A message from one of the clubs founders

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Our club celebrates 20 years and one of the clubs founders, Patrick Curtis who received the clubs very first Life Membership at our 10th year celebrations in 2009 has written a letter for us all which was to be read at the 2019 social night.

Amanda Bartholomeus has shared Patrick’s note and gives us this context:

Patrick Curtis was approached by the AFL to help with founding a second junior club in the Eastern Suburbs as Easts Bulldogs were nearing capacity.  Patrick’s knowledge and passion for the game and his personable nature made him a perfect fit to help promote the new club and in the year 2000 Maroubra Saints played their first season with approximately 40 kids.

 Patrick served as President for 11 years, seasons 2000 through to 2010, while also managing registrations, handing out jerseys and ground managing in the early years. All this with no children playing, just a passion and enthusiasm to help AFL expand in the Eastern Suburbs.

 Patrick’s strong sense of fairness and inclusivity became the cornerstones of the club and the inspiration behind the Patrick Curtis Club Spirit award which is awarded annually to a youth player who exemplifies these traits.

 

Hello Maroubra Saints Families.

Firstly, I do apologise for not being able to attend such a momentous occasion – 20 years of the Saints existence.

As much as I want to be with you all, unfortunately my poor health precludes me from driving up from Ulladulla to attend.

Secondly, kick your heels up and enjoy the occasion and friendship that helps make this great Club thrive and successful.

Thirdly, a big Thank You to all our volunteers that has continued to keep the club moving forward, a happy family club which continues to grow in strength.

Fourthly, during my time at the Sainters, we had many fantastic people, ie, committees, coaches, team managers and various other volunteers to assist in running the club.

So keep up the good work Mums and Dads.

Finally, I recall my first encounter with the “small but great committee”, I put my hand up to be a goal umpire but ended up being elected as President which lasted 11 years !! what an incredible journey but one I thoroughly enjoyed ?

Thanks to all those fantastic volunteers during the early days ?

Go the Sainters and may the club continue to grow and reach further milestones in the coming years.??

Patrick ?

Studio 54 – Outta Sight!

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Oh what a night!

Check back here for a full report on how much money was raised – and how much fun we had.

In the meantime – check out the photo’s captured in our photo booth

Check out all the images HERE

Celebrating Pep Moles

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The AFL shines the spotlight on our very own Pep Moles.

Read about her involvement with the club here

Awarded the prestigious John Yates Award at the Sydney Swans Bob Skilton Medal last year, Penelope Moles from the Maroubra Saints is the next volunteer under our spotlight.

Name: Penelope Moles or “Pep”

Club: Maroubra Saints

Years of Service: 8 years

Roles: Coach, committee member, team manager, pre-season fitness trainer and many more!

Team of Support: Sydney Swans

About Pep: Growing up in Burnie, Tasmania, Pep grew up involved in football and supporting her local side, the Cooee Football Club, where her father and brother both played. Penelope has been involved at the Maroubra Saints Junior Football Club since 2011. She has coached numerous junior teams in her time at the Saints – both boys and girls – including the all-conquering under-eights and Sydney City development side. In 2018 she has coached the under-15 girls and assisted with the management of the boys’ under-14s and 15s teams. Pep also offers additional fitness training sessions to anyone in the club pre-season.

Not only is Pep an amazing coach and highly respected by her team and their parents, she is heavily involved in the Saints committee and heads up the Girls footy sub-committee. Championing and supporting girls footy which is growing at rapid speed at the Saints.

She is a passionate, enthusiastic and devoted Sydney Swans fan, whose tireless and selfless work for junior football at the Maroubra Saints – and indeed for the entire competition – is widely respected and admired.

 

August 2019

Meet Cameron McAusland, Gold Sponsor & MLC Advisor

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In this interview series, we introduce Saints members to our Sponsors.

Saints sponsors help our club in many ways, including; ground hire, purchasing equipment, paying umpires, keeping registration fees to a minimum and ensuring your children can train and play in a safe, healthy, fun environment every week.

We are currently running the “holiday legend” social media competition for some lucky Sainter to win a $100 replica match ball and that is thanks to MLC Advice.

