From the Editor

While the year is finally starting to wrap up we can all look forward to 2014 and on that note, the registration window opens in January so it’s a good time to join your team nice and early!

The ESFA AGM was held late last month and you can read about it below with a full report on our website. Congratulations to Andrew Field, who was inducted on the night as a life member of the Association.

Once again, Offside will take a break for the summer but will return again in February. Have a safe and happy holiday break!

- Gregory Calacouris

Annual General Meeting Report

The 2013 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Eastern Suburbs Football Association was held on Monday, with ESFA reporting on financial stability and good governance.

ESFA President, Raff Del Vecchio, highlighted that the focus of the current and incoming Board is governance, getting the competition right, and financial stability.

Delivering on its financial commitments the Association reported on an operating surplus of $87k, bringing expenses down a further $30k whilst keeping revenue from Clubs flat.

Two motions were passed by the membership during the AGM with the intention of both to empower the Board to ensure the good management and harmonious organisation of the Association for years to come.

The election of Directors saw Raff Del Vecchio and Ron Ogilvie reelected. Mark Puterflam moved from his role as Small Sided Football Director as the new Treasurer, following the departure of Emmanuel Alfieris. Sean Fenton accepted a nomination from the floor to take up the Small Sided Football Director role, with huge support.

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Andrew Field inducted as Life Member

Dr Andrew Field was inducted as a Life Member of the Association for his services to football in the Eastern Suburbs at the Annual General Meeting on Monday.

With a variety of roles both at Club and Association level, Dr Field has made a very substantial and important contribution to ESFA and football in the Eastern Suburbs for over 20 years.

Dr Field received a standing ovation upon being elected as Life Member. He thanked the Clubs, his colleagues on the Board and his wife for their continual support of his football endeavours.

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ESFA OFFICE HOLIDAY CLOSURE DATES

The ESFA Office will be closed over the holiday period from Friday, 13 December 2013 and will reopen on Monday, 13 January 2014.

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and that you all have a safe and happy holiday.

Regional League Trials Commencing

Trials for the ESFA Regional League teams will be commencing on Monday, 2 December 2013 and Wednesday, 4 December 2013 at Christison Park.

Regional League incorporates the fundamental principles of the Skills Acquisition phase of the FFA National Curriculum for U12 and U13 players Game Training phase of the FFA National Curriculum for U14 and U15 players.

If you are interested we encourage you to complete our expression of interest form ahead of the trials this week. Please note that these trials will be the last conducted pre-Christmas. If you are unable to attend the trial dates we may still have places in the New Year.

For more information and to register please click here.

Trial details as follows

Monday 2nd & 9th December

• 5:30 pm – U14s (U13 in 2013, born 2000)
• 7:00 pm – U15s (U14 in 2013, born 1999)

Wednesday 4th & 11th December

• 5:30 pm – Under 12s (U11 in 2013, born 2002)
• 7:00 pm – Under 13s (U12 in 2013, born 2001)

Limited Spots Available in Skills Acquisition League

Trials for the Skills Acquisition League began last month with limited places still available.

There are a small number of places still available in the U9s, with a particular interest for more female players to join the squad.

If you are interested to trial for the Skills Acquisition League U9s please complete the registration form on our website.

Easts G14A and Heffron Hawks U18s receive Ted Simmons Junior Medal

The 2013 Ted Simmons Junior Medal was awarded to two teams, the Easts G14A and Heffron Hawks U18s, who both demonstrated the most outstanding excellence and sporting conduct in an ESFA competition.

The Heffron Hawks U18s were a group of friends all of whom were of the age of 17 or under. The team competed in the Boys Under 18 competition without a Coach. The Easts G14As were a small squad of just 12 players who excelled in their division, winning the League and Grand Final double playing a skillful passing style of football.

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