Finally, a little bit of sunshine and the cricket season is approaching fast. Please read all of this e-mail as it contains important actions and information.
Firstly, you need to become a member for 2018 - so that means paying your membership fees if you have not already done so! (If this is your first year as a member of the Optimists Cricket Club, then you do not have to pay.)
Please pay the €170 membership fee to the Optimists Bank Account which is:
BCEE - LU31 0019 1000 4983 8000
Reference - "OCC Membership fee & your name"
Please ensure this is paid as soon as possible.
In preparation for the season various members have already been working hard to start to get the ground ready - however, this week-end (7th & 8th April) is the ground set-up week-end. Various jobs need to be completed to ensure we are ready for the start of the season the following week-end. Unfortunately, this does not magically happen and your help and time is greatly appreciated, even if only a few hours on one of the days.
Start time is 10am on both Saturday and Sunday - please wear appropriate shoes (likely to be a bit wet and muddy in areas) and bring plenty of enthusiasm! A BBQ will be held on the Saturday afternoon for a bit of nourishment!
Outdoor training will start on Tuesday 10th April (weather permitting). Training starts at 18:00. As per last year - everyone is welcome to the training on Tuesday and Thursday from 18:00 until dark with Tuesday sessions being 1st XI squad training too.
The first game of the season is the traditional Captains vs Chairmans match on Saturday 14th April in Walferdange and everyone is welcome to come and teams will be divided on the day. The first 1st XI game is on Sunday 15th April away vs Eagles CC.
PLEASE ENSURE YOU UPDATE YOUR AVAILABILITY ON THE OPTIMISTS WEBSITE - www.optimists.cc . Selection for the 1st XI game on 15th April will be done uniquely on Saturday 7th April. This is so coloured clothing can be distributed to those selected (more on this later).
Going forward, selection will be made after training on the Tuesday before the week-end, so please ensure your availability is on the website by 18:00 on the Tuesday as per previous years.
This year in the BCF, we have to play in coloured clothing. This has been designed and will be arriving in the next few days. The cost of the full clothing (trousers and shirt) is €45. This cost has been heavily subsidised thanks to the generous sponsorship of Exequtive Partners. If you have been selected for either the 1st XI or 2nd XI, you will need to wear the coloured clothing. This is a BCF rule that has been introduced and we have to abide by. If you have been selected to play for the 1st XI on Sunday 15th April, you will need to buy the coloured clothing. The club will provide coloured pads etc. I will have stock this week-end for those players who have been selected to purchase from me.
In summary:
Today - pay membership fees
This week - update your availability on the Optimists website to be considered for selection for week-end 14/15 April matches
Saturday 7th April - Ground Clear-up from 10:00am
Sunday 8th April - Ground Clear-up from 10:00am
Tuesday 10th April - first training from 18:00
Thursday 12th April - training from 18:00
Saturday 14th April - Captains vs Chairmans match
Sunday 15th April - 1st Away vs Eagles CC
Tuesday 17th April - ensure your availability is updated for the following week-end to be considered for selection.
We also have different events coming up during the month that will require volunteers such as the Televie Event on 21st April and the new track being fitted w/c 23rd April - but communication will be delivered in the coming days about this.
Please ensure all the above is in your diary and I look forward to seeing you this coming week-end!