Dear Player, Sponsor, Volunteer & Supporter.
Separately letters have been sent to Corporate Partners and Player Sponsors by way of a season update and recognition of their importance. Whilst they have been singled out it in no way dilutes the importance of the time and commitment of our Committee, volunteers, and players provide.
In respect of the corporate partnerships, they are critical for the ongoing viability and success of the Club. In this Coronavirus environment we will all be tested in different ways through our motivation, stresses at work and finding our way to other activities and pursuits. Whilst these external issues will affect each and everyone of us differently, there is no mistaking the importance the Whitehorse Pioneers plays for maintaining fitness, mental wellbeing, and the spirit of community.
The mosaic that is the Club is the sum of all of us and it is important to understand no one’s input is greater or lesser than the next, but all works best when pulling in the same direction. This is the synergistic effect, which I am sure you boys at our pre-season session at Hagenauers Reserve remember.
Our Corporate partners provide valuable funding and support and we need to remember at every opportunity we should support them, either by purchasing their good or services, and referring them to friends, family and acquaintances. I am not suggesting you must be a fierce advocate, but everyone should be aware of who our sponsors are and what they offer.
Just so you can get reacquainted, here they are and take a moment to peruse their website:
• Blockout Blinds Jason Graham www.blockoutblinds.com.au
• Health Based Building Jane McCormack www.mccormackhardwoodsales.com.au
• Sugden McNeilage Partners Brett Sudgen www.smpaccounting.com.au
• McLardy McShane Matthew Hamilton www.mclardymcshane.com.au
• Café Rubix Chen
• State MP’s Paul Hamer and Bruce Atkinson
We thank our Sponsors for their support for 2020.
Our Player Sponsor program is important for us to field Senior and Under 19 teams plus Netball teams. Above all else it is critical community sport and Clubs survive and continue to offer activity and engagement.
The direct link that player sponsors create is highly valuable and important to the player themselves knowing they have been specifically recognized. This enables a direct line of engagement between sponsor and the Pioneers that could potentially transition into the player sponsor becoming a corporate sponsor.
For season 2021 we hope to have all player sponsors supporting us again and their 2020 contribution will transfer into 2021. For those who make a further financial commitment for 2021, they will enjoy their 2020 sponsored player plus also another unsponsored player of their choosing.
As you may be aware, season 2020 has officially been abandoned by the Eastern Football & Netball League (EFNL). This decision was not taken lightly as it was left as late as practicable before doing so. Even at the date of this communication contact sport and training for senior men and women is still not permitted by the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS).
The decision to not proceed had been made taking into account the season could not under DHHS restrictions, commence for adults until after 20th July, thereby being effectively 25th July, assuming all other ‘boxes’ where able to be ticked by such date. In addition to such, the likely ongoing health risks in a COVID-19 environment plus inevitable financial considerations for the EFNL and all affiliated Clubs where also important considerations.
The Victorian Government announced further easing of restrictions coming into effect from midnight 21st June that allows access to clubrooms which have been off limits for the duration of the pandemic. Despite the playing season being cancelled, we look to complete 2020 with a series of functions at various levels from simple clubroom catchups through to a formal gala event that you all will be encouraged to be part of.
Initially from 22nd June we will be able to accommodate a maximum of 20 persons under the eased restrictions that we hope will be further relaxed in July.
With the various events planned, we will shortly publish our calendar on our various social media platforms and via email. Accompanying that advise will be information on our 1Breadcrumb tracking App that will be a condition of use for Club facilities and the staging of events, being a requirement under DHHS and Whitehorse Council.
Once again, to our Partners, Sponsors and supporters we thank you and hope you can join us for upcoming events that will give us great momentum heading into season 2021.
Thankyou sincerely for your 2020 support and trust you will be on board for 2021 which promises to be a successful season based on the playing list assembled and have committed for season 2021 under new senior coach Brad Taws and new captain Tom Connell.
The cancellation of playing season 2020 denied us the opportunity of an official Season Launch that would have enabled us to promote the Club, our season looking forward and recognition of our Corporate sponsors and Player sponsors.
Furthermore, it did not grant us a formal opportunity to formally introduce Brad Taws our new senior coach and new senior captain, Tom Connell, similarly denying us the equal opportunity to give due recognition to Maverick Gleed, stepping down as senior captain after 6-years at the helm which included being 2018 premiership captain.
It also denied introduction before all our supporters and sponsors of our new coaches, Brad Taws (Senior), Brendon Naylor (Reserves) and Ross Berryman (U19’s).
In addition, our two Netball teams would have also been presented including coaches Ness Alexander whilst Michelle Fazzino and Amy Gleed have joint coaching roles, with our two teams led by captains Grace Dillon and Kathryn Bibby.
Off-field Whitehorse Council completed installation of new LED lighting on the oval that will enable us to fixture twilight matches, and Club fundraising in conjunction with the Whitehorse Colts for an electronic scoreboard is ongoing.
Through the generous support of Toyota, we are involved in a fundraising opportunity that includes many prizes and if you wish to be involved at only $5 ticket, follow the appropriate Whitehorse Pioneers link below as every dollars raised goes to the Club.
https://toyotagoodforfooty.raffletix.com.au/whitehorsepioneers
I am always available to speak to all and if you would like to discuss any issues, or offer assistance or ideas, please feel free to contact me. Our goal is to always remain an inclusive and genuine community club.
Kind regards
Alan Bertacco
President
0414 366 827
Last Modified on 17/06/2020 13:33