By Aaron Cordy
BLEAK could only begin to describe the Shepparton United Soccer Club (SUSC) in March 2022, when Cassandra Wilson, with Lewis Coyle, attended a committee meeting. Fearing the club would fold, the pair shared a momentary glance and made the decision to step up and save the club. With two weeks until season kick-off, 140 unregistered players, no uniforms and no sponsors, they got to work.
Lewis focused on equipment and senior men players. Cassandra focused on the junior’s and the senior women’s team, while learning to navigate the administration systems for registration and team sheets.
“I don’t think anyone slept much for those two weeks. I will be forever grateful to Leonie Georgiou for picking up the junior kits from the supplier in Melbourne the night before the teams took the field. It was a mammoth effort by Joy Lees coordinating the distribution of the kits,” said Cassandra Wilson.
In October 2022, SUSC elected Ms Wilson as the first female President in the Shepparton area at its AGM.
“This season has been exceptional. The club doubled in size and now fields 15 teams with 277 players. We are now the largest multicultural Shepparton based club and look to continue growing as the calls from players and families continue to roll in looking to join the club for the 2024 season.”
With the aid of government grants, the club was able to entre a junior female team, which was one of the things Cassandra is most proud of. Along with SUSC being asked to host Bendigo Amateur Soccer League Grand Finals later this year.
Ms Wilson and SUSC aren’t done yet, with many plans on the go moving forward. Including gathering the rich history of SUSC. If there are any community members out there with photos, newspaper clippings, information on past committee members etc. please email sheppunitedsc@outlook.com
