The Rotorua football community has a new name in football following the formation of Lakes FC. 

Eastlake Junior Soccer Club formally merged with Otonga Road Football Club on Wednesday September 29, 2021, to form a single club ushering in a new club committee, represented by people from both clubs. 

“Our newly formed committee will focus on delivering new, exciting pathways for this club and its 500-plus members,” said inaugural Lakes FC President, Fred Shilton. “We have a strong group who all look forward to leading Lakes FC into 2022 and beyond.”

The new club had its genesis during the 2021 season after a suggestion was put forward to look at a potential merging of Eastlake JSC and Otonga Road FC. 

“We had been informed of the success that other clubs in the area have had after coming together and pooling all their resources and knowledge into one club,” said Gavin Holder, immediate Past-President of Otonga Road FC. 

A meeting was held between the two clubs where it became clear that there was great excitement at the prospect of combining the two largest junior clubs in Rotorua. “Both committees had a common goal of wanting to create a strong foundation for football in Rotorua and provide a pathway for players and coaches alike to develop and nurture their skills,” explained Holder. 

“After hosting a special general meeting for the club members, discussing the move to merge and the reasons behind the decision, a vote was held, and it was unanimously decided to combine the two clubs.” 

The game is growing in Rotorua and Lakes FC looks set to maintain the positive trajectory. “Eastlake and Otonga Road have been two fantastically well-run clubs at the heart of the junior landscape in Rotorua,” said Rich Barter, immediate Past-President of Eastlake JSC. 

“This year, Eastlake had its highest membership on record of more than 230 members, while Otonga also boasted a number around the 200 mark. We all want the same thing; that is to grow football in this city and to provide every single person who wants to play football a pathway to do this in a positive environment. 

“By coming together under one banner we can work more collectively on a single vision of what football looks like for this city, pool resources, and facilitate new uninterrupted pathways for kids as they move through the junior and youth space, and ultimately lead to pathways to senior football. A single club of what will inevitably be more than 500 members amplifies opportunities across the board. 

“What we're doing here is mirroring clubs from other major cities in the region, who've done or are doing precisely this, but of course with a uniqueness that will make this feel very Rotorua. An identity we are all proud of.”

Holder echoes Barter’s thoughts. “This is a very exciting position to be in. We can create a club that has special values, is community focused and with a vision to make football flourish in the area. I’m looking forward to the next few years and what the face of football will look like in Rotorua. 

“It is going to be fantastic being able to offer a clear pathway for our junior players as we look to keep the moment of football alive in Rotorua.”

WaiBOP Football is fully supportive of Lakes FC. “We believe the idea of pooling resources, expertise and experience in a landscape where the pressure on volunteers is only increasing is a positive move,” said WaiBOP Football’s Chief Executive, Karyn Walters. “We look forward to supporting the new venture and watching the club grow.”