EXECUTIVE REPORT

2009 will be remembered for the Global Financial Crisis and the year Qld Cup debutants, the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles won the Qld Cup premiership. After a successful 2008 for the Seagulls in which all 3 teams progressed through to the finals 2009 was a disappointment with only the A Grade making it through to the business end of the year.

It was a testing year in more ways than one. Off the field the club continues to perform strongly and achieved revenue growth in Sponsorship and Game Day revenue against market trends. The growth in sponsorship can be attributed to our loyal group of sponsors as well as a policy of working hard for our sponsors in these tough economic times. The introduction of the Sponsor Directory, Sponsor Networking Breakfasts and the Allstars Luncheon all provided exposure and networking opportunities for our business partners. A special thanks to Dene Tucker and Glen Potter for their assistance throughout the year.

I would also like to acknowledge the support of our volunteers who make up the General Committee. Their tireless support of the club provides a great foundation for us to work from. They are committed to making sure our game days run professionally as well as helping to fundraise with raffles and bingo all year long.

The Wynnum Manly Leagues Club continues to provide us with a firm platform to manage our club and remain competitive in a very tough competition. Arthur Lovell and the Board have been very supportive of us in 2009. The Wynnum Manly Leagues Club offer great support for our club in many ways. While it important we try to operate as financially independent as possible realistically we need the support of the Leagues Club to remain a competitive force in the Qld Cup. Their support goes beyond the financial commitment. Our relationship extends through to the scholarship houses, event support, employment of players and sponsorship support. We continue to work very closely and I would like to personally thank Chairman, Arthur Lovell and General Manager Geoff Crow for their support throughout 2009. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship and bringing success to the bayside in the near future.

Another major focus for the club is to bring the past players back to Kougari. This year we conducted four major reunions. These consisted of team members from the 1959 Presidents Cup winners, 1969 Third Grade premiers, the 1979 Third Grade Premiers and the 1969 Colts Premiership winning side. All reunions had and very strong roll up and enjoyed by all in attendance. Paul Comber, recently recognised as the clubs historian was instrumental in making these events so successful. Paul is also working very hard on the club’s history site which is due to be launched in early 2010.

Improvements to facilities included an upgrade of the PA system and the new electronic scoreboard. These upgrades will enhance the game day experience for all our spectators while also providing better exposure for our sponsors. New gym equipment was purchased also to maximize the strength program for the players. We will continue to upgrade each year to maintain BMD Kougari Oval as one of the premier venues in the competition.

I would like to acknowledge all members of our sponsorship family. We have the best sponsors in the league and their loyalty is unquestioned. The club would like to recognise Mick Power and the BMD Group for their continued support as principle sponsor. Other major sponsors including Bartons Bayside, Lipke Motors and Nairn Constructions are long term supporters of the club. There are also many other sponsors at different levels of support that have been very loyal to the club. To all our other sponsors including Major, Corporate, Jersey, In Goal Club, and Signage level sponsors we appreciate your commitment and welcome you back for season 2010.

The club would also like to recognise the affiliation we have with the Brisbane Broncos. Our partnership is improving every year and this relationship provides many opportunities for our young players. In 2009 we commenced a new three year term of our partnership and we will reap many benefits from this affiliation. The opportunity for a NRL trial in 2009 was appreciated and provided valuable financial assistance for the club during a tough year. Our main focus is in development and the benefits provided for the Seagulls Academy. We also will look to improve our association at a senior player level and hopefully we can see a few of our boys playing in the NRL in the near future.

Season 2010 is looking bright with a major overhaul of the football department at the back end of the year. The board decided a change of direction was required and as a result we will see a completely new coaching and support staff structure for 2010. Former Wynnum Manly juniors, Paul Green and Chris McKenna head up a passionate team of coaches looking to turn our fortunes around. The majority of our players were retained and several new players will join the ranks to help us achieve our goals. The Club Championship and a Qld Cup premiership remain our number one priority.

Finally I would like to acknowledge the all the members of the board who work very hard to make sure the club is growing and performing to the best of our ability. It has been a very trying period over the last few months with some hard decisions having been made. The conduct of the board during the period has been of the highest caliber and they should be congratulated on their efforts.

Mark Rockley
Executive Officer