Well the New Year has seen quite a few developments get under way at Ferndale. Pavilion and Social Rooms have been cleared in readiness for the pavilion upgrade. Last week a group of temporary accommodation units were delivered in and all the utility services are in the process of being connected. The allocation of change rooms showers and toilet facility units will soon get underway. Temporary storage containers are in place and will store miscellaneous items such as surplus chairs and tables. A reasonable sized kiosk is in place and will be able to cater for spectator and members needs throughout the forthcoming football season. John Grace will be happy!!

The downside.
Car parking at Ferndale will become a bit of a problem but no doubt players and members will be able to overcome this inconvenience. There is plenty of parking in Ferndale Rd. A security fence will be placed around the work site this week, so access to the top end of the ground will be restricted. Building works on the pavilion and surrounds are scheduled to start on 25th Jan but with the 26th a holiday we may not see that happen until later in the week.

The Oval.
Work done on the centre corridor and surrounds now seems to be taking shape and although the ground surface is still uneven there is developing a good grass cover. The western end of the ground is still rather bare but hopefully this will improve over the next few months. So season 2010 will be quite interesting for the players, members and visiting teams. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us for our senior home games.

The upside
The end result though will be a more pleasant pavilion area, separate change and shower rooms for visiting teams and an umpire’s room. Wiring will be included for high tech audio and visual equipment. An outdoor deck will be available, a better ramp for disabled people and larger change rooms and improved toilet and shower areas for the home teams. Improved disabled toilet and upgraded ladies toilets are in the update. The Ferndale Park Advisory Committee apologises for any inconvenience and hopes that you will bear with us over the next several months of building development. Regular updates will be provided on construction progress.

The teams.
Training is now in full swing as new players get to meet and train with the regulars. The return of several senior players to the club from other commitments has added a new depth along with the inclusion of new talent of players formerly with clubs in higher VAFA grades. The desire of players to have a run with their mates is very strong in amateur football, especially when they can join a well run and resourced club.We are very thankful that players of high quality are willing to wear the club colors. Training is carried out at various venues due to lack of grounds available but is very varied. Contact Bails for the venue and time details.

The 1st of February is the date for the opening of VAFA registrations so that could be a busy time for club registration secretaries. Coach Leo is hot on the track of the Under 18 players and expects them to be fit and ready for the pre season lead in.

Ground usage will be restricted up until late March early April but the Council expect to be able to allocate some grounds for full training in the next week or so.

Watch for details and keep in touch with the coaching panel.

The club fitness advisor has the players working well and their hand, eye, speed work is looking good.

A new range of merchandise is currently being ordered so place your orders now through committee members.

Email Addresses.
One of the most frustrating things in this day and age of high speed communication is to have emails bounce back due to changed addresses. If you would like to be informed of club activity and the latest news please advise us of your correct email address. Life members and some past players regularly miss out on the latest news due to this.

Do It Now- send us your correct email details. We will then do the rest.

Thanks.

The first game of the season will be against our old rivals Emmaus St.Leos at the Bennettswood ground on Burwood highway.

Come along and support the club and be part of the Bob Stensholt Challenge match. Winning club takes home the celebratory cup. Saturday 17th April 2010 senior game at 2.00pm.

Keep informed, regularly check the web pages and where possible support our sponsors.

Practice matches will be announced shortly and are sure to draw lots of interest based on last season’s excursions and entertainment. I suggest you don’t miss them !!!

2010 Coaching Appointments
It is with great pleasure that we announce the appointment of Aaron Bailey as the St Mary’s Salesian senior coach for season 2010. If you have any recruits that we can talk to, please contact Aaron on 0410 130255. Shane Oldfield has been appointed Senior Assistant Coach for 2010. Shane is an experienced performer on the field and a past captain of Salesian AFC.

Troy Fairbairn will coach the reserves in 2010, and Mark Purcell will undertake a Player development role and assist Troy with the Reserves. Mark is a regular senior player and a committee member for many seasons.

Michael Learmonth (Leo) comes out of coaching retirement to coach the Under 18s in 2010. Leo has accepted this important role within the club of our underage development group. Leo has a proud history of achievement in the various roles he has accepted with the club over many seasons. A very experienced past player, Senior and Reserves coach, who has great finals experience and player communication skills. Leo takes over from Lachie Rose who has decided to try out again in the senior teams after twelve months away from playing.

The Club 18 coaching arrangements will be announced shortly.

Other Appointments:
Club Secretary: Patrick Dwyer
Patrick is the third Dwyer son to take an active role in the club activities, following brothers Alister and Jeremy. Dad Peter is also a staunch supporter over many seasons.

Club Treasurer: Matthew Ellis
Matthew is taking over this role after several seasons as club secretary. Matthew is a hard working tireless worker of the club administration team

Operation Renovation: Our long awaited pavilion upgrade and renovation is now getting closer with plans and documents ready for tender. Advice from recent meetings with the council has them very keen to begin in November 2009.

To meet our financial commitment with the council and to assist with the fit out of the pavilion , social area etc we are embarking on a fund raising drive specific to the building fund.