For several decades a loyal band of club stalwarts from the Yarrawonga Football and Netball Club’s Past Players Association has happily championed the responsibility of manning the gate, selling raffle tickets, records and handing out important club information.
For Robert Tait and Ray Humphreys it’s a labour of love but a “very long day”.
“It’s an enjoyable job, meeting and greeting everyone and having a bit of banter and a joke, but we need to get down to the club quite early these days and it’s a long day for our guys.
“Most of our past players who help out have been doing this for a long time and we want to welcome a younger brigade of past players or supporters to assist, even if it’s for a couple of hours – every bit helps to give some of our guys a break,” Robert said.
Not to be forgotten the Past Players group not only assists at the gate on home games but they are often seen fixing and upgrading different things around the club.
“There is always a job or two to do,” Ray Humphreys said.
“For example we organise and pay for all the honour boards to be updated each year. It’s a big job that has to be done.”
Every year the Past Players also organise an important function featuring a well-known guest speaker usually in the middle of the season and this also requires a bit of work.
“This year we are excited to have Essendon legend Terry Daniher as our guest speaker for the function,” Robert said.
The function is planned for the home game against Albury Tigers on the June long weekend (Saturday, June 8).
“We want to reach out to our past players and supporters to contact us if they can spare just a little time to assist in different ways, so all the work does not fall back onto just a few guys.
“The more helpers we have the more the merrier and then it’s not a burden on just a few.
“We love the club and won’t be going anywhere, but just need a few younger past players or supporters to come on board and give us a hand,” Robert said.
If you can assist in any way, even if it’s just for a couple of hours contact Robert Tait on kaybert44@hotmail.com or call 0408 577 480.
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