MATESHIP-PASSION-DESIRE-RESPECT
Hi Everyone
Jason Nicholl our President and his hardworking Rovers Junior Committee would like to wish everyone the very best for this festive Season. We look forward to seeing everyone back ready to go for the most anticipated footy season the Rovers will have in several seasons! The committee are looking at many new initiatives in 2017 – here is a taste of what’s to come.
UNDER 8
Firstly the Rovers family would like to welcome Julian Sill. Julian will coach our mighty Under 8 team in 2017, and we welcome Julian and his crack team of enthusiastic former Auskickers into the Rovers.
REGISTRATIONS
Registrations are open and we invite all 2016 registered members to get on board prior to the 20th January to receive the early rego discount. This date will also see new registrations to the club open for players transferring from another club, so please register ASAP for your spot to be locked away in an age group. You can do so here.
GIRLS FOOTY
In 2017 Girls footy will return to Rovers after a 2 year absence. The budding female stars of tomorrow are very enthusiastic and numbers are looking good for 2-3 teams from Under 12-16. AFLW has created a massive groundswell for girls’ footy and we look forward to seeing where this will go. Hampton Rovers seniors will also have a ladies team playing in the VAFA league in 2017.
NEW CLUBROOMS
The Bayside Council are looking at plans for 2 new club houses at Boss James and Castlefield in 2018, this is HUGE news and will be fantastic for Rovers for years to come.
NIGHT GAMES AT THE BOSS
The SMJFL have agreed to utilise our new 150 Lux lighting and play 4, possibly 5, Friday night games at Boss James in 2017.
We have requested that the season opener be the first games – Friday the 21st April at Boss James:
Under 12 Girls at 5.30-6.45
Under 13 D1 Boys, 6.50pm Unfurl flag, Game start 7.00pm
Our senior Ladies will also be holding the VAFA Ladies season opener at Boss James on Friday night, 7 April.
MONDAY NIGHT SANDY ATHS TRACK SESSIONS
The return of the popular Sandringham Athletic track sessions will be held each Monday night from late March for a 10 week program. Linked Personal Trainer Jack Geddes will work the kids on the track – looking at running technique, post-game rehab, stretching, and endurance for 30 minutes. The Girls and Boys will then do ball skills under the guidance of Tony Pucella from Step Ahead Elite Football. These sessions are non-compulsory but great for children that want a little extra skill or fitness work.
ALIGNMENT WITH EAST SANDRINGHAM FOR U15 – U17 TEAMS
In a move to ensure all older kids have a suitable team and grade to play in (as many have missed out on a team or had to play in the wrong grade in the past) Rovers Juniors have agreed with Zebbies to review and plan together at the end of each footy season for the following year for the U15 – U17 teams (rather than waiting until near the start of each season, which has caused problems in the past).
The plan for 2017 is:
For U15
We anticipate 3 teams as follows:
- a Division 1 team who will play in an East Sandy Jumper
- Rovers players are eligible to play in this D1 team
- a Division 2 or 3 team who will play in a joint East Sandy/Hampton Jumper
- a Division 3 or 4 team who will play in a joint East Sandy/Hampton Jumper
For U16
Following the great success of this model in 2016, we anticipate 2 teams as follows:
- a Division 1 team who will play in a joint East Sandy/Hampton Jumper
- a Division 3 team who will play in a joint East Sandy/Hampton Jumper
For U17
We are not sure, but between 1 or 2 teams possibly as follows:
- a Divison 1 or 2 team who will play in a joint East Sandy/Hampton Jumper
- a Divison 3 or 4 team who will play in a joint East Sandy/Hampton Jumper
The other benefits of the alignment are that most of the U15-U17 training and home games will be played at Boss James.
FOOTY INTERNS FOR U15-U17 TEAMS
Another innovation is that for all U15-U17 teams we plan on providing the coaches with a Footy Intern (most probably a 20 – 25 year-old) who is studying an AFL or Sports-related degree. The intern, being a younger age, is likely to be able to connect well with the U15-U17 kids, as well as bring with them current playing and training techniques and knowledge.
TECHNOLOGY
In 2017, we intend implementing a greater use of technology, including videoing of some training sessions and games with the relevant software to allow better analysis and education. This will start with the older kids and gradually move down the age groups as is appropriate.
As you can see the committee has been very active in the pursuit that every boy and girl gets the most from their experience at Hampton Rovers Football Club Juniors.
Have a great Christmas Everyone, stay safe and we all look forward to seeing you fit and healthy in 2017 as the Mighty Rovers go into another action packed year.
Cheers Caggs
