Daniel Sammut is thrilled to be working for new Division One club Deer Park. 72108 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
BY MICHAEL ESPOSITO
IT’S no secret that suburban footy is becoming serious business – and that the most professional clubs are streaking ahead of the pack.
Deer Park Football Club is a case in point. Having blitzed the field in the WRFL’s Division Two competition this year, the Lions are looking to invest in their future with the appointment of an administrator who has come out of the AFL Sportsready traineeship program.
Deer Park is the first Victorian club to take on an AFL trainee.
Club president Mark McGoldrick said while Deer Park was far from matching the on-field and off-field achievements of Division One’s top-tier, the appointment of Daniel Sammut was a significant step.
“We understand we’re miles behind all the top clubs and it’s going to take a long time to make it up, but we think while on-field success is important, that will come eventually as long as we’ve got strong structures off the ground,” McGoldrick said.
“We think we’ve got an untapped area with sponsorship, and we want to get into the local schools, so we just need to invest in that. It’s just part of our long-term strategy.”
Being promoted to Division One was one of the key goals of the strategy. The next step is to gain a stronger foothold in the community.
Part of Sammut’s job will be conducting clinics in local primary and secondary schools, with a view to recruiting players for junior sides.
“My daily tasks vary widely, through sponsorship, merchandising and design, event management, promotions and marketing, administration, and lots more,” Sammut said.
“Currently I am assisting in developing the new range of merchandise for next year’s season with the committee.”
Sammut, in conjunction with club sponsor Pinnacle Sports, is also organising a sports holiday program whereby teenagers aged 15-19 can have State Government-funded courses in fields such as retail, business management and transport and logistics.
The Melton resident, who is studying Sport and Recreation at Victoria University, said he has always wanted to work in the sports industry.
“I have had a deep passion for all codes of sport since I was a young boy, which progressed throughout my adolescence, schooling and VCE in Year 12. I myself have played soccer as a goalkeeper since I was about eight, so sport has definitely been an influence on the career path that I want to aim for.
“It is very rewarding to have such a variety of tasks to do, and to do the things that I have interest and a passion for.
“With the seniors progressing to Division One in the WRFL in season 2012, after a dominating season in 2011, it is exciting times ahead for the Deer Park Football Club. We have a fantastic group of players and coaches, and strong support and following.”
