Grass Roots - The Burns Family
The Burns Family - SMJFC Volunteers
The Burns family have been part of the South Mandurah Junior Football Club since its very beginning, helping establish the foundations of a club that has continued to grow for more than four decades. Through countless hours of volunteering, coaching and administration, Kevin and Lyola Burns played an instrumental role in creating an environment where local children could enjoy football, develop lifelong friendships and become part of a thriving community.
When asked how their journey with the South Mandurah Junior Football Club began, Kevin and Lyola reflected on their move from Boyup Brook to Mandurah in 1982. Both schoolteachers, the pair had always enjoyed being involved in junior sport, with Kevin already having experience coaching senior and junior football before the family relocated to Halls Head. Like many young families moving into the growing South Manduarah area, they were looking for opportunities for their three sons to play football.
Alongside the Melbourne and Faithfull families, who had children of a similar age, the Burns family initially became involved with the South Mandurah Sports Association. Kevin assisted with training during that first season, but it quickly became apparent that the growing community needed something more than what was available at the time.
Looking back on those early days, Kevin and Lyola recalled how Ron Melbourne approached them in 1983 with a vision to establish a dedicated junior football club. Recognising both their enthusiasm and willingness to help, Ron invited Lyola to become the club's inaugural secretary while Kevin accepted the role of coach. Those conversations ultimately led to the formation of the South Mandurah Junior Football Club in 1984, with the Burns family becoming one of its founding pillars.
Reflecting on the roles they undertook, Kevin coached across several age groups throughout his years at the club, including the Under 10s, Under 12s and Under 14s. As was common during those formative years, coaches were also committee members, meaning volunteers wore many hats to ensure the club continued to grow. Lyola served as secretary, handling much of the club's administration during a time when everything was managed by dedicated volunteers. She fondly remembered committee meetings being held in her classroom at Glencoe Primary School, while annual wind-ups took place in a hall on Fremantle Road, highlighting the grassroots nature of the club during its infancy.
When discussing the people who helped shape those early years, Kevin and Lyola spoke warmly of Ron Melbourne's leadership. As the club's inaugural President, Ron's organisation and experience proved invaluable, with Lyola crediting him for providing tremendous support as she settled into the secretary's role. They also remembered the generous support from Mandurah Toyota and the Bassett-Scarfe family, whose sponsorship throughout the 1980s played an important role in helping the young club establish itself.
Like many community sporting clubs, there were also lighter moments that have remained memorable over the years. Kevin laughed when recalling the occasional challenge of fielding a full team on Saturday mornings whenever the surf was pumping, with some young players understandably tempted by the waves instead of football. It remains one of the many stories that capture the character of those early years and the unique lifestyle of the South Mandurah community.
Football also became a significant part of the Burns family's own lives. All three sons proudly represented South Mandurah, with Dale progressing to play senior football, Leigh playing both junior and senior football, and Ryan representing the club throughout his junior years. Watching their children enjoy the game while helping build the club around them became one of the family's greatest rewards.
When asked what makes a successful junior football club, Kevin and Lyola's answer was simple: parent involvement. In their view, the strength of any junior club comes from families who are prepared to volunteer their time and support their children both on and off the field. It is a philosophy they demonstrated throughout their own involvement and one that continues to underpin the club today.
Upon reflection, it is remarkable to consider how much the South Mandurah Junior Football Club has grown since those humble beginnings. What started with a handful of committed families has developed into a club with more than 500 junior players, built upon strong administration, quality coaching and an outstanding community spirit. It is a legacy that owes much to the dedication of families like the Burns, whose commitment during the club's formative years helped create the thriving organisation that exists today. Their lasting contribution forever leaves the Burns family as an integral part of the South Mandurah Junior Football Club.
Interview and Article by
Kevan Waters (SMJFC Life Member) & Jack Christon-Waters (SMJFC Junior)
