The Talon June 1996

"President’s Report: With the season approaching half way, it is pleasing to note that all teams are progressing well and are generally in the top half of the table. The juniors have only played a few games so by the time the next issue appears we should have an idea as to their progress. The State League seniors are starting to hit their straps, and despite drawing their last three games, the Reserves are still unbeaten on top. The Premier League side has continued their good form from last year, winning five of their first seven games. The Premier League reserves are in 5th position with 12 points. The Division Four side is also doing OK considering they rarely have a full side. While having sides in the top four divisions of soccer in the state is a test of the club’s depth, it appears as though we have an abundance of talent who are sure to progress to State League level in the future. The advantage of having the four sides is that everyone is likely to get a game.

Consider other southern State League clubs. If you are not in the State League seniors or Reserves, the next best competition you can play in is the old Division 3 (now Division 2), and some State League sides do not have teams even in those divisions. All the players should be applauded for their contributions, as some have had to play two games on a weekend, or perhaps play in a side lower than they normally do. It is important that we hold the current group of players together if we want to continue with the four side structure in the next few years. Congratulations got to all those junior players who have been selected in the Southern Tasmania representative sides.

The first two months at Clare Street has been very successful, despite some delays at the start, and some minor problems which we hope to sort out with the council. However, due to the number of teams training on the ground coaches must be aware that the surface must be kept in the best possible condition. The goal areas are absolutely out of bounds for training . Anyone caught in the areas will jeopardise their use of the ground as well as the club in general. We may even decide to "close’ the ground to training for a week in the near future to give the surface a rest.

The club unfortunately lost one of its long time supporters just recently. Jan Dora would be known to most people, if not by name, then certainly by sight. Our sincere condolences to the Dora family for their loss. As a mark of respect the State League side wore black armbands in the recent match against Hobart Juventus.

Just a short note to thank those people who have provided the club with support during the year. Special thanks to Cyril Proud of Proud’s Butchery in Lutana, who has provided the club with numerous raffle donations over the last couple of years. Also thanks to David Stoddart for providing that much need "chewy" for the kiosk and players. We are pleased to announce that the Polish Community Credit Union has agreed to continue their support of the club and recently presented their sponsorship cheque to the club. They can be sure the money is both needed and will be spent on keeping our teams on the park.

For those who have not paid their registrations yet, please do so immediately. The club has to pay Soccer Tasmania regular instalments during the year, including a recent bill for insurance that is over $2,500. We use the registration fees to offset the costs of putting our teams on the field, and I can assure you that what we get out of registrations does not anywhere near cover the basic costs of running the club.

We now have the junior rosters after some delay and will shortly be announcing dates and themes for several upcoming functions. It is the responsibility of every player, supporter, parent and friend to support these functions. Some of the themes could be very interesting so keep your eye out for details.

We welcome Riverside Olympic to Clare St. Their current positions on the State League, 9th, does not reflect their ability to challenge higher positioned teams, although to date the senior side has an impeccable record against them. There reserve squad is mid table and also very competitive.

David Stoddart Jnr.

Ken’s Corner The 1996 season for our U/13s, U/14s, U/15s and U/16s has started well, with all sides playing consistently well, recording several victories and drawn games. It must be said without our coaches and managers efforts things would not be going as well as they are. Well Done. We would still like to see more of our junior players and parents at Clare St. for our senior games, which is always proceeded by one if not two junior games. To all our players, continue your improvement for 1996 and good luck. Our junior raffle was drawn and the winners were:1st Mrs S White, 2nd Mathew Lacy, 3rd Adam Bates.Proceeds have purchase equipment for the juniors. Our club will be having a function for everyone shortly so be prepared Ken Street - Junior Liason Officer"