2023 Year in Review

The year the country caught Matildas fever — and BBFC leaned in, with a standout year for women’s football, 677 players across 47 teams, and over $148,000 in grants reinvested into the club.

• President: Andrew Symes
• 47 teams and 677 players (481 male, 196 female)
• Over $148,000 in grants secured for club projects
• U13C — premiers (grand-final winners)
• U14D and U13C1 — minor premiers
• “The year of women’s football” as the nation caught Matildas fever

From the President’s Report

The year launched with great promise in Bonnet Bay, with players, parents and volunteers all keen to focus on junior development and the season ahead. Special thanks to our Shire Premier League Men’s Coach Mick McGovern, who facilitated some greatly appreciated Sydney FC involvement on that point, as well as long term supporters like Jason Cuevas who, like in previous years, was pivotal in providing guidance and advice to our junior teams.

Performance and results were a mixed bag by season end. Heading into the semi-finals, we had over 50% of teams in contention for semis and greater glory, including minor premiers such as the 14Ds and 13C1s, but due to a disappointing semi finals campaign, we only ended up with one GF victory. Special congratulations must go out to our 13C boys team for our one and only GF win.

Despite this, we managed to receive one of the greatest victories of all with our boys 12B’s – following their games with the mighty Titans, I received multiple notes of praise for our boys, coach and parents for the way they played, supported and participated in those games. It was the best feedback of all to hear that not only was this team developing their skills and knowledge of the game, but they were being acknowledged as kind, compassionate and mature boys who were well aware of the spirit required to play this fixture. Whereas we all want to win, our first priority should always be to raise good humans, and this team exemplified that in spades. As President, it made my year to know that these young men were behaving so compassionately and in the spirit of the game – special shout out to Eamon Hughes for his leadership with this team.

But 2023 was otherwise the year of women’s football, as the country caught Matildas fever. And while the rest of Australia was catching up with the amazing way our women’s national team played, BBFC hosted Sam Kerr (or at least her cut out) at most matches and functions, including our Annual Women’s Day and related Womens World Cup related celebrations. Special thanks to Whale Logistics for that (among other) extra investment for the benefit of our community. It was a crowd favourite at most home games.

Our Kiosk and bar facilities again proved to be a well-used and centrally inclusive vantage point for the bombers this year, and our capital works programs continued to grow, with new bathrooms, change rooms and awnings to name a few. Special thanks to Ian and Lisa Petrovski for managing our clubhouse and canteen, and Clive Riseam for his grants expertise. Thanks to the generosity of Ms Eleni Petinos MP, Clive was able to obtain and execute projects worth over $148,000 this year.

A massive thank you to all of our Committee: Carla Richardson – Vice President and Womens Coordinator; Ryan Cummings – Secretary; Ian Petrovski – Treasurer; Marc Orklin – Men’s Co-ordinator; Kristina Bennett – Mini-roos Co-ordinator; Garry Barnes – Registrar; Gary Williamson – Grounds and Events; Clive Riseam – Grants and Special Projects; and Kate Cochrane – Uniforms and Equipment. And of course, we take a bow to our incredibly generous Sponsors: Whale, NPM, Club Central Menai, Fox & Wood, The Prince, Wyze Finance, Brook Air, The Final Third, Jannali Physiotherapy, Ink Signs, Nugget Digital, Hahn Concreting, Perfect Form Fitness, Wolfpack Woodfire, Axiom Spatial Surveyors and At Your Service. And of course, express our gratitude to our volunteers, parents, partners, players and supporters. I love the way you have all embraced the ethos of “Community, Club, Team and Self”, and thank you for your tireless contributions and efforts.

Our junior presentation was a massive success this year thanks to Kristina Bennett and her team of volunteers. From Jumping castles to trophy presentations, it was obvious the day was a success when I closed the clubhouse around 5.30pm only to stride by numerous families continuing the day with picnics for dinner on the river, and enjoying the wonderful serenity that Lakewoods creates. In anticipation of a successful senior presentation (to be held in a few weeks) I’d also like to thank Marc Orklin and his team for all their hard work in organising as well.

Andrew Symes
President, Bonnet Bay Football Club

Source: this report is reproduced from Bonnet Bay FC’s submission to the Sutherland Shire Football Association 2023 Year in Review.