With all too few in sporting clubs, every volunteer who comes and goes deserves the accolades of the many who have benefited from their contribution. Whether they are the committee members, coaches, game day assistants, grounds people or canteen volunteers, for the majority of us, every time we arrive at a club we are able to enjoy the work of the dedicated few.
In this context, the social media comments following the departure of Paul Opbroek as Senior Coach this past week bears testament to his contribution to the Springwood Pumas. Many who have been mentored and coached under his guidance, reflected on their development as players and as people.
After the Under 18 age group had struggled to be competitive for several years prior, Paul Opbroek brought a new culture to the group. With a no-compromise ethic and the hard work of the players, sponsors who continued to believe in developing those from the junior ranks and the dedicated background support of parents, premiership cups and flags adorned the clubhouse in 2009 and 2010.
As more players moved into the senior ranks from the successful Under 18s, the committee decided it was time to appoint Opbroek as the Senior Coach in 2011.
The success of a community sporting club may be measured via statistics, income, membership, etc, but there are also aspects which are immeasurable. A supportive and family-oriented environment along with a convivial atmosphere and vibe are paramount to the success of a club. Such qualities set the scene for the players, juniors and seniors, parents and supporters to enjoy their participation in sport. While contributing to this quality environment, it was Paul Opbroek’s guidance and commitment to the personal development of the players that has left as significant and life-long impression on them as their development as footballers. Under his leadership, the players were asked to challenge themselves on a personal level and to be honest about their strengths and weaknesses. It was his ability to instil self-discipline in their daily lives, to have fun yet have the ability to focus on the task when the time came.
Paul also raised the profile of the club in the community and in the local media, developed the players’ personal respect, their respect for their team mates and respect for those who paved the way for their future. He encouraged team work and trust of their fellow man, provided assistance on a personal level to players and their families, and engendered the cooperative effort of many in club projects and social events. While they may not have been aware of it at the time, their personal development as young adults was enhanced through Paul’s leadership reflected in many ways such as the respect and self-discipline learned as representatives of their club in the community at the dawn services on ANZAC day, the team work and sense of community in assisting the SES in filling sand bags during the floods, his engendering of the players’ support for their club through their assistance in working bees and improvements to their clubhouse facilities, seeking to involve their families and develop respect, trust and team work through the player’s revues, raising the profile of the Under 18s as an integral and important part of the club by gaining the support of sponsors and parents, and celebrating the team’s achievements through presentation of awards nights that would have lasting memories for all in attendance.
Paul Opbroek, for these many apsects of your contribution to the club family, we sincerely thank you.
During Paul’s years as Under 18 and Senior Coach, his work, Mandy and his family have had to share his time. We thank you for allowing his passion to be lived and touching many with his wisdom in life’s journey.
(Author: Brad Ritchie)
Last Modified on 02/09/2012 20:21