MT ALBERT FOOTBALL CLUB INC. Established 1927

2012 SEASON REPORT

MT ALBERT RUGBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL CLUB (INC.)

2012 SEASON REPORT

INTRODUCTION

The 2012 season has been an extremely successful one for the Mt Albert Rugby League Football Club (Inc.). We have enjoyed outstanding success on the field and have also made significant improvements off the field which we hope will hold the club in good stead for years to come.

I have highlighted a number of significant achievements in this report, but there are no doubt more that deserve mention. Perhaps the most significant achievement for any rugby league club is the mere fact of getting kids engaged in healthy sporting competition and enjoying the positive health and social benefits that are associated with playing the great game of rugby league. We do not underestimate the challenges for families in getting their kids to and from and supporting them as our families do. Thanks to all the dedicated parents, grandparents, family members and friends who have given their time to support, coach, manage, fundraise and generally get involved with our various teams and our club. Whilst we undoubtedly enjoy success and winning competitions, for us it is an even bigger success when we see a child join the club and thoroughly enjoy their experience of playing rugby league, eager to return again for another season.

This report provides a summary of the year and highlights some of the more significant achievements on and off the field. I hope you enjoy reading through it and we look forward to your ongoing involvement and support of the Mt Albert Rugby League Football Club (Inc.)

OFF FIELD

Administration

Administratively, the club has made enormous strides. For the past few years we have operated with a skeleton committee which has presented many challenges. I must thank Life Member and long time club administrator, Gordon Kite, for his tremendous efforts over so many years during a time when there was minimal support and assistance.

Pleasingly, this year a number of people have put up their hand to help drive the club forward and we now have a Management Committee of eight which is outstanding. I have listed the committee members at the end of this report but I would like to thank them for their hard work this season. It is not an easy task and often thankless but these individuals have all put in many hours of hard work to improve the administration and management of the club. We have already seen the benefits of their work and we look forward to it continuing.

Mission Statement and Objectives

One of the first steps the committee took was to develop its Mission Statement and Objectives. This was an exercise in identifying what Mt Albert Rugby League Football Club stands for and what we want to achieve. The committee has developed a simple yet effect mission statement of:

Nurture. Lead. Pride. Succeed

We consider that these words represent what we are about as a rugby league club and what sets us apart from the others. We also developed a list of objectives under each of those four components which I have included at the end of this report. Those objectives will guide us over future years and provide our ‘compass’ for ensuring we are doing the right things for our members.

Laurie Kearney Lounge

Early in the year, the Laurie Kearney Lounge received a spruce up which gave it a new lease of life and improved the environment inside the clubrooms. On the back of the maintenance work, the committee commenced a project to restore more of the club’s history and memorabilia to the walls of the clubrooms. Members will have noticed the improvement already and we plan to display more of the club’s history in coming seasons. We consider our history to be vital to understanding who we are today and is important in developing our club culture. In addition, we improved the sponsor signage area inside the clubrooms and generally provided a facelift to the indoor facilities.

Club Administrator

Mid-way through the year, the club employed a Club Administrator to manage the day to day administration of the club. This is a significant and important step for the club and will vastly improve the efficient administration and compliance of the club and will improve the experience for all members. It will also enable the committee to focus to a greater extent on strategic planning and developing new initiatives. We were very fortunate to secure the services of an experienced rugby league administrator in Alix Macartney and we have already seen the benefit of Alix’s appointment within a few short months. We would like to thank the Community Trust for their support in enabling us to make this appoint. It is absolutely the right step for the club and will take us forward in leaps and bounds. Importantly, it is aligned with our mission statement and objectives of continuing to ‘lead’ the rugby league community in the way we do things and to drive ‘success’ in all that we do.

Accounts

The club accounts are in in order and the club will report a break-even position for 2012 (a significant achievement for any club!). Thanks go to Mark McLeay, Club Treasurer, who has worked tirelessly to ensure the accounts are up to date and that we have systems in place to comply with our accounting and reporting requirements.

Events

Another initiative of the club committee was to drive more events at the club during the season. Aligned with our intention to recognise and commemorate our history to a greater extent, the club staged its Heritage Day on 26 May. The concept is to hold a Heritage Day every two years which will commemorate a significant year or period in our club’s history. 2012 was the 30 year anniversary of our 1982 Fox Memorial victory over Otahuhu and therefore the 2012 Heritage Day was dedicated to commemorating that successful year. It was fantastic to see many former players, coaches, administrators and supporters back at the club to join in the celebrations. Unfortunately, we haven’t done enough in recent times to keep connected with all of our past members but it is something we are determined to improve and events like these enable us to re-connect with our past members and update our records so we can keep in touch. In addition to recognising the feats of the 1982 team, we were also privileged to present personalised commemorative Dog Tags to Kiwi representative players Ray Wilson, Mark Bourneville, John Ackland and Shane Cooper. The Heritage Day was a great success and we look forward to hosting more events which celebrate our club and people and bring many of our past members back to the club.

We also held our Sponsors Day on 14 July which provided an opportunity to thank all our sponsors who support the club so generously. Without such support, we simply could operate at the capacity which we do and we would not be able to provide the quality experiences for our members.

