Update from the President
Happy New Year to you all, I hope you're all safe and well. Now we're well and truly gearing up for the 2022 season, I wanted to give you an update of a few things:
Coaching
Smitty, Hicksy and Wilko are well and truly on board for this year for the women’s program. You might not have seen Smitty too much so far, but with the Giants AFLW season in full swing balancing training, games, travel and maintaining good health and safety protocols we as a club want to support her with balancing her time and priorities at this time of the year. That's not to say that she isn't working very hard, as the whole preseason has been structured and planned out down to what training looks like for each session between now and the start of the season. Not forgetting Hicksy and Wilko however, who have been doing a fantastic job so far and will continue to do so. I am proud to say that we really do have the best coaches in the competition. If you are looking to improve your footy at whatever level, then you are in the best place to do so.
You may have noticed that Greg has not been around at training so much this preseason. That is because he has taken on an exciting new role at the new joint venture between two of our junior pathway clubs Lane Cove and North Ryde. Part of his role is to work with senior clubs in the area so we will still be working closely with him as the season progresses. I want to wish Greg all the best and to say thank you for all of the hard work and effort he has put into coaching ressies for the last couple of seasons. I am working hard to find a new ressies coach and discussions with a few people are ongoing.
From the Men’s side, we continue to invite expressions of interest for head coaches for both Seniors and Reserves. I am continuing to have discussions with a number of individuals, and I hope to be able to provide an update very soon.
Volunteers
We are always on the look out for more people to help with the day to day running of the club, especially on gameday. Specifically we would love to get some help with team management and admin and help to manage and operate the canteen. If you or someone you know is keen to help out in these roles or in any capacity then please reach out to me.
Key dates
April 2nd - Round One
Date in March TBC - Season Launch
March - Practice matches TBC
AGM – Thursday 24th February
Preseason Camp
After the success of our last couple of visits to Nelson Bay, we will look to organise a preseason camp again in the near future. However, we are currently waiting to see how the current covid wave plays out in the next few weeks before making a final call and preparations after that should it be a greenlight
Season launch
Likely to be in March, with a date TBC once we can confirm with The Ping a date that is free. Whilst the formal aspect of last year’s event was great, and it was an opportunity to see what everyone looked like in clothes other than footy training gear, we will be going for a more informal event this year in order to be as inclusive as possible, as well as affording the opportunity for us all to come back together and bond as a club after a tough couple of pandemic affected years.
Junior Pathways
The Committee and I are really focussing on how we can help build a long term, sustainable, Destination club across the Sydney basin. Our Junior to Senior Pathway plans are developing, particularly as AFL Sydney have now recognized us as a partner senior club to a number of Junior clubs across both Men's and Women's. This is a fabulous win as it allows us to promote Senior Football and more importantly choice for Juniors. To help with this, Wilko has taken on the extra role of General Manager of Junior Pathways. He has a great energy and vision for this space, and is the best person to lead this important pillar for the club.
Prep For Prems
We will be running another P4P as it is a fundamental aspect of junior to senior pathway development plans, please get the message out about the program as fa and wide as you can! We have attendees from as far as Saratoga and Baulkham Hills!
Rego
The system is live and accepting registrations. Early bird discount of $50 is valid up until the end of February. There is also a bonus discount for Macquarie Uni students, as well as a referral bonus for returning players who bring on board a new player to the club. If you need a payment plan then please speak to me.
Sponsors
The club is always on the look out for new commercial partners. Why? It is a great opportunity for businesses to show their support for the local community, as well as getting good exposure through the club's channels. In return it helps us to rely less on player rego and over time bring those fees down as much as we can. It also helps the club to grow and provide a destination for all players young and old, elite and social, to play their footy, improve and have fun. This year we will continue to invite player sponsors in addition to our principal and major partners. All players are invited to bring in a player sponsor. Why? Because it’s a great way for the player to have their rego covered, as well as giving an opportunity for a local business to gain some more support without a significant financial contribution
Membership
Looking for a way to support the club if you’re not currently playing? Then check out our new membership products. Get behind the club and show your support by heading to the Membership section of the website for more details
Merchandise
The shop is live and ready to accept your orders for Mac Uni merchandise. Pick up your colours in the Merchandise section of the website.
Covid Protocols
We will continue to comply with the NSW Health public health orders to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone involved with the club. Simply put: if you don't feel well, indicate you can't make a training session and give any one of your coaches the heads up you are staying away.
As you can see there is plenty on, and it is all exciting stuff as we lead up to the start of the 2022 season. As always I am available should you have any ideas, feedback or questions with regards to the club and how to make it better. I’m available through the club and my personal social media channels, as well as LinkedIn, email and phone.
All the best,
Kristian
0478 811 191