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

Toyota’s Good For Footy Raffle is up and running again for 2020, and we’re using it as one of our major fundraisers.

There are lots of great prizes avaliable and tickets are only $5 each, and every dollar from tickets purchased through our page goes directly to us!

To get your tickets, head to canterburyfootball.club/raffle and follow the prompts.

The club is saddened to hear of the recent passing of one of our past players, Des Ayton.

Des played for the club in the 1950s and 60s, and was a member of the reserves 1965 premiership team.

Our thoughts are with Des’ family during this time.

The official word from the VAFA is footy’s suspended til May 31st.

This means that as of today (March 17th) all training, practice matches and the season itself will be put on hold until further notice. The same goes for our social events during that time.

For more information please see a statement from the league via the official VAFA site.

While the decision is disappointing in a football sense, this issue is much bigger than footy, and the health & safety of the general community is the focus for the next little while.

Stay safe Cobras!

🐍🐍🐍🐍

After 133 years of cricket at the Canterbury Cricket Club, 2020 will see the introduction of our inaugural Women’s XI. More and more women are following the example of stars like Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry by picking up bat and ball and getting out there to have some fun!

So get a group of your friends together and head down to the home of Cricket – Canterbury Sports Ground! – and register your interest NOW for the coming season.

Be part of the FUN! Be a part of the TEAM! Be part of HISTORY!

Contact: Ann ann.brennan@me.com

Pink stumps day

Come and join us on the 22nd of February as we celebrate Pink Stumps Day. Help us support our Stage 3 Girls as they compete for the Canterbury Road Cup against Heatherdale CC.

While with us, register your interest for season 2020/21.

Details:
CCC Pink Stumps day 2020
Saturday 22nd February
Canterbury Sportsground, 4pm onwards
Tickets via WWW.TRYBOOKING.COM/BHXTB
Adults $25 / Kids $5 / Families $50
Tickets include finger food