Tuesday 3rd December 2024 and the Eastern Suburbs Football Association held their Annual General Meeting. The Annual Report for 2024, is available in the Library Section of our website.
Clubs came together with guest speakers Jamie Morris from John Moriarty Foundation and Football NSW Chair Gilbert Lorquet and Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas.
We were also privileged once again to have Ted Simmons OAM (Service to Football), ESFA Life Member, Football Australia Hall of Fame, in attendance. In 2011 ESFA introduced an award in Ted’s name to be awarded to Youth (Junior) Football player, coach or team who has displayed outstanding excellence, development or example of sporting conduct in the ESFA competition. We were honoured to have Ted award the medals in person to the five recipients for 2024.
We are delighted and pleased to announce the following winners and their football journeys as nominated by their Clubs.
Maeya Cassim – Maroubra United (Age 14)
‘Maeya has not only been a long term player at the Maroubra United, but she has quickly become one of our leading game leaders.
Maeya holds an exemplary record as a player, and plays the game in the fairest possible way, whilst also being a person that wants to continue improving and competing at the best level she can.
Off the field, Maeya holds a level of maturity far beyond her age. She was like a fish to water in regard to taking on extra responsibilities as a game leader, helping organise others and the whole program in general.
She has even taken on extra duties as a game leader, turning up every Saturday morning for our Summer Competition and being the person in charge of others, where this responsibility usually sat with an adult.
Maeya is super dedicated to her teammates and fellow club members and is a perfect role model for future players and game leaders to come.’
ESFA congratulate and thank Maeya!
Thomas Vrolyk – Maroubra United (Age 15)
‘Thomas has been at Maroubra United for many years and was one of the first to enter in our game leader program when it launched.
Thomas has been nothing but outstanding since joining the program, always willing to help, putting in extra hours even when not asked and took on many responsibilities to help lead the others in the program and looked to very fondly by all the other game leaders as someone who leads by example and is someone they can go to whenever they need help.
On top of this, you won’t find many others both within Maroubra United or within ESFA who are more passionate about football. The joy that overcomes Thomas when he plays the game is absolutely infectious and watching him at his Grand Final this season, making the Grand Final winning save in the U16 Div 2 penalty shootout, there isn’t many others out there that you would be happier for that moment to fall upon them. He was flying on Cloud 9 for weeks afterwards (and probably still is).
He is the type of person that any community would be over the moon to have within their ranks, and we are just lucky he found his way to Maroubra United.’
ESFA congratulate and thank Thomas!
Paul Coe – Coach Easts FC
‘Paul Coe is a very dedicated parent within the Easts FC community. For the last 5 years, Paul has been a member of Easts FC through his daughter Abby who, in Winter 2024, played in our Girls G15 team.
Paul assumes the role of parent team manager and helps coach the team throughout the year. He is an incredibly supportive person to whom both the team members and club are very grateful. Paul excels at timely and accurate communication organising teams for games and training, always making sure attendance numbers are adequate. As you know, this team is one that has seen a good deal of success the last few years and Paul has played a big role in keeping the group together and motivated.
The team’s achievements in 2024 include:
– ESFA G16 Finalists whilst playing up an age group
– ESFA representatives at the FNSW State Cup and Champions of Champions
– Capital Football Kanga Cup G15 Champions
In addition to his work with the team, Paul has been a valuable asset to the club acting as our MPIO in 2024 while also contributing to our events and general club development.’
ESFA congratulate and thank Paul!
Amalie Thistlethwaite – Pagewood Botany (Age 15)
‘Amalie has truly become a vital member at Pagewood Botany FC, she has worked very hard in her U16 team every week. Amelie is the team captain, she helps with setting up and packing down the fields each session, she is always encouraging her teammates to keep going and strive for better. Amelie has been a great role model for her team and the other junior players at PBFC.
Her commitment doesn’t stop there; Amalie also trains with the U18s, stepping up to assist them when numbers are low. This selfless act showcases her loyalty and belief in fostering a strong team environment for all levels.
But Amelie’s contributions stretch beyond just the pitch. For the past two years, she has taken on the rewarding role of coaching and managing a Miniroos team. Witnessing the remarkable development of these young players under her guidance has been nothing short of inspiring. She has not only enhanced their skills but also instilled a love for the game that these kids will carry with them for years to come.
Additionally, Amelie generously lends her time and effort at our weekend canteen, ensuring that the club thrives and functions smoothly. Her cheerful presence and commitment to service help to create a welcoming atmosphere for all members and families. The countless hours she spends supporting the club in this way demonstrates her unwavering dedication and love for our community. In every role she takes on, Amelie exemplifies the heart and soul of our sport, making her an invaluable member of our club. We are incredibly grateful for her unwavering commitment and the positive impact she continues to make on and off the field.’
ESFA congratulate and thank Amelie!
G14 Flames – Pagewood Botany Coach and Team!
‘The G14 Flames have made PBFC history this year and we couldn’t be prouder!!! Our Flames came into the season well prepared and focused on what their goals were for the 2024 season. They trained hard in the off season and it paid off for them having a season like no other.
The Flames finished the season with titles, including Premiers, the championship, and emerged as both the state cup grand finalist and the reigning champion of champions. Each step along the way was marked by resilience; every match saw the Flames rise above their opponents, showcasing their prowess and strategic finesse.
At the heart of their success lies their remarkable coach, Mitch. Under his guidance, the team has not only honed their skills but has also developed a profound sense of camaraderie. Each player is a vital cog in the machine, contributing their talents and energy to ensure they operate as one powerful entity on the field.
What makes the G14 Flames truly special is their commitment to the community. Half of the team dedicates their weekends to serve as game leaders at the club, mentoring younger athletes and fostering a love for the sport. Their influence goes beyond the wins and losses on the pitch. They inspire passion and perseverance in the younger girls, showing them that teamwork, respect, and hard work can lead to remarkableachievements.’
ESFA congratulate and thank Mitch and the G14 Flames!
Not only did our recipients receive the 2024 Ted Simmons Medal, but they were also given courtesy of the great gentlemen and author himself, the book ‘Australian Soccer – From the Beginning’ as an extra memento of their success.
We look forward to watching our recipients achieve great things in their football life and indeed their life off the field from the community, education, self-belief, inclusiveness and awareness, that football has provided.
