Hi Cougars,

I hope you’re all enjoying this chilly but sunny day and are looking forward to training tonight. I just wanted to share a few quick updates with you to keep you all informed.

- Grading has now been completed and the league is working hard on finalising the next part of the fixture. We anticipate that they will be released tomorrow and will keep you updated as soon as we know.

- All our teams are travelling along nicely and after a slow start for some teams number wise, we are almost at capacity thanks to the hard work of the whole Cougars community. Every team is improving each week and I can’t wait to see where the next part of the season takes us.

- Volunteering: Unfortunately it seems that this needs to keep being brought up but no footy club can run without parent helpers. Whether it be time keeper, goal umpire or helping out in the canteen for an hour. Without every parent playing their part to keep this club running, it puts strain on the families that do help out week in and week out. So I am asking every parent or guardian to look inwards and ask if you have been doing your share to ensure that the club your child plays for can continue to run smoothly.

- If you are unsure where to start with volunteering, simply approach your Team Manager and they will be happy to teach you how to perform any role. Failing that, simply pop into the canteen and assist Amanda, she is always looking for more help! I will also be asking the Team Managers to keep track of which families are helping or not so we can follow up if needed to make sure everyone is doing their fair share.

- Events: The committee is working hard behind the scenes to organise a few events. There will be a players social day which will be held on Sunday the 2nd of July (No games that weekend), stay tuned for more info. We are also currently organising team photos and a parents trivia night, more details to be provided soon.

- If anyone would like to assist in organising any of these events we are also looking for more help. Please approach any committee member if you are interested.

- Coaching: As you may be aware, being such a young club, the majority of our coaches are in their first year of coaching. To ensure we are giving them all the tools they need to get the best out of the kids. Jarrod our Football Director has organised the team at Advanced Coaching to come down tonight post training for a special session with our coaches. I am very much looking forward to seeing the new skills they learn tonight.

- Just a gentle reminder about the behaviour expectations (both kids and parents). As a newly established club it is imperative we set the standards now for the type of club we want to be. It is super important to show the right spirit of the game in the way we train and play, hard and fierce but fair. Please remind your kids that umpires will make mistakes and that other teams may play dirty but the best way to show them up is to play your best football out on the ground.

Also just another gentle reminder that absolutely no swearing or umpire, coach or player abuse will be tolerated by the club no matter what happens on the field. If there is something that needs addressing please see your Team Manager, the Venue Coordinator or a Committee member so we are able to address your concern.

- Sponsorship: Our club has a fantastic community base and some awesome sponsors who we wouldn’t be able to operate without their support. The newest sponsors to our great club are Prestige Windows, Humble Merchant Cafe and Studio Pilates. Please give them your time of day and support the businesses that support us. We’ll be announcing more info regarding these sponsors on our social media.

- Lastly I took part in a tour of our new home grounds at Clyde Recreation Reserve recently. While they are not coming along as quickly as anyone would like, I am still hopeful we will be able to enjoy them in some capacity before the end of the season. Once they are completed they will be a fantastic facility and enable us to take our club to the next level.

As always, I am always looking for ways to improve the club so our kids can get the best experience they can. If you have any feedback positive or negative I am always available for a chat and would love to hear your ideas.

You can reach me at president@clydefc.com.au or 0433 462 377.

Cheers and GO COUGARS!

Craig Chapman
President