Q&A with Cameron McAusland, Financial Adviser, MLC Advice, Randwick

Which footy team do you follow?
The mighty Swan’s. Tough going this season however things are looking up

Would you describe yourself as a tragic?
Too busy UBERíng my children between sports to be a tragic AFL supporter

Tell us a little bit about your business, your role and the types of clients you work with?
At MLC Advice Randwick, we actively work with our clients to help them achieve the things that are most important to them.
The business was founded on the philosophy of making financial advice available and accessible, at a fair and reasonable cost for everyone within the local community.
The vision for MLC Advice Randwick is to be the first option people think of when they require financial help. You can also see us on the big screen at The Ritz!!

How many years have you been involved with the Maroubra Saints?
This is our 3rd year that MLC Advice Randwick have been Gold Sponsors of the mighty Maroubra Saints.
I like to support my kids sports clubs as I know how much work goes on behind the scenes to make it all happen for the kids.

Do you have a special offer for Saints members who want to find out more about your business?
We are always happy to offer any Maroubra Saints families or friends a no obligation complimentary initial meeting – at this meeting we can discuss anything that is causing you unnecessary financial stress and we can identify any areas that we feel we can offer some financial assistance with. If we cant help we will certainly point you in the right direction. This offer extends to extended family as well – parents, siblings etc … tell them to mention Maroubra Saints

How many kids do you have playing with the Saints this season and in which teams?
Hayden is playing in the U10’s Red Team this season and he cant wait to rip in on Saturday’s and have a go. Dad cant wait either

Why do you encourage your kids to play for the Maroubra Saints?
The simple answer was we chose Maroubra Saints from the referrals from local community families that had their kids playing for the club already. I have been so impressed with the organisation of the club, every week Hayden has come home with a new skill and all the kids have a go but most importantly they all have fun along the way.

What’s your usual pre game message to your own kids?
Try your best and make sure you have fun with your mates

And post-game message?
A high 5 and run through the goals or marks Hayden took. Hayden loves to rehash and maybe embellish the stories which always makes for great listening and a few laughs

Are you a parent who’s extremely encouraging on the sidelines or are you more the silent staring type?
Hopefully somewhere in the middle

Bacon and Egg roll, Sausage roll, Salad roll or Meat Pie?
One with the Lot thanks – Bacon, Egg, Sausage, Onions and sauce

Long Black, Latte or Decaf Skinny Cap?
Flat White – simple man with simple needs

What’s been the biggest highlight of your own sporting career (so far)?
At the moment I would be happy just going for a run and not breaking down with old man injuries

Meet Daniela Galante-Gozzo, from Artlux – Mum and Sponsor

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In this interview series, we introduce Saints members to our Sponsors.

Saints sponsors help our club in many ways, including; ground hire, purchasing equipment, paying umpires, keeping registration fees to a minimum and ensuring your children can train and play in a safe, healthy, fun environment every week.

Today we meet a brand-new sponsor, Daniela Galante-Gozzo, from Artlux

 

Daniela, how many years have you been involved with the Maroubra Saints?

We joined the Maroubra Saints 3 years ago.  This year our first son Leonardo plays under 8’s and our second son Raphael plays under 6’s. They are both very happy to play AFL, they love their coaches and the teammates.

What prompted your family to become involved  with the Saints?

When Leonardo started kindergarten we were looking for a team sport in our area and we ended up discovering the AFL sport and the amazing Maroubra Saints.

Tell us a little bit about your background. When did you come to Australia?

We are originally from Verona in the north of Italy, a famous historical city known for its beautiful monuments and surroundings, delicious wine and oil, the opera and “Romeo and Juliet”. We moved to Australia in 2008 looking for six months experience abroad. We felt in love with Australia and we are happily still leaving here!

Did you play any team sports when you were a child? Can you share any special memories with us?

I played volleyball for many years. In Italy this is the most popular team sport for girls. I loved it and I still remember the great time spent with my teammates during training and matches and outside the field. The emotions and the hard training I shared with my teammates is something that I will never forget and that still keep us friends after so many years.

Your business, Artlux have come on board this season as a new sponsor. Thank you for your support. Tell us a bit about your products, who you assist and your role at Artlux?

Artlux is an Australian lighting service supplier of high quality custom and standards gobos and projectors made in Italy. I founded Artlux following my great passion and extensive experience both in lighting and architecture. Using light and lighting projections I am focused to assist clients to maximize consumer engagement and entertain at the same time, leveraging a better overall experience at trade shows, business events and more.

Can you give some examples of how people and companies use your projectors and technology for special events?

