News

It’s been another action-packed month as we head into deep winter with a few washout rounds. The Committee continues to drive the Club forward and we’re pleased to provide you with this update following our latest meeting this week.

Club Strategy survey – have your say!
One of our areas of focus this year is to develop a clear and agreed Club strategy with input from all our members. You are now invited to have your say and complete our Club Strategy survey to inform the Strategy that will be developed by our Strategy Sub-Committee (Peter Munckton, Julian Williams, Rob Penney and Lindy Jones) and launched at our 31st October Annual General Meeting.

A strategy discussion document is attached for background if you wish to know more. Take a few moments now to contribute to the future of our great Club before it closes on the 7th July here: https://stivesafl.teamapp.com/surveys/24498/responses/new

Acron Oval ground and Clubhouse
The oval will be aerated during the school holidays and we will confirm the date with you as we will avoid training and other ground use during that time. Our VP Club Operations, Michael Macilquham, will be assessing the ground and Clubhouse with the Council at an upcoming visit to Acron.

You’ll notice that the internal canteen area has recently been painted which is one of our first steps in improving the condition of our facilities. We are also adding new BBQ, fridges and other fittings as a result of a recent grant we have received.

Too few doing too much?
Our Club runs solely on the commitment and dedication of volunteers. The Committee has launched a focus on growing our volunteer base, especially those in Committee roles to help drive player recruitment/liaison with schools, grow our Auskick boys and girls numbers, support the running of our seasonal competition, drive fund-raising and community events, among other areas.

These roles need not be time-consuming varying from more involvement in February – April to get the season up and running through to a few hours a week thereafter.

Each age group is asked to find one or two volunteers who are prepared to go the extra mile for our players as we move towards reaching 500 members in the near future.

Our organisation chart and outline of roles is attached for background. Please contact Peter Munckton (secretary@stivesafl.com) or Lindy Jones (footy2@stivesafl.com) if you’re interested in playing a more active part in our Club.

Improving governance in our Club
As a volunteer organisation, our Committee has focused this year on clarifying roles, processes and decision rights among other areas. The Committee has now agreed matters that require Board consideration which we attach for your information.

Improving the emotional resilience and mental health of our kids
Not for profit community organisation, Streetwork, addressed our coaches and managers at our recent mid-year briefing to discuss ways that squad leaders can identify and address mental health issues in our kids.

Please see the attached presentation for more information on this important area.

Looking ahead to season 2020
With 24 teams fielded this year, the Committee has recently discussed with our Coaches & Managers a more disciplined planning approach that will enable parents and squad leaders to start more structured planning for team numbers, recruitment focus, divisionalisation, putting the right coaches and managers in place, coaching support and player development initiatives.

This process will kick off prior to the end of the season and enable us to have a clear and agreed approach for each age group so that we can be organised and prepared for the season ahead with all involved. It will also inform our recruitment strategy, liaison with feeder schools and AFL support required. Please speak to your coach or manager if you have any suggestions or wish to participate.

The AFL has already started discussing the shape of the 2020 competition and so far has agreed with Club Presidents that there will be no U16 boys competition at this stage.

School holiday rounds
Reminder that round 12 (19 – 21st July) is the school holiday round meaning that teams are able to field two fewer players than the normal minimum numbers.

Washout rounds
Please check wetweathercheck.com on days when poor weather is likely as all Clubs are required to update ground status on this site.

Thank you very much for your support, go Saints for this weekend and wishing you a safe and fun school holiday break!

Location

acron oval