2023 Rio Tinto WA Football Volunteer Awards Recognising the Backbone of Our SportFriday, May 12, 2023 - 10:12 AM

The West Australian Football Commission and the AFL recognises the contribution volunteers make to our great game every year.

In 2023, the WAFC is presenting awards in 10 categories to recognise a group of people who spend countless unpaid hours devoting time to the sport.

The WAFC, in conjunction with the AFL, is calling for nominations in the following categories.

WA Football Volunteer | recognises an individual who has given their time and effort to support the football community. This could include helping to organise events, fundraising, or other volunteer activities. 

WAFL Club Volunteer | recognises the outstanding work of a volunteer within the WAFL club environment.

NAB AFL Auskick Volunteer | recognises an individual who has gone above and beyond to support the Auskick program.  

Senior Coach | recognises a senior coach who has shown exceptional leadership, commitment, and dedication to their team and the sport of football. 

Junior Coach | recognises a junior coach who has shown exceptional leadership, commitment, and dedication to their team and the sport of football. 

Community Umpiring Service | recognises an umpire who has consistently demonstrated fair play, sportsmanship, and professionalism while officiating games. 

Disability & Inclusion Ambassador | recognises the outstanding work of a volunteer in promoting the inclusion of People with Disability in football.

Diversity Ambassador | recognises the outstanding work of a volunteer that has been able to promote inclusion for Indigenous and/or Multicultural Communities in Australian Rules football. 

AFL School Ambassador | recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution to their school community through football. 

Young Community Volunteer | recognises an individual aged 15 - 25 years who has made an outstanding voluntary commitment over the past year and positively impacted the lives of others. 

The Rio Tinto WA Football Volunteer of the Year is one of the most highly valued awards in the football industry, an initiative that has been adopted nationally.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of football in this state.

Society benefits from their contribution, bringing us together as a community along with assisting businesses and organisations.

Last year, there were over 1,200 nominations state-wide.

The 2023 WA Football Volunteer of the Year program will be launched on Monday, 15 May, in line with National Volunteer Week.

Troy Kirkham, Executive Manager Junior, Youth and Community Football at the WAFC, outlined the role volunteers play in WA.

“Community football clubs are supported by more than 45,000 volunteers.

“Whether it’s Auskick or Masters football, the work of volunteers is critical to the success, and in many cases, the success of clubs and competitions across the state,” he said.

There are so many ways that volunteers make a difference in their local community club, with the Club President, Club Registrar or Team Manager often leading the way.

“From parents organising a BBQ to pumping up footballs, helping at the canteen or setting up the oval, every bit of assistance helps on weekends,” Kirkham said.

“We encourage people to nominate a worthy volunteer for the Rio Tinto Volunteer of the Year, proudly supported by the Sunday Times.”