First and foremost, I hope you and your closest are well and are keeping safe. Our thoughts at FC Redwing are constantly with those directly affected by this awful virus, families, our fantastic National Health Service staff, and everyone else keeping the country going at this time of crisis.
It has been three months since we last saw football over at FC Redwing and, in that time, life as we know it has changed dramatically. At times like these, football pales into insignificance, though I’m sure that you all join me in hoping for more positive news in due course.
Whilst we have all been away from playing regular football, the committee and I have been speaking regularly to ensure that we are fully prepared for a return at some stage in the future. Our running costs as a club, like many other organisations, have not reduced over this time, so we are looking into different ways to protect the future of the club. Our biggest revenue generator - the FC Redwing tournament - will also not take place this Summer.
We are actively in discussions with a number of organisations including Sport England, Basildon Council and the Essex FA to look into the possibility of grants and have already had some success with this, which will go someway in helping to make up the deficit from the loss of our tournament and presentation. Prior to lockdown, I have also been looking at different ways that we can continue to improve our facilities. None of this would be possible without fundraising support, our volunteers and patience from my wife!
It’s been great to see a number of FC Redwing players sending in their videos, drawings and challenges, as they look forward to the return of football at the club. Clearly we don’t know when that will be just yet, but we will let you know as soon as we do. The FA have recently published some guidelines on small group training, but this needs some discussion and consideration from our committee before we can establish some next steps.
The safety and wellbeing of our players, families and friends remains our sole priority and any decision we make will be made with guidance from the Essex FA. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate in either contacting me or the committee.
Look forward to seeing you back at FC Redwing in due course.
Steve