After a ten year stint as the president of Singleton Strikers Junior Soccer Club, Micheal ‘Mick’ Dean relinquished the role at the club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday.
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After the AGM during the club’s presentation day incoming president, Mark Henderson presented him with a life membership.
The accolade left an emotional Dean speechless, much to the surprise of the audience who is accustomed to him always being in control of the situation.
It has been this no nonsense, put your head down and get the job done for the kids attitude that has proved a winner over the years and is one of the reasons why the club has been so successful.
He did regain his composure to continue on with the presentation ceremony but could not articulate a response to receiving the honour of life membership to his beloved SSJSC until all the awards were done and dusted.
Mick says for him doing the job has never been about receiving accolades, it’s always been about the kids.
“It is a lot of hard work especially in the pre-season but when the season kicks off and I see the smiling faces of the kids it is all worth it,” he says.
He also thanked his family for supporting him through “thick and thin” as well as past and present committee members and the many parents he has been involved with over the years.
Dean’s association with the club began when his son, Ryan starting playing under sevens.
Ryan is now 17 and a very handy player who this year began playing with the Singleton Strikers Senior’s U19 side and has made a number of appearances in the top grade.
And this is where Mick intends to concentrate his efforts next year.
“I will still be involved with the Juniors as the Public Officer but I hope to coach the U19 side,” he says.
His wife Neisha says Mick loves coaching but has not had the time to do it for a few years.
“He is really good with the kids and loves it but I also hope to reacquaint him with the lawnmower,” she laughed.
The introduction of small-sided games for players under the age of 12, improving the facilities at Alroy Oval and the installation of new lights are just a few highlights from his time at the helm and now after a motion to amalgamate the Junior and Seniors clubs was passed at the AGM there will be plenty more in the future.
