Although I have been involved with the Yeoman Football Club for only a short period of time, I have a lot of passion for our great Club and I am deeply honoured that the Club has the confidence in me to lead as President in 2017.
I first came to the Club in 2015 with newly-appointed coach, Emmett Davidson, a long-term friend of mine. Emmett wanted me to come along and play football with him, a dream we have had since we were kids. If you had said to me then that in 2 years’ time I would become the President of the Yeoman Football Club I would not have believed you.
I have been given an overwhelming amount of support from everyone involved. We have a list of 21 people who are willing to give up some of their time in some way, shape or form and help out on the Committee. This is a positive step in the right direction. I have been told that this could be a record amount for the Club. However, there’s always room for more - workers are always welcome.
It has been difficult in recent times with the Club not tasting premiership success since 1998, the longest drought in the DFA today. There have also been trying times off the field. I have been privileged to spend time and become close friends with some of the people who have kept the Club running during these years. They have shared some stories with me that have included times when the Club was close to folding. One thing was predominant in each story: in the face of adversity, the individuals who had passion for the Club banded together and faced any challenge head-on. This spirit still lives on throughout the Club today. Together, we can get through anything!
We have had a fantastic off-season, filled with anticipation and excitement. Through the efforts of the Football Department, headed by Peter Wynwood & Garry Pearce, and with the assistance of Jacob Riley, we have appointed new coaches: Tom Mitchell, Jamie Mitchell and John Richardson. We have retained all but 6 of our players from the 2016 season and have recruited 26 (so far) players who are either new to the Club or who are returning after some time away.
Off the field we have been experiencing success also with the retention of all sponsors and have had 7 new sponsors come on board, with more to follow. I would ask all members of the Yeoman Football Club to support our sponsors when they can. Without them we wouldn’t be able to operate.
Our new Secretary and Social Coordinator, Cassy, has some fantastic ideas for events during the season. If our terrific Season Launch at the Menai is any indication, we’re set for a great year.
So, as you can see, after a trying year in 2016 and with some enormous efforts from everyone involved, the Yeoman Football Club has become an exciting place to be. I cannot talk enough about the positive and optimistic atmosphere around the Club leading in to the 2017 season.
The Yeoman Football Club has become a second home to me, a place where I have made friends I will have for the rest of my life. The Club has become a place where I can bring my family. They enjoy being a part of the Club to the point where my middle child, Kiara, knows the Club song off by heart.
In closing, I officially welcome all the new people and also the returning people and I trust that you will enjoy your time with Yeoman Football Club.
SHAUN O'NEILL
PRESIDENT - YEOMAN AFC
Last Modified on 19/04/2018 23:13