Irymple Knights Soccer Club is a prominent part of the Sunraysia soccer community. The club, formerly known as Zagreb S.C, was founded more than 40 years ago by Frank Radman Senior. He not only initiated its establishment but proudly supported the running of the club for years to follow. President Dominic Primarano and club secretary Heather Stamation spoke with Danielle Wilcock about those early years, touching on the club’s history but focusing on the evolution of Irymple Knights since its inception.
WITHOUT question, the Irymple Knights have had much success over the years and remained a strong contender year after year in the Sunraysia Football Leagues.
The club has won many senior league championships and Football Federation Sunraysia cups as well as numerous club of the year trophies.
Club president of almost four years Dominic Primarano touched on the club’s initial years.
“The club was formed in 1978 by Frank Radman Senior. He along with a few supporters built the very foundation that the club stands for today,” he says.
“Back in 1979 the club started their first season with only grades of under 10, 12 and then the seniors.
“Zagreb, now Irymple Knights, have had a lot of success in all grades of the competition over the years.”
He reveals how the club has evolved and expanded over the years.
“In the years that followed, the club moved into under 13, 16 and reserves and due to the growth of the sport in the local area, the club grew even more and introduced grades of under 6, 8 and 10 mixed,” he says.
“We’ve had a lot of success over the years and won many trophies.”
The club now caters for all age groups and genders with mixed and girls teams playing in the league alongside the senior women’s team, which was founded more than a decade ago.
Heather Stamation is not only club secretary but also ladies team coach and an impassioned supporter of the club she has dedicated much of her time to.
“Irymple Knights have had a team from about 2009, when the local Sunraysia league started a women’s competition,” she says.
“Irymple Knights ladies were very successful from 2009 right through to 2016, winning seven out of the eight years as league champions.” \
She further explains the evolution of women’s soccer in the local area, highlighting some of the girls’ individual success.
“Women’s soccer has come a long way, with the quality of players and skill level progressing a lot over the years,” she says. “There is also a lot more opportunity for females to play and pursue the sport further these days.
“We had a girl, Merrinda Hill, who took an opportunity to go and play soccer and study in America four years ago.
“We’ve also had girls go on to play for clubs in Melbourne such as Melbourne Victory and Calder United.”
In discussing the progression of women’s soccer in Australia she talks about women’s sports recognition as a whole.
“The national women’s team, the Matilda’s, have been a great inspiration to a lot of female soccer players,” Heather says.
“Although locally we had to compete with the introduction of Women’s AFL and it becoming very popular, it’s good to see female athletes having a lot more recognition.”
Dominic shares the same views as Heather and identifies how the sport’s increased exposure in Australia has vastly enhanced the participation locally.
“This year, with registered players, committee members, coaches and parent helpers, we will be close to 200 club members,” he says.
“I believe this stems from the Australian men’s and women’s teams doing so well on an international level. It’s also due to the publicity that the sport receives now, for example the National Premier Leagues are now televised.”
Club rooms are a vital component of any club, regardless of the sport in question. They represent the heart of the club and provide a place for all representatives, be it player, coach or parent, to come together.
Dominic explains why Irymple Knights recently returned to the original rooms of Zagreb S.C and why this is pivotal to the future of the club.
“We’ve recently moved back to our original club rooms. This will allow for us to cater for the growing number of players and parents,” he says. “This will help the club going forward with regards to raising revenue and will help immensely with providing training equipment for the all grades at the club.”
As president, Dominic is key to instilling Irymple Knights’ morals and values, which are very much centralised on the Sunraysia region’s multicultural past, present and future.
“Here at Irymple Knights core values are all about honesty, respect and integrity,” he says.
“The Knights are a multicultural club with incredible pride, passion and a steely determination to succeed. This inspires not only the fans, but the players and other supporters alike.”
Dominic particular emphasises the fact that Irymple Knights are an advocate for acceptance of all players, regardless of ability, gender and ethnicity.
“As humans we are all blessed with different capabilities, what we demonstrate at Irymple Knights is that soccer is a sport that can be played by all,” he says. “We welcome all players of all ages and abilities, boy or girl.”
When asked the club’s aspirations for the future, Dominic explains the desire is to continue with the club’s enduring success and the nurturing of local talent.
“Going ahead, the club hopes to continue developing successful teams,” he says.
“We strive to grow a player base by developing a culture that is inviting for not only players but the parents as well.
“One of the things we will continue to do at the club is to give everyone the opportunity to play the world game no matter your background, where you come from, your religion or your ability.”