Lighting projections allow to display words, logos, shapes, and patterns on a wall, floor, ceiling, or any other large flat space in a venue and use them for multiple applications such as advertising, events, weddings, architecture, branding and safety projections. Lighting and projection can maximize your visual display outcomes beyond anything you’ve seen before. Come and have a chat with me!

What do you think makes a successful junior sporting club?

A successful junior sporting club should offer safe environment where young players feel accepted for what they are and are part of a group where anyone has the chance to learn, improve and try to give the best without any judgments.  Especially children want to be part of a group and it’s important that the club give a positive message. The Saints are an example on this!

Do you follow an AFL team?

We are enthusiastic supporters of the Sydney Swans and we like to go to the stadium as much as we can, unfortunately there are only a few daytime matches.

What’s your usual pre-game message to your kids?

We remind them the positions in the field and how in every position they can contribute to make stronger the team game. It is very important when you play a team sport that anyone plays his role and contribute to the success of his team. We encourage them to try their best and to enjoy the game.

…And post-game message?

We talk about the game and how they think they played. We discuss with them what they did well and which are the areas of improvement for next time.

Long Black, Latte, Peroni, Sparkling Water or Skinny Cap?

Full cream cap with one spoon of sugar! This is how I like to spoil myself and commence my active day.

Bacon and Egg roll, Sausage roll, Salad roll or Meat Pie?

Bacon and Egg roll after the match is a must! Getting one and have a chat with the other parents after the match it’s a real joy.

Meet Milan Strbac, owner of Coogee’s world-famous Sugarcane restaurant & club sponsor

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In this interview series, we introduce Saints members to our Sponsors.

Saints sponsors help our club in many ways, including; ground hire, purchasing equipment, paying umpires, keeping registration fees to a minimum and ensuring your children can train and play in a safe, healthy, fun environment every week.

 Today we meet  Milan Strbac, owner of Coogee’s world-famous Sugarcane restaurant

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Milan, how many years have you been involved with the Maroubra Saints and which age group are you sponsoring this year?

I have been involved with the Saints for 5 years. I have 2 sons playing in the under 7’s and 9’s this year and I will be sponsoring the under 9’s.

 What prompted your family to get involved  at the Saints?

 I actually spoke with Nick Malceski at the time and asked him for some advice and he recommended the Saints.

 Can you tell us a bit about your background. Did you run or work in restaurants prior to opening Sugarcane?

I have been cooking for 20 years and have run Sugarcane for 10. Prior to opening in Coogee almost 3 years ago I was based in Slurry (Surry) Hills.

 What do you think makes Sugarcane such a great choice for a night out in Coogee?

 The food, service and overall dining experience. I think the experience is very hard to beat in the area.

Imagine this. It’s the ultimate dinner party, hosted at Sugarcane (of course). It’s just you and 5 other guests (anyone you like from the beginning of time, alive or dead). Who’s joining you for dinner?

1 Novak Djokovic

2 Floyd Mayweather

3 Cameron Diaz

4 Diego Maradona

5 My wife Daniella (if I don’t invite her, I’ll be in a huge amount of trouble)

Did you play AFL or any other team sports when you were a kid? Can you share any special memories with us?

I grew up in a strictly soccer family, during my time AFL was nowhere to be seen in the western suburbs and in my culture. The friendships I created 28 years ago are still going strong. That’s something seriously special.

 What do you think makes a successful junior sporting club?

I think having a family focus and community feel plays a large part in a successful sport club. Other things such as a fun, engaging, safe and inclusive environment also makes a great club. Not to mention the great friendships and beer drinking that goes on between the dads and mums.

 Which footy team do you follow and why?

Sydney Swans as it was the only Sydney team in the comp. I do love the red and white, we have membership and hardly miss a home game.

 What’s your usual pre-game message to your kids?

 I love pumping my boys up before games, I do some drills with them and tell them to go hard and try their best.

 And post-game message?

 How did you think you played??? We then discuss the game in full detail. I also hear about when they play for the Swans how they will implement the things we discuss.

Long Black, Latte, Peroni, Sparkling Water or Skinny Cap?

¾ Soy Latte with half a sugar. My coffee order is frowned upon and not a favourite with baristas

 Bacon and Egg roll, Sausage roll, Salad roll or Meat Pie?

Meat Pie, nothing beats a good Meat Pie especially during winter.

In recent years  the club has raised a lot of money auctioning your culinary skills at our annual fund-raising event. Can you briefly explain what it involves. Could Saints members contact you if they are interested in finding out more about this unique and unforgettable dine at home experience you offer?

