FOOTBALL and netball for Charlton Football Netball Club have played a big part in the Fitzpatrick’s family life for many years.
As secretary of the footy and netball clubs, Kim Fitzpatrick is kept busy throughout the week and on matchdays.
It’s a team effort as Kim’s husband, Shane is president.
Kim said the support of committee members, officials, players and the Navies’ fans made her role so much easier.
“The football and netball club is such an important part of the community,” Kim said.
“A lot of people chip in to help.”
Among the many tasks Kim has are setting the agenda for meetings, dealing with correspondence between players, committee and AFL Central Victoria for the Goldacres-backed North Central Football League club.
“The COVID protocols for matches and training have also kept me busy.
“All the clubs have worked really well together.”
Kim said a minute’s secretary, committee members setting up the Goods and Services Auction and other fund-raisers and events, and a game day secretary for Charlton FNC were a massive help.
“There’s a lot of teamwork, not just on the footy field and netball court, but off it as well.”
Among those representing Charlton each Saturday are Cobi in seniors or reserves footy, Maddi in A-grade netball, and Elliott in the under-16s footy team.
Kim first played netball for Charlton in 1995.
Her playing days were capped by several premiership wins, and she also coached grand final-winning teams across various grades.
The assistant principal as Charlton College has known many of Charlton’s present-day footballers and netballers for a long time.
“Aaron Walklate and Anthony Judd were in the PE classes I taught at Charlton College,” Kim said.
Both kicked on to be premiership-winning team-mates and key players for the Navies.
In 2016, Charlton scored a seven-point win against Wycheproof Narraport to claim the senior premiership cup.
Best on ground honours went to Aaron Walklate.
In 2021, Charlton has achieved a 3-6 win-loss record to be fifth on the ladder, and the Navies are strong in many grades of netball.
The hockey also plays a key part of every Saturday for the Navies and their rivals.
“The people that are at the club and across the league are the main reason I am doing what I can for Charlton,” said Kim Fitzpatrick.
“There is a great level of community support,” she said of being at Charlton Park or at any other ground across the North Central competition.
Written by Nathan Dole.