A Message to Our Valued Clubs and Volunteers from the Chair and CEO
We write following the NSW Government’s announcement this week that junior community sport can proceed from 1 July to sincerely acknowledge the enduring support and outstanding contribution of the army of volunteers serving clubs throughout northern NSW.
Northern NSW Football does not underestimate how challenging it has been for volunteers during these unprecedented times. We’ve been encouraged by the positivity and how clubs have put aside on-the-pitch rivalries to discuss issues and share solutions.
We’re not going to sugar coat the challenges ahead. Football’s going to be different this year to comply with the relevant Government orders and to ensure the region’s largest sport does its bit to suppress corona virus. We can assure you that our expectations of volunteers will remain reasonable and we’ll continue to provide advice and template collateral to avoid duplication of effort and waste.
The NNSWF Board of Directors resolved to reduce Northern NSW Football’s component of the levy imposed on players by 20% in 2020 to assist clubs address the revenue that has been dropped due to lost sponsorship and fundraising. We sincerely hope that this initiative has eased the financial burden and subsequent stress on volunteers.
While Tuesday’s announcement provides a welcome green light for the restart of junior and youth football, the return date for senior football remains unset.
We want to reassure you that we are doing everything on your behalf to get clarity as to what that date will be. I know that many teams have commenced training and, like you, we are keen to get everyone back playing as soon as possible. Our dialogue with the Minister’s Office in this regard is positive and we remain confident that senior football will be also be permitted in July.
We encourage all volunteers to hang in there and confront the challenges imposed by the virus head on. Unfortunately, this might be how we need to train and play for the foreseeable future, so there’s no time like the present to respond. Your members and community are relying on you to help them reconnect through our beautiful game.
We are aware you need more help. In response, we’ll be initiating a campaign to challenge parents to step up and help their child’s club meet the increased demands imposed by social distancing regulations.
NNSWF is standing up some of our staff in accordance with JobKeeper legislation to lift our capacity to assist clubs return to training and playing. Please reach out to your Zone or complete the following form to connect with NNSWF.
We ask you forward this message to all your valued volunteers in the club, as a sign of our appreciation.
Yours in Football,
Helene O’Neill David Eland
Chair CEO