In welcoming back our football/netball family throughout the WorkSafe VCFL we trust everyone has had an opportunity to refresh prior to gearing up for a successful 2011 season.
We start the year with mixed news. On a positive note we are thrilled to announce the renewal of our WorkSafe sponsorship for another term of three years. We appreciate their ongoing support as we enter the 10th year of our unique and much valued partnership.
Since September last year life hasn’t been that easy for many clubs and their communities that have been severely affected by floods in September, more floods around Christmas and then unprecedented floods in January. At the time of writing the impact is still very real in the north west of the State with flood waters slowly but surely getting away and leaving significant damage in its wake for our football clubs, communities and people on the land. We have endeavoured to get to almost every affected club to witness the damage and very importantly to speak to club administrators about the plight they find themselves in.
Again, as with challenges of the past, you cannot help but marvel at the resilience and positivity of the people in the badly affected clubs and the surrounding communities. Our thoughts are also with our colleagues in Queensland.
The WorkSafe VCFL’s range of support and assistance programs:-
For a number of years now the WorkSafe VCFL have available:
- · A full range of funding, grants and subsidies
- · A full range of training & education programs
- ·
In almost every situation the WorkSafe VCFL can assist those affiliates that may find themselves “under the pump” from time to time. We cannot work miracles but generally speaking the right answers and solutions can be found – but affiliates need to put their hands up before it can be too late.
Maintaining Community Focus:-
Again in 2011 the WorkSafe VCFL will maintain its commitment to community values and standards with a new series of life training programs featuring the V/Line Life Training Roadshow and the AFL Respect & Responsibility Program. Specific subjects being covered are drugs, binge drinking, depression, respect for women and drink driving. New in 2011 will be Cybersafety to educate and address the pitfalls of social media and website use.
The WorkSafe message will again be front and centre along with the ongoing involvement of WorkHealth. As with previous years there will be 7 WorkSafe Games of the Month around the State.
We are looking forward to another year supporting the EJ Whitten Foundation in lifting awareness of men’s health and in particular prostate cancer along with our Pink Footy weekend in May in support of Breast Cancer Network Australia.
A new area we are looking to expand into in 2011 is that of Sports Chaplaincy. Whilst we have received outstanding support of sports chaplain John Russell in the north central and north west parts of the State we are now looking to expand the program into other areas.
Another great positive of 2011 is that the Country Football Netball Program will continue for another 5 years and we again thank the State Government and the AFL for their great support. Safe and modern facilities and good ground surfaces are the cornerstone for enjoyable participation.
Representative Football Opportunities:-
2011 will again present thousands of players with opportunities to play representative football.
The rep program kicks off early in 2011 with the prestigious V/Line Cup for Under 15 players being conducted in April. V/Line again significantly supports the WorkSafe VCFL in 2011.
The WorkSafe Country Championships will again be conducted in late May.
There will be 16 Junior Carnivals in 2011 proudly supported by GrainCorp.
At a State level we have our Major State, District State and Under 19 State teams all playing VAFA teams on the same fixture in July.
2011 promises to be another big year of opportunities for umpires throughout the WorkSafe VCFL with the ongoing development programs and in particular the V/Line Umpiring Academies, along with extensive opportunities for umpires to be selected for VCFL representative fixtures along with TAC Cup and VFL opportunities.
We again thank all sponsors at all levels of football through the WorkSafe VCFL and we trust that they enjoy a satisfying and rewarding year supporting the game at various levels.
Our media support continues to go from strength to strength and again we look forward to our game being reported on to the high standards of recent years and we particularly look forward to working with WIN TV and the Weekly Times along with all media outlets.
It is important in our “season opener” message to acknowledge and congratulate Victoria’s new Minister for Sport and Recreation and for Veterans' Affairs in Hugh Delahunty. Hugh has both a strong country background together with an extensive football background.
On behalf of the WorkSafe VCFL Board and Management and staff I would like to wish everyone a successful 2011 and again express our great appreciation to the 35,000 plus volunteers who make it happen each year despite the battles and challenges that are thrown up from time to time.
I look forward to catching up with as many people as possible across 2011.
All the best,
Glenn Scott
Chief Executive Officer
WorkSafe Victorian Country Football League
Last Modified on 11/04/2011 16:54