What I have done I the past is donate a cook at home dinner for up to 10 people. This would involve myself and 1 other chef . We come to your house and cook a Sugarcane inspired meal. I have done it before for special occasions and it has been a great success. I end up joining the party for a few wines at the end and tend to forget what I was originally there for.

Finally, It’s the AFL Grand Final, last quarter. You’ve soared over the pack and taken a screamer. The crowd are going wild. The siren goes. You are 45 metres out directly in front. Your team is 5 points behind. What’s going through your mind as you go back to take the kick?

Why me???? I would be telling myself to stay calm and focus on the kick. Of  course, the kick is pure and straight between the posts and we win the flag.

Do your kids need Saints Socks & Shorts?

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Socks, shorts and other merchandise will be sold at the Heffron Clubhouse on Wednesday afternoons between 4:30PM & 6:00PM

Commencing Wednesday 20 March 2019

Prices are as follows:
Socks: $15.00
Shorts: $30.00
Shorts + Socks Pack: $40.00

Note: It is compulsory to wear Saints socks and black shorts on gameday. The Club provides players a footy guernsey to wear (to be returned at the end of the season). We want all our kids looking good on gameday so please contact our President if you are under any financial stress (Carl Lee 0402 750 088).

Meet Sean – Advisor at Liberty Financial & Larrikin Saints Dad

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In this interview series, we introduce Saints members to our Sponsors.

Saints sponsors help our club in many ways, including; ground hire, purchasing equipment, paying umpires, keeping registration fees to a minimum and ensuring your children can train and play in a safe, healthy, fun environment every week.

Today we meet a brand-new sponsor, Sean Oxborrow, from Liberty Financial Group

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 Sean, how many years have you been involved with the Maroubra Saints?

This will be my 3rdseason

 What prompted your family to get involved  at the Saints?

We had quite a few family friends who already had kids the same age as ours playing for the saints and they persuaded us to come down. We thought that it sounded like a great culture and heard that it was very well organised.

 I understand you know one of the founders of Maroubra Saints. Can you tell us a little bit about him and how the club started?

His name was Greg Mc Donald and I grew up with his younger brother through the surf club. I had no idea that he use to play AFL  since his father was a mad Randwick Rugby fan. He started the Saints back in 2000 with  both of his sons playing. He wanted to develop a club that would provide an encouraging and fun environment while giving kids an alternative to the traditional winter sports. I think he succeeded.

Did you play AFL or any other team sports when you were a kid? Can you share any special memories with us?

I didn’t play AFL, I wish I did, but It simply wasn’t available. So I played both codes of Rugby instead.  My favourite memories was in the dressing room sheds at Waverly Oval singing the team song for Bondi United A Grade after a big win.

Your business, Liberty have come on board this season as a new sponsor. Tell us a little bit about who you assist and your role?

Essentially, I help anyone who needs finance , particularly if they are having difficulty obtaining what they want with their bank. I love assisting mum and dad investors or anyone who is self employed. I deal with over 2O lenders and my role is to navigate my clients through the cumbersome application process while ensuring they get the optimal outcome with minimum fuss. Right now my role has never been more important

What do you think makes a successful junior sporting club?

Having a large number of  kids registered and  spread evenly over all age groups with parents who are prepared to support  the club  when required.

Which footy team do you follow and why?

Swans.. simply because it’s a Sydney Team and I use to love watching Warrick Capper taking those incredible marks back in the 80’s


What’s your usual pre-game message to your kids?

Campbell who is 8, Take your chances when they arise and back your ability.

Flynn who is 6 , Smile, have fun and stop talking to the girls on the opposite team while the game is on.

 And post-game message?

If you tried your best today then you cant ask for anything more.

Long Black, Latte, Peroni, Sparkling Water or Skinny Cap?

Latte

Bacon and Egg roll, Sausage roll, Salad roll or Meat Pie?

Bacon and Egg roll

Finally, It’s the AFL Grand Final, last quarter. You’ve soared over the pack and taken a screamer. The crowd are going wild. The siren goes. You are 45 metres out directly in front. Your team is 5 points behind. What’s going through your mind as you go back to take the kick?

Wish I had of nailed that earlier goal attempt…

CALL FOR SPONSORS

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By becoming a club sponsor we can provide you with an ideal opportunity for your business to build your brand and increase its awareness in the community.

