June Member Update

 

June Member Update 

Welcome to our June Member Update.  Lots of important information here which we encourage you to read with your players. 

 ***********Complaints from nearby residents - VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE READ************ 

 It was disappointing to receive a very serious complaint from a nearby resident to our home ground, Arch Brown after our last Family Night.  This wasn’t an isolated incident and has happened before.  The residents have now taken the matter to the police and council on this occasion and have expressed their disappointment in the poor behaviour of some of our players. 

 In 2023, we have provided entertainment for our players to enjoy at our Family Night’s and it would be disappointing to have to cancel our Family Nights and these fun activities because of a small group of players who disrespect our neighbouring residents.   When any of our members attend any of our functions, our players are not permitted to leave the venue at any time without their parent being present.  All players must be accompanied by an adult parent at our functions. 

 We would ask that you speak with your children about this matter and ensure that they understand they must remain on the Arch Brown premises when attending any function held by the club.  This would be a great time to also refer to our Player Code of Conduct which you can find on our website via the link below: 

 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5aefb11d4611a0ed91f306ed/t/6401e851a9f21d70a4e93280/1677846610421/Code+of+Conduct+-+Players.pdf 

 

 Ambulance Cover and Private Health Insurance: 

 Ambulance Cover for 17- to 25-year-olds: 

Knowing we have some players who are no longer full-time students, it is important to check your membership cover as Ambulance Victoria state that “If you have children aged over 17 and under 25, they too are covered as long as they are studying full time”.  See link below to the Ambulance Victoria website. 

 Ambulance Vic - FAQ 

 Private Health Insurance: 

We strongly urge all our members to have their own Private Health Insurance which covers their child/player.  Our player insurance will only cover certain costs relating to an injury sustained whilst involved in the insured’s activity.  We have attached a General Information Sheet from Marsh Advantage Insurance.  We encourage you to read through this and be familiar with what is covered and what is not to avoid any nasty surprises.  

 Sport and Life Training Sessions: 

 We are part way through conducting Sport and Life Leadership Training Sessions to all our Under 14’s and up playing groups.  These sessions outline some of the expectations the club have for our players both on the field, off the field and online and delves into Leadership, Influence and how we can support our teammates.  We are working hard to foster a culture in our club that is supportive and inclusive.  We would like to emphasise that the way we speak and treat each other can be the difference between a good team and a great team.  Everyone in our club have the right to feel included and supported and just because you don’t hold the title of a Leader in your team, you always have choices to positively influence your teammates.     

 Upcoming dates to remember: 

 There are several amazing events coming up.  Don’t forget to add these to your calendar: 

 18th June – MND Big Freeze Event.  We welcome all our players wearing MND socks for this round.  To grab yours, feel free to jump on the links below.  There is no obligation to purchase a new pair of socks, you are welcome to wear last year’s socks.  They are a different design this year.  We are running short of MND socks after they have sold out online.  If you are unable to order these online, you are welcome to wear last years socks or just the normal navy socks. 

 We will also be having a huge MND Big Freeze Event from 5-8pm on Sunday 18th June.  We will have lots of entertainment for the kids, AFL Player Meet and Greets and lots of Sliders going down our Huge Slide all in the name of fun for MND. 

15th July – Trivia Night for the Parents.  We are thrilled to announce that we will be holding a Trivia Night for all our Parents (that’s right, it's not just the kids who get to have all the fun).  The theme this year will be Music Trivia and tickets will be going on sale soon.  Keep an eye on our socials for when tickets are available.   

28th July – Disco Night for Under 8’s to Under 10’s.  Get your disco shoes on kids, we have some fun things planned for you!!!! 

Working with Children Check card: 

Thank you to those parents that have registered on PlayHQ as a volunteer, however we still have a large number of parents who have not yet registered. 

Just a reminder to all our families to please ensure you have obtained your Working With Children Check card. 

Under the 2023 By-laws, it has been deemed the role of Goal Umpire / Club provided Umpire requires the volunteer to have a current WWC check due to their role of being on the ground during game time and their interaction with players.  At any time, a parent can be called upon to assist with that role, so we are asking all parents to apply for a WWC and register on PlayHQ. 

How to obtain a Working with Children Check card; 

Link to follow to apply for a Working with Childrens Check (A volunteer check is free of charge): 

https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/individuals/applicants/how-to-apply-1 

Once you have completed your WWCC, please register as a volunteer on PlayHQ. 

