Kia 0ra, Talofa, Bula, Malo e lelei,

As you are all maybe aware, I have been appointed Head Coach for the Spotswood United Premier Team for 2024 season. I feel very honored to be accepted into this role and will work tirelessly to give the boys what they need to be better rugby players and help you as young men to grow and prosper in this challenging world. This email has been sent to all members of the Club however if there is anyone you think that would like to receive this, please forward it on to them.

My focus is on the coming 2024 season and would like to touch base with each and every one of you to see what your aspirations and expectations are for the coming season. I would like to be clear that this is a new season with changes to our management team (which I will reveal soon). No player owns a position, you need to earn the right to secure a position in the squad. The training for this starts now so that you can build your strength and agility during the off- season. Matt and I are definitely willing to help, assist and advise players what training programmes they need to be following. If anyone of you would like to chat, please contact me on 027 2771102 and we can organize a time and place to meet.

I have been giving some thought to how can I turn this club around. All teams in the afternoon Spotswood United Club finished near the bottom of their respective grades. This has got me thinking about what can be done to change this picture. These are my thoughts only and would like to share them with you all. Why?  Because we all have a role in this challenge to turn this club around. Matt and I cannot do this alone. It is going to take the whole Spotswood United community (includes supporters, morning and afternoon grade parents/families) sponsors, ex-players, players from all grades, committee of management, coaches and management of all grades to turn this club around.

There is Annual General meeting coming up on Wed 15 November 7pm at the clubrooms. This is an opportunity for players and non-playing members to come along and see where the Spotswood United Club is at and where the Club is heading moving forward. The player input is crucial in the vision for the future of this club. I am encouraging ex-players and the wider Spotswood United community to come along to the AGM to come and listen or have a say for a better future for this club. Please spread this message to other players, to your parents and friends of Spotswood United Club. There is a Māori proverb that reflects this perspective “He waaka eke noa” We are all in this together.

In closing, let's see if we can get good numbers along to the AGM. I would ALSO like to get all of the afternoon grades together prior to Xmas to discuss how we see the 2024 season unfolding and will be in touch again soon.

Nga Mihi nunui ki a koutou (Much appreciated)

Toka Walden
2024 Spotswood United Premier Head