Three consecutive years of extreme circumstances that include the impact of covid and the 2022 floods, has taken its toll on Italo Stars FC, with the proud North Lismore club to sit out of the 2023 football season.
Despite the best efforts to navigate a way forward, after the loss of the club facilities and dire impact on numerous club members, many who lost houses and possessions in the floods, club president Mat Edmonds has conceded that the immediate obstacles are just too onerous. Edmonds said, “The damage and loss that occurred to the fields and facilities in February and March this year, was a massive blow to Club Marconi, that had optimistic plans to reignite activity at the Italo Australian Sports and Recreation Club after finalising the purchase before the floods hit.” He added, “The football club struggled to exist this season, with no field, no facilities and despite receiving various equipment from Northern NSW Football and Football Far North Coast, the club was on life support.”
Edmonds and Italo Stars FC Life Member Ben Perry met recently with Football Far North Coast General Manager Steve Mackney, to discuss the situation. The parties agreed that the absence of a playing venue, combined with a range of factors, including ongoing stress on members that has diminished the ability to recruit volunteers, has created a situation where the club simply cannot exist in 2023. Italo Stars FC celebrated 50 years of activity in 2016, however expectations to progress the proud history of Stars have been tempered with the impact of the flood in 2017 that was tough to rebound from and then has so cruelly been impeded at every turn since.
Although a decision has been made to go into recess in 2023, the purpose is to enable a recalibration of options beyond next season. Italo Stars FC is one of several clubs that have been doing it tough, with almost 1000 players lost from Football Far North Coast participation this season. General Manager Steve Mackney said, “Football/soccer player numbers in this region grew to more than 7000 prior to covid back in 2019 and the game is fortunate that there is a depth in numbers to sustain activity.” “We hope that 2023 is only a temporary pause and that Italo Stars FC will return to local football.” Mackney concluded.
Registrations for the 2023 Football Far North Coast season will open on 1st February, with a role for players, coaches, referees and volunteers. Enquiries can be made to office@ffnc.net.au
