How do you sum up the last 17 weeks? It’s with great pride that I look back at the home and away season of 2018 for Hampton Rovers. We have achieved a lot as the Hampton Rovers Community. Most of all we have come together, rain, hail or shine, to enable 530 kids play a game that they will all now love. They have formed life long bonds with kids they may not have know at the start of the year. All will have had ups and downs but most of all had some fun doing it. Season 2018 will certainly be one that is fondly remembered on a number of fronts.
Firstly, this year we quadrupled the number of girls playing football at Hampton Rovers. Not only did we have 3x U12 teams and an U18s side but we had players in a number of our mixed sides and many loaned to our sister club East Sandy. #Playlikeagirl was an absolute revelation again this year. The passion and love our girls have for the game knows no bounds. Well done girls you made us proud.
Secondly, as a club we have fielded more teams and players than ever before. Not only in the beloved Green and Gold but also via loans to East Sandy and with our merged sides. I’m proud of the committee for their commitment and direction over the last 4 years. It’s always about the kids and it’s always about maximising the number of kids we can have playing football in our community.
Thirdly, we cannot have 530+ kids play every week without the most amazing volunteers. Whether you were goal umpire for 1 week, purchased some snakes or oranges through to our formalised weekly positions, on behalf of all of our kids, committee and parents, THANK YOU. I hope we get to see you all again.
Finally, for all those that finished this round or last week in the lightning carnivals thanks for enjoying the game of AFL and playing it in the spirit that Hampton Rovers will be known for. Thanks for singing the song (no matter how seldom) with pride. We look forward to welcoming you back in season 2019. For those that have made it to finals – congratulations. The hard work and focus has paid off so enjoy your time in the extra rounds. These best wishes are not just for our Hampton Rovers or Merged Teams but also for those players loaned to East Sandy. We at Rovers are proud of you and wish you and your teams all the best. Please come down and support our teams through the finals (fixtures here). I also welcome you down to Boss James over the next three weeks where we will be hosting finals including the grand finals. There will be some amazing football showcased for sure.
Congrats to all for a great year in 2018. It has been, and always will be, about the kids. Good luck for the finals and see you all in 2019 for those finishing up. I have said it before – it takes a village to raise a child and I think we are all incredibly lucky that ours get to be raised with the help of the Hampton Rovers Community and Family.
Passion, Teamwork, Fun, Respect.
Jason
