2016 AGM Minutes

28 Nov

The 2016 Annual General Meeting took place yesterday (Sunday 27th November) at Bedford International Athletics Stadium, and saw Michael Dilley named the new Club Chairman.

Attended by Club members, coaches, friends, family and supporters, the meeting covered off elections to the committee for the year ahead which included newly-created roles of Academy Coordinator and Flag Football Coordinator, as well as a brief financial update by Treasurer Nick Chapman, and a look ahead to the upcoming year.

Also discussed and approved were proposed changes to the Club Constitution to support the newly-created positions on the Club Committee.

2016 Committee Election Results
  • Chairman (two-year term): Michael Dilley
  • Academy Coordinator (one-year term): Mark Chilton
  • Flag Football Coordinator (one-year term): Jake Cooper
  • Communications Manager (one-year term): Michael Dilley
  • Child Welfare Officer (one-year term): Jenny Chilton
  • 3 x Ordinary Members (one-year term): Gareth Pullen, Ross Hubbard

Following the application and election process there is currently a vacancy on the Committee for an “Ordinary Member”. Fore more information on the role please get in touch.

To download the public version of the AGM presentation please click here.

Eagles to launch satellite youth club in Buckingham

20 Apr

The Eagles have a key mission to promote the sport of American Football and grow youth participation in our region. There’s lots of evidence to show that encouraging young people into the game early has benefits to the game and to public health objectives in general.

We have been partnering with American Football Development (AFD) to build an entry level program to be hosted at schools and colleges in Bedfordshire and North Buckinghamshire.

We are delighted to announce that The Bucks and Milton Keynes Sports and Activity Partnership (LEAP) has awarded Ouse Valley Eagles a grant of £3000. This is to build a satellite youth club operating out of Buckingham School for the next two seasons and builds on a successful Sportivate seven week taster session which we ran in Buckingham before last Christmas. AFD will provide the initial coaching delivery.

Part of the program is to create a sustainable coaching model in order to train at least ten aspiring coaches through an accreditation pathway during this period. These will be drawn from existing teaching staff, OVE senior players and potential coaches new to the sport.

We would like to thank and acknowledge the support of AFD, LEAP and Aylesbury Vale Disctict Council in establishing this opportunity. We plan to extend this model to further schools and colleges and grow a network of satellite clubs with Ouse Valley Eagles as the hub.

Speaking on behalf of the Club, Vice Chairman Mark Chilton commented:

This represents another step in our Club’s development.

There has been a recent surge of interest in American Football among the 14-17 year age range. The sport has a responsibility to capitalise on that to grow participation at all levels of the game in terms of playing, coaching and support.

This a great opportunity and hopefully the first of many.

Guthrie Miller of AFD agreed:

This is fantastic news. AFD are looking forward to working with OVE to get the program up and running.

If you would like further information about satellite club development or how your school or college may partner with the Eagles in a similar way please get in touch.

2015 AGM Minutes

16 Nov

The 2015 Club Annual General Meeting took place yesterday (Sunday 15th November) at Bedford International Athletics Stadium (BIAS).

The meeting covered a review of the club’s financial position for 2015, a review of the club’s performance on and off the field during the year, an exciting announcement regarding the future of Youth and Flag football in the region, a walk through of the results of the Annual Survey and a discussion around the us of team buses to away games in the future.

Also covered were proposed changes to the Club Constitution and the all-important election of a new committee for the 2016 season which saw the following people appointed:

– Vice Chairman: Mark Chilton
– Treasurer: Nick Chapman
– Gameday Manager: Paul Smyth
– Secretary: Jenny Chilton
– Ordinary Member: Michael Dilley
– Ordinary Member: Jack Judge
– Ordinary Member: Gareth Pullen

To download the the public version of the AGM presentation please click on the link: 2015-AGM-v1.4-Public.pptx

American Football ‘Sportivate’ Program in Buckingham School

23 Oct

The Eagles are delighted to announce a Youth American Football program starting at Buckingham School.

The Club have worked in partnership with LEAP, The Bucks & MK Sport & Activity Partnership, and Aylesbury Vale District Council to fund an eight-week taster session under the Sportivate program.

Sessions will be delivered by American Football Development, who provide cleared and accredited coaches on a national basis, and are partnering with The Eagles to deliver this program. They will be held on Thursday afternoons at 15:30 – 17:00 starting on 22 October during term time.