This season we also re-ignited the Lani Latoa Cup - a challenge cup played for between Mt Albert and Pt Chevalier premier teams. Lani Latoa was a gifted footballer who played for the City Pt Chevalier and Mt Albert clubs. Tragically, Lani passed away as a result of an injury sustained in a match in 1993. The Lani Latoa Cup was dedicated to his memory to be played for between City Pt Chevalier and Mt Albert. Unfortunately, the City Pt Chevalier club fell into demise in the late 1990’s and so the cup had not been played for in over 15 years. With the return of Pt Chevalier to the top division, it provided the opportunity to resurrect this Cup and the memory of a much loved old boy. Pleasingly, Mt Albert won both challenges and it was fantastic to have Lani’s family in attendance to present the Cup and to mark his memory.

ON FIELD

On the field the club continues to enjoy great success. We fielded 18 junior teams this season which was a growth of three teams from 2011. We have multiple teams in grades and at least one team in all age groups up to Under 18. We expect that our numbers will continue to grow over the next few years and we hope to particularly strengthen the youth (Under 15 to Under 20) player numbers.

Our junior section has been well supported by a dedicated Junior Committee and I would like to thank them for their hard work this season. It is never easy getting junior teams organised, uniforms sorted and finding coaches and managers but the Junior Committee and been exceptional in its administration and management of this section of the club.

I would also like to thank all of the coaches and managers who have volunteered their time this season to help nurture our junior members. It is particularly pleasing seeing a number of former club players now engaged in coaching our next generation of members.

At senior level, we fielded four teams plus a Masters team and all enjoyed successful seasons. I would like to make special mention of the Open Age Restricted side, coached by former player and premier coach, Mike Moorwood. This side is the backbone of the club and displays tremendous club spirit regardless of the on-field result. We have a strong legacy in the open age restricted grade and this team is continuing that strong legacy on and off the field. We sincerely hope that these players, coaches and managers return and continue to lead the way in setting the standard for our club culture.

Achievements

Although all junior grades up to Under 12 do not have finals and competition winners, our junior teams performed extremely well. Many teams only experienced a few losses all season. We were fortunate with the weather that there was only one Saturday lost to wet weather which allowed these junior players to enjoy a full season of rugby league and to gain a good understanding of the basics of the game. It was pleasing to see the numbers of youngsters turning up throughout winter for training and games and thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Junior Titles

The Under 13 / 14 Restricted team won their competition, beating Glenora in the final at Cornwall Park. This capped of a terrific season for this team which is coached by former Mt Albert player, Paul Clarke. Our Under 15 / 16 Restricted team had a stellar year which culminated in the winning of their competition, overcoming Glenora in the final. This team is also coach by a former Mt Albert player, Spencer Cusack, who is ably assisted by Tea Ropati.

Both of these teams are full of talented and dedicated young players who we hope will continue through the grades with the club and enjoy plenty of success along the way. Congratulations to both sides on your success and to the coaches, managers, parents and families for their hard work throughout the season.

Senior Titles

At senior level, the club enjoyed a very successful season.

The Premier team won the Rukatai Shield (Minor Premiership) and went on to win the Fox Memorial Championship for the 16th time in the club’s history – more than any other club. The team was the front running side all year and were deserved winners of the title, capping of the season with a dominant display over Glenora in the final. Congratulations to the coach, Steve Buckingham, his management team and the players on an outstanding season.

The Premier 1st team had an absolutely outstanding year, dropping just one game all season and coming away with the title, beating Otahuhu in the final. This team was also the dominant team all year, playing outstanding football throughout the season. It is fantastic to know that the club has significant depth of talent. Their coach, Dave Nicholson, and his management team deserve special mention for the stellar work they have done this season and for many seasons prior.

The Premier 2nds had successful year, going down narrowly in the grand final. Whilst that particular result was disappointing for the team, their season was a highlight for the club and a demonstration of the great depth that the club has built up. Congratulations to Max, Peter and Tipu on their work.

Auckland Rugby League Awards

On the back of the success of the Premier and Premier 1st teams, Mt Albert was once again awarded the Kiwi Shield from for the most successful senior club. The club has held this trophy many times in its history and reasonably regularly in recent times, which is testament to the depth of talent at the club and to the quality coaching and support provided. Congratulations to everyone who contributed to the winning of the prestigious Kiwi Shield – a beautiful historical shield in Auckland rugby league.

Congratulations to Ralph Ah Van for being awarded the Auckland Rugby League Player of the Year award. Ralph had an outstanding season and captained the Premier team to the Fox Memorial title. Ralph became just the second Mt Albert player to win the award, after Mark Tavai back in 1981. Ralph was joined by in the Auckland Rugby League Team of the Year – deserved recognition for another outstanding season for Suaia. Mt Albert junior, Dillon Rota, was also nominated for Rookie of the Year in what was a brilliant debut Premier season for Dillon.

NZRL Awards

Congratulations to Suaia Matagi who was awarded the NZRL Domestic Player of the Year award and to who was awarded the Under 16 NZRL Player of the Year award at the recent NZRL Annual Awards.

