Michaela Meade
Williamstown CYMS Football Club is celebrating outgoing president Steph Payne as she steps back from her duties to focus on her family.
Commercial operations vice-president Gavin Deller said Payne’s contribution to the club in her four years as president was very memorable.
“She’s been great for us as a club,” Deller said.
“She had driven our inclusion program, which got more people involved in the club, and drove out women in football program as well.
“She led the club going from a male based board of committee, to a more gender balanced one, which has just been great.
“She led us remarkably well last year in COVID, and managed to have our club in a good position.”
Payne took the president role with the Seagulls in 2017, and was at the head of the club when they took out the 2019 men’s premiership in the club’s “most successful period in our history”.
Deller said Payne was also responsible for overseeing the development of major capital works programs at the club, and for the implementation of the club’s current strategic plan.
Deller said Payne will not be ceasing all involvement in the club, but needs to reduce the intensity as she moves into the next phase of her life as a mother.
“We’re a family club, it’s all about people,” he said.
“When somebody’s stepping back because they’re going into a really exciting, new chapter of their life, growing their family, it’s only a positive thing.
“We couldn’t possibly be more happy for her.
“Whenever any good person reduces their involvement.. You have to work hard to fill the gap, and that’s what we’ll be focusing on in a few weeks’ time.”
Deller said the club would be looking for someone to fill Payne’s shoes in the next few weeks, but it would be a tough role to fill.
