Football: Kamo devotee quits the board

Brad Flower has relinquished his position on the Kamo Football Club board. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Long-standing Kamo board member Brad Flower has stepped down.

Flower, who started his football life at the club as a 6-year-old player, had been part of the board for 27 years.

He has multiple involvements around Northland.

This includes being the managing director of the seven-strong syndicate that has just purchased Rynoz Bar & Grill.

It was the purchase of the Rynoz business that necessitated his resignation from the Kamo board.

With Rynoz having gaming machines on the premises, it was necessary to ensure there was no conflict of interest that could have impeded the club when making applications for funding.

Senior men's coach Owen Liiv said Flower had added a lot to the club.

"It was only when I became the head coach that I realised what he contributes, not only to Kamo Football Club, but to the game in Northland as a whole," he said.

"People so often see the game as the finished article on a Saturday morning or afternoon, but there is so much work that goes on behind the scenes.

"To have a manager of Brad's calibre at the club for so long is a huge reason why the club has been so successful for such a sustained period."

The Kamo board is blessed with longevity of voluntary service, and this shows through in the achievements of the club over many years.

The current board members, with Flower included, have given about 100 combined years of voluntary service.

Liiv said he was greatly appreciative of Flower's service.

"I, for one, am grateful for Brad's contribution to the club, even if I have only been here for a fraction of the time he has but that is because I am able to see what he does behind the scenes," he said.

"I really hope that this new venture works out for him and the partners at Rynoz, but I am also sure that, with Brad at the helm, they already have more than a good chance of succeeding."