Last week the Fire First Team farewelled one of its most promising young players, James Stinson, as he left bound for England.
Stinson, who had been with the Fire since the start of the 2010 season, decided to make the big move to the UK to hone his playing skills and experience the English football culture.
The Fire right-back’s love of football developed at a very early age. He has been playing football as long as he can remember.
“I think I was playing in my first official team at age five,” Stinson said.
“My whole family is football mad, so I have always been involved in the game.”
Stinson’s journey with the Fire started when he was playing in Brisbane. He was contacted by a few people to travel up and have a session with the Fire, and from then on he stayed.
There have been plenty of successes for Stinson as part of the Fire team.
“My best moments have definitely been winning medals with the Club, and winning with close mates as well,” he said.
“I think the 2012 Championship was the highlight for me, to win at home was great. It was a few of the lads’ last game; Tyson Holmes and Shaun Blackman were leaving and it was really something special to win with them.
“Some of the hardest moments were definitely either when I was having a bad run of form or the team was dropping points, but other than that, there aren’t many low moments.
“We have always had a good team because we are a good bunch of mates, so we always got through the challenging moments pretty quickly.”
The biggest thing Stinson will miss about the Fire is his team mates.
“There is an unreal bunch of guys playing for and coaching the Fire and that is something I’m hoping I haven’t taken for granted during the past few years,” he said.
“It is not often people are able to do something they love with such a good bunch of mates.”
While Stinson said he would miss the team, he was looking forward to the opportunities which lay ahead in England.
“I have wanted to go over to the UK to play football at whatever level for a long time now,” he said, “And when you get a decent opportunity to go, you cannot turn it down, even if your coach wants to kill you for leaving.”
“What I am really hoping to do is play football at the highest level I possibly can, whether it is just local football or professional football.”
“I know English football is played a lot smarter than Australian football and the players understand the game better and have great football intelligence. So I’m expecting it to be really challenging, which is what I want.”
First Team Coach Kevin A’herne-Evans said Stinson’s departure would be a big loss for the Fire.
“James Stinson has been an integral part of all the success the Fire has had in the past years,” he said.
“His application and work ethic has been at the highest standard and is an example to all aspiring youngsters who aim to play at this level.
“He is a true professional on and off the field and I have no doubt he has the ability and attitude to play at a very competitive level overseas.”
One thing is for sure, whatever Stinson’s future holds there will always be football involved.
“I genuinely enjoy the game and am always striving to be better at it. And now I have won a couple of trophies and medals all I want to do is win some more,” he said.
