This article has been percolating away in my head for sometime now. One I have wanted to write, but have also avoided, because it recognises an absence you would rather didn't exist. However, with the season coming to a close it is very important that we as a club, recognise the significant contribution a founding figure has made to Selwyn United Football Club - namely Gerard de Rooy.

Earlier this season, former President and then Operations Manager, Gerard stepped down from the club to focus on his role as board member with Mainland Football. This was a huge change for us all, because Gerard has been a massive part of this club since, well, before it even existed. There have been, and still continue to be, other people who have played a vital role - Michelle Marshall, Martin Allen and Lee Padmore spring to mind - but there is little doubt that Gerard’s passion and complete dedication (on top of full-time Management position with PGG Wrightson) to the club has driven us forward for a number of years.

He was of course, a key figure in forming SUFC back in 2012, but since that point we have grown in ways far beyond just numbers. The amalgamation of Ellesmere, Rolleston and Malvern under one banner signalled a clear move to a district wide football club. Essentially a South West Football hub to cater for all ages and levels. This journey still continues today. We have a strong presence in many parts of the district, and we continue to move towards others - we will eventually get there.

As you can imagine, the workload to make that vision a reality was (and continues to be) immense. Other amalgamations have occurred in Canterbury football over the years, but none have been on the scale that has had to occur in Selwyn. The population explosion here has demanded a lot of a small number of administrators.

I personally doubt whether any of this would have happened without Gerard’s single minded determination to make it happen. When I came onto the board just over three years ago, I was astounded at the sheer amount of time, commitment, blood sweat and tears that Gerard put in. Very few would have been willing and able to do what he has done. It is only when you are on the inside of sports administration that you realise the workload taken on by volunteers, in the name of the sport they love. Gerard has exemplified this.

And it is important to also recognise that it hasn’t just been any old club. Under Gerard’s guidance Selwyn United FC has become known as a high quality football environment. We were the first club in the region to obtain a club license (to enable us to run licensed development programmes), won Canterbury Sports Club of the year in 2018 and became the first sports club to obtain Quality Club Mark Two accreditation. No mean achievement for what is still a reasonably new club. If you know Gerard well you also know he references “standards” all the time. He wanted a club that exemplifies values such as integrity, excellence, and aspiration. These has been ingrained into the club for sometime.

Gerard will not want much to be said about his contribution. I am sure he will hate me writing this, but we can’t just let this slide sorry ‘G’. He also won’t want a song and dance to be made about the whole thing. If you see him though, I am sure he would be more than happy with a hello and good chat. And maybe, a thank you.

This is a timely chance to recognise our current board who are working hard to continue Gerard’s work. If you see them around, please have a chat. You won’t always agree with what we do. That is the nature of people, we don’t all have the same view. Rest assured that everyone on this board works hard in the best interest of the club and its members.

Stan de Rooy / Michelle Marshall / Megan Blondell / Nick Ager / Darren Sudlow / Derek Cotton / Scott Sheridan. Scott and Derek were co-opted this year for a two year period. Their management and business experience has been invaluable.

Look out for our AGM soon...