Seniors & Juniors in Kiama

On hearing the juniors club's plight in relation to the lack of footballs being kicked around the Quarry on training nights from coaching staff, The Quarriers President, Chris Hudson, stepped in to try and ease the problem with a donation of 30 balls which may well go along way to curtail the shortage until the order comes through of 90 balls, which has been in place by the club for several weeks.

"When we are talking about development of children's ability in this sport, I sincerely believe they must have a ball at their feet from day one," Hudson said.

"I realise from my days as being a coach, it's not easy when the equipment at your disposal is not forthcoming from the club, but some times we all have to help out to get the best ability out of our kids, and let's face it, a ball is the main criteria from Roo Ball upwards.

"With Don Robb at the helm of the Development structure at the Junior Club, I am certain there is a bright future for Kiama in football.

"Both Don and I are relatively new to Kiama, but that could be a good thing, as sometimes it needs an outsider's point of view to look into the troubled areas as we can see it from a different perspective."

President of the Kiama Football Club, Chris Hudson (right), donates 30 footballs to Junior Soccer Club Development Officer, Don Robb.

HALF WAY STAGE - AND WE ARE ON TRACK FOR BETTER THINGS

IT does not seem five months ago that the Executive Committee were having sleepless nights into the formation of housing a competitive Kiama Football Club for the 2008 season. Relegated, nearly bankrupt, and with a massive exodus of first team players, the club looked a non-viable proposition to any future would-be sponsor. Fortunately for the club, it has a history of commitment from loyal supporters, who always happen to appear just as you think the situation is hopeless. Players eventually came along, sponsors decided (after some back-breaking ground work by the committee) also invested in a club, which we advertised was going through a rebuilding program for the future, and had a four year plan to slowly overturn past misdemeanours.

On the field, gaining a reputable coach was paramount to the rebuilding program. Thankfully, Robert Hernandez stepped forward to fill that role. Robert was one of three interviewed for the position. The committee did not need any further re-assurances after interviewing Robert Hernandez, that he may be able to produce the atmosphere at training and on matchdays, that the club was searching for. Off the field, our Major Sponsor of ten years did not hear our pleas after a long meeting at the Leagues Club. Instead, they were prepared to cut our funding by half yet again as in the past three years. This was not acceptable, and it would have been financial suicide to continue on that path. A change was needed.

The Leagues Club wrote to the committee, a letter which was not even worth replying to, such was the general apathy perceived in its content. Not once did the club ask the question; "how can we help?" Rather you owe us money and we are going to cut your funding even further... a change was definitely needed. Thankfully, after several meetings with the Grand Hotel management, things changed practically overnight with a strong commitment from both sides and better still, it was galvanised over a three year period.

From this point other sponsors eventually came onboard, but only after seeing that their products were being pushed through advertising in the Matchday Program and the new Kiama FC website. From these two mediums, sponsors could see something was being done to promote their businesses. It has to be give and take, and for the first time in a long time, companies could see that their money was being well spent and that they had something visual in return from Kiama Football Club.

My heart goes out to Robert Hernandez however, with mounting injuries putting paid to his plans to try and take Kiama straight back up in his first year. Key players, Steve Dick, Gary Vian, Tommy Mayes, Aaron Murphy and to some extent Mick Gillespie, Tony Ristevksi and other regulars, made his job harder than first anticipated. However, in the past few weeks, with some of the players coming back into first team contention, we move into the second half of the season looking a much stronger side, and our goal of a top four finish looking a real possibility.

But it was always going to be a consolidating season for The Quarriers. We had to brush ourselves down and practically start from scratch - both on and off the field, so in hindsight we have all done remarkably well. I am pleased to report that the club is in a far greater financial position today than it was five months ago. On the field, we have the numbers and a promising groundswell of youth players which can hopefully stay and produce the goods to be a part of Kiama's future, as we slowly turn this corner in our history, to become a sustainable club and competitive force in Illawarra football.

To close, I would personally like to thank Shayne and staff of The Grand Hotel for such a welcoming evening on our Mid-season get together while watching the Socceroos v China game Sunday, 21.06.08. The service was excellent as usual and the food was simply outstanding. So much so that David Guevara and his family of six, who were having a meal in the bistro, on seeing our food coming out, joined us for half an hour while waiting for his own meal. Nice one Dave!

