NEWS - October 2009

Finals and Thank You’s

Thu 8 Oct 2009

The completion of the Gold Coast Champions Cup brings an end to the 2009 season for the Samford Rangers and a very successful one it was. Our U15 BJL boys got through their group matches at the Champions Cup undefeated but narrowly lost the semi final. This followed up their premiership and Grand Final win during the season which makes it two years in a row. Well done guys.

Our club had 11 out of 16 junior teams take part in the finals which was an excellent effort. Congratulations to all players, coaches and managers. Four teams advanced to the Grand Final and we had two winners – U15 BJL and U14 Div 4. The two Runners Up were U15 Div 4 and U14 Div 2.

Well done also to our Youth (U18) team who also made the Grand Final but finished Runner Up.

With the disappointing late cancellation of our fireworks at the Trophy day a number of people understandably left early and therefore missed the (ex) President’s thank you speech. We are still uncertain as to exactly what happened with the fireworks.

I would like to summarise the many thank you’s that Graham highlighted. It takes a big effort to run a club like ours and there are many people who have contributed in a range of ways to make 2009 a successful year for the club. There are far too many to name here but they include:

All coaches, Managers, Match Reporters etc.
Simon Newman for trophy organisation
Leigh Cusack for team photo organisation
Stephanie Boss and Paul Kortenhorst for organising trophy day and everybody else that helped out on the day. We hope that people enjoyed the different format
Karen and Dominick Rafter for looking after the jerseys and equipment
Mary Laidlaw for organising Rooball Referees
All those who assisted with our clubhouse renovations
All of our valuable club sponsors

Each year Football Brisbane makes available some Volunteer Medallions. Presentations were made this year to:

Mark Halle for his work with SSG and Rooball organisation
Craig Hughes for Squirts organisation
Lyle Gray for tireless work with field preparation and maintenance
Mike Clahsen for the club's website and for making available an online administration system which has saved countless volunteer hours

Finally to all players and parents. Hope you all had fun and we hope to see you back next year.

The Committee would also like to acknowledge the countless hours that have been put in by our (ex) President Graham Lee over the last couple of years. Graham has had to stand down due to his new employment with Football Brisbane. We welcome the fact that he still intends to help out around the club.

Whilst the final ball has been kicked for 2009, planning has already commenced for 2010. The club’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday 16 November – 7:30pm at the clubhouse. Unfortunately a number of longstanding committee members are not seeking re-election this year and it is therefore essential that some new members come forward. I will be calling for official nominations soon in accordance with the clubs constitution but I urge all members to give some thought to who might be able to assist. Whilst all positions are declared vacant at the AGM, the following positions will definitely require new volunteers – President, Secretary, Vice President Juniors, Vice President Seniors, Director Facilities (includes field) & Director Canteen & Sportshop. It is difficult to imagine how the club would operate without these positions being filled so please give some serious thought to the matter.

Thanks again for a great season.

Alan Newton, Secretary