That’s a wrap for 2023 – bring on 2024
Message from the President
Last week I presented the 2023 Hampton Rovers Juniors report at the Annual General Meeting. It was pleasing to share that our 2023 season saw more than 560 boys and girls register to play football with the Hampton Rovers Juniors.
Again, we had strong representation in our girls football program with more than 100 girls and young women pulling on the boots for the Hampton Rovers. We even had six young women across our U15 and U16 teams playing a few games for the Hampton Rovers Seniors Women’s team.
Overall, across our Club, our strong participation allowed us to field 24 teams, including five girls’ teams, which were managed by the Hampton Rovers, plus five merge teams with East Sandringham Zebbies.
At the season’s end, we had 17 teams play finals. Seven went on to play in their Grand Final, with two bringing home the Premiership Flag. On top of this, we celebrated three Under 10 Lighting Carnival Premierships.
2023 was an outstanding season. On behalf of the Hampton Rovers Juniors Committee, a special congratulations goes to our Under 16 Division 2 and Under 16 Division 3 teams (East Sandy Rovers – merge teams) who celebrated with 2023 Premiership wins!
While it’s fantastic to have won two premierships for the Club, the real success is having more than 350 Rover Juniors play and experience finals with all their teammates. This bodes well for next season.
2024 Registrations open 1 December
Speaking of which, registrations for the 2024 season open today – Friday 1 December. Please head our website to take advantage of the Early Bird rate. Registration fees have increased slightly to cover the costs of the Juniors program. Thank you for your support.
HRJ Community Bank Sandringham Girls Football Development Program
Speaking of support – a huge thank you to Community Bank Sandringham who have agreed to partner with us on the new and innovative Hampton Rovers Juniors Community Bank Sandringham Girls Football Development Program for the next three years! This program will introduce a range of initiatives, and take a holistic view of young female players to develop their skills, capabilities and confidence in the AFL game. There is a lot more exciting news to come, but thank you to our Working Group who pulled together this great initiative, and of course to Community Bank Sandringham for their support.
You may not think who you bank with matters, but it does. Community Bank Sandringham supports the community that supports them. If you were thinking about your banking needs, now is the time to speak with Community Bank Sandringham. Drop into the branch and chat to Brooke or Matthew (75 Station Street, Sandringham | 9521 6488).
HRJ Committee – thanks and a call for volunteers
I’d like to share a massive thank you to Steve Nelson who has given tirelessly to the Club in his role as Head of Football over the past 2 years. Steve has decided to step back from the role for the 2024
season.
The Committee would like to thank Steve for his contribution in the role and for the number of initiatives he implemented during his time. Thank you again Steve.
Now is the time to join the HRJ Committee! We have a number of key committee roles that need to be filled in order for the 2024 season to run. It is essential that we have volunteers from the younger age groups join the committee – you are the next generation of the Club!
Available positions are:
• Vice President
• Head of Football
• General Committee Members (2 positions requested)
• Registrations Officer (transition for 2025 season)
• Junior Treasurer (transition for 2025 season)
In addition, we are actively seeking the following communications and events roles:
• Communications (newsletters)
• Social Media
• Events
Please contact me on juniorpresident@hamptonrovers.com.au to share your interest or discuss further.
Congratulations to Archie Roberts – drafted to Essendon Football Club
A massive congrats goes to Archie Roberts who was drafted to the Essendon Football Club in the recent AFL draft.
The Roberts family have been part of the Rovers since Archie’s older brother Oscar started Auskick.
Archie, known as ‘the Tractor’ during his Juniors playing days, played for Hampton Rovers Juniors before being picked for the Sandringham Dragons. Archie, who lives close to Boss James, is often seen honing his skills on the ground during the off season.
We wish Archie and the Roberts family all the best and we look forward to following Archie’s
career. Go Bombers!
Thank you – to everyone
As we start heading to the end of the calendar year, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all our volunteers who have helped during the year on game day, as well as my fellow Committee members. It takes a lot of help get the season up and running, as well as keeping it on track from week to week.
A big shout out to all our sponsors, in particular our major club sponsors Buxton Real Estate
Sandringham and Brighton Mazda. Please make sure you support all our sponsors; without
their help it would be extremely difficult for our Club.
Until next season.
Go Rovers
Rohan Bardwell
Hampton Rovers Junior President
Passion – Teamwork – Fun – Respect
