There are a mountain of volunteers supporting the conduct of the competition. They are present at all the grounds where games are being played and quick to help. And you could say that every year.
But the thing that has caught my eye this year is clever and timely use of the web. The solution is as simple as it is elegant and very effective. For example:
Kanga Cup Website
It starts with the Kanga Cup website - http://www.kangacup.com/
The Kanga Cooee
Content that links off the Kanga Cup site (also published links from the Capital Football Website http://www.capitalfootball.com.au/site/index.php )
Content that is relevant to the Kanga Cup. The Official Daily Newsletter of the Kanga Cup. Issued electronically on a daily basis. A facility to submit an electronic comment on the Kanaga Cup website page that displays the link to the content.
Around The Grounds
Content that is relevant to the Kanga Cup. Contributed by "roving reporters" at the grounds - picture and detailed stories of interest about the teams. Different tot he Kanga Cooee. Terrific. Just go to the Day 3 issue for an entertaining and informative read. Gives you a really good "heads Up" on the sort of teams that are competing and a chance to get to games with teams at age you would never otherwise see play - http://www.kangacup.com/wp-content/uploads/around-the-grounds-day-two2.pdf
Important Draw News
This is a very important part of the competition communication. And the competition draws can be complicated. The link to content on the Kanga Cup website is easy to read and the link to the Sporting Pulse content also useful. I have found it very easy to follow a lot of competitions this year and that's the feedback I havehad from a lot of parents and team managers I have spoken to during the competition.
The Kanga Cup always evidences lots of good work during the competition, but just as important as the in-competition activity is good forward planning. The uncomplicated, relevant and timely use of the web this year is a feature. Perhaps next year its on to some "social networking" for the teams - image how many texts and emails the players and parents are churning out this week. Something for the future. But what's happening today, particularly the "Arounds the Grounds" element is fiirst rate. Well done to all concerned.