Newsletter - April 20
Hi everyone, hope you`re all keeping well and safe and looking forward to getting back to some normality.
Since the last newsletter the committee have been extremely busy and as you all know we have now been able to choose a team colour, a logo and a motto. This has been no easy task with so many of you having your say in making these choices and with our only communication being via whattsapp it has not been easy. We know not everyone voted in favour of the colours but, for once we have a democratic decision chosen by the kids. Although these decisions have been made we have to advise that they still need to be approved by the Cravern Minor League. Fingers crossed as we don`t need to go through all that again.
A competition was also held by asking the kids to design a badge for the shirts and there were some very impressive submissions. Again after much deliberation and voting the winner of this competition was Rory Samuels aged 14 and once lock down is over we will sort out a prize for Rory. Well done Rory and to everyone who entered the competition, it`s clear we have a lot of talent in the club. We have the winning badge displayed above however, the final finishing and colouring is still being worked on. A club motto has also been provided by Paul which I`m sure you will all agree fits the bill. “per angusta ad augusta” this Latin phrase translates as “through difficulties to greatness” Well apart from the above what else has been happening in the last few weeks.
Bank Account.
Unfortunately due to the current lock down we have been unable to set an account up with the bank. This is very frustrating but hopefully we can get this done in the next few weeks.
New Manager.
Neil Wright has agreed to manage the under 15`s which was formally managed by Simon Marshall ☹. Big thanks to Neil and Good Luck going forward.
Sponsorship and Fund Raising.
As you all know fund raising has started and we have already raised over £1,000-00. All managers are actively seeking sponsorship and Neil Wright has got a sponsor keen to support his under 15`s team. Also there has been an offer to sponsor one of the under 8`s teams from Harry and Max Swarbricks Grand dad. Please see the column below on sponsorship and Date:- April 2020 HOME AWAY 2 advertising and let us know if you can help or put your manager in touch with a potential sponsor.
Progress with Registration.
It is hoped that we will be ready to commence registration in June however, again this all depends on the current crisis and this may be changed fingers crossed that all will be well.
Home Ground.
Paul has been in contact with Sefton Council and it`s looking possible that Russell Rd, will not, be our home ground in the future, the pitch needs land drainage which will probably be too costly. Sefton council are saying they can provide pitches for us to play on. The feedback is very positive and we are confident of pitch allocation, we will know more once lock down is over. Greenbank have also said they will be able to accommodate some of our teams.
Latest update received from Paul and Ben
Again these two have been extremely busy behind closed doors getting us organised for the new season. With regards to the league and county FA Steve Swinnerton (football services manager) is getting round to us this week but, as all the other staff are on furlough it’s taking a bit longer than usual. The league also need to speak to him to see if we can continue as Phoenix, albeit as SAJFC, and then entry to the league will be a formality. If not we will need to go in as a new club but, they will look favourably on us given the circumstances. We will still have to sit for the standard entry interview and pay the registration fee. Regarding the alleged financial irregularities with Phoenix there has been no further updates from the Police. We have been advised by former Phoenix set up that the bank balance is £50 which they will transfer over to us.
Sponsored Bike Ride
Ben and Paul are doing a sponsored bike ride to raise money for the club and are looking for sponsors. We know these are difficult times and not everyone is in a position to make financial commitments but even £1 is a help. They will ride 20 kilometres a day for 2 weeks which I calculate as 280 km (175 miles) so they should be fit for the start of the season ✿☹. If you can sponsor them please let them know through your group app. If anyone else wants to raise some money by doing something please let us know so we can get it out there. A just giving link has been set up for easy payments which you should all have been sent however if you haven`t had it please contact me and I will send it to you. This is the link.
A word about Team Sponsorship
If anyone or, anyone one you know, is interested in sponsoring a team please put them in touch with your manager. We have calculated that each kit will cost an average of £52 per player which includes, kit, track suit and printing.
To help a sponsor decide we can accept two sponsors per team which will break down as follows.
One sponsor for the playing kits and one for the track suit tops so £250 for the kits and £300 for the track suits. Sponsorship will include the following.
Company name on shirts and track suits
Free advert in every Newsletter through out the season
We would also be happy to display a feather banner at home games, if the sponsor supplies the banner. (subject to approval)
We will also look at advertising in the future newsletters for a small fee for non – team sponsors.