GOODBYE GNEFA

MATTHEW GALEA

December 19 2014

Shepparton News

After more than 60 years of local administration, soccer is in the hands of a state body.

Goulburn North East Football Association officially handed the reins of the game over to Football Federation Victoria at its annual meeting on Wednesday night.

The move was requested by member clubs after zero nominations were received to form a new association board for next year.

Outgoing president Frank Trimboli was also awarded with life membership of the league.

In his final president’s report, Trimboli said his and the association’s goal had always been to grow the game in the region.

‘‘This is GNEFA’s last AGM. This game has been run by locals for over 60 years, with the last six being as GNEFA,’’ Trimboli said .

‘‘However, the game is at a crossroads and it’s beyond volunteers now.

‘‘There are lots of mouths and not enough resources, but it is those mouths that make this game great. FFV have the resources, and now is the time to hand it over to a professional body.’’

Association life member Matt Ciavarella nominated Trimboli for life membership after his report, which all eight member clubs supported.

Treasurer Frank Papallo reported a financial surplus of $17 987 and a final cash position of $54 155, with accounts receivable totalling $16 477.

The actual amount receivable is $20 711, but the $4234 the defunct Kialla United Soccer Club owed was not included as it is unlikely to be received.

The association resolved to move the net cash assets to FFV, which the state body will place in a separate bank account on the condition that all funds could only be spent on the Goulburn North East region and only accessed by a resolution the newly formed North East Region Committee passed.

That committee will be formed by two delegates from each club, with each club having one vote.

FFV attended the meeting and showed the clubs a number of options in regards to competition next year, with the possibility of a Champions League-style cup competition incorporating Bendigo Amateur Soccer League.

FFV chief operations officer Tim Frampton also addressed clubs about the responsibilities of FFV and local clubs.Under the proposed agreement, FFV will handle rules of competition, competition management, tribunal and discipline, referees and the league’s bookkeeping and accounting.

Local clubs will be responsible for appointing delegates to the North East Region Committee who will be briefed and aware of clubs’ position on issues that arise at committee meetings.

Clubs will have to ensure all payments to FFV are made in a timely fashion or risk points deduction, as well as entering their own results and ensuring referees are paid, and all other match day needs are accounted for.