The only way is up for the Holroyd Rangers

Ambitious Granville & District Soccer Football Association side Holroyd Rangers are all but gearing up for what will be a massive July as Club President Danny Rizk and his passionate volunteers prepare for life after the COVID-19 lockdown.

The 38-year-old football crazed administrator, who is in his third year at the club, was elated when he heard the news that Community Football was back on the table after COVID-19 restrictions were eased with competitions set to take shape from July 1.

“It was music to my ears as it was for the thousands of other football participants when we were told that training sessions and of course competitions were back on track.

“Although having some time off was nice, I began to itch wanting to get back to the pitch and getting back into the groove.

“Our pitch is looking okay at this stage; very little use has helped with all three fields having full grass cover but I cannot wait to see official games played there very soon.

“During the lockdown period we attempted to keep our membership engaged via various social media challenges as well as home training drills, two things that I hope assisted in keeping players minds occupied in what were tough moments for all involved.

“It’s amazing to know that we are at a point that will see us enjoy the sport once again.”

Asked how the club was coping with the new COVID-19 rules and restrictions laid out by the Office of Sport and Football NSW, Rizk and his committee members had worked overtime in ensuring all bases were covered.

“We have been very well prepared with our dedicated committee working towards ensuring we meet all the guidelines set out by Government and Football NSW.

“From checking each players temperatures to sanitising and signing in, we’ve got ourselves into a good routine now.

“We are also closely monitoring the distancing guidelines at all sessions, but July 1 can’t come soon enough, many of our players just want to play.”

Since coming to the club in 2018, Rizk has seen a fair bit of change but has praised the dedication and passion of the past and present committee members and volunteers in playing huge roles getting the club to where it is today.

“I came to the club in 2018 where I brought along with me a Premier League Men’s team and I can tell you I haven’t looked back since.

“The previous committee did their bit, I was just happy to push the buttons further in getting more members to the club.

“Our membership grew from 268 members to 314 after a strong social media and marketing drive that opening year.

“I visited schools, engaged with the local community members as well as put together a strenuous letterbox drive with the aim of further growing the club’s numbers.”

Rizk assumed the top job as Club President in 2019 and it was there the evergreen administrator pushed his approach in making the Holroyd Rangers one of the best clubs within the Granville District Soccer Football Association.

“In my first year as President we implemented a fresh logo, new website and a strong social media drive.

“We also changed the playing strip to a fresh modern design, still respecting our bottle green colours.

“We were also successful in attaining a council grant to upgrade our facilities, this included 4 mini-grandstands, a full perimeter fence around our main fields, behind goal barriers and new sandstone barriers.

“I also took our senior Premier League Men’s side to the club’s first ever Cottam Cup Final as we brought back the historic Cup to Granville after the Inter Lions took it away from us the previous year.”

With a healthy 340 members ready to rock ‘n’ roll for the commencement of the 2020 Grassroots Football season, Rizk is quietly pushing for more goals set to be kicked at the club both on and off the pitch.

“We want to continue to grow and attract more people to the beautiful game.

“We know we have to work harder than many clubs but that hard work is paying off and Holroyd Rangers is becoming a club, players want to be at.

“We also have been successful in attaining a State Government grant which will see the addition of an undercover social area adjacent to our clubhouse in the not too distant future.”

To find out more on the Holroyd Rangers you can visit their official website by clicking here.