me. I feel to give up my roles within the Glasgow Tigers FFC and the SFFA is to abandon those players and, perhaps, deny them these opportunities which my efforts have in some way helped to provide.       

 In my opinion flag football is a sport in its own right. It’s not just an adjunct to kitted play; it’s “poorer relation” so to speak (Although I firmly believe that, with a proper balance, both Flag and Kitted can run in conjunction, and compliment, each other). Flag football is a sport which may, in the future, be considered for inclusion in the Olympic Games. It’s the sport which I have dedicated the last few years to promoting and supporting to the best of my abilities through my work with the SFFA and Glasgow Tigers. It’s the sport to which I will always be proud and honoured to have donated the Wallace Shields that, I like to think, players strive towards being awarded when they become SFFA Scottish Champions; just as Tigers’ Youth and Junior squads have done this year. It’s the sport I will continue to support as long as there are kids willing to play it; whatever the body it is governed by (hopefully still including the SFFA in some form) in the future. Such matters will, no doubt, be discussed and debated from now until the SFFA AGM in January 2008 when the membership will have some important decisions to vote on.

 You may have seen on the SFFA forum what Stephen Cumming of Grangemouth Broncos wrote: “Although the season possibly didn't go as well as planned - the Finals Day showed that there is still talent at all age bands.” I wholeheartedly agree with this view both in terms of the SFFA and within Glasgow Tigers FFC itself. At the end of the season, when my enthusiasm for flag is at a low ebb, seeing all the players’ efforts, skills and enthusiasm for the sport that I love at SFFA Finals Day always restores my “faith” in the sport and renews my enthusiasm for it. This year, more than ever, with the success of Glasgow Tigers at SFFA Finals Day V I’m fired up again and ready to (pardon the pun) fly the flag!! So I can assure you that as long as there are still those at Glasgow Tigers American Football Academy who want to play flag football; whether they’re Cadets, Juniors Youths (or Seniors?) I’ll be willing to continue as GM of Glasgow Tigers FFC to ensure that they have the best opportunities to play matches in a safe, protective and regulated manner against other clubs in next year’s league in whatever form it takes.

 I hope that you: players, coaches and supporters alike, have all taken similar satisfaction from, and derived a similar boost in your enthusiasm for, flag football so that you will continue, with me, to enjoy playing and supporting it at Glasgow Tigers FFC, continue to “Imitate the Action of the Tiger” and, in so doing, continue in our efforts to ensure that, next year, Glasgow Tigers remain (or in the Cadets’ case become) Scottish Champions!!

                                                                                               GO TIGERS!!!             

All Three Glasgow Tigers’ Flag Squads

get to SFFA Finals Day V.

I’m very pleased and proud to offer my congratulations to all Glasgow Tigers Cadets, Juniors and Youths who, once again, have all qualified for SFFA Finals Day. What’s more Glasgow Tigers are the SFFA Junior Conference Champions 2007 and SFFA Youth West /Central Conference Champions 2007 with Cadets being Runners-Up in the SFFA Cadet West /Central Conference 2007. A great achievement for all of you!! 

All three squads have been invited by SFFA Competition Director; Andrew Chapman, to take part in SFFA Finals Day V on Saturday 29th September 2007at St Margaret’s High School Sports Comprehensive, Airdrie where they will compete to become SFFA Scottish Champions 2007. 

Let’s hope that this time round we can improve on the silver medal positions gained at SFFA Finals Day IV in Inverness last year.

 As detailed in the Itinerary that was emailed to all participating clubs and is copied below, all Cadet and Youth squads are asked to be at St Margaret’s for registration between 9.00am and 9.30am. Their 1^st semi finals kick off at 10.00am. Junior squads should arrive no later than 2.30pm for their Final match at 3.00pm (Approx.). I’m sure, however, that Tigers; Cadets and Youths would be glad of the Juniors’ support during their matches if they arrive earlier!!