The program is designed to introduce some fundamental skills of the sport such as passing, catching, running with the ball, flag tackling and general game play. The intention is that this will lead into the development of a satellite community club under the Eagles’ banner, in Buckingham in early 2016.

Speaking on behalf of the Eagles, Vice Chairman Mark Chilton said:

This is a great chance for young athletes in the Buckingham area school system to try out the sport of American Football. The Ouse Valley Eagles are proud to be working with Leap, AVDC and AFD to provide this introductory opportunity which we are keen to extend into next year and beyond.

Gur Samuel, Managing Director of American Football Development added:

Anyone who’s involved with the British American football community knows the phenomenal work Neale (McMaster, Club Chairman) Mark and the rest of the OVE committee have done to build the club over the past few years, and AFD is thrilled to partner with the Eagles to help establish and expand their schools program throughout their region.

We’re delighted to be able to introduce this wonderful sport to the pupils of Buckingham School and to train up the future generations of Ouse Valley Eagles players.

Interest in American Football is at an all-time high given unrivalled TV coverage and NFL games being played in London for the next ten years. The Buckingham Sportivate program is open to secondary school age athletes regardless of gender. No experience is necessary or even expected!

For further information please contact Buckingham School on 01280 812206.

Cousins v Chilton – The Results

06 Oct

In our third Head to Head of the season Offensive Lineman and Rookie of the Year Danny Cousins took on Vice Chairman Mark Chilton. Here’s how they got on…

Ravens 23 Steelers 20 (Thursday Night Football)

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: This was a tough one to call but Danny went with the hosts by a score despite them missing Big Ben. Home advantage seemed to be the difference for him but he called it wrong as the Ravens won a close one. 0-1.

ChiltsCHILTON: Mark said the Ravens were better than their 0-3 record suggested, and said the short week wouldn’t help the Steelers. Spot on on both counts, it would seem. 1-0.

Jets 27 Dolphins 14

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: Danny’s back in the game. He called a big week for Chris Ivory and boy did he call that right. The only thing he had wrong was the margin of victory for the Jets, but we’ll let him off that one. 1-1.

ChiltsCHILTON: Our lifelong Jets fan was never going to pick anyone other than New York in this one, but he had a little bit of science to back him up. “The key battle is that Miami’s offensive line will not cope…” he said. If you look at those stats the Fins O put up it’s hard to argue. 2-0 and a very happy Jets fan.

Texans 21 Falcons 48

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: That matchup must be our “never in doubt” game of the week. The Falcons brushed the Texans aside to go 4-0, Danny called it right, and he’s up to 2-1.

ChiltsCHILTON: Chilts said Atlanta were his dark horses for a bit of a run this season. If they weren’t on everybody’s radar at the start of the season they sure as heck are now. Mark goes 3-0.

Giants 24 Bills 10

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: He trusted his instincts and said the Giants would not be able to overcome the Bills, and this showed that the Force is not strong in this one. Cousins is back to 2-2.

ChiltsCHILTON: It’ll be a close one and “home field advantage may tile it in Rex’s favour” said Mr Chilton. The fast-improving Giants clearly didn’t get the memo for this one, and the Vice Chair has his first slip up. 3-1.

Raiders 20 Bears 22

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: Is the fact that both of our guys predicted a Raiders win on the road here a sign of how far Oakland have come, or how far the Bears have fallen? You be the judge. Anywho back in the room, Danny is now 2-3.

ChiltsCHILTON: Chilts was closest to a correct prediction by saying they both could lose. He wasn’t far off, but he still falls to 3-2.

Chiefs 21 Bengals 36

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: Danny’s prediction of the Bengals clocking up over 200 yards on the ground was maybe a little optimistic, but he was bang on apart from that. He’s up to 3-3.

ChiltsCHILTON: He had a lot of faith in Kansas City. Some would say misplaced faith, but one wouldn’t want to be unkind. Their “decent defense” shipped 36 points and left Bengals wondering if this could finally be the year it all comes together for them. Spoiler alert: it probably isn’t. Mark’s 3-3, and we’re all tied up.

Jaguars 13 Colts 16

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: Both of our guys picked the Colts to blow Jacksonville away, but in fairness that was before it was revealed that Andrew Luck would miss the game through injury. In any event, Danny’s above .500 for the first time. 4-3.

ChiltsCHILTON: Neither team wanted to win this but eventually the Colts managed to make it stick. It was a big win in the context of the AFC South, but it won’t paper over the cracks of what has been a decidely dodgy start for them. Mark also goes to 4-3.

