Pittwater Life February 2023 Issue

Avalon SC heads for bumper 2023
After battling through two seasons of COVID-19 disruption,
it was ‘Mother Nature’ who provided the biggest challenge
for Avalon Soccer Club in 2022 with numerous ground
closures due to the rains that plagued Sydney during the early
part of the year.
“We had to endure the wettest football season I can
remember,” said Club President John Kowtan (JK). “Yet we still
managed to put on a terrific season,
which saw the 40th anniversary of the
junior and senior clubs merging.”
“From our juniors to our senior
teams and everyone in between, the
attitude, mindset and competitive
spirit within our Avalon community
has been second to none.
John extended thanks to all
concerned: “To our fantastic
managers, knowledgeable coaches,
generous sponsors, tireless
volunteers and the positive and
determined attitude of our players.
“Everyone involved with the club
and the community have been very
resilient and patient,” he continued.
“We are all hoping for a bigger, better
and dryer 2023!”
Despite the challenging year, and
being the last club on the peninsula,
Avalon’s numbers and achievements
were outstanding. Nearly 1200
players and 90 teams were registered in 2022 and the Club
recorded three League Champions, 18 Semi Finalists, 10
Grand Finalists and five Grand Final Winners.
“The results were fantastic, and I’d like to commend the
players and coaches for their achievements,” JK said.
“But more than that, it was extremely gratifying just to see
the smiles on the faces of those in our famous red strip, from
the newest of players in our Under-6 competition, to those
playing in the Over-45s, all enjoying their football.
“We really are a club for everyone, and we are incredibly
proud of the position we have within this amazing
community.”
In 2023, the club are expecting a bumper year, with a
highly competitive group of players keen for more silverware,
a consistently strong base of juniors and a big focus on
Women’s football.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup is in Australia and NZ this
winter, so we are expecting to increase our already impressive
female player numbers given the focus on the game,” said JK.
HUGE SUCCESS: Season 2023 will see an even bigger
focus on Women’s football for Avalon Soccer Club.
“Currently, our female players make up a third of the
club’s overall numbers, with a lot of girls dual-registering to
play in our Saturday mixed competition as well. It’s been a
consistently strong part of the Club, and there’ll be plenty of
new initiatives around female football this year.”
2023 also marks the return of a much-loved part of the
Avalon Soccer Club history as the Women’s Under-16 team
resume their annual tour to Vanuatu
after a COVID-enforced hiatus. The
girls will head over for 10 days in
July, playing games against local
teams, making charitable donations
and community visits, and really
promoting women’s football in the
region.
“The whole tour is based on
fundraising by the teams themselves,
so if you see them around over the
next few months, help them out!”
Online registrations are now
open for 2023 via the club’s website
avalonsoccerclub.com.au – this is the
best source for information about the
Club and the season ahead. The Club
will also hold a ‘Try Football Open
Day’ at the Careel Bay Clubhouse
from 10am-3pm on Sunday 5
February.
“We’ll have a BBQ going, run some
skill sessions and give newcomers
the chance to try out football on the day,” said JK. “The shop
will be open so grab some gear, meet the committee, ask any
questions you have.”
Also, the Club’s ambitious ‘Project 2030’ plan is in the
works, along with major infrastructure upgrades.
“We have big plans for where we want to take this Club over
the next 5-10 years, and we have a vision of where we want to
be, and create a whole-Club approach, which unifies Juniors
and Seniors,” JK continued.
“We have implemented an important Project 2030
document which highlights the four key Club pillars (Football
Development; Club infrastructure; Sponsorship / Marketing;
Member Services) to focus on.
“We are looking to form Sub-Committees to look after these
areas so if you want to be involved, please reach out to me
directly.
“There’s no better place to play football – join us down at
The Bay and find out why we say ‘Avalon is Magic’!”
*More info visit avalonsoccerclub.com.au
– NW
Sporting Life
The Local Voice Since 1991
FEBRUARY 2023
55