28 DAYS TO GO | Bayswater junior president Mick Walker spoke to EFL Media ahead of the 2019 season, all thanks to Yarra Valley Water & Choose Tap.
Overall, were you satisfied with what the club achieved, both on and off the field, in 2018?
Mick Walker: Absolutely satisfied. We had many successes in 2018 that we are extremely proud of. 2018 was the first year of our Auskick clinic that we ran on a Friday night with approximately 100 boys and girls and their families having a great time.
We have a dynamic team of committee, coaches and team officials with many continuing on in 2019. We upskilled our team officials with Dynamic Footy Skills sessions early in the season.
We also continued our relationship with SALT (Sport and Life Training) and had more sessions for our players and officials then in the past.
We updated our website, which now has all the information you need and is very user friendly. You can check it out at www.bayswaterjfc.com.au
Our number one priority remains our members and children enjoying their football in a safe and friendly environment. With this in mind, we launched our very own Child Safety Standards policy in 2018.
On field we had 10 teams for 2018 (7 competitive) and 3 of these teams played finals. Our U12 girls were premiers after a great finals series that our whole club supported!
Approximately how many teams do you think you will field in 2019?
MW: We are hoping to field 12 teams in 2019.
What has the feeling been like around the club over the pre-season?
MW: Very exciting. We have had registration days and “come and try” clinics late last year and early this year and you can sense the excitement amongst the kids. Footy’s nearly back!
If you had to pick one, which team do you think is the club’s best chance of winning a premiership this season, and why?
MW: Tough question, I think maybe our under-12 boys. They had a taste of success last year with a couple of closely fought finals. With a great group of players and officials, they could be ready for the next step!
Is there a particular age group of players that you need as soon as possible to fill a team ahead of Round 1?
MW: We welcome boys and girls of all age groups to join us at the Bayswater JFC but if I had to specify, I would say our top age groups. Under 17 boys, under-16 & 18 girls.
If any players are interested in playing for your club this season, what do they have to do?
MW: They can contact myself, Mick, on 0402825024 or any of our committee.
Alternatively, they can check out our website or socials!