Panthers 37 Buccaneers 23

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: The Panthers are up and down more than…well, let’s just say they’re inconsistent. What was consistent though is that both our guys correctly picked them to beat the Bucs. Cousins goes 5-3.

ChiltsCHILTON: Correctly predicted a Buccaneers defeat. Not much more to say really is there? Let’s move on. 5-3.

Eagles 20 Redskins 23

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: Went with the Eagles winning a close one. It sure was a close one, and the ‘Skins somehow dug out the win. Danny falls to 5-4.

ChiltsCHILTON: Mark thinks it inexplicable that Washington are in freefall, which will come as a surprise to fans of NFC East teams who have enjoyed/endured watching them suffer for a number of years now. He’s also 5-4.

Browns 27 Chargers 30

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: “Chargers bounce back from their loss against the Vikings and get a home win against the Browns. Chargers win.” Just about sums it up. 6-4.

ChiltsCHILTON: He went back and forth and eventually settled on a home win with no confidence whatsoever. Which ironically is exactly what we had. Mark is also 6-4.

Rams 24 Cardinals 22

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: Carson Palmer has been immense so far this season and Danny reckoned it would continue in this divisional game against the Rams. He was wrong. 6-5.

ChiltsCHILTON: Oh Mark. Marky, Marky Mark. “This is the home banker/lock of the week” said Mr Vice Chairman. Not quite as wide of the mark as Will White and Jack Judge both picking the 49ers to beat the Cards last week, but it’s close. 6-5.

Vikings 20 Broncos 23

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: Vikings fan Danny had to go with his team on the road against Denver, and you have to admire him for that (are you listening, Mr McMaster?). Still, Minnesota lost the battle and it looks to have lost Cousins the war. 6-6.

ChiltsCHILTON: Having said Denver would have too much for the Vikings he probably didn’t think it would be as close as it was, but that’s irrelevant. Mark edges ahead, 7-5.

Packers 17 49ers 3

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: Another game that finished closer than predicted, but he called a Packers win (although who wouldn’t?) and another good game for James Jones. Danny goes 7-6 but keeps it close.

ChiltsCHILTON: The only thing Mark got wrong in this one was the margin of defeat for San Francisco. He expected them to ship 40 points but the 49ers defense managed to keep it fairly respectable. 8-5.

Cowboys 20 Saints 26

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: Always a tricky one to pick considering the injury situations at both teams, and not knowing whether or not Drew Brees would be playing. The Cowboys ran the previously 0-3 Saints close, but it’s not good enough for Cousins who falls to 7-7.

ChiltsCHILTON: Chilts was a bit more confident of another Cowboys road victory, but hadn’t factored in Mr Brees being fit and in determined mood. He goes 8-6.

Lions 10 Seahawks 13

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: It wasn’t supposed to be this close, and but for another incredibly controversial call in Seattle it may have been very different. No matter, Danny rightly picked the Seahawks and finishes a just about respectable 8-7.

ChiltsCHILTON: He called Kam Chancellor the difference maker in this one and boy was he right, but certainly not in the way he expected Chilts finishes 9-6 to take the win.

So there we have it. Vice Chairman Mark Chilton takes a close Week 3 with a score of 9-6 to Danny Cousins’ 8-7. The Coaches and Staff lead after three rounds 28-19 to 25-22, and it’s all to play for between the Players and the Staff next week where Running Back Matt Duffin take on Running Back Coach Neil Duffy.

Did any of this week’s results in the NFL surprise you? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet.

Head to Head: Cousins v Chilton

30 Sep

If there’s one thing sure to split opinion quickly it’s the age-old battle of who knows more about the NFL, the players or the staff?

To try and resolve the issue once and for all players take on coaches and backroom staff one on one to try and decide once and for all who really knows their stuff.

The concept is pretty simple: each week one Eagles player and one staff member will go head to head predicting the outcome of the weekend’s NFL games, and by the end of the season the true power houses will emerge.

In week one Wide Receiver Chris Cowley took on Club Chairman and Offensive Coordinator Neale McMaster battled out a 6-10 draw, and last week Head Coach Will White defeated Tight End Jack Judge by a score of 13-3 to 11-5.

Next up we have Offensive Lineman and Rookie of the Year Danny Cousins taking on Vice Chairman Mark Chilton.

