Welcome to Season 2024!
On behalf of our committee, I welcome all returning and new members to our great club for season 2024.
It was with some sadness that we learned that our esteemed leader Ray Verratti had decided to ‘hang up the boots’ (so to speak) after an incredible 4 years at the helm. Ray was an inspired leader of our football club and achieved significant success through his dedication and hard work. He established a very strong and mutually respectful relationship with council officers, state and federal members, councillors and the mayor of Boroondara. He attracted and developed some significant relationships with local sponsors, engaged with community and encouraged participation through new committee members. Ray was instrumental with the generation and development of our junior NPL structure and performance pathways, kept the club financially viable and even battled through the disruptive Covid years.
On behalf of the committee, a sincere heartfelt thanks goes to Ray and his family for the incredible service and dedication provided for all stakeholders and members of this club and the wider community. We do hope that he enjoys his well-earned freedom and leisure time to pursue other interests and hope to see him around the grounds during the course of the season.
I have been entrusted with the mammoth task of following the incredible legacy of so many before me. I am excited at the prospect of continuing the journey of one of the largest soccer community clubs in Victoria providing opportunities for all levels, ability and ages to enjoy the wonderful game. I am not unfamiliar with the role having been involved at various levels of the club for the past 20 years and look forward to engaging with as many of you as possible in the forthcoming months.
I am grateful for all those members who have stepped forward to help the club improve its ability to provide a great experience for all our members “on and off the pitch”. We have a very diverse and dedicated committee that work tirelessly in ensuring that the club is safe, secure, welcoming, and delivers a quality football experience.
Unfortunately, season 2024 will undoubtedly start off as a disruptive season for some due to significant development investment by the council to Dorothy Laver Reserve and Ashburton Park which have recently undergone total renovation of the grounds. This will take some time to establish and be prepared for games and training, meaning that we have limitations on facilities at least until May. It’s not ideal timing, but we will manage through this challenge as always and ensure our 900+ players are able to play regardless.
We plan to continue to build on the progress made last year across all areas of the club, however we can always use more help, so please contact us if you are available to volunteer – it is a great and rewarding experience!
We could use help in the following areas (regardless of how little time you can offer)
- Regulation and policy
- Social media and marketing
- Fundraising and social event planning
- Canteen management
Alan Cubbon – President
Ashburton United Soccer Club
