Dear PFC Member, Friend, Supporter;
If 2020 has taught us anything it's the value of our soccer community, from the connectivity on the touchlines between parents and fans, to the camaraderie of our match officials, the commitment and drive of our coaches and the vibrancy, dedication and talent of our players. The timeless phrase "you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone" couldn't be truer - we all learned what it is to practice in isolation for weeks on end or speak remotely to someone you would usually be able to high five or hug in-person.
Now we did get back on the field smoothly and that's down to a huge team effort starting with the club staff and our Return to Play plan, through to the coaches overseeing it's execution on the field and finally to the players and parents who listened, learned and played their part to perfection. The transition to indoors was equally as smooth, sadly the transition to the Red Zone came at a price to our indoor season but it is really impressive to see the continued maturity of our Competitive players training in the cold and snow. Many of us will know this to be 'the norm' before fantastic facilities like the Pickering Soccer Centre was built.
So what do we hope for in 2021?
We can all agree things will continue to feel a little strange with an added process here or there and changes to usual programming. Ultimately, it's how we will adapt to the future, but here are our three big hopes:
- An even bigger and better Outdoor 2021 season where Recreational and Competitive players will be hungry to return to the field of play. Some players may have sat out over 12 months once we get to our Outdoor kick-off in May 2021. We know there will be a lot of hunger to get back out there and we'll continue to play our part in understanding the pandemic developments, vaccine distribution and a revised Return to Play format. Plans are well underway for a more engaging Recreational program with new qualified coaches and some interesting skills and drills. We continue to be the only Club around that offers both a game and practice session for our Recreational players because we know many want to learn AND play.
- We will consolidate the great things we've already done as a Club with a refreshed vision for the future. The Club achievements are long and often we don't take time to share them or congratulate ourselves - often we're on to the next task. So let's spend 2021 appreciating what WE'VE achieved as a Club and the incredible people who make us Pickering Football Club. We achieved plenty in 2020 continuing to exist as a Club that really appreciates our members and that wants to stay connected, so we'll do more of it in 2021.
- Finally as a Club we will reaffirm our position as a long standing partner of the City of Pickering and develop soccer and community sport for the long-term. The new neighborhoods within New Seaton and the growth of established communities across Pickering, as the city continues to urbanize, will benefit from quality PFC programming and be a true reflection of the multi-cultural City we have become. We are here to ensure players get to play, coaches get to coach and referees getting to officiate. Please let your friends and family know about our efforts and our commitment.
Happy New Year from the PFC Board and Staff!
