‘I’ll always be a Suns person’: Jay Williams steps down as president

Surf Coast Suns football president Jay Williams has stepped down after helping deliver the Bellarine Football Netball League’s first new senior club in 41 years.

His departure, announced last week, follows the Suns’ inaugural season, four years after he took on the presidency determined to stop talented juniors having to leave the club to pursue senior football.

“I took on the role with one clear objective: to develop the Surf Coast Suns Football Netball Club into a true junior and senior club,” he said.

“After four years, I honestly feel like I have nothing left to give to the club in this role.

“But I will always be a Suns person.”

Williams’ involvement with the Suns began nine years ago when he enrolled his children in Auskick and helped run sessions, before coaching the same group from under-9s through to under-14s.

When he took on the presidency, the Suns had about eight junior football teams and no clubroom for members to gather.

Building a senior program required years of work with AFL Barwon, AFL Victoria and the Surf Coast Shire, alongside recruiting sponsors, coaches, volunteers and players.

“I feel incredibly privileged to say that I helped build this club’s first-ever senior football program – from management and coaching structures through to helping form a playing list of more than 60 players,” Williams said.

“And, somehow, I even got to pull on the boots and play in both the reserves and senior teams in our inaugural year while still serving as president. That is something I’ll always cherish.”

He also helped the club secure its own clubroom, giving members a home and establishing Thursday night dinners as part of club life.

For Williams, all that work came together on Easter weekend when the Suns played their first senior game, facing cross-town rivals Torquay in front of about 5,000 people.

“Just getting out there…was a win for us,” he said.

After a 148-point loss to Torquay, the Suns claimed their first senior victory just a week later, overcoming a 17-point deficit to beat Portarlington by 17 points.

Williams said a later win against Ocean Grove was another highlight, coming after the side had battled injuries, cold weather and the emotional fatigue of its first season.

Looking ahead, Williams said the Suns’ recruitment efforts would be focused on strengthening areas where the side struggled in its first season.

“I’m looking forward to some new faces coming in and helping build on the culture that we’ve sort of set the foundation for,” he said.

He now plans to spend more time on his business and watching his children play, while continuing to help at the club without a formal role.

“I’ll still be there on Thursday nights enjoying a meal with my kids. I’ll still be there on weekends watching them play footy and netball. I’ll always be around to have a chat, lend support and help wherever I can,” Williams said.

Stepping down will also mean a chance to enjoy what he helped build.

“To be honest, I can’t wait to experience the Suns from the other side – walking up to our ground on a Saturday, watching our senior team and enjoying a full day of sport with my family.”