Hi all
After 8 years involvement in local footy, Saturday august 27th 2006 was my last day at the Penrith Football club and local football in general.
Over the past 8 years, I have experienced both the highs and lows that a footy club can bring.
I started with the Penrith Football Club in 1998 and my first game being involved with was the historic win over Wollongong at Greygums Oval.
In 1999, I became Team Manager for Reserve Grade and played my first game of football against Parramatta in the last round. I kicked a goal.
In 2000, I took on dual responsibility of both First and Reserve Grade Team Managers. I played 7 games in the reserves that year. My second game was at Cronulla and I kicked another goal. First grade made the finals under the coaching of Michael Walker.
In 2001, I was First grade team manager and during that season I was asked to be a part of the support staff for the SFA team in Newcastle. The under 18s won the premiership that year beating Manly.
In 2002, I was Under 18 and First Grade team manager and had the privilege of being joint team manager with Alex McLaren when the 18s won back to back flags.
In 2003, I played for Penrith-St Clair and played all but 3 games culminating in the semi-final against UTS which turned out to be my final game as a player for the Penrith Football Club.
In 2004, I stepped back from the front line of team managing to become a timekeeper. I also became involved with David Gill in forming the Greater Western Power. We had our first game on the Barnardos Charity day and although we were beaten, we weren't disgraced. We later played St George and beat them by 3 points. The seeds had been sown.
In 2005, i became chairman of the Greater Western Power after David Gill had stepped aside. We came 5th in the qualifying competition and 8th overall. At the end of the year, our new chairman, Scott Duffus suggested that if we were to survive then we need to fall under the Penrith banner. The Power committee voted in favor of the move back to Penrith
In 2006, i was back in the Penrith den and of the 8 years that I have had at the club, I have enjoyed this one the most as it is my last year of involvement. The boys have come a long way since 05 and although we had lost some games this year, the endeavour has impressed me to no end.
As I write this email with mixed emotions, i know that i have got a lot of satisfaction being involved for a long time at this great footy club.
I'd like to thank everyone involved with the club for being such good friends and great people and I will miss you all.
Thanks and Regards
Benny_w
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