Registering on PlayHQ 

Please click on the link below to register as a volunteer (it takes less than 5 minutes) to complete 

https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/31e657 

Instructions: 

https://support.playhq.com/hc/en-au/articles/900003189303-Registration-as-a-Player-Team-manager-Coach-or-Volunteer 

Lost Property: 

The lost property boxes are filling up fast at Arch Brown (inside the social room) and Berwick Chase (inside the home change room).  If you child is missing a drink bottle or a jumper or other items, please check the boxes next time you are at the grounds.   

Colmed medics at Home Games: 

For those who may not be aware, the club funds a medic from Colmed to be onsite at all of our home games. This is to support our first aiders in case of serious injury.  First aiders and Team Managers should introduce yourself before your match and advise the opposition.   

New Timekeepers box: 

You may have noticed at Arch Brown a new concrete pad has been poured next to our home coaches box.  This is for our new Timekeepers box being built by the council to replace our old one up near the tennis courts.  Power has now been run to the site and hopefully the shed will be put up in the next couple of weeks. 

Family Night - Sunday 28 May: 

On Sunday night, the U19s Girls ran a successful BBQ to raise funds to support a team mate. Despite the bad weather, it was still a great turn out, with DS Sports entertaining the kids again with Zorb balls, Soccer Darts and the Obstacle course.  Thank you to everyone who turned up and supported the fundraiser.  The girls successfully raised $700.  Our Under 19 Girls did a fabulous job in running our BBQ and raffle for the night. 

MND Fundraising: 

If you would like to purchase any items to support MND, links to our website are below.  We have beanies and socks in different sizes. 

2023 Adult MND Beanie: 

https://www.bjfc.com.au/onlinestore/2023-mnd-adult-beanie 

2023 Kids MND Beanie: 

https://www.bjfc.com.au/onlinestore/2023-kids-mnd-beanie 

2023 MND Socks Size 4-7 (subject to availability): 

https://www.bjfc.com.au/onlinestore/2023-mnd-playing-socks-size-4-7 

2023 MND Socks Size 7-11 (subject to availability): 

https://www.bjfc.com.au/onlinestore/2023-mnd-playing-socks-size-7-14 

Checking Player Stats:

It is important to keep up to date of how many games your player has played.  Follow the attached instructions as to know when to get ready to order a 50, 100 or 150 game banner. 

 Click here.

Don’t forget to follow us on our socials:

 

Website                             www.bjfc.com.au

Facebook                         @berwickjfc 

Instagram                        @berwickjfc_official 

 

 

Go Wickers!!!!!!

2022 Wrap

After returning from an interrupted 2021 Covid Season, it was actually a privilege to have a normal season underway. We finished the 2022 Season with some huge accomplishments shared with our players, officials and families. Our Under 13 White Boys, Under 17 Prem A Boys and Under 18 Girls took out the Premierships in their divisions. We are also proud to see that Jaxon Binns was selected at pick number 32 by Carlton Football Club after playing his junior football with us. We wish him only the very best for his exciting AFL career ahead.

At the conclusion of the 2022 Season, our annual AGM was held and a new President was elected. Congratulations to Kate Murphy after Carly Ravenhall stepped down to pursue her career and spend more valued time with her family.

Our registrations opened for existing players on 21st October 2022 and closed 20th January 2023. Registrations for new and transferring players from 1st February 2023. If you have any questions about our registration process, please feel free to contact our Registrar at registrar@bjfc.com.au

2022 FINALS INFORMATION

What a season we had after a few years of interruptions, we are set to take part in our first finals series since 2019!
Out of the 16 competitive teams, we have 11 teams taking part in the finals!! An incredible result for our club.

Match Day info:
Round 1 of finals see no gate fees for supporters heading down to watch the matches. (The only exception to this is if you are heading to the Under 17 Prem A game at Casey Fields and arrive after half time, VFL gate fees will apply.)

Gate Fee prices for Weeks 2 and 3 will be communicated to all members once confirmed by the league.

Member Behaviour:
We know we sound like broken records, but unfortunately the club have received reports of supporters abusing umpires and opposition players / officials. This will not be tolerated. Members are to be reminded that when your child is registered at the beginning of the season, the code of conduct is agreed to and must be abided by. It is stated in our code of conduct that should a member not comply with the guidelines set by BJFC, disciplinary action can be taken.

