What a difference a week makes in Melbourne weather. The slightly foggy Sunday soon cleared to an awesome day for football. The sunshine only out matched by the smiles on so many our our members faces. I got to see many games both home and away this week and the Rovers Spirit was alive and well. As always a mixed bag of results across the age groups but lots of great football was played.
Getting around the grounds I was able to thank many of our volunteers during the day and take feedback from parents and other clubs. It’s always a pleasure to hear how well regarded we are as a club amongst our peers as well as take on board the compliments to share with the team. Well done Hampton Rovers – this football community rocks !!!
This week we announced that due to increased numbers, we were creating and extra U12 Girls team to ensure as many kids can play as possible and increase overall game time. This has led to a number of people moving around between game day teams and the feedback has been very positive. A big shout out to all those that have spent days trying to make that happen especially Emma Nicholl, Caggs and the U12 volunteers. That makes it 3 x Under 12 Girls teams now!
One question I get asked a bit when standing watching our teams in Ludstone Street is the schedule for Castlefield. It is still planned for a Spring 2018 finish so we are unlikely to get to use it this year. Thanks to all of our members for their patience while this significant and welcome upgrade is completed with the help of Bayside Council. As are result of the upgrade, we do have temporary facilities and a very limited canteen due to health requirements. To that end, we will work with the SMJFL to schedule more games at Boss James to use the facilities there where we can in coming weeks. This includes our under 8s getting the pleasure of running out onto the big oval and playing side by side across the ground for modified rules. This spectacle is really one to watch so please make an effort to support these teams when this occurs.
A friendly reminder for all to save the date of June 2nd for the main club function. Look out for information about the next At Home With The Rovers (AHWTR) coming soon. Also please take advantage of the Friday Night – Rovers Local at Boss James Reserve from 5pm each week. Bring the kids down for a kick under lights. A great way to get kids away from screens for a few hours (Fortnight in our house).
Finally our merchandise store will be ready next week on the website so please get online quickly and order as we do have limited stock. The Hoodies and HR Caps seem the most popular currently. It is rumoured that umbrellas and HR Hair Ribbons are coming for the first time ever !! Get yours soon.
Lets hope we get a few more sunny weekends before the Melbourne football winter arrives. See you all out and about.
Passion, Teamwork, Fun, Respect.
Jason Nicholl
