Christchurch Football Club eNewsletter

A special note to the U5’s (15 players!!) who turned up on Friday night here at the club to experience what it is like to play the game we all love and enjoy!! Our thanks go to the parents for supporting this opportunity, our Junior Committee and Tim Davies from Cassidy-Davies for driving this wonderful initiative and I am sure the pizzas post training went down well!!

I want to thank everyone who has now paid their subscriptions for 2026, to those who have reached out to get clarity on subscriptions past due and to everyone for being so understanding on what we have to do behind the scenes. Administratively we are up to date with invoices and statements being sent and again if you have already paid your subscription & receive an invoice please email accounts@christchurchpark.co.nz confirming that you have paid and provide the name of the player so as we can check the information we have on file.

Junior Family Member –

1 player (first child in the family) $115* includes team photo payment

2 or more players (same family) payment $230* includes team photo payment

3 or more players (same family) $300* includes team photo payment *includes a Family Membership of $60

As mentioned all Coaches & Managers of all teams will be following up to ensure all subscriptions are paid by either the end of May (Senior) or the end of June (Juniors)

Regarding the rugby played on Saturday there was some fantastic feedback received from those who watched our Un18 Kohine team in action on Saturday morning as they put on a clinical display against a willing Otautahi team. The skills shown by the payers and the support they have for one another was fantastic to see and this proves what a wonderful female programme this club has due to the work of Jono, Vicki and Angie over the past few years and is now supported by so many others in so many ways – extremely proud of everyone who is associated with our female programme!

To the Crocs, what an outstanding game against Lyttleton where the team proved how well they are combining & working together, the support they had for each other and the great character shown to take the win – believe some good celebrations were had in the changing room afterwards!!

The Premier Men’s team had to work hard to overcome a gutsy Shirley side on Saturday, and we saw a number of players given the opportunity to wear the jersey & show what they are capable of along with building depth within this awesome team and the club overall. The Premier Men’s team are heading into a tough run of games on the road as well as at home, and they need all of our support, so I ask that you get to as many games as you can as the players very much appreciate seeing you on the sideline!

Regards

Shu

After a weekend raising Money for the Westpac Helicopter Trust, it was nice to sit back down in the office on a well-padded seat. Biking from Queenstown to Invercargill was a challenge but I got there through a truckload of support.

And speaking of Support I was asked over the weekend how many coaches should be on the field with the players on game day and how much involvement should they have? There is no perfect “one age fits all” answer, but a strong junior rugby development model gradually shifts ownership from coaches to players as children mature.

A useful framework is:

• Years 1–4 (ages 5–8): Coaches are highly involved. The focus is safety, fun, movement skills, confidence, and introducing basic rugby habits. Players still need constant guidance and structure.

• Years 5–6 (Approx. ages 9–10): Coaches should begin stepping back during games and training. Players should start making simple decisions themselves:

◦ Where space is ◦ When to pass or run ◦ Basic defensive choices ◦ Simple communication

This is where coaches move from “Director” to “Guide.”

• Years 7–8 (Approx. ages 11–13): Coaches should deliberately reduce sideline control. Players should increasingly:

◦ Run huddles ◦ Solving problems on field ◦ Adjust tactics during games ◦ Communicate without coach instruction ◦ Learn through mistakes

• By this stage, constant sideline coaching often becomes harmful because it limits game awareness and independent thinking. “The younger the player, the more direction. The older the player, the more ownership.”

One of the biggest issues in junior sport is adults trying to “remote control” children from the sideline. That can create:

• Fear of mistakes • Reduced creativity • Poor decision-making

• Dependence on coaches • Lower game understanding

Six months has passed since our AGM and it’s pleasing to reflect on what has been a positive and progressive start to the season for CFC. There’s a strong sense of momentum building across the club, with a real buzz both on and off the field as players, coaches and supporters have embraced the year with real vigour, energy and commitment.

Financially, hospitality and motel sales are strong with increased bookings and profit conversion. Sponsorship and senior player participation is up on previous years despite rugby facing heavy competition from rugby league, basketball and soccer.

Rugby

This season we are fielding 5 senior teams including the return of our Premier Women’s team. While the past two seasons have been challenging for our Men’s Premier team, it is clear we have turned a corner.

Our Jock Hobbs programme continues to progress strongly, receiving positive feedback from players and providing a clear pathway for emerging talent within the club.

The junior season is now underway with 28 teams, including an U18 Kōhine side. Thank you to all coaches and support teams for stepping up to make a tangible difference to your child’s rugby journey. Our juniors are the future of the club, and it’s great to see your commitment to making that difference. If you can lend a hand as a coach, manager or game day volunteer. Please click here. We'd love to hear from you

Facilities

This year has seen important upgrades and improvements in our facilities. The installation of new LED lighting on Number One Field, due for completion shortly, will significantly expand playing, event and hospitality opportunities, while enhancing the experience for our players and members.

Their contribution is invaluable, playing a critical role in maintaining our facilities and protecting the club’s significant assets. Equally important is the camaraderie they bring, coming together over morning tea to catch up, solve the “issues of the week”, and deliver their post-match analysis. This provides a social connection not unlike a men’s shed environment, and the group would warmly welcome new members. If you are looking for a productive way to contribute to the club while enjoying that sense of connection, please reach out.

I’d like to recognise the contribution of our General Manager, John Sherratt. As the day-to-day face of the club, his almost constant on-site presence, along with his methodical approach, prudence and leadership, is driving improved performance across both club and business activities: Including increased sales, better service & operational delivery, growth in event bookings, enhanced sponsorship revenue, and greater financial discipline. These improvements are critical to the long-term sustainability of our club.

We have also strengthened our hospitality offering. The transition from HELT Caterers to Edward and his Rollicious team has gone well, with their post-match and event meals receiving excellent feedback.

Morne, our new Bar Manager, and the bar team are also working hard to realign bar operations, service standards, as well as supplier relationships to lift both the customer experience and overall returns.

Sponsors are a major source of revenue for the club, and despite the challenging economic environment, we have seen an increase in sponsorship income. We are truly grateful to our existing sponsors for their continued support through both good and more difficult times, as well as to our new sponsors who have recently come on board. I encourage all members to support them wherever possible.

I acknowledge we’re not where we want to be just yet, but the direction is clear. We are building a stronger, more sustainable and streamlined club, with improved standards, well-defined player pathways, astute and prudent financial management, and a renewed sense of energy and belief.

But we can’t do this alone. If you’re able to contribute in any way, whether on or off the field, or from a financial or support perspective, Shu, the Board and I would welcome the conversation. Please feel free to contact us directly.

Give 'em the Axe

Mark