Furthermore, BJFC do not condone abuse directed at our own officials, players and spectators by people outside of our club. If anyone is to witness this kind of behaviour, you are welcome to email Danielle (secretary@bjfc.com.au) or Carly (president@bjfc.com.au) for the club to follow up.

Please see below time and locations for our teams heading into Week 1

Annual General Meeting - Season 2021

It is that time of year again when we need to start preparing for next season and striving to improve our club for the future. Although we didn't see a full season played, we had 9 nominees in the league Best and Fairest followed by more of our talent making their mark with the Dandenong Stingrays in the NAB League. The future is bright for our wonderful club, and we would love to see more of our members become more involved in the future success of the BJFC.

Your attendance at the meeting does not automatically place you as a Committee Member, so please come and show your support for the upcoming 2022 season.

Parents and volunteers are the cornerstone of the Berwick Junior Football Club Community, and your involvement as a parent will be greatly valued by your child and all members of the community.

AGM_2021 (2).png

2021 - AFLSE Best and Fairest

Congratulations to the following BJFC players for being recognised for their outstanding efforts during the 2021 season.

We would also like to acknowledge the amazing efforts of two of our home grown superstars who are making their mark on the NAB league playing for the Dandenong Stingrays. The future really is bright for the talent coming through our wonderful club.

sam franga (1).png

2021 - Interleague representatives

*** CONGRATULATIONS ***

The BJFC are very excited to have 42 of our players named in the SEJ Regional Interleague Squads for 2021. From U13-17 Boys and U15 & U18 Girls.

The weather forecast is sunny and 17 on Wednesday June 30 and it would be great to see as many BJFC supporters as possible down at Sweeney Reserve to cheer on your teammates (Fixture attached)

Congratulations to you all!

#GOWICKERS

Grounds Update...

In 2019 BJFC were awarded $500,000 from Jason Wood in Federal Funding to go towards upgrading our facilities. With limited grounds available in Berwick, after considering all our options we decided to use these funds to make improvements to the grounds at Akoonah Park. 

We have used the oval for training for a number of years now, which has often posed issues with the uneven surface, water retention and limited facilities. This was exacerbated this year with unusually high rainfall in February.

The Project will see a levelling of the surface, including removal of built up areas and various other surface improvements. Extensive drainage will also be installed across the ground, along with potential irrigation. We are pleased to have Tim Bayard from Evergreen Turf managing the surface and drainage works, who is a member of our Club and was an Assistant Coach of our U12 Team this year.

Legacy Lighting will be installing brand new LED lighting and light towers, to a high quality that are suitable for night games. This will help upgrade the ground to an excellent training facility for our Club.  

We are additionally having goal posts installed at the ground, as well as netting at the North end. We are also hoping to have new fencing around the ground and coaches boxes installed, however these will be budget permitting. We have access to toilet facilities and have been allocated a storage/changeroom in the brand new Scout Shed for use by our Club. 

The ground will be available to us for training five nights a week, with the option of Auskick Saturday mornings. We are working towards playing games there on Friday nights and the possibility of weekends in the future. We thank the Akoonah Park Committee of Management for their cooperation and support of our Club. 

After months of planning and preparation we are very excited to have the works commencing this week, which are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

In addition to the above there also some works commencing at Berwick Fields and Arch Brown.

Berwick Fields

After many years of campaigning this year finally saw major works undertaken at Berwick Fields. Casey City Council laid new turf across approximately half the oval, irrigation pipes were installed and synthetic grass was placed over the high traffic entrance to the ground. Our successful Minor Capital Works Grant will also see the construction of a tiered seating area in the coming weeks, which will hopefully become a covered spectator area in the future. A planned improved scoreboard was put on hold this year due to financial vigilance, however hopefully this will eventuate in the future.

Arch Brown Reserve

At Arch Brown the long awaited brand new scoreboard has been installed, which is ready to go for next season. To draw on the positives from this season the Arch Brown surface has had a well earned rest and is looking great. Federal Funding obtained by the Berwick Cricket Club will see a number of works being completed at Arch Brown in the near future, which will see various improvements to the facility. 

This is all very exciting news and a big positive to begin preparation for season 2021.. Go Wickers!!