KILMORE Junior Football Club, KJFC, was named 2023 Junior Club of the Year at last week’s Northern Football Netball League junior presentation night.
The award recognises the club’s efforts both on and off the field throughout the year, with the league voting on factors such as club volunteers, culture and community engagement.
KJFC president Jacqui, who is in her first year in the position and coached the under 10s girls team for 2023, said she was proud the club was nominated for its efforts this season.
“It’s something we worked really hard on from a cultural point of view at the club – we’ve got a lot of good kids and good families that play at Kilmore,” she said.
“Some of those kids seek opportunities elsewhere sometimes, so that’s something that we could hopefully build around.”
Also receiving an award was Kilmore’s Campbell White, who was named best and fairest for the Under 14 Blue category, receiving eight more votes than the second-placed player.
Jacqui said the club was also judged on its players and volunteers, particularly how they interacted with other teams and umpires and maintained a respectful atmosphere.
She said the recognition would boost the club and provide further opportunities to offer further services in addition to what was currently possible.
“Moving forward we’re hoping to put even more things in place that we’re able to involve the community in a little bit more,” she said.
“From the player development point of view, it gives us the option now to try and further develop our players and put systems and programs in place so that we can attract new players and keep our existing players involved.”
KJFC coaching coordinator Matt Chesswas praised Jacqui’s efforts in delivering a successful 2023 season for the club.
“Being a female president in a male-dominated industry, she’s done an outstanding job,” he said.
“The amount of things she’s done behind the scenes that probably goes unrecognised is the reason why the club ended up winning the award.”
Chesswas said despite the limitations faced by the club because of a lack of facilities, improvements such as filming every home match for coaching purposes and introducing specialist coaches have made a positive change.
“[Jacqui’s] assistance for me to give resources to the coaches is half the reason why we ended up where we are,” he said.
“We also had a bit of talent on the field this year as well, so it was good.”