You can let us know what you think of their predictions by leaving a comment in the box below, by posting on our Facebook page, or by sending us a Tweet. Be sure to check back to Tuesday to see how they got on:

Ravens @ Steelers (Thursday Night Football – Sky Sports 1 HD, Friday 01:25)

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: The Ravens are 0-3 and the Steelers have lost Big Ben. Not ideal situations for either team. Although I think that Vick will do ok for the Steelers, they also have Bell and Brown on their side of the ball and home advantage. Steelers win by 1 TD.

ChiltsCHILTON: Baltimore are 0-3 for the first time in their history but are playing better than that record suggests. Pitt will be without their starting quarterback and will turn to an ageing Michael Vick whose magical powers are diminishing. The short week won’t help. I pick Baltimore to open their account.

Jets @ Dolphins (International Series – BBC2 HD, Sunday 14:00)

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: I’m struggling to decide on this one. The Jets and Dolphins are both coming off home losses but the Dolphins haven’t had great results against any of their opponents this year. Ivory will come back in week 4 and post 100yds+ and the Jets get a close win over an under-performing Dolphins team. I reckon it will come down to a FG.

ChiltsCHILTON: I’ve supported The Jets for thirty years and know them to be cursed. The last time I saw them play Miami, in New York they stunk the joint out. This time at Wembley with me watching again it will be different. The key battle is that Miami’s offensive line will not cope with the stunts and blitzes The Jets fearsome defense will deliver and Tannehill will be pressured all day. The Jets may have the best defense in the league and their conservative offence will have enough on Sunday. I am definitely biased; but for once there’s logic to it.

Texans @ Falcons

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: The Texans beat the Buccaneers last week but they face a far more formidable offense in the Falcons where Julio Jones is on fire. I reckon the Falcons will go 4-0.

ChiltsCHILTON: I like Atlanta. They are often overlooked and are my dark horses for a bit of a run this season. They have a consistently balanced offence led by Matt Ryan which should be a model for many teams to copy. Devonta Freeman rushing and Julio Jones receiving combined for 350+ yards and five touchdowns last week. Even JJ with his super-hero powers is not stopping that. Falcons win.

Giants @ Bills

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: I’m gonna go with my instincts and say that the Giants can’t overcome the Bills. OBJ still has a great game (for the sake of my fantasy team), but not enough to beat the Bills and they win by a TD. Bills win.

ChiltsCHILTON: Buffalo have been spanked by New England – who hasn’t – but have otherwise been effective on both sides of the ball. The Giants have been finding exotic ways to throw games away but I reckon they will make this close. Home field advantage may tilt it in Rex’s favour. Bills win.

Raiders @ Bears

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: The Raiders had a great game last week with Carr, L. Murray and Cooper all looking awesome. With the Raiders showing great potential for the future and the Bears on a dismal run, the Raiders win.

ChiltsCHILTON: Chicago competed well against Green Bay in week 1 but has particularly suffered from poor special teams play in posting 0-3 for the first time in more than ten years. They also can’t move the ball without Cutler. The Raiders sprung a surprise in beating the Ravens and won on the road last week for the first time in a season and a half. Toss a coin on this one, they might both lose. Raiders win.

Chiefs @ Bengals (Sky Sports 2 HD, Sunday 17:30)

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: The Bengals offense are looking good at the moment along with a good defense. I think they’ll keep the Chiefs’ offense in check and get the win with the Bengals clocking over 200 yards on the ground. Bengals win.

ChiltsCHILTON: The Bengals have edged games which they might have lost and that’s a good habit to have. The Chiefs record is misleading as they have lost to two very good teams in Green Bay and Denver. They will provide the toughest opposition Cincy has faced yet. Sean Smith their best corner returns following a DUI suspension so a decent defense will get better. Chiefs to edge it.

Jaguars @ Colts

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: The Colts offense will finally come good and blow the Jaguars away. They win by 3+ TDS. Colts win.

ChiltsCHILTON: Jax are underfunded perennial strugglers and are likely to be the next franchise to up sticks for somewhere else. Indy has had a slow start and has lost to good teams but kick started their offense putting up 35 last week. Another long afternoon for the Jax D. Colts win.

Panthers @ Buccaneers

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: I think the Panthers will have the fire power to beat the Buccaneers. Panthers win convincingly.

ChiltsCHILTON: Both teams have prevailed against New Orleans. Carolina has had a soft schedule to date and Tampa has looked very ordinary in their other games and has a propensity to be terrible. No surprises here as I take Carolina’s passing game to win the day. Panthers win.

