FOOTBALL: After first playing football at the age of eight at Linfield in Sydney, Peter Darton is eyeing off his first season as president of the Warwick District Football Association.

He played juniors for Linfield in the Kuringai Federation in Sydney before playing his first senior footy in Canberra.

Now four decades later he is still playing for the Warwick Wolves over 35s in the Stanthorpe summer competition and with a large number of Warwick players in the Ipswich over 40s competition in winter.

"I am keen on succession planning so people now involved on the committee will be ready to take on jobs like president in the future," he said.

He is optimistic about the sport in Warwick.

"We will field a ladies' team this year in addition to juniors and colts," he said.

"Numbers are increasing each year, particularly for the juniors, there is a good feel about the sport in Warwick and we want players to keep enjoying the sport as long as possible."

One of the big moves this year is plans to increase the clubhouse size with an extension to the north.

Plans are in hand to build a mound within the next week, with a view to seeking grant money for the extension.

Darton said the club was also aiming to erect new lights for training and playing.

"With lights, we could have a men's seven-a-side evening competition and play over 35s home games at our ground," he said.

"We appreciate the Redbacks Aussie Rules club allowed us to play on their ground while we are waiting for our new lights."

The club has rejuvenated the playing field and installed automatic irrigation on the grounds with a $25,000 Queensland Sport and Recreation grant.

"We are also grateful for the support from Warwick Sand and Gravel with the field," Darton said.

While every player has to nominate online, the club has two information days where assistance will be provided. Two age group co-ordinators are still needed.

The team

Senior co-ordinators

Men - Jim Osborn 0423 419583

Ladies - Lisa Brown 0422 317910

Senior coaches

Premier men - Peter Osborn

Colts - Jon Pearson

Ladies - Sharon Hill

Office bearers

President - Peter Darton

Vice president - Dom Benz

Secretary - Paul Butler

Treasurer - Bruce Greenaway

Registrar - Ben Radford

Grants co-ordinator - Chris Newley

Sponsorship co-ordinator - Rebecca Butler

Coaching co-ordinator - Garry Spence

Carnival co-ordinator - Jacinta Lyons

Age group co-ordinations - Tim Gaske (U6/7), Gary Zerner (U8/9), Derek Kane (U10/11), David Burton (U12/13), Ian Perkins (Premier), Dom Benz and Jim Osborn (Futsal).

Dates to remember

Now - Junior and senior player nominations open at www:warwickwolves.com.au

February 15 - Information day at Rose City Shoppingworld 9am-1pm

February 22 - Information day at clubhouse at Queens Park 10am-noon

March 16 - Final day for nominations online