Brad Rayner: Berowra FC’s hard-working President

It was in Brad Rayner’s blood that he was destined to become a football administrator as the 38-year-old busily prepares his club, Berowra FC in the Northern Suburbs Football Association alongside his dedicated volunteers for the recommencement of Community Football in July.

Rayner has quite simply lived and breathed Berowra FC ever since he could walk.

“My love affair with the game came ever since I was a five-year-old. I don’t think I’ll ever be too far away from the game either. I have made lifelong friends I made from playing sport and know without organised sport I wouldn’t have those friendships today.

“This love came from my dad. It was never forced but I remember from a very young age I loved watching him play and couldn’t wait to play myself, plus he has done so much for the game in our area too.”

Brad played for the club, refereed in the local area, coached at Berowra, then got himself on the committee before being elected as Club President in 2017.

“I started playing as a five-year old up until I was fifteen – Refereeing was next on the list as I took that up full-time up until my late 20’s and then I came back to assist the club’s All Age Men’s team.

“I then coached the Women’s Premier League and continue to have an interest in coaching and development and really enjoyed creating our new SAP Academy for this season while also undertaking the administration duties.

“The last six years has seen me involved with the committee before being elected as President three years ago.

“On top of my duties as President I am also the equipment and referee liaison officer so all in all this has kept me very busy.”

As is the case for many grassroots clubs, Berowra FC rely heavily on the hard work and dedication of volunteers with Rayner being one of them.

“We are blessed with great volunteers who dedicate their time ensuring everything is ready to go for our club, teams and players.

“We have a committee of 14 plus all the coaches and managers who look after seventy teams, meaning up to 700 registered players at the club, it’s a massive job but one we are all happy to do for the love of the game.

“Without volunteers there is no club and no game.

“Volunteers are at the centre of everything from mums managing their kids team to the committee members arranging programs.

“Volunteers are everything and more for our game.”

Rayner and co are currently working overtime now that restrictions have been eased following the dreaded COVID-19 disaster that struck the globe in March prematurely ending many things, football being one of them.

Thankfully, Australia adopted a strict self-isolation policy via social distancing measures that has allowed many to return to a close to normal life, playing football being one of them.

“It was a huge relief when restrictions were eased after what has been a testing few months for us all.

“I cannot wait to see all the players at our club from our youngest member at 4-years of age right up to a 73-year-old getting out and having fun.

“The vibes at training have been amazing, you could tell the excitement is at an all-time high as we all missed it.

“It’s been really tough not being able to play and see all your mates, not to mention the battle of staying fit without training and trying not to binge eat while working from home.

“But I, look so many, have used the break as an opportunity to complete the NCDP (National Club Development Program) and identify areas where we might be able to improve the player experience at our club.”