I did a head count of 24 club members, and it was great to see Milly Hyde, our new goalkeeper from the UK (now Gerringong) and friends from the women's team there. Also, Micheal Kirk representing Kirk Builders joined us and from my conversation with him he told me that he and his father have many old club photos which Naysan and I are trying to gather, so that the best ones can adorn the walls of the hotel around the new trophy cabinet.

Don't forget, next year the club turns 30 years of age and apart from some sort of celebrations occuring, I am hoping to organise a photographic display depicting the history of the club, so more old team photos the better.

Chris Hudson
(President)

SEASON LAUNCH 2008
 
The skies opened up and one of the worst hailstorms in living memory fell on the township of Kiama to greet guests from Canberra and one of our major sponsors, MO'R Mortgage Options Pty Ltd. Company Director, Michael O'Reilly, along with family company employees, Kathryn and Daniel, spoke extremely well, running a parallel between business and football in his speech. Over 40 members attended the gathering at The Grand Hotel, Kiama, while the heavens opened up, Michael continued to speak on the financial matters involved in successful business management. Our hosts, The Grand Hotel, continued to present platters of food for the guests and members as they first listened to President Chris Hudson's introduction before introducing Michael O'Reilly. MO'R Mortgage Options have supported Kiama Football Club for two years now and it is hoped that the partnership flourishes and continues.

The link on the club's website to MO'R Mortgage Options is a new incentive for 2008, and with the half page advert running in the Match day Program, it is hoped that the club's members and supporters show their support for such a likeable and hard working company. The company's display table was very impressive with a banner, background logo, fridge magnets and flyers on display. Michael sees the future on the south coast as an untapped source for financial investors as developers swoop on the area from Dapto to Nowra. Over 70% of Micheal's clients have second homes, many looking into the holiday home rental areas.

He therefore sees a good opportunity to do some goodwill for a local sporting club and Kiama FC are extremely pleased to have him and his family team onboard. Footnote: Unfortunately due to the heavy rain and hail, the Kiama Independent photographer arranged for the night, was called in to deal with photos of the traffic chaos on the Princes Highway.  

PICTURE CAPTION: President, Chris Hudson, proudly displays MO'R Mortgage Options' cheque of $2,000, kindly donated to Kiama Football Club by Michael O'Reilly at The Grand Hotel Kiama, at the club's 2008 Season Launch.

FROM THE QUARRY FACE MARCH 2008

HERE at last is a medium that the club is able to control itself without outside interference, advertise our sponsors wares, keep all members informed of our social calendar of events and continue to keep everyone updated on all the season's stats. Naysan Sabeti has produced a very professional looking site and should be congratulated on his work. The Executive Committee always knew it was going to be a hard year ahead. A season where we need to consolidate, take a step back, discuss in which direction we want the club to take over the next few years while promoting our youth. It was a bonus for the club to gain the coaching prowess of Robert Hernandez for the seniors and Neil Spence for the youth. Between them they have years of experience and over time will galvanise the players into competitive squads.

It was therefore decided by the Executive Committee to build up our resources of equipment to give the coaching staff the tools for the job at hand. This was made one of our first priorities. Due to relegation, we could not afford to keep the wages bill as high as it was and drastic measures have been made to cut the bill in half. Also, the fact some proposed sponsorship arrangements did not stand up to expectations, did not help financial matters. However, the club is viable and will be competitive in 2008.

On the field, Kiama FC are notorious slow starters, especially when it comes to pre-season games and comps. Last season, Bulli thumped the first team 13-0 in the very first game. In the last game of the season, Kiama beat Premier League Champions Dandaloo 5-2. A Complete transformation in seven months. The idea that this is going to happen in 2008 is anyone's guess, but what I am trying to say is, don't read into the Corrimal Cup results to heavily. We still have to be seen at full strength and it will come given time. I would at this point like to wish everyone involved with the club a pleasurable and successful season and to all the playing staff a successful and injury free 2008!

