It’s time for all players and supporters to get their blue and gold out of the cupboard. All the pre-season training and fitness is done; it’s time for the real hockey season to start.
Isn’t it great that we’re about to start Round 1! I confident 2012 will be a rewarding season for all players and supporters. So good luck to all teams, players, coaches, supporters, parents and everyone involved in the Altona Hockey Club. A special mention to all players about to represent Altona for the very first time. Whether you are a new junior playing in our Under 9 teams through to the first time players representing our men’s and women’s State League 1 team, I sincerely hope you enjoy the experience of playing hockey for Altona.
I’d like to highlight a few changes taking place around our venue. We recently had the south and west sides of the ground sealed with concrete. This will improve the quality of the playing surface by keeping rocks and pebbles off the ground. In the next week or so the scoreboard will be permanently relocated to the west side of the ground which will be an improvement for spectators, players, coaches and umpires. Soon after that the synthetic surface will undergo some minor repairs and restoration. All this work will be completed in time for our first big weekend at home in Round 2.
It’s important that we capitalise on our home games this year. I’m keen to improve the experience our supporters and visiting teams have when playing at Altona. Some ideas I want to implement this year include:
- Egg and bacon rolls available on Saturday morning for junior games
- Lunch available in the clubrooms for all supporters and visitors on all State League 1 games
- Merchandise and uniform shop open on all State League 1 games
To achieve all this and make season 2012 a great experience for everyone, I’m going to need your help. The Board and I are keen to hear from anyone who thinks they can help. Please talk to myself, Bob Guest or any of the Board members for information.
Finally, a quick plug for the events happening very soon:
- Season Opener on 21st April.
- AHC Ladies lunch on 4th May.
- Junior Disco on 5th May
- Social Membership packages available soon. Stay tuned.
- Dinners available at the club on Thursday night.
Thanks everyone. Hope to see big crowds at all games over the weekend.
Go A’s
David Burns