 Please note that, if parking at Airdrie Sports Centre (former home ground AC Raptors) SFFA Finals Day V is taking place in the Astroturf facility which is situated behind and up the hill from Airdrie Sports Centre.

 Although there is usually a burger van at the entrance to the Airdrie Sports Centre car park, which is adjacent to St Margaret’s Astroturf facility, the there are no other food outlets nearby. So it may be advisable to bring your own.  

I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday and, hopefully, handing over the Wallace Shields to you at the end of the day!!

                                                                                                          AKW 25/092007

Itinerary

9 .00am - 9.30am

REGISTRATION

Junior Squads should aim to arrive by 2.30pm at the

latest for their Final match.

9.30am - 9.45am

COACHES’ & OFFICIALS’ MEETING

10.00am

1^st SEMI FINALS

i.                   Inverness Buccaneers v Glasgow Tigers (Cadet)

ii.                Inverness Rockets v Grangemouth Broncos (Youth)

11:30am (Approx.)

2^nd SEMI FINALS

i.                   Grangemouth Broncos v Inverness Pirates (Cadet)

ii.                  Glasgow Tigers v GlenUrquhart Gladiators (Youth)

1pm (Approx.)

3^rd & 4^th PLAY OFFS

i.                   ------------------------  v -------------------------- (Cadet)

ii.                ------------------ ------ v ---------------------------(Youth)

3pm (Approx.)

FINALS

i      ------------------------  v -------------------------- (Cadet)

ii      Glasgow Tigers v Glasgow Hornets  (Junior)

iii      ------------------ ------ v ---------------------------(Youth)

4.30pm (Approx.)

AWARDS CEREMONY & TEAM PHOTOS

Glasgow Tigers FFC Receive Their Barclays Spaces For Sports Coaching Pack 

Following their successful application for coaching kit through the Barclays Spaces For Sports programme Glasgow Tigers FFC GM; Andrew Wallace, has received the order and was able to distribute the kit to coaches and players at practice on Saturday 28 July 2007. 

On a bright but blustery day (par for the course at Cambuslang Rugby Club!) the coaches (especially Coach Clee who arrived at practice with just a T shirt) were able to make immediate use of their fleeces and jackets. 

Andrew Wallace handed these over to the coaches as well as the water bottles and carriers along with the kit bag containing all the training bibs, cones, clipboards, watches and whistles and first aid kit. Not to mention the two brollies that Coaches Clee and Irwin (AKA “Shrek”) had a fight over (or was that with? The swashbuckling Erroll Flynn and Basil Rathbone in “The Adventures of Robin Hood” came to mind – but maybe I’m just showing my age there!!!!).  

Tigers’ players received a T-shirt, baseball cap and tote bag each which they donned for a team photograph.

 GM; Andrew Wallace, commented “I’m delighted that Glasgow Tigers FFC was a recipient of all this kit. It’s good to see that, within minutes of receiving it coaches and players are already using their new equipment (most of it properly!) and I’m sure this will continue for a long time to come.”   

He added  “On checking their website, I see that after helping 3600 teams around the UK the Barclays Spaces for Sports Coaching Kit scheme has now closed. We must have been one of the last few clubs whose application was successful!! So, on behalf of all the coaches and players of Glasgow Tigers FFC I’d like, once again, to thank Barclays for their donation which, as I said previously, is very much appreciated.” 

 Wallace concluded, “I know this equipment really will make a big difference to the coaching staff but, more importantly, to the players aged 7 to 17 who are, or will be, members of Glasgow Tigers FFC.  It will, no doubt, also be of similar benefit to the other 3599 teams and, therefore, thousands of boys and girls throughout the UK.” 

                                                                                                     AKW 28 July 2007 

SFFA Junior League:

They Think It’s All Over…It ISN’T Now!!

