Club remembers key contributor

AFL Victoria Chair Ray Horsburgh AM (far left) has been remembered as a major supporter of the Williamstown Seagulls Football Integration Development Association (FIDA) Football Club. (Supplied)

The Williamstown Seagulls Football Integration Development Association [FIDA] Football Club community has remembered Ray Horsburgh AM as a valuable supporter of the club.

The former Essendon Football Club president and AFL Victoria chair died on Saturday, August 6.

WIlliamstown Seagulls FIDA president Rob Klemm PSM said his connection to the team began as a Club 500 sponsor in 2019.

“As well as being a financial supporter of the Seagulls, Ray was a generous mentor and adviser to the leadership of our club as one of our club ambassadors, and advocated for us, and the Football Integration Development Association, on many occasions,” he said.

“Ray’s interest in, and encouragement of, FIDA stems not only from his role as chairman of AFL Victoria, but from his service to disadvantaged youth, for which he was awarded an Order of Australia on Australia Day 2006.

“His contribution to our little piece of the football world will be marked by an annual award in his name.”

Mr Klemm said Mr Horsburgh helped with a lot of the behind-the-scenes work in administrative work in highlighting the achievements of the club.

“His expertise just gave us an enormous boost,” he said.

“I always felt very privileged to spend time with him.”

Matthew Sims