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 May 2015

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

I recently took my Uncle to see Pele at the State Theatre for his birthday. It was awesome to hear the King talk about all those magical moments, including the 1958 World Cup, when at just 17, he scored the winning goal which is still considered to be one of the greatest individual efforts in football history . 

One of Pele's quotes on the night which really resonated with me was “If we can teach the kids from the very beginning the importance of discipline, determination, teamwork and ethics, among other things, we’ll make a great contribution.” How true that is! Thank you to all our committed coaches and managers for positively shaping our players' AJFC experience.   

What a start to the season! Two weeks of football followed by two weeks of torrential weather and washed out grounds, the wettest April since 1989 and the most rainy days since 1923. Yes, it’s been frustrating waiting for the wild weather to calm down while the kids and adults are anxious to get out there and play football.  Hopefully May will be the sunny month of football before winter settles in.

As part of the FIFA Live Your Goals Project, Football NSW is working with Football Federation Australia to research female football growth in grassroots football. I was absolutely delighted to be recently informed that AJFC have been identified within the top 5 clubs in NSW to have achieved female football growth. That’s a sensational achievement, considering that only three years ago, we couldn’t even find enough players to form one women’s team. Now we have two Over 30 Women’s teams!

Another historical moment for the club occurred last month when new AJFC player Caitlin Goddard was granted her request to play alongside twin brother Sachary in the under 15/1s team after intense review and assessment by the Association. Cailtin becomes the only girl in the entire Association to play with the boys. Brilliant! I can see a movie coming along…

The Whole of Football Plan (WOFP) setting out a 20-year vision for Australian Football was unveiled this week after an unprecedented consultation with the Australian Football community and major stakeholders (see link below). Some of the key long-term projections of the WOFP which will have a positive impact on AJFC over the coming years include a redistribution of resources to community Football; making schools and social Football the focus of an “Anytime, Anyhow, Anywhere” approach to playing the game; and sourcing Football facilities that accommodate the increasing urban density of Australian society.

Speaking of Football facilities, we have commenced the process of converting Campbell Park into a world class facility by engaging Mark Szczerbicki Design Studio to assist AJFC with the design of the proposed new club house. Mark Szczerbicki, who’s son Olek plays in the AJFC Under 8s, has done a fabulous job in preparing the plans and submitting the Development Application into Council. On Saturday 9 May, a model of the proposed building will be on display at Campbell Park for your preliminary observations and feedback. Our next step is to ramp up the level of fundraising at the club. We have various exciting initiatives and events planned. Watch this space!  

It’s been fantastic to see so many former AJFC players dating back to our very first year, 1965, recently contacting the club to share memorabilia and request to be involved with our 50th celebrations (check out our one-on-one below with one of the true legends of AJFC, Adrian Malone). We are currently finalising plans to formally celebrate our special birthday this year, so watch out for a ‘Save the Date’.

This weekend we officially unveil our new 50th jersey to all our players. I hope to see everyone proudly wearing the new strip.

Enjoy the football!

Gilbert Lorquet

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Five Dock Physiotherapy supports AJFC

Huge welcome to AJFC's latest sponsor, Five Dock Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre...

 

Player Profile: David Simon 

This month we speak to AJFC O35/2 player David Simon on why he loves football and his new found passion for coaching U8s...

 

Photos 

Check out the photos from AJFC over the last few months...

 

Dates to remember

Make sure you mark these dates in your diary...

 

Sponsorship

Help AJFC continue to grow and maintain its place as valuable community asset...

 

Code of Conduct

Players, Coaches, Managers, Parents and Spectators, please read our Code of Conduct...

 

Coach Profile: Adrian Malone

In 1969 Adrian Malone played for AJFC for the first time as a 13 year old. He's been with the club every since...

 

AJFC's first ever club patron

Dr Malcolm Mackay AM, AJFC's first club patron had the honour of kicking off the club's first ever game...

 

Small Sided Football

The essence of football is to allow children to discover how the game works in a natural and enjoyable way...

 

Find Your Fit 

Athletes Foot Burwood is helping everyone at AJFC find their fit...

 

Over 35s & 45s - Have you got your pink slip yet?

One of the fastest growing segments of the game, Over 35s and 45s looking to get fit...

 

U13 Girls Needed

We are looking for extra players for our U13 Girls team...

 

Whole of Football Plan

The Whole of Football Plan (WOFP) setting out a 20-year vision for Australian Football was unveiled this week...

 

AJFC Merchandise now on sale!

Don't forget to check out our new variety of 2015 merchandise including our commemorative 50th jersey. Order NOW!...