Putting our best foot forward!
From May through to July every game is at home. That’s more than two months of games at our new facilities against clubs that include Dandenong, Port Melbourne, Springvale, Bentleigh, South Melbourne, Richmond and Murray United and collectively represent nearly 300 years of Victorian soccer history. It’s an incredible opportunity for our Club to show what we, in our fourth season, are bringing to the future of soccer in Victoria.
So are we walking the talk and delivering what we claim we want to be? Are we a Club that values and demonstrates good sportsmanship as much as we value and demonstrate good football?
We are asking these questions because we want you to feel comfortable watching, playing, refereeing and helping out at any game – whether its seniors, juniors or SAP.
And because we have to! The Codes of Conduct form part of the FFV’s NPL 2017 Rules of Competition so compliance is part of our licence conditions. The Rules include the following-
“Acts of violence, discrimination and vilification are illegal acts in Victoria. It is a club's responsibility to report these to the appropriate legal authorities ...
Organisations that do not adhere to and enforce the Code will not be eligible for funding..., and any existing funding will cease.”
We are looking to all members of our Club including our players, parents, supporters, Club officials, team managers and coaches to help us build the Club we want to be on and off the pitch.
If there is something that you think could improve please share it with us. We can’t fix something we don’t know about – and we have an obligation to address the matters reported to us.
We will use the newsletter to give updates on matters that affect everyone, and we will contact you directly if the matter is not appropriate to share with the broader club.
When fans go feral...
All spectators must comply with the FFA National Spectator Code of Behaviour and its our job to ensure this occurs at GV Suns home games. The Code includes the following key points:
FFA National Spectators’ Code of Behaviour
- Respect the decisions of the Match Officials, and teach children to do the same;
- Never ridicule or unduly scold a child for making a mistake;
- Not engage in discrimination, harassment or abuse in any form including the use of obscene or offensive language or gestures, the incitement of hatred or violence or partaking in indecent or racist chanting; and
- It is the host Club’s responsibility to ensure this Spectator Code of Behaviour is implemented and enforced against all spectators.
So how do we ensure the Code is enforced?
Firstly each club must provide at least one marshal for each game – that’s a minimum of two marshals for games up to the NPL U20s and four are required for NPL2 seniors games. Amongst their duties the marshals “where required, assist the Match Officials(s) to ensure a safe playing environment for all players, Club Officials and spectators.”
The marshal is your go to person for reporting any concerns about supporter/parent behaviour. The marshal can intervene directly or seek guidance from the Match Referee if he/she is unsure.
The Linesman also has the authority to advise the Match Referee if he/she or players are being subject to inappropriate behaviour for example a supporter yelling at a player or the Linesman during play. A Linesman stretching the flag across his/her chest is the signal for the Referee to speak with the Linesman about the concerns.
What is the Club doing?
Unlike many of the metro Clubs with dedicated seating areas, local and visiting supporters can sit almost anywhere around our pitches. This stretches the marshaling job over a big area and can easily see the marshal at the opposite end of the ground when an issue blows up.
Beginning with our next home game, you will see signage around the grounds and in the change rooms that reminds everyone of their obligations.
You and other supporters are welcome to refer supporters to the signs. If the conduct does not improve you are encouraged to contact the marshal – it doesn’t have to be the marshal from the same club as the supporter but sometimes this can help. This weekend we stationed the marshals on either side of the pitch at the halfway line and made sure they wore their hi-vis vests.
If the marshal doesn’t take action please report your concerns to our Club Officials including Paul Uniacke and Nick Corbo. Given our NPL obligations we simply cannot allow inappropriate conduct.
Please also note
- As we have mentioned repeatedly, the entire area (from flag to flag) between pitches is designated a technical area and only players, officials, team managers, coaches and medical staff involved in the game that is underway are authorised to enter this area. A marshal is stationed here to assist with escorting unauthorised individuals out of the area – it’s disappointing that this continues to involve our own players and supporters.
- The marshals have absolutely no role in regulating the conduct of the match officials – for example the marshal cannot regulate the conduct of the linesman if he is ‘coaching his team’, this is entirely the responsibility of the match referee but the marshal can bring it to the attention of the referee at a break in play eg half-time.