With clubs throughout Scotland withdrawing their Junior squads from the league this year the SFFA’s bank balance has been boosted by the cashing of several bond cheques. We were, however, left with the situation that the West/Central Conference consisted of Glasgow Tigers and Glasgow “Stinger” Hornets whilst only the Glasgow Hornets were left in the North/Eastern Conference. 

This would mean that the Junior season was already at an end with the ludicrous situation where Glasgow Tigers are West/Central Conference Champions: having played a grand total of two league matches against Glasgow “Stinger” Hornets, and Glasgow Hornets have become the North/East Conference Champions without playing any league matches whatsoever!! 

After discussions between the “head honchos” of both clubs (or the SFFA Competition Directors; whichever way you want to think of Messrs Chapman and Wallace) it has been decided to scrap the two conferences with the teams of both clubs merging into one Junior league. This will give Glasgow Hornets four league matches to play; two against their own club’s “Stinger” squad and two against Glasgow Tigers. Better than no matches at all (or only two matches in the Tigers’ and “Stinger” Hornets’ cases). One of the Hornets Vs Tigers matches has been arranged to take place on 4^th August 2007.  

Moreover, Glasgow Hornets have announced that they will hold “Buzz Bowl”: a Junior Flag Tournament at East End Healthy Living Centre on 11^th August 2007. Clubs have been invited to bring along their SFFA/BAFA registered Junior players so that they can take part in this event. 

Andrew Chapman explained  “This will give all the Junior players the opportunity to play in “friendly” matches against their peers at the age level they should be playing rather than league matches as part of youth squads in which they have been “playing up” this season.” 

He added  “We may also take the opportunity to play the remaining league match against the Tigers on the day but junior players of both Hornets and Tigers will, hopefully, also get to play some other squads too!” 

AKW 25/06/2007 

Barclays Kit Boost for Glasgow Tigers Flag Football Club

 Barclays has come to the aid of Glasgow Tigers American Football Academy by donating a set of coaching equipment to its Flag Football club. The award to Glasgow Tigers Flag Football Club has been made as part of the £30m grassroots sports programme, Barclays Spaces for Sports.

 The donation is one of 1,200 being awarded each year to ensure teams across the UK will benefit from the three year scheme.

 Glasgow Tigers FFC’s General Manager, Andrew Wallace, said “Following Inverness Blitz’s successful application last year Glasgow Tigers decided to give it a try, requested the Barclays Spaces for Sports application form, completed it and sent it away with fingers crossed. I’m thrilled that our application has also been successful and amazed at how much is supplied with the award.  The coaching kit and equipment includes baseball caps, t-shirts, tote bags, training bibs, coaches’ jackets and fleeces, umbrellas, clipboards, stopwatches, whistles, training discs, water bottles, water bottle carriers, team bag and first aid kit. I know that all of it will be put to good use by the coaches and players in Glasgow Tigers FFC.”.

 He added “I’d like to thank Barclays for their donation which is very much appreciated”.

 Michelle Smith, Head of Community Sports Sponsorship, said “Barclays are delighted to be supporting Glasgow Tigers Flag Football Club and hope this coaching kit will encourage their interest in sport and lead to greater success!”

 Barclays Spaces for Sports, a partnership between Barclays, Football Foundation and Groundwork, will create sustainable sports sites and provide coaching kit and equipment to communities in most need of help across the UK.    

For further information see www.barclays.co.uk/spacesforsports

 For a coaching kit and equipment pack application form ring 0800 027 4221 or email enquiries@spacesforsports.org.uk

                                                                                           AKW 30/05/2007

With the departure of Mark Fletcher and, therefore, the demise of “Fletcher’s Lecture”, it now falls to me, as Glasgow Tigers Flag Football Clubs’ General Manager, to give you my insight on what’s happening within the club and maybe provide some “pearls of wisdom” in what will now be known as “Wallace’s Waffle”. 

In this first edition I thought it best to let you all know, if you didn’t already, of the changes over the past few months whilst the website has been “out of commission”. 

