Message from FJFC President – Season 2020 Cancellation

August 8, 2020

Dear FJFC Community,

It’s with some sadness that I write today to share with you that after much consideration, the FJFC Committee has made the decision to call it a day for the 2020 season.  Whilst there was a glimmer of hope that we might get back out on the field this year, the recent announcement of Stage 4 restrictions for Melbourne means that common sense must prevail.  We are very conscious it is challenging living in a locked-down environment, so making this decision was not taken lightly but we expect that it provides clarity and can help us all look forward with some optimism for summer sports and a fresh start to footy next year.

As I’ve shared previously we have a clear refund policy in place.  We have 3 options for the  FJFC component of your registration fees as a result of the season not going ahead and details on these options are included in our refund policy.  We would also be happy to provide merchandise vouchers for the value of the refund (and offer a 10% discount on any merchandise order using the voucher) as another refund alternative.

The treatment of the YJFL component  of your registration fees (paid directly to the YJFL) has yet to have been determined by the YJFL (they have yet to cancel the season).  We are meeting with them next week to clarify what options we believe should be made available to you. I will be sure to share this information with you once I know more.

So whilst we can’t get together on the field, we still want to keep our fantastic FJFC community connected and I really encourage you all to stay in touch with your teammates and coaches during this time. What better way to remain connected than a chat about footy!  Please join me at our next online event on 18 August 2020 where I’ll be joined by Matthew Richardson and Bob Murphy – online of course!  More details will follow next week.

There will be another opportunity for coaches, parents and carers to get together and connect for the benefit of wellbeing. The club will be hosting a ‘Wellbeing, Motivation and Resilience’ webinar on Tuesday 25th August, 5-6pm run by one of our very own Team Managers. Jacqui Francis is a positive psychology practitioner and wellbeing educator. On the webinar, Jacqui will discuss the role of motivation and resilience during lockdown and share ideas, strategies and resources that can nurture wellbeing in tender and challenging times.

I really want to sincerely thank you for the incredible patience you have shown and support you have provided myself, the Committee and all our volunteers throughout the year.  We are no doubt a stronger club for what we have been through together.

Keep safe and keep well.

Ben Harrison
President – Fitzroy Junior Football Club