News

Firstly, we trust that recent storms, fires and resulting disruption to families in the area has abated and that everyone is safe and well.

Our year-end Board meeting was postponed until late last week as it was scheduled on the night of the recent storm that caused power outages and access issues across the north shore.

Notwithstanding this, the Board & Committee have continued a busy off-season period of transition and planning so we can hit the ground running in the new year.

Here’s a quick update on what you can expect in season 2020, as we focus on our three strategic priorities of growth, improved grounds and facilities, as well as skill development.

Growth and recruitment activity
An important reminder that if you haven’t used your child/ren’s SECOND 2019 Active Kids Voucher, take advantage of the $100 discount and register now for the 2020 footy season. Details are in the ‘Join & Contacts’ section of our Team App/website.

The Club has a focused effort on player recruitment with a target of over 500 players in 2020. We are planning social and AFL events to enhance the experience for our players and families and are working closely with our valued major sponsor, Toyo Tyres…watch this space!

Current player recruitment activities include:
1. A new 2020 promotional video – the YouTube link is in the ‘Join & Contacts’ section of our Team App/website. Please take a look and share it with your schools and network.

2,Club banners – you’ll see these in major intersections in our catchment area from January to promote the Club.

3.Social media campaign – we will kick off activity to drive traffic to our website and promoting content on Facebook and Instagram.

4,Targeting local schools – we will work with the AFL with support from our valued major sponsor, Toyo Tyres, to promote the Club to local schools and would welcome support from our members.

5,Local PR – we are preparing media releases and stories on our Club and growth strategy, and would welcome anyone who has contact with the local North Shore/Northern Beaches media outlets.

Please contact Susie Lawson (recruitment@stivesafl.com) with any suggestions or ideas.

2020 competition
With our recruitment focus, we expect to field 25 teams including a brand new U10 girls team in 2020.

Planning is well-underway with our squad leaders mostly confirmed along with agreed player number targets for each age group. For more information, please refer to the Coaches & Managers briefing Presentation from our October meeting in Resources on Team App.

Last week, we met with the AFL to understand their evolving approach to the draw/fixturing, ensuring our teams are in the right divisions, etc.

We are planning pre-season activities, training schedules and induction for new squad leaders as well as support for new players joining the Club across all age groups.

For coaches, please note that re-accreditation opens on 17th January so we will start to remind you to gain the necessary AFL accreditation in the new year. For all squad leaders, please start to ensure your Working with Children certification is up-to-date.

Last but not least, we have recently submitted a $2,000 grant application to support funding of skills development sessions for our players.

Please contact Ian Wilkins (footy@stivesafl.com) with any queries on the 2020 footy competition.

Acron Oval ground and facilities
We are delighted to announce that due to our lobbying and tenacious follow up, the Council has commenced a program to remediate the ground condition at Acron Oval, as you can see from the picture in this news article.

The short term plan includes aeration, importing of soil and levelling and turfing. Works commenced with aeration on the 27th November, and cultivation of soil, levelling and turfing is underway, as well as watering.

We can also expect the public toilets to be upgraded before the next season and we are working with Council on longer term plans for the ground and grant funding to improve the Clubhouse.

The Council Submission we prepared in October to kick off this activity is published in Resources on Team App.

Please contact Michael Macquilham (operations@stivesafl.com) or Iulia Brooks (iuliabrooks.au@gmail.com) with any queries.

2019 Annual General Meeting and your new Board & Committee
Finally, in the Resources section of Team App, you’ll find posted the Minutes, Presentations and year-end Financials from our AGM held on 31/10/19. In addition, you’ll see our 2020 Board & Committee organisation structure.

We have a number of key roles that remain vacant and encourage our members to volunteer and an active role in supporting our Club and the community, even for just a couple of hours per week during the season.

Please contact a member of the Board if you’re interested in the following positions:
Auskick Coordinator
Coaching & Skills Development Coordinator
Child Protection Coordinator
First Aid Coordinator
Team App Coordinator
Sponsorship Coordinator
Fund-raising Coordinator
Charity & Community Events Coordinator

On behalf of our Board, we wish all our members, supporters and families a safe and very happy festive season, and we look forward to being in touch again in the new year.

Go Saints!

Location

acron oval