I am very fortunate to have had the past two years with this group of boys and their ever supportive parents. Coaching to me is 60% about life and 40% about the chosen sport, the 2016 Under 11 Div 1 team and the extended Under 11 squad was a resounding success.
Our Values that we discussed weekly were never compromised, Respect, Teamwork, Skill & Sportsmanship were worked on always and we were proud that we wore the Rovers colours with pride and that all members are valued, opposition & Umpires respected.
We fell short in the last 10 minutes of the season to the eventual Premiers; we beat them twice they beat us twice, unfortunately the one that means the most was the Grand Final, aaahhh well not to be.
Every boy witnessed strong development in all areas this year, the full tackle rule and the fast pace of D1 tested our squad like never before, the strong decision by the football department to grade from Under 11 was tested and with plenty of fine tuning throughout the season allowed 35 players to experience Division 1 football, we should be very proud of this as no other club had numbers like this.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Graham Davis who coached the D6 team, the boys did it tough most weeks but they managed to keep turning up and smiling always.
Thanks to Peter Civitarese who ran the squad management brilliantly, to Ange and Kate who did our match day TM work, well done ladies.
To Steve Taranto & Oscar Roberts for their fantastic coaching and support of this group of boys, Graeme Verbunt our runner and to all the volunteers helping and doing game day roles I thank you.
But the biggest thanks belongs to the STARS of the show the players, thanks boys it was the most enjoyable season I can remember for many reasons, not because we won the minor premiership but for all the times that you smiled at me and thanked me for being your coach, singing the rovers song and showing respect beyond your youth.
GO Rovers
Love you boys..
Paul Carrigan
U11 DIV 1 COACH
