HONOURED: Shem Clarke was recently made a life member of Whakatāne Town Football Club. Photo Troy Baker E5672-08
Sports reporter
Whakatāne Town Football Club held their awards evening recently and there was a certain award given out which meant more than most of the others.
Shem Clarke has been made a life member of the Whakatāne Town Football Club for his commitment and hard work over the past 20 years.
It’s safe to say he was blown away by the recognition from the football club.
“Becoming a life member has been one of the proudest moments of my football career,” he said.
“It’s a great feeling to be recognised by my peers for all the work and time I’ve put into the club since I arrived.
“It was a true honour to receive this award at our prizegiving, surrounded by so many of my friends.”
Ever since he joined the club, Clarke knew he was going to be in for the long haul.
“I have been a member of the senior club since 2005. Starting with the men’s first XI when I was 16, so I’ve just clocked over 20 years of service, and my body definitely feels every single one of those years.”
It’s a sport that has been a big part of Clarke’s life including here in Whakatāne.
“Football has always been a huge part of my life. I started playing at a very young age. My dad is from Liverpool, too, so football is in our DNA.
“He has always been my biggest supporter, making sure I was always able to compete at the highest level available to me.
“I met my wife, and so many of my closest friends through football, so I will always be grateful for what the sport has done for me.”
Having been involved with the club for two decades, Clarke has racked up plenty of highlights over that time.
“I have too many great memories to count over my time, but a few that really stand out to me would be my first senior game in 2005, being made captain of the first team in 2013, being elected president of the club in 2016 and coaching the first team to back-to-back titles in 2018-19.”
The award caught him by surprise.
“I was never expecting an award like this, and it did catch me off-guard, as historically, these awards are reserved for people that have been absolute stalwarts of the club.
“It was very humbling to be placed in the same category as so many legends that I have spent my years looking up to while playing here.”
Like anything, the sport can take its toll and with a young family, Clarke has stepped back over the past couple of seasons.
“I have taken a big step back over the past couple of years, so I can spend more time with my little family, but I will always be the club’s biggest fan and show support however I’m able to. I now play a bit-part role with the men’s reserve team, but you’re more likely to find me on the golf course nowadays, and my knees thank me for that.”
Clarke said it was a fantastic club and encourages anyone looking to play football to join.
“I think moving forward, I’d be remiss to not give a huge shout-out to the club and what they’re doing now. Both men’s teams have excellent coaches at the helm and are doing great things with their respective teams, and the women’s team are absolute juggernauts that continue to scoop up every trophy in front of them. So, if anyone new is looking to get involved, then right now is such an exciting time to be a part of Whakatane Football Club.”