Volunteer awards hold light to the real heroesFriday, July 22, 2022 - 11:47 AM - by Glen Quartermain

* Originally published by Glen Quartetmain in The Sunday Times,  28/05/22 *
 

The true heroes of West Austra- lian football are about to get the recognition they deserve.

The WA Football Commission has launched its 2022 Volunteer of the Year award.

The award was conceived in WA and has now been adopted nationally with nearly 1350 nominations State-wide last year.

The WA Football Volunteer of the Year Awards covers community football, disability inclusion, diversity ambassador, junior and senior coaches, Auskick, school ambassadors (primary and secondary) and umpiring.

Troy Kirkham, WAFC executive manager junior, youth and community football, said he was in awe of volunteers.

“There are over 45,000 volunteers that support community football clubs right across WA week in and week out,” he said.

“Participation from Auskick to Masters football simply wouldn’t happen without the ongoing work of volunteers. Football volunteers are integral to the game, whether it’s the club president, the team manager, or parents putting on the barbecue.

“Volunteer roles can be as simple as helping set up the oval, pumping up footballs or providing support in the canteen.”

The Rio Tinto WA Football Volunteer of the Year, supported by The Sunday Times, taps into how communities and sport work together.

There will be one finalist per category from each district and region, recognised at the Sandover Medal function.

The Volunteer of the Year will receive $5000.

A winner from each category will be submitted to the AFL for its national volunteer awards.

They will also receive a 12- month subscription to The Sun- day Times and WAN digital access, along with a $500 gift card or prize to the same value. WA volunteers can be nominated via thankavolunteer.com.au