PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2006
Once again, the Myers Riders Football Club enjoyed another outstanding season in 2006.
For me personally, the NCAFA Championships demonstrated very clearly what a fantastic group of volunteers that our Club enjoys. Reports from all of our NCAFA partners confirm my view that the 2006 Championship games were exceptionally well run and within budget. All members of our organizing committee and the supporting cast should be very proud of their efforts that they expended on behalf of the youth in the Ottawa Carleton football community.
The football operations, the performances on the field, were also exceptional with all 4 levels in our fall programs making the “A” level of play. The Tykes and Mosquitoes made it all the way to the Gilchrist finals before losing in closely contested games. There is no doubt that the players, parents and volunteers from both these teams had special seasons and are eager to do battle again in 2007. I think the hi lite games for me were the Tyke semi final victory over the Bengals and 2 Mosquito wins over West Carleton. I am sure our Mosquito Head Coach will forever remember the value of sometimes surrendering a safety.
The Peewees and Bantams also had some exciting football games and making it to the “A” level demonstrates what good coaching and hard work can do. The Peewee game against the Lions was certainly a fun one to watch and that tremendous come from behind victory I believe made their season. It was personally very gratifying to see a young person like Kyle McLean make such improvement in a single season.
The Bantams showed what resolve and good team spirit can accomplish. The Kanata game, played on a field of mud, with excellent special team play and a determined defence, was perhaps the best game of the year for a Myers team. John’s lads came through for him defeating a bunch of talented Kanata kids for the first time in 3 years. It sure was a special moment for me at games end celebrating in the mud with the players, coaches, parents our victory against such a strong and worthy opponent. The good news was that Rob Oickle was not there to see the condition of our equipment!
A team that sometimes may be overlooked but are very much a growing part of our football family are our Mites. They are 20 in number and so very excited to have a team. I attended their final game at the Sportsplex where they had a full scrimmage prior to a NCAFA Midget game. I realize and understand that we need to make some of their equipment safer to wear but these little ankle biters are so much deserving of our support. Adrian and Claudia have done a tremendous job with this age group and I believe our Tykes will reap the benefits this season.
I would be remiss if I did not mention our Flag and Girls Touch programs. The Flag program is easily our largest program, providing approx 275 young people with an opportunity to have some fun and also to allow some of the youth from our tackle programs with a chance to earn some community service. The Flag program was well organized by Ralph and Brenda and all of their volunteers. It also generates major income for the Club.
The Girls Touch led by Brenda and Pam showed major improvement in 2006 and our girls won their first game. For sure, they are enthusiastic and keen to play. I personally enjoyed attending their team banquet and I must admit to coming away with a resolve to try to help them more in advertising for players. I believe it was a first though for me to over hear Myers players not wanting their picture taken because their hair was not right.
The OVFL programs continue to flourish and the kids do enjoy the opportunity to play at a more competitive level. There is a strong sense of pride amongst those young people earning roster spots and the home games are usually well attended. Funding is always an issue it seems and there is only so much that can be passed on to the players. I am hoping that the Club can be more aggressive on our selling of signage. The Canteen is an issue for us in terms of attracting volunteers. However, the funds derived from the canteen do make the difference. I am hoping maybe we can attract some youth requiring community service to help Sam and Winnie. We may also offer some discounts on registration fees for any parents willing to step forward to help. The OVFL is a great chance for those players wanting to play at the next level. If we check the CIS rosters in Eastern Canada, one will note the names of many graduating OVFL players.
The Executive for Myers Riders has been together for many years and I truly believe is a significant contributor to our Club’s success. You all know who you are and what you mean to Myers Riders so I don’t have to state your names publicly. I have heard so many times from other NCAFA clubs just how fortunate we are to have such a strong volunteer base. This was evident in our Flag Programs, our Lottery Calendar programs, Bingos, Canteens as well as the NCAFA Championship games.
I believe in the last two years we have made significant strides to improve the quality of equipment that our kids wear. This has not been easily accomplished but is a source of pride that key members, Rob Oickle, Winnie Spires and Linda Crane should be recognized. They developed the Strategic Capital Replacement Plan and have assured its delivery.
I am looking forward to the challenges of the 2007 season. We need to identify additional volunteers and continue to try to improve our woeful facilities. There is always a challenge for us to raise the necessary funding to support our programs. As Paul Donnelly recently pointed out Myers has grown considerably in recent years by supporting 6 tackle programs, 1 girl’s touch team and a major Flag initiative. We number approximately 6oo participants, players and volunteers. There is a close relationship with the Junior Riders and this only adds to our challenges.
Good luck to all for the Black, Red and White success in the 2007 season. I thank you all for your great cooperation and support. It continues to be for the most part a lot of fun and Linda and I enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship.
Sandy Ruckstuhl
President
January 21, 2007