“Mate, it’s all coming together better than an Aussie barbecue,” he said of the club’s pre-season activity.

“We’ve got teams lined up from under 6s through to open men’s and women’s and the new committee is ready and raring to go.

“There is already a lot of enthusiasm about the coming year.”

Paul is the head of a new-look Wingham Soccer committee that is packed with fresh faces and new ideas.

Former club president Terry Short stepped down from the role at the end of last season. He spent close to 20 years at the helm of the organisation.

Joining Paul on the executive is secretary Jim Gilligan, treasurer Rick Holden, vice president Michael Gilligan, publicity officer Dennis Smith, registrar Kerry Ihlow and chief groundsman Bruce Hammond.

The open men’s team manager and club coaching director is John Bevitt.

This season will be the club’s 36th. A massive 190 players were on the books last season, and will be looking to better that this year. Games are expected to kick off mid-April.

“The main thing is the kids,” Paul said. “I myself wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for my own kids.”

Though Paul grew up playing soccer in Sydney, his attention is now focussed on coaching and running a club.

Paul coached an under 9 team last year that featured his son Kyle. He will coach Kyle’s under 10s team this year.

Registration days for all teams take place from 3.30 to 5.30pm on Thursday and Friday and 8.30 to 12.30pm on Saturdays at the Wingham Sporting Complex.

Wingham Soccer Club is currently scouring the Wingham and Manning Valley business community for sponsorship. Anyone interested in sponsoring a team can contact Paul on 6550 5050.