New dawn, new-look for Jackas

THE 2011 season signals the start of a new era for the AJAX Junior Football Club and the AJAX Amateur Football Club, with new presidents at the helm, a new sponsor, and, perhaps most importantly, a new logo.

Modelled on the Maccabi Australia logo, the clubs’ new emblem acknowledges its ties with Australia’s peak Jewish sports body, something AJAX has been accused of neglecting in the past. It is also symbolic of the two clubs’ commitment to work closer together.

“The new common logo recognises the importance of being part of Maccabi Victoria,” junior club president Mark Davis said.

“It shows the importance of Maccabi to Jewish sport in Australia.  Both Ian [Fayman, president of the senior club] and myself also see the logo as an important statement of our intentions to bring the two clubs closer as one AJAX Football Club.”

Fayman, who comes into the role following a long association with the club as a past player, and now parent of two current players, paid tribute to his predecessor and echoed the sentiments of his counterpart at the junior club.

“Previous president Brian Goldberg did a great job. I plan to take the club into a new phase by modernising aspects to better reflect community needs and desires. I am excited and honoured to serve in this role”.

Previously vice-president of operations, Davis has taken over as president of the junior club after his predecessor, Paul Shnider, oversaw significant growth in his four years at the helm.

“Getting our kids onto the ground and enjoying their football is what it’s all about. Building on the current strengths of the club is high on my list of priorities, as are improved communications and the website, and the development of a new and expanded committee with an eye to the future.”

The year 2011 also marks the end of an era, with Gary Peer and Associates stepping aside as the club’s major sponsor. They give way for another real-estate agent in Teska Carson, one of Melbourne’s largest commercial property agents, which has signed a two-year deal.

AJAX senior games start on April 9, and junior matches on April 10.

AJN STAFF