A lot has happened since the end of the 2012 season, and while everyone else was watching the cricket, we were busy preparing for 2013.
In September the Melbourne Football Club Board of Directors requested a full review of some of the Club’s supporter groups, including the Cheer Squad. This was one of the final phases of implementing the Club’s strategic plan - ‘The Red and Blue Print’ - and ensuring that all aspects of the Club align with the plan.
An extensive report was produced that analysed all aspects of the Cheer Squad, with the following key points being identified:
- The number of active Cheer Squad members was at its lowest point
- The level of participation from junior members was at a critically low level
- Our most fanatical supporters needed a group that encouraged their enthusiasm
As a result, the board made the decision to change the way the committee is formed and run to ensure that all of the key points are addressed, and that the committee and all members of the Cheer Squad are working towards the goal of making the Cheer Squad area the most exciting place to watch the Demons play.
Firstly, the Melbourne Football Club would like to sincerely thank all involved in the 2012 Cheer Squad committee for their incredible hard work. They have done a truly marvellous job in really difficult circumstances. No-one could’ve guessed what a difficult season 2012 would turn out to be but rain, hail or shine, members of the Cheer Squad turned up to cheer on the team.
In 2013, the Melbourne Cheer Squad will experience a new beginning. There will be a new focus, new ideas and some new faces. The board have appointed John Trotter (an MFC board member and previous Cheer Squad member) as the Cheer Squad advisor, along with a four person committee, consisting of Ryan Sinclair, Suzanne Considine, Gary Anderton and Sophie Galer, who will head up the Cheer Squad and develop the group in number, voice and activity.
No doubt many of you will know these names and faces, as between them they have been involved in the Cheer Squad for 80 years! These four enthusiastic and passionate people will work with anyone and everyone who wishes to be involved in the Cheer Squad in 2013 and beyond.
The vision of this group is ‘to be an unashamedly positive reflection of the Melbourne Football Club, through the enthusiasm, passion and unity of its supporters.’
The new look Cheer Squad will be a supporter group for the most fanatical of Melbourne supporters - a supporter group run by Melbourne supporters, for Melbourne supporters. It will be somewhere for the passionate and fanatical to meet likeminded people. During the year, there will also be social functions, discounted travel, even a bus trip to Geelong.
All 2013 Cheer Squad members will be mailed a handbook, with all the information about the new group, how you can get involved, making the banner and much more. In the lead up to Round 1 we will be holding a launch event where all members and those interested can attend and hear about the plans for the Cheer Squad in 2013. More information regarding this launch will be provided closer to the time.
The most important role of Cheer Squad members is to turn up at our games are cheer on the team – however, there are many more ways in which you can be involved. It doesn’t matter if you’re a lawyer or housewife, a student or a doctor. If you’re a fanatical Demons fan, then we need you. Be among the first to get involved with the new group, and have a say in how the Cheer Squad is run by completing this short survey. Stay tuned for more information, or contact Ryan Sinclair, Suzanne Considine, Gary Anderton and Sophie Galer via email at committee@demonarmy.com.au to let us know how you would like to be involved.
Join up as a 2013 Cheer Squad member now
2013 Cheer Squad Charter
I look forward to seeing you at the ‘G!
Don McLardy
President
