Is she stealing?

[Gracie2906]

LO plays football for local team, lovely little team who did train with older boys until around a year ago when a set of parents from my LO age group took the team on.

The Dad trains the children (I use the world loosely, however he does his best and I appreciate that!) and mother takes the money & organises social events with the help of all us Mums when asked; although our suggestions go ignored.

I'm not convinced this set of parents haven't been 'dipping into' the kitty over the last year, but I have no proof other than a quick calculation of my figures don't match hers - but I can't prove it! So will have to let that slide for the mo!

Anyhow, it's the boys presentation this weekend and this mother has organised a DJ at the cost of £90 which will be paid from the kitty; my issue is our boys have no official kit (they just play in blue!), no training gear (DH asked could be buy some bibs this week for training and was told no, we don't have the funds), no training tracksuits, and some weeks during the winter not even the basic costs of hiring a venue were being covered so consequently it was paid out of the kitty. I said to Mum in question I think we should revisit the DJ idea, ultimately it's a presentation not a party and that's £90 that is the parents money so to speak which could be used towards the children not entertaining the adults - issue is she disagrees with me, she stated both her and husband want the DJ there to help keep the adults there later so more of a night out than presentation. She booked a Bouncy Castle for the children using £30 from kitty for the deposit and £70 of her own money to front the costs with the intention of claiming it back, then decided to cancel it when she realised it needed to be manned at all times consequently losing the £30 deposit paid from the boys kitty but ensuring she had her £70 back. I questioned this and asked her what we are gonna do about the missing £30 now as it's unfair the boys lose it, her response was "nothing we can do, we will live and learn "

I've asked on several occasions for a club bank account to be set up as it would be easier for many parents to pay DD but each time my request has been declined - is she hiding something? I'm concerned!

I don't mind helping at all, but don't want others to think I'm involved in this situ!

Any advice about the DJ would be greatly appreciated - how Can I say I think you're wasting the boys money? Or do you feel she's not? xx

Speak to the FA and get their advice.

Honestly unless the shit hits the fan this weekend I’d look for a new club for September. Concentrate on you and your upcoming new baby and make sure DS is safe (insured) and enjoying football

I was at this before work and I'm still

I don't think the FA will get involved in what's essentailly a few parents getting together and organising some training and games - it's not an official club from the way the OP describes, why would they interfere?

I said it above and it's worth saying again imo - walk away now, there's no good outcome here

I think,you need a new DBS check,for every organisation, so if dh has one at work, then it may not be valid for the football.

I may be wromg though.

It sounds as if she sees this as her small business and not a community group. And by her email, it sounds as if she is not willing to let go.

I think you have to let go of any fundraising or suggestions p(unless she employs you). You cannot be crying and stressing over this. As the others have said, perhaps mention your concerns and the email (omit the stealing hints) and look for another properly run group.

And all that money for a DJ is nuts. Spotify and a speaker surely, 9 quid for a months a membership at worst and a parent's sign for free at best - like you said it a medal giving not a party.

Do a group WhatsApp, get a mutual parent to ask for the accounts and schedule an AGM, then see what happens.

She may have it all under control with receipts, cash etc. Give her enough rope and all that.....

i was going to say can u not ask in the group on fb or somewhere what the money is for

asking privately will just get her all defensive if a few people can see it she might not be so bold

OP i would be worried about my reputation with the school too if it all goes tits up, as you were the person who organised it with them do they think you are one of the main people running it?

Maybe you could mention your concerns about the organisation of the team to the head -lack of financial transparency, DBS checks and insurance. I imagine she would insist that proper procedures are put in place in order for the group to continue using the grounds to protect the school as well as protecting their pupils who are using school facilities outside of school time.

OP stay well clear of the committee, fundraising and the accounts. It's all dodgy. Whatever you do don't get involved in it !

just find a new, properly run, club, it is quite simple really...