Cuppuzi stands down

Charles Cuzzupi. (Joe Mastroianni). 279826_09

Tara Murray

Charles Cuzzupi will coach Taylors Lakes for the last time on Saturday.

The Essendon District Football League club announced on social media on Thursday night, they Cuzzupi would not continue on next season.

“A few weeks ago as we commenced our planning for 2023, our senior coach, Charles Cuzzupi, informed us that due to work and family commitments that he would not be continuing on in the role for a fifth season,” the club’s post said.

“Since then, we have been working with Charles to ensure a smooth transition for the players and our club.

Back when Charles arrived in 2019, we had no under-18.5s and only around 45 players on our senior list.

“Four years on, we have an under-18.5 side with 29 players, 60 players on our senior list and we also see ourselves in a better financial and cultural position.”

Cuzzupi had also played the role of football manager this year too.

The social media post highlighted Cuzzupi’s work mentoring the junior coaches, helping to drive sponsorship and events and going beyond in every way.

“When Charles first joined us, he and Yvette were ‘parents-to-be’, but now they have two young children and the time has come for them to enjoy the next phase of their lives with their young family,” the post said.

“We look forward to Charles and his family still being part of our club and cheering our teams through 2023 with us.”

Steve Burns will step in as interim coach to see out the season.