Some new and important Menu items have been added to the GFUL Website.   Members logging on to the Website should get into the habit of checking out the following new menu links each time they log on to ensure they keep up to date with the latest information available:

Urgent News

One item you should definately check each and every time you log on as it highlights anything that is obviously urgent and you need to be aware of.

Coaching Corner

Keeps you up to date with the latest training notes and information specifically related to your discipline, whether it be Field, Boundary or Goal.

Training

Outlines the latest Training Policy for 2008 and provides details on changes to training venues and/or schedules.

Congratulations to young Boundary Umpire, Ryden Grossman, who was the very first member to return his completed 2008 Membership Nomination Form.   Not only was Ryden the first to return his completed form, but it was extremely accurate and legible.  Well done Ryden, your swift response certainly reflects your enthusiasm and commitment to umpiring with the GFUL .   Dave Chaston usually prides himself on being the first in each year but he has been a bit slow off the mark, allowing young gun Ryden to slip under his guard.   Where is your form Chasto?

The Board of Management are pleased to announce that Metricon have agreed to continue their current relationship with the GFUL as Major Partners for the next two years.  This Partnership extension confirms the value that Metricon place on the current relationship with the GFUL and the professional manner in which the Partnership is managed.    We are hopeful that the partnership will continue beyond the next two year contract and that over the coming years, the name Metricon will become even more synonymous with the GFUL.

We also welcome three new partnerships into our stable for the next two years.   Geelong Galvanizing have not only committed to partnering the GFUL for the next two years, but have contributed a substantial amount towards the 2008 Pre-Season Camp.    Taubmans Paints and the GFC Cats Bistro have also committed to becoming partners for the next two years.   Taubmans have donated the paint with which the exterior of our building was painted over the summer break and the Cats Bistro will be offering meal discounts to members in addition to their sponsorship support which will involve access to function venues and Dinner Vouchers.

In addition to acquiring new partners for 2008/2009, we have retained FCCS for an unbelievable 29th year, plus Faggs Mitre 10, Steve Keating Financial Services and Jims Mowing.

All in all we have a great stable of partners who deserve the support of all members, so please make an effort to do so at every opportunity.

Harry Stapleton, one of the GFULs most esteemed Life Members and recent Hall of Fame Inductee, is not very well at the moment and could do with a bit of cheering up.  He is in the Birdsey Wing at the Geelong Hospital and would welcome any visitors over the next few weeks.    Life Members who have contributed as much as Harry are deserving of our thoughts and kind wishes at times such as these and I am sure every contact, whether it be in person or even just a card or letter, will certainly help brighten his day.

Another one of out dearly admired and respected Hall of Famers, Jack Henry, is now a permanent resident in the Bellrise Aged Care Facility, Bellarine Highway, Leopold.   Jack will also be uplifted with some visits from fellow Life Members and general mnembers of the GFUL every now and again.

It is important for GFUL members to support our elderly and infirmed Life Members to show that we really do care.