2025 president’s report

Welcome everyone to the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Berwick Springs Junior Football Club.

To begin, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all Committee members for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. The commitment and effort shown by each member have been truly impressive. Their enthusiasm for the club and their willingness to assist whenever needed have been invaluable. It is because of their unwavering support and tireless contributions that our junior club continues to thrive and succeed. I am deeply grateful for everything they have done over the course of this season.

To those Committee Members who have decided not to re-stand for the coming season, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for your commitment and the significant contributions you have made to the Club over the past year. Your dedication and involvement have played a crucial role in the success of the Berwick Springs Junior Football Club during this season. On behalf of the entire club, thank you for your time, energy, and invaluable input. We wish you all the very best in your future endeavours and look forward to your continued support.

We are excitedly anticipating our move into brand new club premises in 2026. This major milestone will provide Berwick Springs Junior Football Club with two full-sized grounds, modern rooms, and a fresh, updated environment for our members and supporters.

Reflecting on our journey, it is remarkable how far the club has come since its humble beginnings with only a shed and the original top ground. Over the years, we have grown and adapted, continually striving to improve facilities and experiences for our players and community. The transition to these new premises marks the start of a new chapter for our Junior club, building on our proud history and setting the stage for further development and success in the seasons ahead.

This season witnessed a notable growth in player registrations, with an 8% increase from the previous year. Registrations rose from 383 players to 414, reflecting the continued appeal and development of our club.

Out of the total 414 players registered, 117 were girls and 297 were boys. This diversity highlights our club’s commitment to providing opportunities for all young athletes to participate and enjoy the game.

We fielded a total of 19 teams this year. This includes our participation in the Under 7 competition, as well as the introduction of a new Girls teams: Under 14 Girls. The addition of this team marks an important step in expanding our club’s offering and supporting the development of girls’ football within our community.

Out of these 14 competing teams, 9 advanced to the Finals, a testament to the hard work and dedication of our players, coaches, and support staff.

We are proud to announce that two teams emerged as Premiership winners: the Under 11 Blue team and the Under 15 Green team. Their success highlights the talent and determination present within our club.

The Under 16 Girls team also achieved a remarkable feat, finishing as Runners-Up in their division. In addition, four of our sides reached the Preliminary Final, showcasing consistent performance and resilience throughout the Finals series. While two teams exited in the first week of Finals, their efforts and competitive spirit should be commended.

For those teams that did not progress to Finals, several still achieved noteworthy results. The Under 11 Green and Under 17 Blue sides both finished in 5th place, narrowly missing out on Finals qualification. The Under 17 Green team concluded their season in 8th position, while the Under 14 Blue side secured 6th place in the Premier Division—a significant accomplishment in a highly competitive field.

These collective achievements reflect the ongoing development and success of the Berwick Springs Junior Football Club, and we congratulate all teams on their commitment and progress this season.

This season, several members of our club have been recognised for their outstanding performances and exemplary conduct, both individually and as teams.

Firstly, I would like to congratulate Emmett Jackson on being awarded the League Best and Fairest in the Orange Division. This accolade is a testament to Emmett's skill, sportsmanship, and commitment throughout the season.

Congratulations are also due to Monyjur Ngok, who was named Runner-Up in the Under 15 Blue Division Best & Fairest. Mony's consistent excellence and dedication on the field have been rightfully acknowledged with this significant achievement.

Additionally, we celebrate Logan Casey McGreal-Anderson, who claimed the title of Leading Goalkicker in the Under 11 Red Division. Logan's goal-scoring ability has been a highlight of the season and is deserving of this recognition.

From a team perspective, our Under 15 Green side capped off the year by being named the Best Conducted Club in their Division. This award reflects not only their on-field performance but also their exemplary behaviour, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the season.

Similarly, the Under 14 Green team also received the Best Conducted Club award for their Division. Their commitment to upholding the values and standards of the club has been admirable and is a source of great pride for us all.

Congratulations to all the individuals and teams who have represented our club with distinction this season.

This season, our social calendar was highlighted by the ongoing success of the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) night, which once again brought together our Junior and Senior Clubs. The event featured strong participation from the Senior Club, with Senior Coaches Johnno and Staggy, Senior Club Secretary Nicole Fletcher, and several Senior Players volunteering to take part in the iconic slide challenge. Their enthusiasm and willingness to get involved made the night both entertaining and memorable for everyone in attendance. It was also fantastic to see the Junior players and Coaches get involved in the slide as well.

The MND night proved to be a resounding success, raising an impressive $21,848 in support of the cause. The generous contributions and spirited involvement from all sectors of the club community underscore our commitment to supporting important initiatives and fostering a sense of unity across all age groups.

Looking ahead, the Club intends to review and enhance its social functions in response to recent events. Following the cancellation of this season’s Trivia Night, there will be a more focused effort to understand which types of social activities are most appealing to our members. By seeking feedback and gauging interest, the Club aims to offer a range of events that are both enjoyable and well-attended, further strengthening our community bonds.

The Club remains committed to fostering a strong partnership with the Senior Club, recognising the importance of maintaining clear pathways and collaborative efforts between both organisations. Throughout this year, deliberate steps have been taken to reinforce this connection, ensuring a seamless transition for our players as they progress through the ranks.

A significant development in this regard has been the successful revival of the Under 19’s team. The re-establishment of this squad not only enhances our club’s competitive structure but also provides our Junior players, particularly those completing their Under 17s, with a direct and accessible pathway into the Senior Club. This initiative supports the ongoing development of our players and strengthens the sense of unity and progression within the broader club community.

To the incoming Committee of 2026, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for our Club, both on and off the field. I look forward to another great season and am committed to working diligently to further foster a positive and inclusive culture. My goal is to ensure that the Club remains an enjoyable and welcoming environment for everyone involved.

Reflecting on the past season, I have gained valuable insights and experience. I want to reassure all members that I have actively listened to your feedback and am dedicated to improving communication across all levels of the Club. By addressing concerns and encouraging open dialogue, I aim to strengthen our sense of community and ensure that every member feels heard and involved.

Thank-you for your support this year.

Kind regards,

Wayne Webster

President 2025