It is a privilege to be a part of Kiama Football Club and to work alongside people like Steve Crabb, Naysan Sabeti, Dave Murphy, Andy Pitt, Julie Lee, Nate Chellew and the present coaching staff. We have a few social functions coming up throughout the season, please try and support these as you directly support the club by your attendance. Watch out for the posters) at The Quarry ground or in The Grand Hotel advertising these nights. To all our newcomers, please feel free to approach any of the committee if you have any problems, we are here to help. Communicate openly with your coach. If you have problems getting to training or grounds on match days let us know. Enjoy the camaraderie and have a good year.

 Chris Hudson.

December 2007

Hi all to the new look Kiama Football Club website.

I thought I would take this opportunity in wishing you all a very peaceful and prosperous New Year. Also, Many thanks to Naysan who we can confirm now as being the club's "webmaster". Just another string to his already impressive bow! As most will know, we have gone through a major transformation both on and off the field at the end of last season.

There is only Naysan Sabeti (Secretary), Steve Crabb (Treasurer) and myself (Chris Hudson), left of the Executive Committee, to form a triumvirate to look after the club's wellbeing. We have sought support from a few older players and they have come onboard to fill the void on the committee, and we sincerely thank them for the help. I would also like to congratulate Nate Chellew for stepping up to the plate of Vice-President. I am sure he will enjoy the position learning the machinations of a club.

Obviously the club is having to consolidate and rebuild for the 2008 season, having lost so many talented hands-on members from last season. Between them they held a vast amount of experience, and it is going to be difficult to replicate in the short term. Also, many first team players have opted to stay in the Premier League with other clubs. One can understand their actions perfectly well, "play to your highest attainable level for as long as you can." They go with the club's blessing and we wish them well.

However, we are a young, dynamic club, with many talented kids coming through the ranks. We have some very good, experienced, youth players ready to step into the empty first grade shoes. We have also secured the services of a very good influential coach in Robert Hernandez. A wealth of experience, Robert will help galvanise the players and bring out the best in our youthful squad.

It has been a mammoth few months for me. I have never had to rush head-long into any one given situation before. I have never compromised myself in any given circumstance on any committee or board of directors. But I did not hesitate to jump on the Kiama FC bandwagon once I realised just exactly how much they needed help.

Having read all the paperwork and gone through the 2007 accounts, payments to players, gate income and sponsor deals, it was obvious the club was not going to survive on the path it was on. Player payments are obviously not as high in division one as the prem league. However, when a coach uses 36 players, the amount of money is obviously going to spiral. Unfortunately, there is not much money on the table for players next season. But it is not an empty chest just yet!

Next season, we are directing most of our attention off the field into three avenues; "community awareness" ~ "advertising our sponsors for growth" and "Junior Club Liaison". All three directions are now being implemented without much effort. Just a few emails and letters in the right direction and a few phone calls! "Community Awareness"; school visits; compete in Kiama's Annual Beach volley Ball Challenge and; attend community festivals and run a stall at the Kiama Markets. Also, the match day magazine is dropped into the Library, doctors and dentists as well as available from a few of our sponsor's business outlets.

"Advertising for Growth"; Where our "major" sponsors benefit from exposure:- All our home games next season will be advertised in the local Kiama Independent newspaper. Sponsors Logos will appear in this advert (those sponsors of $2,000+); Sponsors have an advertisement in the Goal! Match day Magazine (200 copies x 10 issues over 8 months); All advertisers' company names will be announced over the loudspeaker system as "a major club sponsor" on match days and; all sponsors adverts will be placed on our new website. If your business has a website, your logo will directly link the surfer to your website.

The website is to be updated weekly during the season. On a rotating basis, our site will "interview" one of our sponsors each month, highlighting their business.

Finally "Junior Club Liaison"; The club is to extend ties with the junior committee. As I said earlier in this bulletin, we have a very young squad of players and it would be madness not to bring the juniors onboard, as this is where the majority of our younger players start. Also, we are seeking to merge committee's in 2009. Our databases and Life Members would also merge. The Juniors have approximately 380-400 members approx. Both parties see this as a constructive merger. The township is just too small to house two independently run football teams. It makes sense to join forces off the park and gain in strength and numbers.

The website is only going to establish the Kiama FC brand more to an open market, keep players and supporters updated with news and facts, while also having a bit of fun with the guys who wish to use our pages.

Wishing you all a good season for 2008.

Chris Hudson