MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT | Essendon Royals look back on big year

Essendon Royals Soccer Club president Richie Di Sauro has expressed his gratitude to his hard-working committee ahead of the club’s upcoming Annual General Meeting.

As the calendar year comes to an end, Mr Di Sauro reflected on another hugely successful year for the Royals, as the club celebrated a significant milestone with its 60th anniversary.

“This year has been another fantastic year for the club,” he said.

“We have seen the club achieve five-star status under Football Victoria’s Club Engagement Program, awarded a Junior Boys National Premier Leagues license and we completed our long-awaited move to Cross Keys Reserve.

“Not a bad way to celebrate turning 60!”

Mr Di Sauro said he was delighted to see the club achieve so much during the season and highlighted the on-field achievements of the club’s senior women team, who earned promotion to State League 1 after a stunning season.

“To achieve promotion was an outstanding effort from all involved,” he said.

Mr Di Sauro said the success of 2019 was attributable to the hard work of the club’s committee.

“The people on the committee work tirelessly to ensure the club operates at an exceptionally high level,” he said.

“Everyone on the committee has a life outside of the soccer club, but they are always the first to put their hands up to pitch in whenever needed, whether its to provide some extra help on senior match days or help with juniors and presentations and the many other events we run as a club.

“It’s a pleasure to serve as president with so many fantastic people pitching in to make a real difference for the club and the community it serves.”

Season 2020 is promising to be just as big with a host of exciting changes at the club.

The Royals will compete in the Junior Boys NPL for the first time, with trials completed over the last three weeks.

“It was great to see such professionally run trials at our club and I have to credit the hard work of Head of Football Vaughan Coveny for his exceptional efforts in co-ordinating the trials,” Mr Di Sauro said.

The club also welcomes a host of new senior coaching staff to its ranks.

Michael Curcija returns to the club as our Community and MiniRoos Technical Director, whilst the Royals have also made the landmark appointment of its first-ever Technical Director for Women’s Football in Jess Gallo.

Former NPL coach of the year Vitale Ferrante is the club’s new senior men’s coach and has been busy preparing for the 2020 season, whilst Mick Gallo takes the reins of the senior women’s team as they prepare for a return to State League 1 football.

“We are confident with the appointments made ahead of the 2020 season that we are well placed for a successful year on and off the pitch next year,” Mr Di Sauro said.

“With community trials set to commence in the coming weeks, we look forward to seeing as many new and familiar faces as possible around the club in the coming weeks and months.”