THE HAMPDEN league is searching for a new president on the eve of a the 2020 season after Tim Mason relinquished his position to take up a newly-established role with AFL Western District.
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Mason, who was entering his second year as the league's leader, was announced as AFLWD's club development officer on Wednesday afternoon.
The part-time role focuses on providing clubs within the Western District with opportunities for individualised support as well as aiding the sustainability of football across the region.
The position was born from AFLWD's consultation with stakeholders across the region, which unearthed the need for tailored, individual support to ensure club sustainability and effectiveness.
Mason has extensive community sporting club background and league administration and business management experience. He has also built a strong network across the region.
The Hamilton-based business and financial consultant said he was excited to take up the "ground-breaking" position.
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"It's a great initiative by the AFLWD to actually assist clubs and their development," Mason told The Standard.
"It's something the region needs and it's good to get a little bit more hands-on with the clubs in the region and for them to have another resource.
"There is a lot of things to learn and do as it's a new position within the AFL. I'm still working with (commercial and operations manager) Matt Ross and we have a vision for what we want the position to look like.
"It's ground-breaking and we think it will fit in quite well."
Mason was disappointed to relinquish his role as president but he was confident the Hampden league board would find a new leader before the start of the season on April 4.
"It was probably one of the hardest decisions (to step down) because we have got some good traction with the board and there is a lot of exciting things," he said.
"I'll be looking to relinquish the role once we have a new president and the season is under way.
"I am quite confident as our board is actually full and we have 13 people on it, where in previous times it has been hard to find people to join.
"We have had some excellent people who have jumped on board which is a testament to where it is going. It is an exciting time for the Hampden league and the board to be moving forward."
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