All Change at Glasgow Tigers FFC

In early December 2006 the Glasgow Tigers Flag Football Club Committee met to discuss what changes in personnel were required for the future running of the club. At this meeting I was elected to the role of Chairman replacing Mark Fletcher. The vacated post of Secretary was filled by Maureen Halfpenny which, in turn, left a General Committee Member’s place free. This was filled by Jim McInally. The full Glasgow Tigers FFC Committee is now as follows:

Chairman:         Andrew Wallace   

                Secretary:         Maureen Halfpenny 

                Treasurer:          Susan Baird

                Player Rep.:      Vacant (to be elected by players)           

   General Committee Members:     Brian Graham

                                                    Don Halfpenny

                                                    Jim McInally

                                                    Sharon McIntosh

                                                    John Stevenson

                                                    Linda Whale                                                                        

It was also decided at this meeting that a change in the coaching set up of the club was required. The main changes were the appointment of a General Manager who is in overall charge of the club and that of a Head Coach who, as the title implies, is in sole charge of, and is able to concentrate on, the coaching of all age groups within the club.

 Thus Graeme Clee has been appointed as Glasgow Tigers FFC Head Coach whilst continuing as such with the Junior Kitted squad. This gives the flag football club a vital link, which was lacking previously, to the kitted disciplines within the Glasgow Tigers American Football Academy as well as continuity for the players who Coach Clee now mentors at both Flag and Junior Kitted levels. This continuity is further solidified by the addition of kitted coaches; Kyle West and Neil Irwin (AKA Shrek) to our flag coaching staff.

 I’m also happy to say that we have players who have expressed an interest in coaching this season which the existing coaching staff is more than willing to encourage and nurture as it can only bode well for the future of the club. In time, we “old fogies” will, hopefully, be able hand over the reigns to them! This being the case Andrew Burns (AKA Nigel), whilst continuing to play in the Youth squad this season, will also coach at Junior level.

 So our coaching set up for 2007 is as follows: 

Head Coach:                 Graeme Clee 

Cadet Coaches:             John Stevenson

                                    Neil Irwin 

Junior Coaches:             Brian Graham

                                    Andrew Burns

Youth Coaches:             Graeme Clee

                                    Kyle West

(Contact details of all coaches are available by clicking on “Contacts” on the Homepage of the website).  

I understand, also, that Alan Steen will be asked to impart his playing knowledge in occasional sessions with our Cadet players throughout the season.

 Bag Packing Raises Bank Balance

After the bag packing fundraiser on Saturday 30th December 2006 at Morrison’s Supermarket, Lindsayfield, East Kilbride the club was able to boost its bank balance by an amazing £905!!

 A big THANK YOU goes to Linda Whale for arranging to get us into Morrison’s, Lindsayfield and sending out details to our members, to Jim McInally for printing off the Glasgow Tigers FFC “flyers” for collecting buckets etc. and, of course, to all the coaches, players and parents who took time out of their own seasonal festivities to help raise some much-needed cash for the club.  

Unfortunately, I was unable to be there on the day as I was celebrating the festive season with my family in Cheshire. I do feel, however, that I still “did my bit” by giving directions to Lindsayfield over my mobile phone whilst standing in the middle of a stable yard in North Wales (my niece was having a riding lesson). I also raised that extra fiver on my own earlier that week by preparing the Brussels sprouts and roast chestnuts for Christmas Dinner!

 Watch this space for details of our next fundraising event which we hope more members will make the effort to attend!      

New Game Shirt Design Agreed

Now that sufficient funds are available the club is in the process of arranging for the purchase of new game shirts for Glasgow Tigers FFC.

 A “think tank” meeting was held on 10 April by committee members and coaches to come up with the design. After much toing and froing, discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of certain colours, positioning of logos, numbering, names etc. (and even colouring in with pens!) a design that was to everyone’s mutual satisfaction was eventually agreed. I understand that Don Halfpenny is now in the process of getting sample shirts from the manufacturer.

