SURREAL MADRID NEWS 2002
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SESSION REPORT (24th August 2002)
This week's game started with a rash of goals from the Non-bibs, mainly due to a numbers advantage. But Steve L evened up the sides by putting on a vest and the goals soon started coming. Robbie was the Bibs's most threatening player with shot after shot at goal but consistently failing to convert. Keeper Dave N combined excellent goalie skills with the magical ability to move the bar into the line of the ball. But Robbie's persistence eventually paid off and he managed to put three away by the end of the match. Overall, there was some nice play and the third goal by the Non-bibs was a beautiful display of positioning and passing. Many nutmegs were also traded and a good time was had by all. Final score: Bibs 7 - 9 Non-bibs.

SESSION CANCELLED 9TH SEPTEMBER (14th August 2002)
Due to University maintenance, the pitch will not be available on 9th September. As attendance has been low over the summer, Big Al has decided that it would not be worth trying to entice people to an unfamiliar ground, which would be further away and more expensive. Alternative plans that have been suggested are another attempt at a team meeting and a team social event. A decision has not yet been taken, but watch this space!

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK (14th August 2002)
Our 22nd session looked to be rather disappointing when only six of our players turned up. But the match was soon saved by four plucky young kids who asked if they could join us. Thanks to their cheeky opportunism, our 3-a-side kickabout became a 5-a-side match. Fresh legs were added half an hour in when Andy G also turned up, and a spectacular sunset was lost on the players, but appreciated by Big Al, as the goals came in thick and fast. After an early lead by the non-bibs Andy swapped sides to even things up, so the bibs had a numbers advantage for most of the game. But both teams played well, mixing our lads' experience with youthful energy and a few nice tricks from our visitors. So thanks to Lee, Craig, Kane and Matt for making it a worthwhile sesson. Final score: Bibs 12, Non-bibs 9.

MINUTES OF THE FIRST TEAM MEETING (31st July 2002)
Thanks to the Commonwealth Games and various other work commitments, turnout at our first team meeting was low. Six, to be precise. But we persevered and some conclusions were reached, some beer drunk and some information gathered for the website. Here are the official minutes:
Present: Big Al, Dave N, Gareth W, Jon, Robbie, Simon
1) Pitch
The consensus was that we should continue playing on the water-based astroturf, although Robbie did say that he knows some players do prefer the bigger, self-contained sand pitch. It was also agreed that playing on grass, once the season starts, would be an even better option.
ACTION: Big Al will continue to book the water-based pitch and look into local grass pitches.
2) Money
With over £100 in the kitty, it was suggested that we should invest in another ball and a couple of pairs of keeper gloves. After that, kit should be our first priority. It was agreed to investigate cheap, white football tops and to ask the players to supply their own white shorts and navy socks. However, it was also agreed that we should wait until we've got a proper team together as we might be able to get sponsorship to pay for them.
ACTION: Big Al to buy ball and gloves. All team members to keep their eyes open for cheap shirts.
3) Matches
All the guys at the meeting were keen to play some competitive matches, with the aim of entering a league. It was agreed that we should start putting together an 11-a-side team for proper training on Sunday mornings.
ACTION: Big Al to gather interested parties together for weekend training sessions.
4) Any other business
Gareth had an excellent idea for an 'away weekend' playing a friendly against some guys he knows in Harlech.
ACTION: Gareth to find out more.

TEAM MEETING CALLED (24th July 2002)
Next week will be the team's 20th session. To mark the occasion, Big Al has decided to call the first Team Meeting. It will be held after practice (9.15pm) on 31st July 2002, at the Soak in Selly Oak. Items on the agenda will include: money, player numbers, the pitch and matches. Big Al will of course be letting people know, but would be very grateful if others could also try and spread the word. She's also keen to hear suggestions for other matters for discussion, so please get in touch if there's a burning issue you want to raise.

A NAME IS FOUND! (17th July 2002)
The waiting is finally over - Surreal Madrid it is! Just as Big Al's comprehensive survey was nearing its conclusion, Robbie came up with a name better than anything already suggested. From then on it was an easy choice between current leader (Speedy Beavers) and the new and exciting Surreal Madrid. With an email vote putting the latter ahead 8-0, the matter was finally put to bed with a quick check after practice on 17th July. Of the 18 players present, not one objected to the suggestion so Big Al decided to declare it the winner. Big Al hopes that this will help strengthen team loyalty, as well as determine the kit and make entering a league a real possibility. The task is now on to design the logo and begin work incorporating the new name, logo and kit into the website.

THE SEARCH FOR A NAME CONTINUES (5th June 2002)
After weeks of discussion, Big Al has decided to take drastic measures to reach a consensus about the name of the team.
Having compiled a comprehensive list of all suggested names, Big Al is tracking down the players, one at a time, and making them indicate their preferences by the cunning use of a tick or cross against each suggestion.
Once everyone has expressed their opinion the name with the most ticks will win. If you are a player and haven't yet made your mark, please get in touch with Big Al as soon as possible.

THE SEARCH FOR A PITCH CONTINUES (5th June 2002)
We have been offered a match by a team of self-confessed 'animals' from Rover. But they're not willing to play on astroturf, so the search is on for a full-sized grass pitch which hasn't been de-rigged for the summer. Big Al has been given a couple of contacts, but no luck so far. If anyone knows of any available pitches please get in touch.

RAIN SORTS THE MEN FROM THE BOYS (5th June 2002)
Session number twelve looked to be a wash-out as the heavens opened a couple of hours before practise. Combined with several Jubilee absentees, hopes weren't high for a good turn-out. But eight intrepid players ventured out for an exciting four-on-four - well done lads!