Club and Council compromise

When Boy Charlton threatened to come between Brookvale Football Club and Manly Council, the club and the council worked together to reach a solution that suits everyone.

The extension of the Andrew “Boy” Charlton Swim Centre, named after the Australian sporting legend, at Graham Reserve, Balgowlah took away a mini-field used by the club’s eight and nine year olds. That came as a surprise to Brookvale FC,”I told Council it is essential that we get a size 8/9 field for these kids and they have come to the party.” Club secretary John Mesiti said.

Manly Council initially offered another ground kilometres way but when the club claimed that was too far for the kids to travel, Parks and Reserves Manager Fenton Beatty was prepared to compromise. As a result space has been found at Graham Reserve, Brookvale FC’s home ground; “Children need a place to play. Children need a place to learn, enjoy themselves and fall in love with the game”, coaching director Anthony Seminara said.

In a bonus for Brookvale FC, Manly Council is undertaking major work at Manly Oval which means the Manly Cricket Club has to find a temporary home at Graham Reserve.

$100,000 is being spent to bring the main field up to first grade cricket standard so Brookvale Football Club’s senior teams will reap the benefit of playing on a top quality surface; “Myself and the players, they’ll love it. We’ll be very lucky to play on a very good grass surface.” Seminara said.

It’s a win/win for club and council. The kind of resolution that can be achieved when two tribes find common ground.