Dear Chelsea FC Players, Family and Community,
As we head towards the Festive Season and the end of 2020, I'm sure that all of us would like to see the back of this year.
The committee started the year with a strong and positive intent to make it a great year, only for it to come to a grinding halt even before a ball could be kicked. Then, we had "Re-start 2.0" in late May (one of the first clubs in this region to start training from Day 1), only to be shut down again in mid-July some 7 weeks later. Then, we were waiting on Football Victoria to advise us when we could re-start the season, which as we all now know, they made the decision to cancel the season in September. It certainly was a roller-coaster type of a year, which threw us many unprecedented challenges - both operationally and financially.
On behalf of the General Committee, I would like to thank you for your patience, understanding and support through this time. We are fortunate to have a very supporting Chelsea FC Community that made our job to try and make some sense of this year, easier.
I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the General Committee for their tireless work this year. We got through it via endless Zoom meetings, emails, phone calls and social media chat groups.
One of the factors that became clear to us throughout this difficult period, was that we needed to develop and implement a financial plan that would not only see us through 2020, but also 2021. It became quite apparent to us that both seasons are going to be closely linked and so therefore we had to put together a 2 year financial plan. This included not increasing fees for 2021 and minimising our costs.
I would also like to thank all our Sponsors that supported us and came on board for 2020 and now beyond! We can announce that we have extended their all their partnerships into 2022! Their generous financial backing was one of the strong pillars that also got us through this challenging year. We are grateful for them.
On a sadder note, a number of our Committee Members will be stepping down this year. A big, heart felt thank you for all their hard work and dedication over the years.
Without these 4 people below, your Club could not be as strong as it is today.
Michelle Perpina - Social Media, Website and Graphic Design
Our brilliant graphics/flyer designer and Facebook Guru.
Ingrid Ponchard - Female Football Co-ordinator and Masters Women Co-ordinator
A wonderful and caring member who had a passion for helping our girls strive.
Domenic Boccari - Sponsorship and Business Development Co-ordinator
The main force and lead in our Sponsorship drive.
Patrick Muschiarello - Junior Football Co-ordinator
A fantastic help and generous person in our Football Dept.
But not to worry! They still will be around connected to the Club they love as most still have their children playing in 2021.
Therefore, we are looking for people from our wonderful community to continue the great work that these people have started.
If you are interested in taking on one of these roles or any other role in 2021 to help contribute to the Club and your local community then please reply to this email with your expression of interest. Any help counts.
The Chelsea FC Committee would like to wish you and your extended family a very Merry Xmas and all the best for the festive season and a happy (ier) 2021.
See you soon in the ROYAL BLUE in 2021.
Go Chelsea!
#CFCSTRONGER21
Warm regards
John Zeccola
Chelsea FC President.