"In its 117 - year history the North Western Football Association has faced many challenges and the current player shortage facing the Sheffield Football Club is but another to test the resolve of
administrators.
The issue of player numbers and availability is ever present for many clubs within the State, and rather than take a defeatist attitude the NWFA and the Sheffield Football Club will take a proactive role to ensure a viable future for both bodies.
A glance through the list of premiership teams in the last 50 – years is testament to the ever-changing face of the NWFA, with such clubs as Railton, Barrington, Gowrie Park and Ulverstone Districts no longer with us. Examples of the necessity of cooperation have been the formation of Motton Preston, Rosebery Toorak and East Ulverstone by way of mergers.
Importantly the NWFA has met the challenges in the past and will do so into the future to ensure it provides a strong and viable competition for all stakeholders and the continuity of Tasmania’s longest running senior competition.
To assist in the future direction of the NWFA, its Committee has formed a sub – committee to
investigate the challenges ahead, including the retention of volunteers who play an integral role in keeping our nine affiliated clubs running. Whether female or male, sporty or academic, our clubs are always looking for volunteers to fill various on-field and off-field roles.
One thing the NWFA administration and its clubs have in common, is the constant lookout for people to fill the executive positions. After a short stay by Glenn Foster, the secretary’s position has been taken over by Simon Nugent, with the added responsibility of Registrar, while Rosebery Toorak stalwart and NWFA Life Member, Ian Drake, has been appointed a vice – president. I welcome both to the executive for what promises to be a busy year.
Although the on - field success of individual clubs receives the most attention, the financial viability of the NWFA is of paramount importance, and is underpinned by the backing of our loyal and generous sponsors.
On the field Motton Preston set the benchmark last season with both its senior and reserves teams going into their respective grand finals with an unbeaten season behind them to win the sportsman’s Trophy award as the competition’s championship club. It then capped off a successful season with its two grand final wins.
Three Sunday matches have been scheduled into this year’s roster and both the NWFA and participating clubs will be closely watching the response from the public to determine whether Sunday footy has a long – term future.
The senior and U23 representative matches will be hosted this year by the NWFA on June 11, at
Ulverstone. Since their resumption the NWFA has had the wood on the DFA with three consecutive wins in both divisions, but our rivals are on the improve and keen to turn the tables.
Finally I extend the NWFA’s appreciation to our sponsors, both old and new, and wish the clubs
the best of luck in their endeavors during 2011."
