The Old Paradians Football Club has responded to the societal pressures posed by COVID-19 lockdowns in introducing fee-free football for all its players - seniors reserves and Under 19s - who take to the field for season 2022.

Senior players were required to pay $360 in annual fees and Under 19 players $120 through what was ultimately a lost season of 2021. But Old Paradians FC President Chris Bibby confirmed that the club’s fee-free initiative – for the love of the game - had gained formal sign-off from the Victorian Amateur Football Association.

“The Old Paradians Football Club is extremely proud to officially announce fee-free footy for all players in 2022,” Chris said.

“The club is very aware of the financial stress and the mental health issues that the past two years have imposed on all connected with the Parade community. The Old Paradians Football Club wants to provide an inclusive, fun and positive environment where the young men of our community can come together, have a kick, get fit, be healthier and unite as a community to support each other.”

Chris noted that the club’s fee-free arrangements with its players to each taking the field - had only materialised through the generosity of its sponsors and members, amongst them Lou Arthur Transport and the Mount family “who have both sponsored the Old Paradians since the foundation year of 1929”.

Though the fee-free arrangement is currently only in place for the ’22 season, Chris indicated that as the Old Paradians Football Club neared its Centenary “we hope to expand it into future years or at the very least reduce player subs to a minimum, so more young men can enjoy both the social and health benefits of our great footy club”.

The football club’s 2022 campaign, under the watch of newly-appointed Senior Coach Justin Whitcher, is now underway. The club extends an initiative to current and former students of Parade, as well as prospective players in the local area, to take advantage of its fee-free arrangements.

Players interested in representing the Old Paradians Football Club through its fee-free season of 2022 are urged to contact secretary Damian Hannam via oldparadiansafc@gmail.com

www.olparadiansafc.com