Thank YOU!
Thank you parents, thank you grandparents, thank you guardians, thank you supporters. Without your willingness and commitment we're not sure where our sport would be right now.
The past seventeen months have challenged all of us in different ways and as your community Club we were no different. We regularly assessed our programs, strategy, budget and resources. We knew we wanted to come back in a position that gave us the best chance for success and we define success by having a healthy number of returning players, plenty of committed coaches, positive feedback from our members and a steady financial position. However, we were not sure how people would respond to playing again and returning to sport after such a long period away from the game - but the evidence is clear. The enthusiasm and excitement we see at the field every single night has validated our efforts and we're thankful for your support. We will of course continue to promote a vigilant and safe return to the field - including spectators wearing masks, as per Ontario Soccer requirements - and reduce the risk of community spread by following municipal guidelines.
The community spread that we want to see is more love for the beautiful game that starts with our players and is enhanced by dedicated coaches and passionate supporters.
This summer will still not be easy. We have seen lower fitness levels, injuries and an ongoing shortage of match officials at all levels of the game. Returning to sport is a great catalyst for improved mental health for all of us and that will be even more powerful when our support for the players, coaches and officials is positive. We will all need to have patience and the game will not return back to 'normal' overnight. It will take a season or more but we will be here to welcome, support and develop every single member.
