We’re sure you’re aware of the Level Crossings Removal Project (LXRP) that’s taking place throughout Melbourne. The Victorian Government has fast-tracked the removal of the Union Road and Mont Albert Road level crossings, with major construction starting in 2022 and boom gates gone in 2023.

As part of these works, Canterbury Sports Ground (CSG) could be aquired for up to two years to assist with storage requirements during the construction. Obviously if this were to happen it would have a huge impact on us and the other tenant clubs.

The good news is nothing is confirmed yet, and won’t be for some months. We’ve met with Council and the other tenant clubs, and have submitted objections in an attempt to take CSG off the list of possible sites to be aquired. You too can help by going to the LXRP Project Site and making your own submission mentioning the impact removing CSG for any period of time would have on the local community.

Submissions can be made until 11:59pm Sunday 28th February 2021.

Attached you will find the Club’s COVIDSafe Plan, required by AFL Victoria for us to resume training activities.

View the COVIDSafe Plan

If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with a committee member.

The AGM was held last night where the executive committee for 2021 was established, consisting of:

President: BJ Lashbrook
Vice President: Sean Hanrahan
Treasurer: Luke Venditti
Secretary: Chris Bold

Additional to the executive, Mick Collins will continue in his Sponsorship role, James Nicolas has rejoined as a general committee member, and Tom McGowan will move into the role of Player Welfare Officer.

From here, sub-committees for the past players association, social events, digital/social media, apparel/merch, membership, sponsorship & fundraising will be established, based on the feedback from our volunteers survey that was sent out last month. We’ve had around 25 people put their hand up to assist which is a great result, though it’s not too late to join, so if you’d like to get involved please fill out the survey.

Thank you to all who attended the AGM, and also to those who’ve taken on a role, looking forward to a great 2021!

The 2020 AGM will be held on Monday 14th December, taking place down at the club in the Jean Green room from 7.00pm. All players, members and supporters of the club are welcome and encouraged to attend. If you’re interested in helping out the club in any role next season, please keep the date free and come along to the meeting.

If you’d like to nominate someone though are unable to make it on the night, please complete a nomination form and send it back to club secretary Georgie Callaghan via secretary@canterburyfootball.club.

Come along and help make 2021 a great year on and off the field.

The VAFA have announced the establishment of a Men’s Supers (over 35s) competition for 2021, and we’re looking to get involved.

With senior men’s and women’s, U19’s, reserves and Thirds rounding out the current VAFA playing fraternity, this new competition will provide an opportunity for senior players to continue their footy careers with their clubs or, for those just out of the game, pull the boots back on post-retirement.

There is still some work to be done and definition given to the competition, though at this stage the basics are:

• the comp is for over 35s (player must turn 35 before the end of the calendar year in which the season is played)
• 9 rounds played every second week starting April 10th, three week finals series to follow in August
• Home games will be played at Canterbury, away locations/opposition teams TBC once teams within comp are finalised
• quarters will be 20 minutes in length (no time on)
• times of games, divisional structure TBC

At this stage we’re hoping to get a team up and running as part of the competition’s foundation season. If you’re interested in participating, whether it be as a player, volunteer or would just be happy to come along as a supporter, please take a minute to fill out our short survey.

Today we remember longtime supporter and sponsor, The Great Man Andrew Ford.

A passionate Bluebagger, Fordy came to the club in the mid 90’s with his brother in-law Randall Walker. He quickly immersed himself, proudly supporting the Cobras at home and away. Much loved by all who met him, he was always good value to everyone, no matter the situation.

Today Andrew Ford’s family observed a small family-only funeral.

CFC stats:
Footy trips – 2
Games played – 0

RIP Great Man.

❤️🖤💛

We regret to inform the wider Cobra community that champion Canterbury full back Bob Woodford has passed away.

Bob was a star in the late 50s and 60s and a member of our 1956 premiership team. From time to time in recent years Bob would still come down to the club from the country for reunions.

Our thoughts are with the entire Woodford family.

The Canterbury Football Club is affiliated with the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) and is one of the oldest clubs in the country, established in 1881. Season 2021 will see the Club field four teams; Men’s Senior & Reserves in Division 3, Thirds in Division 4 and our Women’s team in Division 2.

