MAF President's Welcome Gold Coast 2001

Tim Gleeson

I would like to welcome all to the 19th National Masters Australian Football (MAF) Carnival. At the time of writing, indications were that there will be 36 teams and some 700 registered players involved this year. Given these numbers, numbers of umpires, support staff and the larger than usual number of families attending, the Queensland Carnival is fast becoming the biggest ever staged in our history.

There have been two significant changes within our organisation this year, firstly, that of a name change from Superules Australia to Masters Australian Football or MAF. The reasons have been well documented in the past and I am sure most have been informed of this change through your state President. Unfortunately the time taken for name, logo approval and registration has not allowed us to convert entirely to our new name with a number of items including divisional trophies and certificates still carrying the Superules Australia name for this Carnival.

Secondly, the staging take over of the carnival by the National Board. I would like to acknowledge the efforts by board member Warwick Ansell for setting up the carnival and for bringing the initial format to the board some two years ago. This year will see again the once traditional welcoming day, being held at Wet & Wild, in addition to all the usual functions and events.

This is the third occasion that Queensland has hosted the National Carnival. Many would remember the 1992 Carnival at Labrador and some the 1987 Carnival at Coorparoo. This carnival also sees the first fixture for Superb Seniors (over 50’s), it will be played in a semi formal format. It is interesting to note that both Masterules (1987) and Seniorules (1992) started in Queensland under the same format. Given the growth of both divisions since their inception and that our participants are staying involved longer it is not unreasonable to expect that Super Seniors will become a permanent fixture at future carnivals.

The size and number of teams has necessitated the use of 4 grounds. The splitting of venues has allowed us to get through the fixture on the designated game days. I would like to extend the boards appreciation to both Southport and Labrador Football Clubs for the use of their facilities.

MAF is once again pleased to advise that we have received a further grant of $10,000 from the Australian Sports Commission for the advancement of our game. This is the second year we have received this grant and it reinforces the importance of Masters Sport and having a well structured and managed National Association.

The National Board would like to acknowledge the continued sponsorship of Ansett Australia, Football Specialist Australia, Sherwood Knitting Mills and all other sponsors both at national and state levels.

I would like to wish all participants an enjoyable and injury free carnival and a happy stay on the Gold Coast. We remind all who attend the Carnival to practice the well publicised “Slip Slop Slap” in order to fully enjoy the Carnival and all that the Gold Coast has to offer.