Congratulations to you both for your outstanding achievements.

Representative Selections

Congratulations to the following players who have gained representative selection in 2012:

Akarana Falcons Under 17: Bunty Afoa Semisi Vea

Northern Region Under 16: Kyle Blunkell Tomas Levi Sala Falelua Esan Marsters Moses McGreal Eddie Paealiki Connor Purcell Peter Scanlan Tualima Tualima

New Zealand Residents Under 16: Bunty Afoa Semisi Vea

2012 Junior Vulcans (Under 16) (tour to NSW in April 2012): Bunty Afoa Semisi Vea Kyle Blunkell Eddie Paealiki Peter Scanlan Tualima Tualima

Auckland (Premier 2nds) John Marsters Jacob Macdondal Saivi Afoa Ratai Peters Alex Tuiasau

Auckland (OAR) Andrew Lopesi

Auckland Vulcans Tulson Caird Daniel Palavi James Blackwell Leni Sulusi Suaia Matagi

North Brandon Motion Marcel Ikinofo

Auckland James Blackwell Dillon Rota Leni Sulusi Cody Walker Paula Maliepo Zac Tippins Joel Freeman Suaia Matagi Ralph Ah Van Soape Kavaliku Malakai Houma

New Zealand Residents Suaia Matagi Zac Tippins Cody Walker Soape Kavaliku James Blackwell

SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS

We have been very fortunate in 2012 to enjoy the support of many generous sponsors. It is cliché but true that our club simply couldn’t survive without the generous support of its sponsors. We are conscious that the economy is difficult and that there are many competing (and worthwhile) initiatives which the sponsors could direct their money towards but they choose to support our club and members and for that we are truly grateful. I would like to make special mention of Dominion Constructors who have been a long term Principal Sponsor of the club and have given generously over many years, which we certainly hope will continue. Thanks also to finals sponsor, National Signs – one of several new sponsors this year. Also to X Blades who have also been with the club for several years now – thank you for your ongoing support.

I would also like to recognise our two new Major Sponsors of the Junior club who came on board in 2012 and supported our junior members generously. On Target Directional Drilling and PAK n SAVE Mt Albert have been incredible in their willingness and desire to support the kids and to help us to provide the kids with a great experience during their season. We sincerely hope that their support continues and that this is the start of a strong relationship with both of these generous sponsors.

Thanks to New Zealand Community Trust and Pub Charities who have provided invaluable support and enabled us to purchase much-needed uniforms and equipment, as well as support the administration of the club. Community grants are essential for the survival of sports clubs and we know just how competitive it is for clubs when it comes to the application process. Thank you NZCT and Pub Charities for supporting us and helping our club to function as successfully as possible.

A full list of our Sponsors and Supporters is included at the end of this report and I would like to thank each and every one of them for their support and assistance in 2012.

LOOKING AHEAD

Whilst we are proud of what we have achieved as a club this year, we are also conscious that there is much that can be done to provide the best experience possible for our members and visitors. There are a number of initiatives which the committee has already commenced work on, including:

 Continued growth in playing numbers, particularly in junior grades and especially the 15 to 20 age group;  The re-introduction of a women’s senior team;  Player and Coach development programmes;  Improvements in administrative efficiencies;  Improvements to facilities (fields and buildings);  Building relationships with local schools;  Ongoing development of the club culture;  Recording the club history;  Developing memorabilia displays;  Provision of a range of club apparel and merchandise;  Building stronger relationships with other sporting group users of Fowlds Park and with the wider community and Council.

We look forward to delivering on these and other initiatives in the future and doing the best we can to ensure the club is in the best possible state for generations to come.

A final thanks to all of you – the people that matter. Whether you are a player, coach , manager, trainer, Old Boy, Legend, Life Member, sponsor, supporter, member, stakeholder, parent, sibling, family member or friend, we thank you for your contribution this season and to making our club great!

I wish you all an enjoyable summer and look forward to seeing you again in the 2013 season.

Regards

Bill Werry President SPONSORS

Thanks to the following Sponsors for their generous support of the Mt Albert Rugby League Football Club (Inc.) TRUST FUNDERS

Thank you to the following Community and Charitable Trusts for their generous support in 2012:

MISSION STATEMENT AND OBJECTIVES

Nurture. Lead. Pride. Succeed

NURTURE

 Nurture our members to develop as rugby league players  Nurture our youth to develop good life skills through rugby league  Provide a safe, healthy and enjoyable social environment for all our members and visitors  Nurture our club to grow and be sustainable into the future

LEAD

 Lead the way for rugby league clubs in New Zealand on and off the field  Continue our history of innovation and setting the standard  Lead our members in a positive manner  Be leaders of our youth and set a quality example

PRIDE

 Pride in Our Club and its place in the community  Pride in our history and achievements  Pride in our people  The Lions’ Pride

SUCCEED

 Strive for success on and off the field  Develop successful people in life  Succeed in providing a place that people want to be a part of  Succeed in providing a legacy at the Club for future members