Football association president to stand down from role
SHETLAND Football Association (SFA) president Jakob Eunson has announced he will be stepping down from the role at the association’s AGM in November.
Eunson, who became president in November last year, said he was standing down from the role because of family and work commitments.
He has told the SFA committee that he hopes to continue in a different position, having served as vice-president for three years before his stint in the top job.
His time in charge has coincided with the installation of a new state-of-the-art 3G pitch at Clickimin, which is expected to be completed shortly, as well as the 2025 Island Games in Orkney.
A three-league structure was also introduced to the senior footballing set-up during his tenure, with the reserve league split in two to create a new championship division.
Speaking to Shetland News, Eunson – who manages Uradale Farm – said the time was right for him to step down.
“I have a young family and we’re wanting to expand that,” he said.
“Between the abattoir and the normal business, it’s just too much of a commitment.
“When you’re that busy then something ends up having to lose your attention, and it ends up being family life unfortunately.
“I’ve certainly loved it – it’s been really worthwhile and rewarding. It’s definitely something I would like to approach in years to come, when bairns are older and I have that sort of time to give.”
Eunson says the SFA is in a great position, with a healthy bank balance, three football leagues and with a new team set to join the ranks next season.
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He said anyone interested in the role would likely have to dedicate around 10-12 hours a month to the role, between monthly SFA meetings and any other business.
And he encouraged those with a keen interest to go along to the association’s AGM at Islesburgh on 13 November to throw their hat into the ring.
Eunson said he will be looking to take a “more backseat role” on the committee going forward.
“The committee has been really fantastic and hard-working with me,” he said.
“They’ve made my life easier than I’m sure it could have been.
“I’m happy to be an independent member to the committee, if they want, and to give the new president the help that I got.
“I would very much struggle to give it up entirely, but I’m just not in a position to be the face anymore.”
Eunson said he does not think he will ever forget being the president for the county match in July, which Shetland won 2-0 on home soil.
He also said it was “fantastic” to see the cup trophies shared out between teams such as Ness, Spurs, Whitedale and Whalsay in the senior football season.
And Eunson added it was great to have independent clubs like North Isles and Bressay Sharks rewarded with trophy success as well.
Anyone interested in the president role at the SFA can go along to the association’s AGM on 13 November at Islesburgh, or can contact the SFA Facebook page for more information.
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