Archive for category: News

In this interview series, we introduce Saints members to our Sponsors.

Saints sponsors help our club in many ways, including; ground hire, purchasing equipment, paying umpires, keeping registration fees to a minimum and ensuring your children can train and play in a safe, healthy, fun environment every week.

Today we meet a brand-new sponsor, Daniel Hobbs from dmh Accounting.

 

Thanks for becoming a new sponsor this season Daniel. Can you tell us a little bit about your business, how you got started  and the types of clients you work with?

 Pleasure mate. Had been working in the city as an accountant for 10 years and our eldest was about 18 months old when I decided I wanted more flexibility and a better work life balance so took the plunge and set up dmh Accounting.

Varied client base including individuals, companies, trusts and SMSFs.

Clients range from a basic individual tax return to trading businesses with 15m turnover and 100 odd staff and everything in between.

 

Did you grow up in the Maroubra area?

 I grew up on the south coast of NSW. I moved to Maroubra as a 23 year old with a few mates in search of something a bit more exciting than our sleepy hometown.

 

What first  attracted you and your family to Maroubra Saints?

With our eldest now being 5 we wanted him to play a team sport and the Saints came very highly recommended by friends of ours.

 

And what about your own family? Are you involved in different sports?

Fred did Woolworths cricket over summer which was good fun. With boys aged 5 and 3 I’m sure there will be plenty of different sports to come.

 

How have you and your family coped with the pandemic and the delayed start to the season?

 We have been ok. I already work from home so that didn’t change. Spent a lot of time in the yard with the boys. Home-schooling  had it’s moments…….

 

Growing up, did you play junior sport. If so, what were some of the life lessons you learnt?

 Played a lot of junior sport. Soccer, indoor soccer, tennis, cricket, squash.

 Fun, things need to be fun!!!

 Everything is more fun with your mates.

 

Is there a standout memory or highlight of your own junior playing career?

 Standout memory – When I was 16 our team needing a police escort to get off a field and out of the change rooms. Fair to say the Sydney based team didnt enjoy losing to the south coast team

Highlight – was lucky enough to win a few premierships. Nothing better than winning with your mates.

 

Do you have any thoughts or ideas for parents  who might be considering becoming more involved with The Saints? Where should they start?

 Do it. Ask your coach or a committee member how you can help.

 

Do you think it’s important for local business and local families to be involved with a community sporting club?

 Massively important. Without sponsors and volunteers clubs like the Saints don’t  exist.

 

Which footy team do you follow? Why?

Saints – When I started to take a greater interest in AFL my favourite player was Robert Harvey, absolute gun!!! However I now realise I have picked my team very poorly!!!

 

Flat White, Long Black, Skinny Cap, Sav Blanc or Peroni?

Hot chocolate pre Midday and Peroni post midday.

 

Bacon and Egg roll, Sausage roll, Salad roll or Meat Pie?

Meat pie, chunky steak if possible.

 

Do you have a pre-game message to your son?

 Have fun

 

What about post game?

 

Hope you had fun mate, now to the canteen!!

Maroubra Saints Junior AFL Club has been monitoring the spread of Covid-19 (Corona) virus closely and are greatly concerned about the health of our club members. The situation is emerging and subject to change rapidly. With that in mind, we are issuing our current stance on the situation with the proviso that this may change unexpectedly.

 

As parents, players and members of the club, we along with Sydney Harbour Juniors AFL competition and AFL NSW are taking the threat of Corona virus seriously. We have and will continue to obtain advice from Australian and NSW governments and the AFL. See the attached PDF for a statement from the AFL.

 

The current advice is to continue with the season, with the expectation that we are in unprecedented territory and participation may be impacted by decisions outside of our control.

 

The Maroubra Saints Junior AFL Club may also, outside of the AFL and Sydney Harbour Juniors competition, decide to shut down training and games should we at any stage deem there is a likely risk to our members.

This will not be taken lightly but first and foremost is the safety of our players and community.

 

It is important if you or your child have any symptoms that might indicate an infection or illness that you do not attend training or play matches.  We also ask that parents and kids follow strict hygiene protocols (both at home/work and at footy) to prevent spreading infections.  As parents you are free to take a break from training/matches if they wish to avoid contact for any reason, we each must assess the risk to our families. We do ask that you inform your Coach and Team Manager of that decision so we can accommodate.

We are hopeful that the season will not be significantly impacted by the unusual circumstances and will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

If you need specific information on our response to the virus to contact us through Facebook, or email us here. We have appointed a committee member to address your concerns.

Like all of you, we here at Maroubra Saints wish for a safe season for all.

Maroubra Saints Junior AFL Club Committee.

Our club celebrates 20 years and one of the clubs founders, Patrick Curtis who received the clubs very first Life Membership at our 10th year celebrations in 2009 has written a letter for us all which was to be read at the 2019 social night.

Amanda Bartholomeus has shared Patrick’s note and gives us this context:

Patrick Curtis was approached by the AFL to help with founding a second junior club in the Eastern Suburbs as Easts Bulldogs were nearing capacity.  Patrick’s knowledge and passion for the game and his personable nature made him a perfect fit to help promote the new club and in the year 2000 Maroubra Saints played their first season with approximately 40 kids.

 Patrick served as President for 11 years, seasons 2000 through to 2010, while also managing registrations, handing out jerseys and ground managing in the early years. All this with no children playing, just a passion and enthusiasm to help AFL expand in the Eastern Suburbs.

 Patrick’s strong sense of fairness and inclusivity became the cornerstones of the club and the inspiration behind the Patrick Curtis Club Spirit award which is awarded annually to a youth player who exemplifies these traits.

 

Hello Maroubra Saints Families.

Firstly, I do apologise for not being able to attend such a momentous occasion – 20 years of the Saints existence.

As much as I want to be with you all, unfortunately my poor health precludes me from driving up from Ulladulla to attend.

Secondly, kick your heels up and enjoy the occasion and friendship that helps make this great Club thrive and successful.

Thirdly, a big Thank You to all our volunteers that has continued to keep the club moving forward, a happy family club which continues to grow in strength.

Fourthly, during my time at the Sainters, we had many fantastic people, ie, committees, coaches, team managers and various other volunteers to assist in running the club.

So keep up the good work Mums and Dads.

Finally, I recall my first encounter with the “small but great committee”, I put my hand up to be a goal umpire but ended up being elected as President which lasted 11 years !! what an incredible journey but one I thoroughly enjoyed ?

Thanks to all those fantastic volunteers during the early days ?

Go the Sainters and may the club continue to grow and reach further milestones in the coming years.??

Patrick ?