Eagles @ Redskins

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: Eagles get the win, but only just. Low scoring game with less than 7 points in it. I’m sure one of these teams will make me eat my words on this one, let’s hope it’s the Eagles!

ChiltsCHILTON: Inexplicably Washington are in freefall. I’m surprised they won’t trade RG3 if they are not going to play him. He retains value andthey have holes all over. Philly had a good first half last week and hung on gamely for their first win. Chip Kelly has found a way to be effective and this will continue. Eagles win.

Browns @ Chargers

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: Chargers bounce back from their loss against the Vikings and get a home win against the Browns. Chargers win.

ChiltsCHILTON: Both teams have started poorly and neither will contend. San Diego can’t defend the run and even pulled Phillip Rivers for Kellen Clemens last week. Hardly a great sign. But then Cleveland has yet to establish a running game and have QB inconsistencies of their own. I’ll go with home advantage with no confidence whatever. Chargers win.

Rams @ Cardinals (Sky Sports 2 HD, Sunday 21:15)

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: Carson Palmer has thrown 9 TD passes already this season! With home advantage they get yet another win. Cardinals win.

ChiltsCHILTON: The Rams did well to beat a complacent Seahawks team but have been unconvincing since. The Cardinals ripped The 49ers a new one last week with two rushing, two receiving and two defensive touchdowns and vie with Atlanta and Green Bay as the best team in the NFC. This is the home banker/lock of the week. Cardinals win.

Vikings @ Broncos

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: The odds might be stacked against us, but I can’t go against my own team. I think we’ll need to rely on our running game heavily (AP to rush for 150yds+), and then burn them with the deep pass to Wallace once they’ve stacked the box. Fingers crossed for a Vikings win.

ChiltsCHILTON: Minnesota has celebrated the welcome return of Peterson, given his issues, but this is a tough ask. Peyton is on the last lap of a brilliant career and deserves to go out as one of the best ever. I feel that Denver will have too much at Mile High altitude for the Vikings. Two good teams but Denver to edge it. Broncos win.

Packers @ 49ers

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: The Packers are looking like the team to beat in the NFC, they’ve been putting on some fine performances even after losing Jordy Nelson for the season. Are the Raiders and Giants kicking themselves after releasing James Jones, or could Aaron Rodgers even make me look like a world class receiver? I don’t know, but he’ll get at least another TD this week. Packers win by 3+ TDs.

ChiltsCHILTON: Green Bay look strong again and San Francisco most decidedly does not. Their home opener win against The Vikings would be reversed if it were to be played again. I see The 49ers shipping 40 points for the second successive week against Green Bay’s potent offence. Packers win.

Cowboys @ Saints (Sky Sports 2 HD, Monday 00:30)

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: Can the Cowboys O line carry their offense? Will Drew Brees be back? I think the Cowboys have more quality overall. They get the win by one TD.

ChiltsCHILTON: This is an example of roster management. Jimmy Graham’s free agency move to Seattle has left a hole that New Orleans has yet to fill but Dallas has coped just fine without DeMarco Murray. I expect this trend to continue and predict another Cowboys win.

Lions @ Seahawks (Sky Sports 2 HD, Tuesday 01:15)

Danny CousinsCOUSINS: The Seahawks shut the Bears out last week and the Lions haven’t looked great this season. Seahawks have enough to get the win.

ChiltsCHILTON: Kam Chancellor ends his hold-out and Seattle posts their first win. Coincidence? I think not. But it shows lack of depth. The Seahawks have been in the last two Super Bowls but I do not expect a 3-Pete, although they’ll have too much for Detroit who are in for another long season. At least they get Chicago twice – but not this week. Seahawks win.

Summary

Match Cousins Chilton
Ravens @ Steelers (TNF) Steelers Ravens
Jets @ Dolphins Jets Jets
Texans @ Falcons Falcons Falcons
Giants @ Bils Bills Bills
Raiders @ Bears Raiders Raiders
Chiefs @ Bengals Bengals Chiefs
Jaguars @ Colts Colts Colts
Panthers @ Buccaneers Panthers Panthers
Eagles @ Redskins Eagles Eagles
Browns @ Chargers Chargers Chargers
Rams @ Cardinals Cardinals Cardinals
Vikings @ Broncos Vikings Broncos
Packers @ 49ers Packers Packers
Cowboys @ Saints (SNF) Cowboys Cowboys
Bears @ Seahawks (MNF) Seahawks Seahawks