Jim Flint was a prominent member of the KDSA, serving as its second President from 1981 until 1983 after the departure of the Association’s first President, Don Allen who had served for 24 years.
Jim was a member of the Mt Colah Football Club who joined the Association in its second year (1958). Jim was President of Mt Colah Football Club for many years and is a Life Member of the club.
In 1971, Jim started his volunteering with the Ku-ring-gai District Soccer Association (KDSA, now known as the NSFA) as the Chairman of the Grounds Committee, a role in which he continued until 1973. He then became involved in the Afternoon Football Committee, which had oversight of Mens All Age football, and in 1976 became the All Age Convenor, a role that he held again in 1980.
Jim became the President of the KDSA in 1981 and held the position for 3 years. In 1982, whilst Jim was President, the Management Committee agreed to employ David Wardell for three years as the District Director of Coaching. Jim firmly believed in the development of players through good coaching. He was also President when the Ku-ring-gai Association which had oversight of representative football in the district at the time and made a submission to NSW Amateur Soccer Association that children are not little adults (ably presented by fellow life member Rod Woods). This led to the establishment of mini soccer which was progressively introduced into the whole of NSW beginning in 1983.
Jim was also heavily involved in the search for a true home ground for the Association. In Jim’s first year as President, Hornsby Council announced a proposal to develop a facility at Kookaburra Road Hornsby Heights, next to Montview Oval. The Kookaburra Road project was to be built east of Kookaburra Road entrance to Montview Oval. In 1983 a DA was approved and the Association began discussions with council on a lease agreement. No agreement had been reached by 1986 and Management Committee withdrew from the project due to escalating cost and lack of control over its use.
Jim was honoured with Life Membership of the KDSA in 1981. Jim was ever-present at Gala Days, Cup Final days and President’s Dinners for a number of years after stepping down from his position.
Rod Woods, fellow life member, states in the 1983 Annual report that “For the last three years Jim has guided this Association with a firm and fair hand to achieve bigger and better things. His honest manner in all things and his help and guidance will be missed by all.” We thank Jim for his incredibly significant contribution to the direction and leadership of the Association.
