The Old Paradians’ Association Amateur Football club has issued the following message in its bid to lure former players out of retirement.

Now is the time for past players who still have that lingering urge to put on the boots and enjoy the thrill of a kick, goal or even better, taking a speckie, to put your hand up and let the club know if we have the support needed to field a third senior grade (Clubbies) side in 2018.

There has never been a better time to make this all happen. The stars are aligning with good player numbers already on the training track at Senior and Under 19 levels and the prospect that not all will be able to get a game every week. A Clubbies side will ensure that is not the case.

The missing and essential ingredient is a core group of past players from which we can draw to make up the numbers for a full side each week.

The bigger the core group of past players willing to play a few games (and have a break in between to recover) the easier it will be to ensure we can field a team every week.

And if you are beyond the ‘playing urge’ stage then maybe a coaching or another support role would be exactly what you are looking for. If so let us know if that is something you want to do.

So let’s make this happen as part of the club’s plans to get stronger on and off the field. As always we want it to be successful given it’s a big investment (VAFA subs, umpires, jumpers, trainers that all adds up to over ($80,000 each year).

We need to make a final decision and advise the VAFA by mid-March so please let us know of your interest by March 7 at the latest.

Please contact Phil Pratt on Mob 0438 559 210 or email phill.pratt@boombroadband.com.au