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here for HomeLooking back over the twenty two years of the Welsh Police Football Association provides sufficient perspective for us to gauge exactly how much we have achieved and of the friendships that have lasted over that time. To attempt to choose highlights from those years is a challenge, for each of us have our own magic or manic moments. From the very early days playing friendly fixtures in order to learn to walk before we could run, in the process, gaining so much valuable help from our Scottish Police colleagues. Through the middle years when we were sufficiently confident (some might even say, over-confident) to ride into Europe and challenge the Italian and Austrian National Police Teams in their own back yards or to successfully organise the first, and sadly the only, triangular Chapman Trophy competition. And onto today, when the experience gained is reflected in the most professional organisation of fixtures, receptions and events.
In those twenty two years, nearly two hundred games have been played and almost as many different players have taken part. Whilst the successes achieved by the Association rest largely on the skill, commitment and energy of those players, others too have played an important part. Team managers, coaches, trainers, those who care for the kit, have all contributed as have those who work hard on the Committee ensuring that the all important fine details are achieved. It is, perhaps, a good indication of the Association's stability that there have been just four Chairmen throughout the twenty two years. The help and support of Chief Officers, supervisors of all ranks, and fellow colleagues is also acknowledged, as their co-operation enabled us to field our strongest team for most fixtures. Perhaps those who have demonstrated the greatest understanding and patience are the families of players and members. But it is not only the police service who have contributed; County and Town Councils, Football Clubs, match officials, sponsors, schools and the ever present members of the St. John's Ambulance have all willingly given of their time and resources.
Who of us can or would want to foretell what the next twenty two years will bring. Our hope though is that determined people will continue to bring their energy and skill for the benefit of the Welsh Police Football Association and, who knows, maybe our winning of the Chapman Trophy will take pride of place in such future memories.
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