Next Season

Dear Team and Supporters,

 

As you know we are currently in discussion with the Chairman of our club (Graham Frost) and the Rockets Coach (Jason Roberts) about the future of the U12 age grouping at AFC Waverton next season. At the moment both Rockets and Jets are under-staffed. Rockets have about 7/8 boys and we have about 12/13. This isn’t enough for the club to enter two teams into the league next season. Graham is very keen to ensure that all players, many of whom have been with the club for years, are able to continue to participate and remain with the club. To this end, we have been asked by the club to consider a full merger of the teams rather than us independently seeking additional players from elsewhere.

 

This could leave us with a large squad of players for next season- as many as 18-20 players. We are only allowed to register 16 in the league. Clearly this is a very challenging position to be in. Our team could continue and seek to recruit a few more players or, as is the club’s express wish, merge teams.

 

If we go ahead with the proposed merger we will need to choose a core squad of 16 players and offer Associate club membership (half price) to those players that don’t make the squad of 16. These players would take part in all training sessions and be substitutes at some or all of the games next season.

 

Clearly this is a really big decision for us but one that has to be made in the context of the wishes of players, parents and AFC Waverton as a whole. There is no easy solution so we are asking for your help and support in this process.

 

To move this forward, Robin, Jason and I will be holding two training sessions over the next few weeks. The first one will be on Saturday 16^th July (10am Waverton Village Hall) This is a chance for players, parents and supporters to meet, for an hour’s training session to take place and for an assessment to be made of the different strengths and weaknesses of the squad. An overall judgement will be made which will also include past commitment to training and matches.  Graham Frost will also be there to answer any questions or queries from the Club’s perspective.

 

Robin and I would be happy to talk to any members of the Jets and Supporters prior to the session if there are any concerns. If for any reason you are unable to attend this session please let us know asap. The date for the second session will be announced shortly.

 

Simon & Robin