March Update

Wed 25th Mar 2020

Dear Parents,

Now that things are a little clearer with Government guidelines and we are now under 'lock down' the time seems right to send an end of the month update.
 
Trustees meeting: 20 March

The Trustees held their first ever virtual meeting this week via video conferencing to discuss plans for the Club during these uncertain times. You may like to know that in support of our community the Coaches for the Club will be paid as normal during March and April. Whilst they won't be fulfilling their normal coaching duties they have been asked to use the time to prepare new training sessions ready for when we return.
 
COVID-19 update

As you know, football at levels is now on hold for the foreseeable future.  Whilst we're keen for our players to find ways to maintain their fitness during this break we must stress and reinforce the STAY AT HOME message. We will be looking to use our social media channels to suggest exercises that can be done at home, but we do not want to see players from our Club meeting socially to practice their skills together.  Please do what you can to help with all social distancing. The sooner this virus is behind us, the sooner we can get back to normal.
 
Cancellation of the Taunton Youth Annual Tournament

It is with regret that we have made the decision to cancel our 'first' Tournament to be held at Taunton's Cygnet Healthcare Stadium, Wordsworth Drive in May.  Should the season resume, the ground will be required for Taunton FIrst Team matches and these, of course, take priority. 

Further to the cancellation of our tournament, we anticipate that the Exeter Tournament will also be cancelled. Therefore no Taunton Youth Teams will be submitted. 
 
End of Season Awards

With social distancing looking likely to be with us for a number of months we have decided not to hold our customary End of Season awards presentations this year. This is normally a highlight of the year when we welcome the chance to connect with players and their families to celebrate both individual and collective achievements. It is particularly sad to think we won't have a chance to acknowledge and give thanks to our current U16s who of course will finish with us this year and won't be returning. Please know we have enjoyed working with you all and hope you have happy memories from your time with us.
 
Plans for next season

It's too early to know what will happen for the end of this season, although the signals are this won't be concluded at a later date. Also, we don't know what this means for the start of next season. The Trustees have agreed to meet virtually every month to stay connected on latest advice and government guidance. As soon as we know when football can resume we want to be ready to pick up with you all.

We will keep you updated via these newsletter updates.

Kind regards,

Neil White - Welfare Officer & Youth Administrator