Sunshine Coast football: Buderim Wanderers’ future at stake

Buderim Wanderers Football Club has launched a call to arms to past and present players after an exodus that could potentially mar its 50th anniversary celebrations.

After an off season of turbulence Buderim Wanderers Football Club has been left “on its knees” amid political infighting that has sparked a player exodus in what should be a year of celebration.

The club’s top tier playing future hangs in the balance with the Wanderers in danger of being able to field a division one senior men’s team in a season meant to celebrate the club’s 50th year.

It comes three months after Glenn Duncan replaced Ian Grant as club president, following a fiery AGM in October.

When elected Mr Duncan had promised to “respect the rich history” of the club and bring unity to a divided club.

However, the club remains split between those who want an NPL focus through Sunshine Coast Wanderers and those who want a community focus through Buderim Wanderers.

Since Mr Duncan’s appointment, many of the club’s 2021 first team have joined rivals Maroochydore Swans who this season will be coached by former Buderim stalwart Warren Crickmore.

The exodus includes the likes of Jed Malin, Ben Parkinson and Denver Crickmore who have all signed on for the Swans.

Sunshine Coast Wanderers’ new president Glenn Duncan at last year’s AGM.

Mr Duncan said he and the committee were doing all they could to field a division one team in 2022.

He said he was well aware of the fragmented issues and said he hoped to “bridge the gap” before kick off in March.

“Of course we are concerned that the club is in need for spots (players). I understand their reasons and it’s a complex one,” Mr Duncan said of the players who had departed.

“As a community club and an NPL club we sit in a difficult space where we are trying to keep everyone’s needs intact.

“It’s very important we celebrate the club’s 50th year and honour those who have played a part. We are working on that.

“As a committee we are doing everything we can to address the problem and have a community football program.”

Buderim technical director and longtime clubman Andrew Zanos this week put out a desperate “call to arms” on the club’s social media channels.

“To all current and former BWFC community players and to any other genuine footballer who would like to be a part of a major club rebuild,” Mr Zanos wrote.

“It is common knowledge that recent events have left the community side of football here at Ballinger Park on its knees.

“This cannot be tolerated in this, our 50th year of football.

“Nor can the consequences of not having a senior men’s team be accepted either.

“The time is now. (Let’s) breathe life back into the football scene not just for 2022 but for the future.”

Buderim Wanderers have appointed Steffen Binke as the club’s 2022 coach. Picture: Patrick Woods

Mr Zanos described having a coach as well established as Mr Binke as a massive coupe.

“The guy is amazing but we’re four weeks out from kick off and we are in a battle to survive,” Mr Zanos said.

“We’ve had a couple come in but 16 players is the bare minimum, 20 is ideal.”

Mr Duncan said Mr Binke was a “good coach” and the right person for the job.

“I have every faith in him,” he said.

“The call to arms is a show to those Buderim members to come and support the club. We want them here.

“We have got to get Buderim’s badge back where it needs to be, on top.”