That one day in September.
Well yesterday’s was one to remember for so many reasons. I’m so proud of everything we have achieved in 2018 and to top it off with three from three Premierships that we played yesterday was simply fantastic. Congratulations to our girls and boys that won the U16 Boys, U17 Boys and U18 Girls flags for 2018. There is so much to be thankful for this year so please stick with me with this report.
Firstly – The kids – It takes a village to raise a child. I have said this many times, however it’s so much easier and rewarding to raise kids that are inclusive, respectful and that love the game like our players at Rovers. Our players of 2018 – you have been a great bunch of kids. It’s not always about winning but it is about doing your best and you have shown us this every week this year. I want to thank each and every Rover’s player, both as a parent and as President, for the way they went about season 2018. The improvement was fantastic, the friendships you have made enduring, and the fun memories ever lasting. We talk about #Passion #Teamwork #Fun and #Respect and you always deliver well done. I must say to hear the songs sung yesterday (especially respecting both songs for our merged teams), with the biggest smiles, it was a memory that I will cherish. No doubt you and your families will too when you look back on the season forever more. Well done for 2018. Congrats to our premiership players and award winners for 2018.
Under 17s prior to their Grand Final win
Secondly – Our Volunteers – the “Hampton Rovers Village” just simply doesn’t function without your time and dedication. Not everything runs smoothly all the time with sport but you always find the composure and focus to keep it all about the kids. Thank you on behalf of the players, parents and committee. We hope that you will help us again next year as we certainly need your help. We also hope many more parents come forward to help as many hands certainly does make it easier for our clubs to run. Please contact us if you can help in any way in 2019.
Thirdly – The Committee – You are best bunch of selfless people I have had the joy to work with quite frankly. This year is no exception and has been a credit to each of you. To those that won’t be on the committee next year – thank you for the time and dedication and you will be missed (call me if you change your mind :-). To those going around again in 2019 – I can’t thank you enough. To the senior committee and coaching staff, and our Auskick leaders – Our club set a vision several years ago of #oneclub. We set out to create a pathway from Auskick to Seniors for all kids. I congratulate you on this achievement as it exists today. It was a bold vision but one that has produced girls footy (and premierships), many more junior teams from Auskick, and last weekend the return of Hampton Rovers Senior to C grade all based on local players, Hampton players. On Sunday, I watch all three games of our teams playing in finals. I was joined by the Senior coaches and players – something that didn’t happen when I first joined the committee 4 years ago. This weekend our Seniors and Reserves play at Trevor Barker Oval – details on the Seniors website. Please can I ask ALL of the Rovers faithful, players, supporters, family – get your Rovers gear on and go and support the Senior club. Good luck to our Senior teams this weekend.
And now couple of call outs. Whilst I don’t normally single people out especially when it’s a mostly a team effort – we do have to recognise those that are ‘Best on Ground” for our club in 2018:
- Amy Stokes – you are a powerhouse as the Executive Vice President of Team Managers. Your calm organisation of the chaos that is Team Management is something to behold. Thank you for being the calm knowledgeable influence on us all.
- Paul ‘Caggs” Carrigan – Mr Football – you bleed green and gold and we love you for it. You are Hampton Rovers and we thank you for it. Thanks Jules for sharing him with us. Caggs you do more for this club than anyone will realise but I get to see everyday in our work together. Thank you mate.
- Miranda Marron – at one point yesterday I think I was more excited that the team you manage was going to win a premiership than for the boys themselves. Having started as a TM 10 years ago you are a gift to the club. If the rumours are correct the U19s are going to get a great team manager next year. I hope you and your family will be at this club for a very long time. Thank you.
- Emma Nicholl – The First Lady – Thank you for allowing me the space to help run this magnificent club. I’m sure you could see from the smile on my face yesterday. You even didn’t mind me sharing Father’s Day with you our beautiful kids Gabi and Josh, plus my other 537 ‘Rovers kids’ – it was a highlight once again.
Finally, I’m thankful to all of our Rovers community for the way we have all come together to allow our kids to play a game they love and build memories forever. I would love to see you all again in Season 2019 and welcome more kids, volunteers and committee members. As we start to wind down the season over the next couple of weeks I will follow up with final thoughts, pleas for help, and shout outs. I do love to be beside the seaside…
#Passion #Teamwork #Fun #Respect
#OneRovers #GoRovers
Jason
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