Hello Rovers Juniors players and families,
I hope everybody is keeping safe and well in these unprecedented times and taking a moment to be grateful for the little, important things in life.
In our family, we are making an effort to turn those devices off and focus on spending more quality time together with puzzles, cards and old-fashioned board games, as well as getting out for some essential exercise (including in the courtyard) as much as possible.
Among the constant nightly news updates, I wanted to let you know of about some critical pieces of information from the Club.
2020 Registration Fees and Refunds
Earlier in the week, the Junior Committee met to finalise what was possible in terms of the 2020 registration fees that had collected ready for the season start. Like many local sporting and community clubs, where the 2020 season has been cancelled, there are still some fixed costs that need to be covered.
These fixed costs include, but are not limited to, SMFJL player insurance, medical supplies, playing equipment, processing costs, COVID-19 cleaning and hygiene supplies, first aid costs, coach accreditation and training costs, as well as player guernsies.
The Hampton Rovers Juniors Football Club is not looking to profit from this situation, but we do need to cover some of the expenses that have already been incurred.
Therefore, we plan to retain a small administrative fee to cover these costs, and provide a refund to our players of between 75% and 80% of the registration fee paid. More than $100,000 will be refunded to members over the next few weeks.
We are currently working with SportsTG to finalise the actual process and will then push the button on these refunds as soon as we can.
We also understand that the current COVID-19 situation has been particularly tough on many families. If you are experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19, please get in touch for a confidential discussion.
Able to donate? The Australian Sports Foundation can help
I have been grateful to those that have contacted the Club to let us know that many are happy for the Club to keep this year’s fees as a donation. Champions. Thank you. As a community, volunteer organisation, this will help us prepare for an even better 2021 season.
However, we can’t just keep your season fee. If you would like to provide a donation, we would love you to donate your refund (or a portion of) back to the Club via the Hampton Rovers Football Club page at the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF). Donations via the ASF are tax deductible. Just click on the ASF Hampton Rovers page and mention that your donation is for “Rovers Juniors” in the ‘Organisation’ box, under ‘A Little More Info About You’ section.
The Hampton Rovers Juniors Committee would be extremely grateful for any generosity during these times. Thank you!
Merchandise
If you already purchased shorts and socks for your player for this season – first, good on you for being super positive. Second, don’t worry, just hang onto them. Third, if your player has a growth spurt, we’ve got you covered.
If you find at the start of the 2021 season these items don’t fit, we will be able to offer an exchange at next year’s pop-up merchandise sale. Please make sure the items are not used, in resalable condition and in original packaging (if possible).
Under 8s and New Players – Personalised HRJ Bags
Great news! At the start of every season, our new players, including our Under 8s, receive a personalised player HRJ bag. These will be available for collection once COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted and make the perfect ‘weekender’ or sports bag for every occasion. More information on collections will be shared as soon as we are able.
Return To Training and Alternative Season
The SMJFL will be working on formats over the coming weeks in regards to returning to training and a possible alternative season. We hope they can make some announcements towards the end of the lockdown period.
Whatever happens for the rest of the season, it’s the Committee’s goal to see all the players return to training as a minimum once restrictions are lifted, and approvals to do so are received from the SMJFL and the Bayside City Council.
All going well, we plan to continue with training (at some point) until handover to the cricket season. For our coaches and team managers, please hang up your kit bags for the time being – but we hope to be using them again soon!
In the coming weeks we plan to run a live stream video training session, led by Christian Carnavale, Hampton Rovers Seniors Club Captain and all round good guy. This will be a 30 to 40 minute live stream for our players from Under 8s to Under 12s, which can be done in your home or in the backyard. Stay tuned for more details.
Rovers @ Home Competition
Over the coming days, we will be announcing an exciting competition. A new form of Rovers@Home to keep all of our players active and encourage regular exercise in our Rovers community.
More details to come.
Until then, please stay at home and stay safe. We’re in this together.
Go Rovers
Rohan Bardwell
Hampton Rovers Juniors President
Passion – Teamwork – Fun – Respect
