09/06/14 President’s mid-year Report
Finally some rain on the weather radar and it feels like footy season.
2014 has started really well for our club. Our Auskick numbers have increased by 35% giving the Broncos just over a100 Auskickers. Our Auskick program is headed by Paul Eddy. I have no doubt Paul has been instrumental in the expansion of our Auskick growth. Paul’s enthusiasm is contagious and he has a genuine interest in ensuring our path way with club growth is paramount. Our junior competition is the heartbeat of our club and it’s vital we ensure the numbers are sustained to continue growth. Our expectations are that our current junior numbers are sustainable as the club moves forward. The input of our volunteers during our Auskick program on a Saturday is fantastic. It’s vital that families volunteer with their children’s sport. Statistics released early this year project population growth within our region over the next 10 years. Our club sustainability during this time looks positive.
For the first time in the Districts history our year 7 competition plays full rules on a full size oval, which is a great initiative by our District. Players develop earlier now so it makes sense to align a competition with the player’s ability. Our year 7 team has a wonderful team of boys.
Our secretary Alan Nairn has continued his hard work with several exciting projects around the club. You may have noticed the extension of the security fencing along Archibald St. This has now been completed. It was important that we secured this fence line because children were in danger of traffic whilst the ball made its way on the road.
Alan Nairn’s motivation has again lead to our second disability clinic being run this season. Our participants travel as far as South of the river. Our sponsorship base along with the Swan Districts football club and the Chittering Shire has funded our clinic to offer the program free of charge. We have an army of parent volunteers helping along with players from our year 7 and year 9 teams. You may have noticed the new disabled foot path that accesses the oval. This has been a result of discussions with in the executive committee who felt there was a need to accommodate wheel chair access onto the oval. In consultation with the Chittering Shire, we have been fortunate enough to have the Chittering Shire fund the project.
Our canteen is running like a well-oiled machine. Deb Bailey has been appointed canteen manager for 2014. Debbie's commitment to her position has been outstanding. The new menu has been a hit. Debbie is extremely organised and has the canteen running like a slippery Sherrin. Turnover is up and so are our waist lines.
During June our new dug outs will be in place. Alan and I have been working on this project for some time. This asset will be great for our teams along with making our venue look even better.
As I make my way around the clubs to watch our teams play, I must acknowledge the great behaviour of our players. I have no doubt and it is evident, as our club grows our culture that revolves around respect continues to strengthen. There are many young members around our club who show maturity and respect and look set to aspire to be leaders as they progress through their life. Keep up the great work boys and girls.
Our club room is a sea of blue, white and black of apparel. Alan Nairn in my opinion is the hardest working secretary in the District. The effort he puts into our club merchandise alone is awesome. You are a gem Alan.
Our junior umpire representation at Swan Districts Junior Football Umpire Association this season has again continued to grow. We now have 9 representatives at the SDJFUA, the highest on record. I personally attend the training session every Wednesday. The culture there is fantastic. It's important to remember, junior umpires are developing like our players. There is a Zero tolerance to umpire abuse and abuse in any form will not be tolerated by the club.
We continue to look towards the future and build strong pathways for our youth aged members. Part of this program has seen us working closely with surrounding District schools. These relationships are paramount for the success of our clubs future. It is hoped relationships with schools such as the Catholic Agriculture College, Bindoon (which hosts a number of boarding students) will continue to strengthen, and in turn result in additional members in our youth grades. It is essential that we actively encourage NEW players to the club. Increasing our youth membership is a vital component to the clubs future and it is hoped that these foundations can be developed for the perusal of strong relationships with our local school communities. With their support, we can actively promote and attract new membership in order to field viable youth teams.
It is important that our coaches, parents/supporters set a good example by encouraging and displaying a positive environment for our children on game and at training.
There is nothing better than a player receiving some unexpected acknowledgement by a (parent or peer). A genuine encouraging word - a well done, great game, great mark, gee you played well today, or even a supportive cheer for a player on the field can go a long way. Only takes a minute, but it can make a kids day to hear something positive.
I believe our future is looking very positive. As President I look forward to continuing the journey with you all.
I will finish off with acknowledging our volunteers. To our parents, our club doesn't run without you. Thank you for taking on your roles such as coaches, managers, goal umpires, boundary umpires, water carriers and first aid. Thank you to those who make the effort to set up and pack up the ovals. Thank you to those volunteers who do the extra miles around the club when not asked to. It is fantastic to see everyone pitch in and help out their team. The success of a club is driven by those who assist with its operation. It's vitally important that as parents we help our kids with their sport as your participation in helping out with their team and the club shows your child you have a genuine interest in their sport.
I often hear everyone speak of being time poor, but remember, our children aren’t at home forever, before you know it, they will be moving on with their own lives. So I urge you to make time to enjoy these times together with your children and share their footy days with them at the Bronco’s.
Ian Hall
Club President
Last Modified on 10/06/2014 11:41