The chairman´s message

The 2023 season is upon us and so the anticipation rises for our 6^th year in competitive football, here in Jamtland.

Division 4 this year, has expanded to a twelve-team league and the prospect of competing against some of the best, well established football names in the region’s footballing history, is exciting and challenging.  We will, of course, try to win every game.  There is no point, otherwise. And, when we reach the end of the campaign in October, we will be able to reflect on the season and once again look to improve and develop.

We have stated from the beginning that the Cosmos journey would be one of integration, inclusion, discovery, player development and learning.  From the moment the first ball was kicked in a competitive match in 2018, we dreamed of one day playing in the Allsvenskan.  That dream still burns bright in our leaders and in every player. That is the reason we challenge ourselves each week in training and in matches, to be the best we can be.

We now have the largest squad in our history with over 30 players. And, we are, without any doubt, a true inclusion team.  Something which I and all our leaders are very proud of We have become an attractive team which players wish to be a part of.  This is rewarding and reflects the effort applied by everyone during our short , dynamic history.

I am delighted to report that our Star Finder Academy, which we started last Summer, is expanding and developing well. The players meet every weekend to promote friendships, share ideas and be coached by our amazing Cosmos ‘A’ team coaches and mentors.  Our leaders and mentor coaches are a credit to both Cosmos as a club and to the wider Östersund community.  Their targeted approach to integration and the goal of inclusion of these young players is both heartwarming and a fantastic reflection upon them as dedicated young men.  Their efforts are producing some wonderful results.  So much so, that we are delighted to be able to announce that with the continued support of our sponsors and partners, that we will enter a Cosmos-Star Finder team in this year’s Korpen league. A real milestone on our journey.  We wish the team good luck.  We hope that they will compete well and win as many matches as possible.  We are certain that they will represent the shared values of Cosmos every time they pull on the uniform.

Our ‘Night Ball’ initiative is now well underway each Friday night in Torvalla Skolan. The word is spreading.  Numbers are steadily growing. Between 21.00-24.00 young people can gather and play ball sports inside a controlled and welcoming environment. This was only made possible with help from our partners at Lansforsakringar, Jamtkraft and Östersund kommum. For your financial input and for believing and sharing in our vision and the benefits of this initiative to not just for the Torvalla community but the wider community of Östersund……we thank you! 

We sincerely hope that ‘Night Ball’ will spread to other areas of Östersund and that it becomes an integral part in the social and sporting lives of our young people. As well as improving health and well-being, we regard it as another way of breaking down barriers and building bridges within our community. It is needed! We still have a long way to go!  Anyone who read the vile, racist and bigoted comments posted online, by some, when ‘Night Ball’ was promoted on Svergie Radio P4 recently, understand why.

In January and February, we called for the ‘Halls to be Opened’. 

I like to think that we in Cosmos started a conversation around accessibility to sports halls within the city.  We were able to create our own contribution to the campaign by offering Sunday morning ‘open hall’ sessions within the University sports hall. It was a positive start to something we hope that the kommun and others can develop, for the benefit of all, within society.

With our super partners at Wayne’s coffee, we were able to raise awareness along with much needed financial support for Suicide Zero.  We have always valued and placed, the human first, and the footballer, second.  The need for a better understanding of mental health issues is really important within society at this moment.  There needs to be more help, more research and better pathways made available for anyone suffering with depression and poor mental health.  It is a campaign which we will continue to support in 2023.

This Summer, we are once again privileged to be able to provide football sessions as an ongoing initiative of community cohesion, in Torvalla centrum.  With our incredible partners at RF SISU, we will be assisting in their Summer ‘Vibes’ programme.   It is a real joy to see young, and not so young, residents of Torvalla, playing football together.  The combined happiness of small children, teenagers, and parents all mixing and experiencing the beautiful game, is infectious. Maybe you can come down to Råplan this year and join us.  That would be wonderful.

To finish, I, on behalf of everyone in Cosmos, would like to say a huge thank you to all who continue to make this journey possible.

To all our sponsors-both large and small. To all our loyal paying members.  To all our followers, both online and in the flesh, at matches. To RF SISU and Östersund kommun for their continued support. And, to those both locally and around the world, who regularly send their best wishes and encouraging words of support. It makes a difference.

War continues to rage in Ukraine and in many parts of the world. Now, civil society is breaking down and people are being killed in Sudan’s capital. Khartoum.  This is particularly poignant to everyone in Cosmos as many supporters, family members, and friends are living through it, as I write this.

On our social media sites and upon our club clothing we continue to write the words ‘Stronger Together’ and ‘Strength through Diversity’.  They are only words- but they are words which we strongly rally behind.  They are words which will help form our actions, both on and off the pitch, this coming season.

The Beautiful Game has the power to bring communities and nations together. Let’s all hope that 2023 can be a more peaceful year. Put away the guns-bring out the footballs. There is a better way.

Have a great year!