The Club is highly aspirational and is committed to providing a positive and winning environment for our playing ranks, supporter base and local community. We intend to appoint a Director of Football Operations to assist in accelerating our agenda.

ABOUT THE POSITION

This role is critical to the operation of the Football Department outside of the executive committee and will provide the coaching panel, support staff and players guidance and direction where needed. The role is autonomous and requires an innovative approach to managing the many parts that comprise a successful and strong football club.

Competitive remuneration is on offer, to be negotiated during the hiring process.

KEY OBJECTIVES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage recruitment activity within the men’s program with emphasis on player conformance to our culture and standards, with a critical focus upon player retention
• To represent the Club in managing relationships with the Canterbury Junior Football Club, Boroondara Hawks and to forge relationships with other junior clubs and local schools to ensure future viability of playing numbers
• Oversight to include acquisition of football equipment, organisation of pre-season games and ground availability for pre-season and regular season schedules
• A responsibility to report to the Executive Committee on a regular basis regarding coach and player performance and standards at all committee meetings

ABOUT YOU

• An experienced and highly regarded individual who has achieved success at a high level as a player, coach and/or administrator (VFL, TAC or VAFA highly regarded).
• An aptitude to critique the coaching staff to ensure it delivers on the agreed club standards and game plans
• A strong motivation to drive change where required with relevant people within the Club
• A Club first attitude and approach
• A long-term commitment to building and planning for the Club’s future

APPLICATIONS

To apply please send a cover letter and CV outlining your previous experience to president@canterburyfootball.club. Applications close October 14th 2020.

For any enquiries please contact President BJ Lashbrook on 0425 155 552 or via email.

The club was deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of long time supporter and committee member Lorraine Johnson.

Up until recent years Lorraine was a familiar face at games both home and away. Always up for a chat, Lorraine would often be seen selling tickets in the weekly meat raffle or talking to the players in the rooms after the games.

Our condolences go out to Rex, Katie, Phil and family.

You may have already seen the news, though our season is officially cancelled. It was no doubt an extremely tough decision for the VAFA board to make, though ultimately the right one. While this isn’t the outcome many of us were looking for as it means no footy until Round 1 2021 (assuming COVID-19 is under control by then), putting the health and safety of players, supporters & volunteers always needs to come before playing footy.

The reasons for cancellation given by the VAFA were concerns also shared by the CFC committee, and I’m sure the wider community, which were:

• The health and well being of our VAFA community
• The financial viability of all clubs – short and long term
• VAFA Club sustainability
• The burden on club volunteers
• Legal liability (insurance)
• The possibility of a compromised season
• Further COVID19 outbreaks impacting our competitions

While only a couple of weeks ago it was looking extremely likely that we’d be playing, the recent spike in cases has forced the VAFA’s hand.

The last few months have been challenging for pretty much everyone, so thank you to everyone who’s helped get us to where we are, especially to our coaches, committee and Covid Comp organisers and team captains. We’ve had a large number of new recruits across our both our women’s and men’s groups, which is always great to see. Hoping to see everyone stick around for season 2021 and beyond!

That being said, just because we’re not playing footy this year doesn’t mean the season needs to be finished for everyone. I’m sure there will be some players who want to remain active while footy’s on hiatus, so stay tuned for developments there. As a sports club, I’d like us to provide somewhere for people to exercise in a safe environment, so depending on what people want to do will depend on what we offer. I also understand that some people are more than happy to forget about footy until next season which is also fine!

In terms of off field things happening for the rest of the season, once/if restrictions are further lifted we’d like to provide some sort of club socialising as long as it’s safe to do so. We’re still looking at holding our annual ball in some capacity, though it’s impossible to plan at the moment with the constantly changing landscape. There are also some other ideas in the works though they need some more thought before they can be confirmed.

As always, if there are any questions or you’d just like to have a chat, please feel free to get in touch with myself, another committee member or one of your coaches.

Stay safe, and wash your hands!!

❤️🖤💛

BJ Lashbrook
President, Canterbury FC