5-a-side Tournament
A message from the Vice President:
Unfortunately we received some bad news yesterday with the Albert Park Indoor Sporting Facility bumping our booking on 23rd November for an all day ‘Corporate Function’. The Corporatisation of Football knows no bounds! We have however been offered first dibs on the following Sunday being 30 November 2008.
Assuming that all clubs are still able to attend the cost will be $70 per team. Should each team bring a full side plus 2 subs that’s only $10 each. Great Value!
Again, assuming that all clubs are able to attend, the structure of the competition will be that of a Champions’ League group. There will be five rounds with each club playing 4 games. The games will comprise of two x 10 minute halves with a 5 minutes half time break. Standard league rules apply, three points for a win, one for a draw, nil for a loss. The team who finishes top of the group will be crowned League Champions. Goal difference will be applied if teams are level on points.
I have taken the liberty of drafting the Champions League Draw for you to have a look at. This was done from the drunken comfort of my lounge room while watching the Arsenal v Man Utd game in my underpants. Strangely Platini was not available for this glamorous event. You will notice that each team will have a ‘bye’ during the tournament but it is a bye with conditions. The team having the bye will need to supply two people to referee the two matches that will be played during that round. I will bring some black shirts and whistles to assist with this. Comments are most welcome.
WHO CAN PLAY
As this is intended to be a fun and friendly tournament there are no restrictions on who your club can select. Males and Females of all ages are welcome. We only ask that you ensure that your players have a basic understanding of the game and posses a matching skill set.
WHERE
Albert Park Indoor Sports Centre
Albert Park Reserve, opposite oval 15
Pit Building 3
Aughtie Drive
Albert Park
Web
WHEN
12:30pm - 3:30pm on Sunday 30th November 2008
Clubs should try to arrive by 11.45am in order to get changed, have a quick chat about rules and be ready to kick off by 12.30pm.
HOW TO GET THERE
By Public Transport (recommended) - Catch Tram 96 to Middle Park Station. Its then just a short 5 minute walk.
By Car - Melways Ref. Map 57-J6
COST
This will depend a little on your team numbers but we are budgeting on $70 per team.
WHAT TO BRING
Your Club Strip Including shorts and socks. Official gear not required but correct colours are preferred. For Arsenal, Manchester United and Middlesbrough lads and lasses please try to bring a change shirt. For Arsenal and Man U fans this should not be a problem – your clubs produce about fourteen strips a season. No excuses. Bibs will also be provided.
Trainers or indoor shoes
Shin pads – This is a must.
Individual Drink Bottle
Towel
If possible, GK gloves, jersey and padded shorts – not essential.
AFTER TOURNAMENT DRINKS AND PRESENTATION
Fortunately the Albert Park Indoor Sports complex is located just a stone’s throw away from the Gunn Island Hotel. After completion of the tournament all players, fans and WAGS are welcome to join us for an informal gathering to eat and drink in the comfort of this stylish microbrewery. This facility was ‘test driven’ yesterday and it passed our stringent selection criteria. Further information is available here.
