The first AGM of the club formed following the merger of Bedfordshire Blue Raider and Milton Keynes Pathfinders took place at Bedford International Athletics Stadium on Sunday, and saw the voting in of the club’s new committee and Head Coach.
Neale McMaster was named Chairman, Mark Chilton Vice-Chairman, Michael Dilley Treasurer and Jenny Chilton Secretary. Four ordinary members were voted in: Andy Larwill, James Salfarlie, Ian Barnsby and Nick Benning. Blue Raiders founder Tony Law and Pathfinders founder Charlie Edwards were also named honorary members. Speaking on the merger after the meeting, McMaster commented:
“This merger is a first for British American Football, and is meant to create an elite team in this area to compete with the best the UK has to offer. We have a very rare opportunity here to be able to build a proper franchise, the right way, from the ground up.
“We want to build a club that will be here for our children to play and support. It’s not about immediate success, but building for the future.”
As part of the formal proceedings former Peterborough Saxons Head Coach Will White was named the club’s new Head Coach and Defensive Co-ordinator, who said he can’t he can’t wait to get to work:
“It’s an honour for me to be chosen as the Head Coach and to lead this new team in what promises to be exciting times. I look forward to the upcoming challenge of building a program that everyone will be proud of and that the whole community will get behind.”
McMaster added:
“I am delighted to be able to welcome Will White to the club. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge from his time with the PA Knights, Coventry Jets and Peterborough Saxons. We believe that the appointment of Coach White as the Head Coach and Defensive Co-Ordinator of the team will promote the effort and commitment we expect from our players and coaches alike.”
A team name has been agreed on, but will be released when the logo and rest of the team brand has been finalised later this week.
New club committee:
Chairman: Neale McMaster
Vice-Chairman: Mark Chilton
Treasurer: Michael Dilley
Secretary: Jenny Chilton
Ordinary Member: Andy Larwill
Ordinary Member: James Salfarlie
Ordinary Member: Ian Barnsby
Ordinary Member: Nick Benning