"There was an idea... to bring together a group of remarkable people, to see if we could become something more. So that, when the time came, we could fight the battles that they never could."

Not that we are Nick Fury and also just to clarify, there won't be any punches or kicks thrown but it was definitely an idea that has been brewing for a while and we are glad to finally be able to start this initiative of having a Club Coffee Catch Up. In short, we are hosting periodic informal chats amongst club managers of all disciplines to lead collaborative dialogue, sharing knowledge and creating possibilities for action in groups of all sizes.

The idea to start a Club Coffee Catch Up came from when the National Office staff head down during the annual club visits to catch up with individual club managers. We go there prepared with an agenda to share and maybe, one topic leads to another, one query leads to another. That is the nature of conversation and we were there to listen, understand and reflect. What we realise is that even though we are speaking to different clubs managers, some of the their queries are the same and sometimes the advice sought for by a club can be easily answered by another. Just that these clubs don't realise as there wasn't much opportunity to meet up due to busy schedules. So we decided to make the opportunity.

Topics can range from management, risk, human resource, technology, marketing, leadership, facilities, finances etc and by connecting everyone, we are pooling intelligence, unique contributions and collective insights to tackle common issues together. 

At our last catch up, the discussion revolved around working with different stakeholders and how to best communicate with them. Club managers from different disciplines shared their practices and exchanged pointers of what works best for them as well as giving suggestion to their fellow counterparts. On our end, we realised areas in which we could further support and start planning for it, which is wonderful. 

While our last Coffee Catch Up was a cosy virtual one, for the next one we hope to be able to host our club managers in one space, chit chat face-to-face and drink coffee for real. The catch up is super casual and conversational and really a chance for everyone all to take a small pause, sit, relax and talk to one another. 

Our next session is on Monday, 28 Jun @ 10am, simply RSVP via https://www.singaporegymnastics.org.sg/events/97459/ Club managers only, coffee will be on us and we look forward to catching up soon!