When we are all happy with the result, a stock of shirts for each age level will be purchased by the club. Players will also be given the opportunity to order their own shirt; customised with their preferred name/nickname and number. 

It is hoped that the Tigers will debut their new look at SFFA league matches in the near future. 

Website Update

The fact that you’re reading this is proof that the Glasgow Tigers FFC website is, at long last, operational once again. Yes! After a six month period during which, due to circumstances beyond our control, it was in a state of suspended animation: “It’s Alive!” …again!! WOOHOO!!! 

John Whale has “grasped the nettle” and is now our Website Administrator. John has asked that we bear with him as he finds his way through the intricacies of web design and administration. I have no doubt, however, that we can look forward to some dynamic changes to what will become an all singing, all dancing website in the near future.  

This will be your window into all that is happening with the Glasgow Tigers FFC and should become your first stop to check on match dates, results, reports, pictures etc.  

Please remember that this is YOUR website for YOUR club! If you have any contributions to make; comments, suggestions, questions etc. please don’t hesitate to send them in. Just click on “Ask Blitz” on the home page!

 Finally…     

The last few months have been a period of transition for us all here at Glasgow Tigers FFC; what with changes in the committee, changes in the coaching staff, players moving into new age groups and getting to grips with their new playbooks…its been a busy and exciting time for us all. In my opinion, though, all these changes are for the better and can only benefit the club in the long run.

 The biggest change for me is that I now find myself as General Manager in overall charge of, and with a remit to ensure the smooth running of every aspect of, Glasgow Tigers FFC. Shakespeare wrote; “…some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.” In this case I’m one of the latter. I also think “greatness” is putting it bit strong!! To be perfectly honest, at first, it felt like a daunting prospect and I’m finding it a challenge, but it’s a challenge I’m proud and honoured to have had “thrust upon” me. I hope that, so far, those who voted me into this position feel that their faith in me was not misplaced.

In November 2006 I made a promise to the departing Head Coach on behalf of all of the membership that I would endeavour to maintain the high calibre of play and sportsmanship that has become expected of Glasgow Tigers FFC; not only by those within the club but by the players and coaches of other SFFA member clubs. In my role as General Manager I intend to do everything within my power to keep that promise. That is my ultimate goal in all that I do for the club. It’s a goal that I hope you all share with me.  

Hopefully now that the SFFA Season 2007 has started and the prospect of actually getting to play some matches gets ever nearer (Roll on 12th May!!), the period of transition is at an end and we can all concentrate on reaching that goal whilst never forgetting to “Imitate the Action of the Tiger” and, above all, to have fun along the way!!      

                                                                                                            GO TIGERS!!!!

                                                                                                            AKW 03/05/07

In the first weekend of December, although there was no practice for the Tigers the Cadets met up in the car park for the to receive their MVP/MIP awards from Coach Stevenson.

Coach Stevenson explained that he considered the Cadets to have two different types of team members in 2006 the: he older, more experienced players and the younger players who had been dubbed the “Baby Bengals” So he had selected MVPs and MIPs for both categories. 

So for the older boys joint MVP/MIP were Fraser Stevenson and Liam Baird who received Colts Jerseys: Manning and Harrison respectively. Whilst  the  younger players’ MVP went to Darren O'Connor and MIP to Liam O'Connor who got “Property of” T Shirts: Bucs and Raiders respectively. 

As well as this it was arranged for SFFA Competition Director: Andrew Chapman to also attend so that he could present The SFFA League 2006 MVP Trophy. This went to Liam Baird who received 8 nominations. 

Well done to all the Tigers Cadets MVPs and MIPs and especially to Liam on becoming the SFFA League 2006 Cadet MVP; a great achievement!!

                                                                                           AKW 19/12/2006