IMPORTANT MESSAGE REGARDING OUR JUNIORS PROGRAM
from Juniors President Nicki Spencer
JUNIOR UPDATE #3 - 19th April 2020
To Our Shark Community
On a day that would have marked the opening of our Season 2020, I thought it was an opportune time to update everyone on the latest developments in junior football, during this extraordinary time.
We are all feeling the changes to our lives, not least our Sharks players who look forward to football every winter. They say that when you don’t have something or it is taken away from you, it makes you appreciate it more. From my perspective, and I am certain I speak for all our players, that is definitely the case.
The sound of the siren, the smell of the leather, the coaches addresses and the players sheer joy at being able to play footy with their mates, is something every football club in the country is missing right now.
As you are all aware following the AFL’s recommendations in relation to COVID-19, the SMSJFL have suspended the season until the 31st May 2020. It is important to note, that the season has not been cancelled, but delayed.
I participated in the President’s webinar on Sunday the 22nd March 2020. The overwhelming response was that if it is possible to find a way, that meets medical advice and protocol to play football safely this season, we would. The agreed sentiment, was that the start date should not be until after the Queen’s Birthday long weekend and school holidays. Currently, the league is planning to commence the season on Sunday 12th July 2020. Obviously this is a very fluid situation, so the date and format are subject to change.
With the AFL suspending matches and training until the 31st May 2020, training will not recommence prior to this date. However, the ever changing landscape of this virus makes it very hard to set a date. The SMJFL is guided by the current government restrictions and advice being received from the AFL, and we will be guided by them. All clubs will be taking advice from the AFL and the league and will present a unified approach.
A working group of 7 clubs has been established to discuss and consider the implications of Season 2020. One of those considerations is the issue of refunds. As mentioned earlier in this memo, the season has not been cancelled, but delayed. It is extremely difficult to decide upon the process for refunds at this stage until such time as a final format of the season is determined. The SMJFL, Beaumaris Football Club and all other football clubs within the league are all fully aware of the financial burden many face, during this difficult time, and as such are working collectively to provide the best solution for all. Now is the time, to let the blue and gold run through your veins. We truly appreciate your patience, understanding and support with this, as we continue to work through all scenarios and circumstances of this time, which as you would appreciate, change rapidly.
Via separate communication, the club has put together some useful links for training and skill development, and our club physiotherapist, Base Physiotherapy has put together a program that will feature new items each week. Access to this will be available to all Beaumaris Football Club Players, and the links will be posted in the separate communication.
Over the next weeks, we will use our social media channels to highlight junior games past and player profiles.
If anyone has a football story they would like to share, please contact Peter Caswell, our Communications manager, so all of our community can share in football. His Email is caswell1@bigpond.com
I encourage all of you to continue the great work social distancing and supporting our local community partners and businesses who need our support, as they have supported us over the years. I have named them below.
• IGA Beaumaris
• Mercedes Benz Brighton
• Beaumaris Community Bank
• Bruce Edmunds and Associates – (Accountants) Steve Edmunds / Robyn Svojtka
• Casa Dolce - Concourse
• Askin
• Highett Floors
• Bayside Sports Podiatry
• BSGM
• Bluff Road Medical
• Selbys
• OAK
• Adroit Insurance
• Sportsmart Moorabbin
• Hodges Concourse
• Bayair
• Napolitano Pizza
• BC Dental
• Saska (Seaview)
• Burgerlab
• Steve’s Meating Place
• Base Physiotherapy
• Hunter Chemicals
• House of Golf
I sincerely thank ALL of the club’s sponsors and partners, who have committed to us, despite these trying times, and over the course of the next few weeks, we will be acknowledging them. See ALDI Catalogue that is similar to one of our sponsors.
Football has had many challenges and despite the size of this one, football will find a way through. Thank you again for your continued and ongoing support.
“”Once a Shark, always a Shark”’
Nicki Spencer (President – Juniors)