10 benefits of becoming a Saints sponsor:

– Be front of mind with our members every week

– Build brand awareness on a consistent basis

– Be seen as a strong supporter of both female and male junior sport

– Send a strong message to your clients, your staff and your own children about your companies values

– Be seen as a supporter and business leader within your local community

– Be seen as a leader and active participant within the club; building your own presence at exciting sponsors and club events

– Be closely affiliated with a rapidly growing and progressive local club

– Drive sales and introduce new customers to your business

– Promote your products and services to our members with special offers

– Assist children and families who may lack the funds to register their children by offering support and scholarships

How does your sponsorship help the Saints?

Purchase equipment including playing uniforms, cones, bibs, balls, training tops, bags etc
Assist with the cost of hiring grounds and paying umpires
Help keep registration fees to a minimum level
Enable children to train and play each week in a safe, healthy and positive environment

For more information on becoming a sponsor please email steve@nrgsolutions.com.au or call 0421864288

Maroubra Saints Sponsorship Packages 2019

Meet Matt – Club Sponsor and our favourite pool Guy

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In this interview series, we wanted to showcase some of the people who support our club. Today we talk to Matt Ranieri from Narellan Pools, Maroubra Saints Sponsor.

Matt, how many years have you been involved with the Maroubra Saints and why did you get involved?
This is our second Season in the club, our son Rocky is in the under 6’s. We had heard great things about the club and being Maroubra locals with active kids we decided to register our eldest as soon as he was old enough.

Did you play AFL or any other team sports when you were a kid? Any special memories you can share with us?
I was mostly surrounded by Rugby league growing up, however I decided to try AFL in my early 20s. I played a grand total of 4 AFL games before suffering a serious knee injury while playing, that game was both the highpoint and low point of my very brief career. Despite the injury I was voted players player.

Your business, Narellan Pools sponsors the club. Can you tell us a little bit about it and your role?
Narellan Pools provides amazing client experiences by installing Australia’s best and most loved swimming pools and we have been doing that since 1972. As a result of our focus we are the largest swimming pool installer in Australia and service our customers through local builders such as Myself and my brother. We look after the Sydney city area and have a decade of experience with more than 1100 pools installed many of the industry’s highest awards.

We work closely with families advising them on the best decisions to make their dreams of owning a family pool come true while also creating those special memories.

As proud members of the Eastern Suburbs area, we support the local community. When not building world-class swimming pools, the team at Narellan Pools Sydney are actively involved in sponsoring various sporting teams, sponsoring a room at the Ronald McDonald House in Randwick, Sponsor of the Maroubra Bay Fun Run, as well as running pool building traineeship programs for the local youth and attending various Community events.

Also – now is the time to start if you want to be swimming next summer – Find the pool that matches your needs by calling for a free site assessment : 02 9011 7129

Make sure you mention you are part of the Maroubra Saints Football Club to receive a special Swimming Saints promotion package

How many times a year are you asked the following: “Is it possible to have a pool installed by Xmas” (and BTW is it, as it’s now August!)
It’s a very common question, we become very popular over the next few months, especially with the longer hotter summers we are having. There is still time to have your pool installed before Christmas but the window is closing very quickly, it can be hard to picture a pool in the colder months but now really is the time to get cracking!

From your experience can you share with Saints members your 3 best tips if you are thinking of putting in a pool or spa?
Probably just the one tip if you are thinking about it;Get a local reputable company (like us) out to your property and get some free advice from an expert. We can ask lots of questions, find out what you are after, and let you know what is possible for your site and budget.
By chatting to a reputable local company you can see examples of their work in the area, and you can trust they know specific regulations for your area also.

What do you think makes a successful junior sporting club?
Culture, the standards and behaviours set first by the leaders of the club and flowing through the coaches, parents and players, it was very evident what sort of club Maroubra saints was after only being there for a short while, you can see the character development of the kids as they go through the system, its very impressive!
Well done to everyone involved. A special mention to our Coach Drew who is a very special coach and we are lucky to have him.

Which footy team do you follow?
Saint Kilda mostly because I lived there for 5 years

What’s your usual pre game message to your kids?
My son is 6 so very much “have fun and listen to your coach”

..And post-game message?
Well done

Long Black, Latte, Peroni, Sparkling Water or Skinny Cap?
Sparkling water

Bacon and Egg roll, Sausage roll, Salad roll or Meat Pie?

Bacon and egg roll please! (bbq sauce)