Hi Everyone
It was welcome news when I received a text from Ash Roberts to inform me the goal posts at Boss James were going in via the council engineers. The 8 posts are now standing tall represent to me HOPE – hope that we will play some footy in 2020.
I would like to pay tribute to the front line health care professionals working hard to keep us all safe. The Doctors, Nurses, Scientists, Orderlies, Ambulance Crews, Hospital Volunteers, Police, Firies – all first responders – to the poor souls that have been lost via this Pandemic, RIP.
When we get back to playing the greatest game of all, I would like to create a video from Hampton Rovers thanking these professionals for allowing us to get back on the park. The video will show a large % of our 700 members, Seniors to Juniors, saying a heartfelt “THANK YOU”.
You have heard me say this in the past – football clubs offer plenty, not just a game of footy. It’s not until it is taken away from us that we realise how much we miss it. Our focus has stretched in other forms of life.
Last week, Julie and my three son’s with the dog, walked to Boss James for a kick. Others have been doing the same (keeping socially distant of course). For the first time in weeks I felt alive, with a smile on my face, I felt optimistic that the season will go ahead in some shape or form.
Football Clubs offer Security. Footy never discriminates. It’s the game for all people. It offers a mental, social and emotional connection. The game offers routine; a feeling of contribution for volunteers within any given community. I have never taken the game for granted – never more so than in the last month. I feel for all our youth, but let’s hope they get to shine in 2020.
Many AFL players have been seen on Boss James in recent weeks. This is a testament to how respected our facilities are. The Brayshaw boys, Braydan Maynard, Miles Bergman (all Rover lads), as well as Harry Mckay, Jordan DeGoey, Max and Ben King and Nathan Murphy to name a few. They are all trying to keep fit when, like us, they would normally be playing.
The Rovers Committee is super proud of how our members have reacted to the strict isolation rules set in place. We are meeting almost weekly at present via Zoom and having many phone calls. We are always looking at ways to keep us all connected. We have asked coaches to stay in contact via videos, we have connected with Marc Stafford from MSHF Training, and have a few fitness videos in store, stay tuned.
The SMJFL cannot offer certainty on the football season at this stage. What we can assure you all of is that many conversations are happening with a strong focus always based around the safety of all community people.
Please stay safe in these uncertain times. We hope to have an update in early May.
Please check out the training and fitness videos that have been posted on our social media pages. Stay fit. Kick that Sherrin in the backyard.
Cheers everyone,
PASSION TEAMWORK FUN RESPECT
Caggs
Head of Football
