Italo Stars FC - Lismore 3.24

Italo Stars was inaugurated in 1966 as a breakaway club from Goonellabah Stars (as it was then). The Italo Australia Sports and Recreation Club invited a group of players to start a soccer club on the Barrow Lane grounds of their premises, which established a great symbiotic relationship. The soccer club was run then, as it is today by volunteers who at that time consisted of the senior men and their partners and families. Inaugural President Ron Fiore oversaw the running of the club for its first 10 years, and Ron still has the initiating paperwork including incorporation documents.

Italo Stars quickly proved to be a dominant force and is still considered one of the most successful clubs in the zone when it comes to winning minor and major premiership silverware. Stars has always been a proud family oriented club, and has been a solid community organisation supporting the youth of South and North Lismore as well as the surrounding areas. Junior and women's teams joined and further strengthened Italo Stars as a club and community organisation.

In the summer of 1995-6 the top field (Stars1) was developed from a grade 10 size to the full field it is today; along with the hedges, retaining wall and fencing behind the eastern end. In the following years the Italo Australia Club, with the assistance of Italo Stars volunteers and fundraising, added lights and the balcony which now provides the best spectator view point of any local club.

In 2014, several of our youth were involved in the International Children's Games held in Lake Macquarie where 13 of Lismore's 16 representatives came from Italo Stars' Gr 15 boys and girls. This opportunity provided these 13 Stars the chance to play against, what were basically international youth squads. The glorious grade 15 girls, all from Stars, shocked the competition by putting four goals in the back of the net against eventual winners Seoul (losing 7-4). No other side scored more than a single goal against the eventual winners, a team filled with international youth representatives.

Italo Stars will always strive to push our juniors to the next level while providing a great social and sporting atmosphere for the entire family.

ITALO STARS MISSION STATEMENT
Italo Stars is committed to promoting and developing football throughout the North Lismore area and wider Community by training junior and senior players and entering teams in competitions where possible in accordance with the Constitution, By Laws, Rules and Regulations of Football Federation Australia, Northern NSW and Far North Coast Football. Italo Stars also fosters a strong community spirit and offers families and youth social and physical activities in a safe and supportive environment.

HISTORY
Italo Stars has a 50-year history in the North Lismore community and has enjoyed achieving major Football Far North Coast (FFNC) premierships in men’s, women’s and youth divisions. Italo Stars has a long proud history and still holds the record for most senior minor and major titles in local competition. Our success has seen the club maintain a strong community following and ongoing relationships and support from past and life members. In 2014 Italo Stars was not represented in the FFNC men’s premier division, the club is working tirelessly to redevelop a squad eligible for return to the FFNC men’s premier division.

ACTIVITIES
Italo Stars offers Lismore community members the opportunity to participate in football at all age levels.

Italo Stars also offers a social environment with various social events occurring throughout the year such as Trivia nights, junior discos and all of club muster days.

FACILITIES & ASSETS
The Italo Stars has a contractual agreement with the Italo Australia Sports Club for use of the sporting and canteen facilities. Throughout the 50 year relationship the Italo Stars have purchased grounds keeping equipment and facilities such as water tanks, pumps and a ride on lawn mower. The club continues to build its store of quality playing equipment and facilities.

KEY FIGURES
In 2014 Italo Stars had 143 registered players, 97 juniors and 46 seniors. It is estimated that total club ‘membership’ is up to 500 people. Our 2014 presentation nights attracted over 300 attendees.