For the first time we have held an U17 Presentation Night that stands as an appropriate reflection of the journey these boys have had with the Club since they left Auskick and joined our ranks. The night went off very well and special thanks to Kate Rosenthal, Heidi Nankervis, Nicole Mackie, Cony Marinacci and Amanda Reed for organizing and running a great night.
Concluding Comments
The Club stands in great stead moving into 2019 with the majority of coaches appointed, a Committee confirmed with new members and being financially sound (Treasurers Report to follow). 2019 will pose numerous challenges without Clubrooms however we will work with the League and Council to offset this issue to the best of our ability.
I feel it must be noted that the time in which volunteers give to running and supporting a volunteer organization such as our club cannot be underestimated. And it must be remembered that we are all volunteers and do our best to help our club be the best it can be in the circumstances we operate in. Ours is a highly regarded mid-size club within the League and I am extremely proud of the way in which our club and its representatives work and play together to enable us to sustain this reputation.
A successful club will in my view will always be one which respects the club above the team and the team above the individual. It is one where the views of many count more importantly against the views of one or a few and it is one where the culture of the club, its brand and reputation stand as the most important aspects defining its future.
This year has been a difficult year in which the committee has been confronted with some big issues and decisions and parents of several teams including those faced with re-grading and merge propositions have been challenged to work through pathways presented to them that have required careful thought for their child’s football futures.
The maturity and thoughtfulness of our members to make considerate informed decisions in these circumstances for the betterment of the club and team has been one of the most pleasing aspects of being its President.
Moving forwards we need more volunteers and appropriate succession planning to ensure our future is retained as brightly as it can be. We need better strategic planning and policy to support our on and off field culture and development and we need to maintain a positive and collaborative approach that sets the mould for our kids future’s and which will ensure this Club maintains a strong and proud position amongst the broader Bentleigh Community.
Thank you for allowing me to be your President in 2018.
Regards
Paul Jemmeson