Welcome back to ‘Magpie Mail’ – an extremely busy football week, with plenty of information to communicate to our players and parents.

Firstly you will notice that after only one edition we have had a name change. From “Maitland News” to “Maitland Mail” – a special request from Dan Barge, for which I’m happy to oblige.

What’s the Latest on 2020 Season Start

Lots of detail has been resolved this week, thanks to communication from NNSWF and Maitland Council. Many thanks go to Paul Osland and Mick Mirisch for the work that has been done, in the liaison with both council and our coaching group, to get us into the position of approvals that allow us to get back into training from the start of next week.

As stated previously, the conditions that must apply to training procedure are quite detailed and extensive but must be adhered.

You will receive documentation over the next 48 – 72 hours to advise you all of the details of ‘Return to Training”. Please read through these instructions, be aware of them and ensure that you comply.

Competition Start

Confirmation has been received of a Youth competition start on the 4/5th July.

You will play 22 rounds (2 already completed) finishing on 31st Oct.

That will be followed by a 2 weekend semi-final / grand final series.

There will be 3 midweek games.

Senior season will start on 11th / 12th July. They will only play 14 rounds.

Under 18s has been detached from the Seniors and will play after the last game on Youth days.

Seniors will play a 4 weekend Semi / Final series finishing on 8th / 9th November.

All of these games will be played under strict limited participant conditions. Certainly the situation at the start of the season.

At this stage there has been no announcements regarding whether the FFA Cup will be completed in 2020.

1st Grade Player Profiles

Now that we have details confirmed for our return to competition play, we wanted to give you a profile on some of the new members in our Senior Squad.
Braedyn Crowley – 2019 NPL Golden Boot winner, who has had stints with both the Jets and Melbourne City. A hard-working striker, with explosive speed and a great eye for a goal. Fits in well with the club’s philosophy of hard work and being part of a team environment. Will lead the line as our #9. Probably a player with the combined attributes of Simon Rutherford’s work rate and Mick Mirisch’s goal scoring prowess. (comments provided by Michael Bolch)
Joey O’Connor – a local Tenambit lad who has joined the club after coming through the Jets Youth program – started his career at Fieldsend. Joey has impressed with his fitness levels during the preseason. An overlapping fullback who is equally at home playing on the right or left side of the park – his forward runs from deep will trouble opposition defences this season.
Look to see both these young players highlighted on our Facebook page in the next week, with their Magpie Minutes video interview.

Next week this section, will feature profiles on returning club favourites – Matt Comerford and Ben Martin.
Words of Wisdom – to help our development as footballers and people.
Better people make better players. We want players that play with No Fear and understand that there will be roadblocks on the way to success. There will be tough times ahead. Embrace these tough times and take the opportunity to LEARN and GROW from them.
The inscription on the wall in Cooks Square changeroom says –
“There are NO Shortcuts to Success”
Club Marketing Support
Season 2020 will be a season like no other, because of the restrictions that will be placed on us in so many respects. The club has a relationship and responsibility to our sponsors, to provide them with increased community awareness and exposure.
That responsibility will be very hard to achieve this year because of the restrictions on attendance at games. Our Marketing Executive has spent a lot of time working on new initiatives that promote the services of our partners.
Some of these initiatives are quite innovative and will bring great excitement and enthusiasm for our players– particularly our Youth.
But these activities do take time for club volunteers, who already have other responsibilities. Last week I asked for volunteers from our Youth and SAP parents to provide assistance in implementing these initiatives. Maybe I did not provide clarity on my request, as I didn’t receive any contacts for assistance. If you would like to take up the opportunity to provide some assistance to Chris, Craig and myself, please contact me on president@maitlandfc.com.au
So, we all look forward to getting back on the park next week in training and working towards competition again in the first few weeks of July.
President
Maitland FC