Recording devices
It’s worth keeping in mind that these days nearly everyone has a recording device in their pocket and many parents and Clubs record their games so there is a real possibility that a supporter's inappropriate conduct will be recorded – accidently or intentionally. From time to time we may request game photos and videos that may be relevant to a complaint or investigation and we welcome your assistance.
We hope this rather long article addresses some of the recent queries and concerns. Please send us an email or ask your Team Manager if you would like to know more or have ideas on what else we can do. Next week we will have a chat about player conduct!
FFV talented player trials underway - Tuesday 28 March
The FFV's new Talent Identification Development Centre (TIDC) program trials began last night. It was great to see so many of our younger players interested in what this new format will offer.
The trials will identify up to to 20 players from the 13 to 15 age groups for the TIDC and the Under 11 and Under 12 age groups for the Skill Acquisition Phase TIDC.
What's involved?
If you are selected into the TIDC you will train as part of the FFV's TIDC Shepparton Regional Centre and will follow an 8-10 week program. (The FFV is establishing six Regional Centres across the Victoria and all regional and metro centres follow the same program)
You will train one night a week with the TIDC squad (likely to be Monday) and also train and play with your Club.
Where does it lead?
Each squad member will receive a report at the end of the program cycle and depending on your progress you may be invited in to the next program – if not other players will be given the opportunity through talent ID. The TIDC will run 3 cycles / program a year with a $80 fee for each cycle.
If you are selected in the Shepparton 13-14 age group Regional TIDC you may have the opportunity to be selected for the Japan Under 13 and 14 TIDC tour in August and also 13-14 and 15 State selection.
Match Reports - 19 March v Eastern Lions
Under 12s
Tim Nelson
Fantastic effort from the kids on the weekend.
First game they started well, especially when we had possession of the ball which is something we worked on throughout last week. Each week we focus on a core skill. This week it was running with the ball. So it's great to see the response to training.
Miles was again again outstanding with his work in defence which was under fire for majority of the game. Ethan skills in particularly dribbling the ball out from right back.
Second game. Can not praise Jai enough for his efforts as Goal Keeper. Each week a different kid will have a turn of Goal Keeper. And from Jai's efforts on the weekend is something he can be proud for putting he team first and doing a job the best he can.
Reece was a different player again running well through the middle with the ball. Keilan's effort late in the game to create to scoring opportunity's shows he can be handy as a field player as well as GK. was good to see Aiden put the ball into the back of the net once he finally got a open chance.
Scott & Zac Hutchinson,
The team is starting play well and are getting to know how each other play, we played well out from the back , put 5 passes together more than 10 times in a half. Great first game for Lucas , well played everyone keep up the improvement, it has been fantastic so far
See you all on the track with your training faces on
Under 13s
Stuart Bethell
Without a win so far this season and plenty to work on after last week’s away defeat, the team was determined to put things right.
We worked in training on “playing out from the back” and “keeping possession in the final third”. These would both help us keep possession for longer, giving us quality time on the ball and giving our defenders less to do, hopefully!
Starting the game with the wind behind us, we very quickly knew we had a game on our hands with the Lions bending the rules while trying to gain an advantage. It was us who created the best chances without success. Within ten minutes of half time we managed to get the breakthrough we deserved and went in with a 1-0 advantage.
The half time team talk was to keep doing what we had been. Both pre-game focus points had been going very well during the first half but we had to keep it up to get a positive result.
We started the second half as we did the first, putting pressure on the Lions which eventually led to a dubious penalty awarded in our favour, which we duly converted. It wasn’t long before a good passing move resulted in a third goal making it a more comfortable 3-0 margin. At this point the game was starting to boil over with both sides having a player sent off and a few yellow cards shown. Fortunately, that didn’t affect the score line and the game ended in a 3-0 win.
From defence to attack we had executed exactly as planned making this a solid and very pleasing result!
Under 14s
Tommy Giuliani
Sunday's game against Eastern Lions was a game of two halves. Once again a sloppy low intensity start hurt us early in the game. Our inability to make simple passes when we were in possession also piled on the pressure. Combined with poor pressing to win the ball back it was only our improved structures to stay compact that allowed us to go to the break 1-0 down at 1/2 time. I think huge blowouts are behind this group now.
