To all players, members, sponsors and supporters of the Old Paradians Football Club
 
No doubt you are aware the VAFA Board has resolved that the 2020 football season will not proceed.
The full statement can be read on the VAFA website [here], but in essence the Board took into account the following in reaching its decision –

• The heath and well being of all people in the VAFA community

• The financial viability and sustainability of the Clubs and the VAFA itself, both short term and long term

• The burden on Club volunteers

• There being a compromised season, with the possibility of further disruption 
   

It is most unfortunate that our young men will not have the opportunity to participate in a sport they love, with a club they and we love.  However we must accept that the decision to cancel the season is the most appropriate in the circumstances.
We have been able to give our players the chance to train together over the last 4 weeks, with this week seeing our return to the Garvey oval.  I have watched several sessions, and I can say the players enjoyed this.  All training has now ended.
The Committee has the task of finalising a wide range of matters to do with the 2020 season, before moving on to prepare for the 2021 season.  We will keep you advised through future bulletins.

The Club still has financial obligations to meet, and you will appreciate that we have not been able to conduct lunches and other fund-raising activities. 
Our sponsors have been very generous in the past, and some have paid amounts for 2020 before Covid 19 hit and the season was suspended in March.  Thank you very much for your support.  We will be in contact with these sponsors in the coming weeks to clarify that commitment.  We will also be in contact with our other sponsors to discuss their position.

To stabilise the Club’s financial position, the Committee has embarked on 2 fund raisers for the 2020 season. 

1. The traditional Reverse Raffle, to be drawn on Saturday 1st August.

2. The Toyota Good For Footy Raffle.  All proceeds from the sale of these tickets go to the club 
    

Details of both of these fundraiser can be found on the front page of the website
 
On behalf of the Committee of the Old Paradians Football Club, we would like to sincerely thank our sponsors and supporters that have continued to support us during this period of uncertainty, to the players and the coaches for their dedication towards their training and preparation despite not knowing if a season was even going to go ahead, to Parade College, and last but certainly not least, to our junior club, Parade St Damians, for all their help with training facilities​.  The YJFL are still planning to go ahead with the junior season, so I would encourage everyone to get behind the club and support them wherever you can.

We send our best wishes to you all, we hope you stay safe and well, and we look forward to suiting up again in 2021​
 
Leo Collins
President

Old Paradians Football Club