The Campbells Creek Football Netball Club has unveiled its new senior coach for 2012.
Former Harcourt and Castlemaine premiership player Sean Smith will lead the Magpies in next year’s Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League season.
Smith will bring a wealth of experience to the struggling Magpies, who finished season 2011 without a single win, having played in Castlemaine’s Bendigo Football Netball League premiership in 2000 and Harcourt’s 2002 and 2006 premiership sides.
A small forward/midfielder, Smith also spent time playing with Eaglehawk in the BFNL and is expected to take to the field for the Magpies in 2012 for a number of games.
Campbells Creek vice president Nigel McKenzie said the club was already looking forward to a change in 2012.
“Obviously we struggled a fair bit this year, on and off the field, but I think this is the first step to getting us on the right path,” McKenzie said.
“I know Sean is already speaking to some quality players, and while nothing is set in stone just yet, we’re confident of improving next year.
“Off-field, we’re trying to secure some big sponsors to provide some financial support to the club, which obviously makes things easier when we’re trying to attract players.”
Smith said he is excited about the prospect of taking the reins from outgoing coach, Wayne Stubbings.
The 37-year-old understands he faces a massive challenge in his quest to land the Magpies their first flag since 1953.
Club legend, Mark Williams, will also take the reins of the Magpies’ reserves side next season.
New Campbells Creek president Steve Adamson said the club was busy preparing for a big season 2012 that he expects will see them as one of the league’s leaders both on and off the field.
“The Magpies will be bigger and better in season 2012,” said Adamson, a life member of the Harcourt Football Netball Club and Campbells Creek Junior Football Club who has taken on the role of president for the coming year.
“Things can only improve. It can’t get any worse than winning no games.
“We are thrilled with the appointment of Sean.
“He has a wealth of experience and is well-known in the Maryborough and Castlemaine football communities.”
The new president has previously served on the committee for 11 years and is a third generation participate at the club. His grandfather was the groundskeeper in the 1950s and 60s and his father played in the club’s last grand final.
Adamson said several new recruits to the club would be revealed in the coming months.
He said while on-field the club was looking forward to a better season, off-field things are also very promising.
“We just had our AGM and it was one of our strongest,” he said.
With a committee of 19 in place the club has only one role to fill, that of secretary.
But Adamson said the secretary for 2012 will have several assistants to share the duties and was keen for someone to put their hand up for the role.
The committee this year is looking to not only rid the club of debt but will be much more of a community club with a focus on family.
“The club will have a positive new direction for season 2012,” Adamson said.
“We want to be part of the Campbells Creek community, encourage people to bring their families along.
“We need to clean up our act and get a new image,” Adamson said.
One of the biggest challenges facing the club is wiping its current debt.
“I love a challenge and because I have 19 on the committee we hope to get rid of the debt by the end of the year,” Adamson said.
One way the club is doing this is introducing the 200 club membership.
If 100 people, or businesses, sign up to this special membership, which costs $200 each, the club will have cleared its debts.
“Our debt will be wiped out four months before the start of the season,” Adamson said.
Other new programs to be introduced in 2012 include Community Care for Needy Kids involving disabled children, who don’t get the opportunity to play sport, in Sunday training sessions with players, and a teenage education program in response to drinking.
Another area the club is focussing on heavily is encouraging netball players to join teams.
“Things are very positive and we offer fantastic facilities,” Adamson said.
For more information about the Campbells Creek Football Netball Club contact Steve on 0427 705 771.
To be a part of the CCFNC 200 club you can send a $200 cheque or money order to the club courtesy of the Campbells Creek Post Office.
Last Modified on 11/10/2011 21:19