These boys must eradicate sloppy" first touch and striking the ball" core skill errors from happening so regularly.Away at Bulleen our build-up play was far better and we created far more attacking opportunities as a result. We need consistency with basics.
At 1/2 time the conversation was positive,the message simple, look after the ball a bit better, more movement to get on it and to bring the intensity that wasn't there early. If we lost the ball we needed to press far more aggressively and split the pitch in 1/2 then split it in 1/2 again till we win it back. To the boys' credit they did this perfectly and we started to stick some passing combinations. When we lost possesion we were like a pack of wolves, winning it back quicker and higher up the pitch. We deserved our equaliser and I thought we we the team most likely to score again. It was a great response and I'm sure the parents and spectators could see the effort the lads put in.
Unfortunately the Lions got the next goal, we just switched off and played a ball back into their middle third and we couldn't fill the spaces to in front of our 18YB quick enough.
This week we'll work hard on tidying up our feet and building out from the back.We need to find a way to start games with the right intensity or we'll keep conceding early. However,I'm very pleased with our response this week and I can't wait for the next game. I'm sure that if they bring that 'wolf pack 'desire for 60 minutes they'll do some damage....
Under 15s
Paul Nieuwenhuizen
This week our U15s took to the field after an interrupted couple of weeks due to half the team being away on a 9 day school camp. This meant that we went into the game with a few tired players.
The teams task for the game was to stay compact when defending. The team started well, with a couple of good chances created. We found ourselves behind after some poor defending and decision making when passing the ball - but credit to the team for levelling the scores at half-time through some good player and ball movement.
The second half saw us create a number of good scoring opportunities that we failed to convert. We eventually took advantage of one to score a good goal from a corner. We continued to push forward, but tiredness began to take its toll on the team and we conceded another goal with about 10 minutes remaining.
We did well to hold onto a draw and the game showed that the team continues to improve each week.
Under 16s
Shaban Mehmet & Nathan Saron
A week where we worked on body language and respect the boys came through a tough game were their emotions could have got the better of them. The game was fairly even but we did play the better football with improvements on our passing game. Our ability to play out of tight areas a highlight. Not one of our players left anything in the tank and to me that is real pleasing.
The progress of our new boys Jack and Appo continued on Sunday with both boys putting in a good shift, well done you two. Continue your hard work and commitment and you will notice big changes down the track. Well done u16s we are seeing some big improvements
Under 18s
Stefo Radevski & Glen Wilson
This week we welcomed Stefo as our new head coach for the U18s. A big thank you to Glen Wilson for stepping into the role at short notice and keeping the squad on track. We continue to see development across the group. Our U18 match reports will resume from next week.
Codes of Conduct for everyone
We want GV Suns to be a friendly and welcoming club - and we want everyone to feel comfortable being a part of our family. Our FFV approved codes of conduct for spectators, players, parents, coaches and administrators are available from our website.
Please read the codes to understand your responsibilities and there is further information in the 2017 NPL Rules of Competition.
Reminder - player payment dates
Monday
17 April |
6th player membership instalment |
Monday
15 May |
final player membership instalment |
Payments can be made on training nights - accounts staff will be onsite with EFTPOS machine
If you are experiencing financial difficulties of are unable to make your payment on time please contact Maria Sepe or Paul Uniacke and we will work with you to find a solution.
And in other soccer news...
MiniRoos Certificate coaching course
This course is compulsory for all game leaders who are new to SJSA and have not refereed before.
Date: Tuesday 11 April (During school holidays)
Time: 10am-1pm
Venue: McEwen Reserve, Shepparton
To register: click here
Further information - please call Jodie on 0439974944
Shepparton hosts Neymar Jr's 5 Qualifier
Shepparton will host one of 38 Neymar Jr’s Five qualifier events across Australia that will decide the Australian national champions who will join 53 countries competing for the global title in Brazil.
The 2017 tournament is open to teams of five to seven players aged 16 to 25, with two over-aged players allowed as part of each squad.
Date: Sunday, 21 May 2:00 pm (GV Suns juniors have a bye)
Venue: John McEwen Reserve
For more information visit Greater Shepparton City Council website or register your squad online.
