The Charlton FC is gearing up for a new season of NCFL Footy in 2018. The first official match kicks off on April 14 with a twilight game scheduled against the Boort FC under lights at Boort.
The club has a new Senior coach in Kain Robins who joins us from the Southern Mallee Giants. Kain takes over from Aaron Walklate who did such a fine job coaching the Navy Blues over the previous four seasons. Aaron took the club to three Grand Finals in those four years and led the club to a memorable Premiership win in 2016. We are hoping that Aaron will decide to stay on as a Navy Blue player as his experience and skill will continue to be invaluable to our side.
New Coach Kain Robins hails from Hopetoun originally. He lives in Bendigo with his Wife, Hayley and their young daughter, Eden. Kain and his family are excited about coming to a Family oriented club in Charlton. We welcome them warmly. Kain’s football history is second to none. He has played football in the WAFL, NTFL and has had a decorated career in Bendigo at the Eaglehawk FC where he won a Michelson Medal for League Best and Fairest. He is coming off two seasons at his home club, the Southern Mallee Giants in the Horsham DFL where he has coached, won Premierships and kicked 237 goals off his own boot in the past two seasons alone. He is an imposing key forward with great strength, leadership, discipline and by all reports can kick the footy a very long way!
The 2018 Senior side will have a healthy mix of youth and experience. Kain has set out his expectations for the players both on and off the field, and with this clear direction and commitment, it’s an exciting prospect and there’s plenty of potential that lies ahead in 2018.
The Reserves side will again be coached by Damien McIntyre, the Under 16’s by Shane Fitzpatrick and the Under 13’s by Chris Thompson. The club would still love to welcome more players so if anyone is keen or anyone you know is keen please contact one of the coaches or anyone at the club.
In other on field changes from 2017 we welcome to the club Scott Adams as Senior Assistant Coach, (Ruckman, Warracknabeal FC), Ryan Wellington (Key Position, Marong FC) and Mitchell Gleeson (Midfield, LaTrobe University FC). Departing the Navies in 2018 are Jye Sandiford, Shaun Bowles, Cody Gunn and Daniel Hayes (All Bears Lagoon Serpentine FC), Andrew Hooper (Werribee FC/Ballarat Swans FC), Mark and Brad Vigus (Robina FC, AFLQ) and Charlie Patullo (Lake Boga FC). We thank all these departing players for their service at Charlton FC and hope to see them back in the CFC Jumper one day.
There are two practice matches booked in for the CFC in March. On the 17th, we play against the Southern Mallee Giants at Charlton while the following week on the 24th of March, the club travels to Newbridge for a hit out next to the Loddon River.
The club would like to thank Lindsay and Naomi Patullo for their tireless duties as club trainers over many seasons. Their dedication and input to the CFC has been tremendous and highly valued. Thankyou! Lindsay and Naomi will spend most Saturdays in 2018 following their son Charlie’s progress at Lake Boga FC.
Off the track the club has also been busy over the Summer. Club committee person and ex Club Secretary, Barry McKenzie has been appointed to the NCFL Board which is great news for the league.
The Club has installed new aluminium seating around the oval after our Grants Officer, Cate Olive was successful in obtaining funding.
The oval itself has a new sprinkler irrigation system in place and the oval has been aerated recently to assist in improving the overall surface for user groups all year round.
The club is in the process of applying for funding for more shade options most likely in the form of portable marquees. These will offer more shade and shelter on match days and at functions and will hopefully benefit the wider community if other clubs etc wish to borrow them if needed.
The Club has been keeping a close eye on the Charlton Park 2020 redevelopment and several of our committee are involved on the 2020 planning group. The club has committed to providing $50,000 over time to this project.
We will have our memberships for 2018 available soon. The club is only as strong as our members, so we encourage people to purchase a CFC Membership. They vary from single match day entry memberships to Gold memberships which cover meals post games and much more. Members can also opt in to have scores and news texted to their phone if they wish so if they can’t make a game, supporters can keep up to date with quarter by quarter scores and club news.
Finally, the Club is always looking for ways to make our club stronger and provide a great place in the community for people to congregate. We aim to be a club that the Charlton community can be proud of. If you would like to help at the Charlton FC, please contact President Rod McKee on 0427 337 262 or Secretary Bluey McGeown on 0459 411 657 or any other committee member. Some roles that may interest people include Trainers (Training available), Club photographer, Media person, Match day roles eg timekeeper, goal or boundary umpiring, organising a social event, vote count day PowerPoint presentation, match day statistician, grounds maintenance -you name it! Many roles do not require volunteers to attend games or meetings but still impact the success of our club both on and off the field. If you have an idea or would like to be involved in a fun, friendly community group, just let us know.
So, looking forward to another year of Football, Fun and Friendship in 2018 and hoping to see you at Charlton Park. In the meantime-GO NAVIES!!!!
Last Modified on 01/03/2018 09:02