WA football Volunteer of the Year recognised for outstanding contributionTuesday, September 18, 2018 - 3:30 PM

WA Football volunteer Mark Brookes has been recognised for his significant contribution and leadership in the growth and development of football in the South Fremantle District over the past 15 years as the 2018 recipient of The Sunday Times WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award.

Mr Brookes was presented with the award at the West Australian Football League’s Sandover Medal Count at Optus Stadium on Monday, September 17. He was one of 17 regional and district finalists chosen from more than 1,200 nominees and has received a trip for two to the AFL Grand Final, thanks to the AFL.

West Australian Football Commission CEO Gavin Taylor congratulated Mr Brookes on receiving the honour and said he was a highly deserving winner.

“I’d like to congratulate Mark on his long service and passion for engaging new participants and enhancing their football experience in the South Fremantle District,” Taylor said.

“Football in WA just wouldn’t happen without the dedication and commitment of more than 40,000 hard-working volunteers across the State like Mark, and it’s really important they are recognised.

“Thanks to The Sunday Times, we can honour the contribution and efforts from passionate volunteers who make football such an important part of our community and culture in Western Australia.”

Mr Brookes was nominated for the award by South Fremantle District Development Officer Regan Atkinson, who said he had been instrumental and innovative in the management of junior and youth football competitions in the District.

“The dedication and service that Mark Brookes has given to junior football over the past 15 years has been nothing short of outstanding. His passion and willingness to enhance the game at the grassroots level have made him such a valuable and appreciated asset for the South Fremantle District,” Atkinson said.

“It is fantastic to be able to officially recognise his work in this way, as he is duly deserving of The Sunday Times WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award.”

Mr Brookes’ longstanding service to junior football within the South Fremantle District over the past 15 years has including serving as an active volunteer at the South Coogee Junior Football Club where he has supported his four sons as a volunteer, coach, umpire and club President.

During his time as President, Mark was instrumental in the club gaining Silver status and at the end of 2014, South Coogee JFC was awarded the District Club of the Year, with Mark receiving the Clubman of the Year Award.

Not only were Mark’s efforts recognised at South Coogee JFC, but his hard work saw him identified and approached to be part of the South Fremantle District Junior Competition Council in 2015, as the Assistant Competition Director.

Mark held this role for two years, before commencing his current role as Competition Director, having been voted in for the 2017 season. Notwithstanding, during these years Mark further increased his involvement in the game, by becoming an active AFL School Ambassador.

He has enhanced opportunities for as many children as possible to play the game while introducing innovative ways to retain junior footballers from year-to-year. He is also continually considering and inventing new, effective methods of improving the game day environment and has helped upskill numerous volunteers within the District.

2018 FINALISTS