Dear Members 

As you are aware, we recently communicated a decision of the Committee to cease issuing participation trophies for junior players in the U13 - U17 age groups.

We have received a range of feedback on this decision some supporting it, some opposing it and some suggesting that the change would be supported if made at the start of the next season, rather than just before the end of the current one.

The Committee would like to share its thinking on why we think the change is worth making.

Our view was about helping to better prepare our older kids for real life where competition is part of life and success and recognition are earnt through hard work, demonstration of the right values and achievement. For the older age groups we want trophies to be encouraging our members to embrace this reality and for recognition of efforts to be both and meaningful and encouraging desired behaviours.

I want to make it really clear that our decision was not cost driven. I am sure you can all see the effort that has been put into the training shirts, sponsorship and the subsidized jersey and short packages that were rolled out at the beginning of the Junior season. This increase in value delivered to members wouldn’t be happening if we were focused on saving by taking away member benefits. That’s not our intent here.

We honestly believe this is the right policy for our Club to adopt and that there is majority support for the proposed approach. But we have been persuaded by feedback suggesting that the end of this season is probably not the best time to implement this change.

Accordingly, for this season, we will adopt the five main awards and provide every junior player who does not receive one of the main awards (including those in the U13 - U17 age groups) a participation trophy.

From next season, we propose that participation awards will only be given to our youngest members only (not those in the U13 – U17 age groups).

I would encourage any member who would like to express a view on this proposal (whether for or against) to contact myself or any other committee member to discuss. A final decision will be made before the start of our next Junior season but in the meantime the Committee is very willing to listen to all views and  make sure that our assessment of majority member support for this planned change is accurate.

Kind regards

Matt Waller 

President

Cheers!

Matt Waller