On behalf of all the officers of RCTSFA, I would like to wish all of our players, parents/guardians, coaches, partner schools, fellow associations and our generous sponsors a fantastic Christmas.
I believe we would all agree that 2020 has been the most difficult calendar year in modern times. Firstly, I would like offer my condolences to the families in RCT and beyond who have lost loved ones as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic during this devastating year.
We should also remember the sacrifices that have been made by key workers during these troubled times to keep us safe whilst ensuring that society continues to function for our families and friends.
Whilst community football is a secondary consideration during these unprecedented times, I would like to pay tribute to our players, parents and volunteers for the ongoing patience, commitment and support that they have demonstrated towards the Association during the previous 9 months. The restrictions imposed on junior football have created enormous disruption to the lives of our children, but thankfully the large majority of our players have so far stuck with the game despite the stop-start impact of the lockdowns in Wales.
As a parent and coach, I know only too well the positive impact that football has on the physical and mental wellbeing of children. The Association is therefore indebted to the support of our coaches and committee members who have collectively gone the extra mile to implement a range of measures to ensure that our players have been able to return to football safely this year. In between the temperature checks, tracking and tracing and social distancing it has been important to offer children some sense of normality during these most anxious of times for them. We should also never underestimate how much children value spending time with their friends – another reason why football is so important.
During the autumn term, we prioritised the delivery of our trials for our new U11s Boys and Girls squads and both of these squads are now established for the forthcoming season. I would also like to put on record our best wishes to the outgoing 19/20 Under 16s Boys Squad and staff who leave us after many years of county representation.
Despite the threat posed by the pandemic, the Association remains in a strong position both on and off the pitch. We have invested heavily (without any external financial support) to both ensure that all of our provision is COVID-19 compliant and that there will be an Association here for the school children of RCT when this current crisis is over.
So perhaps now as we leave 2020 it is time to look at the future and hope that 2021 will bring better times for us all.
I wish you all a peaceful and safe Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Yours in football
Ceri
Ceri Jones
Chairman
RCTSFA
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