Auskick coordinator nominated for 2023 Rio Tinto Volunteer of the Year AwardTuesday, June 6, 2023 - 9:00 AM

The West Australian Football Commission is encouraging the football community to nominate encouraging the football community to get their nominations in for the 2023 Rio Tinto WA Football Volunteer of the Year Awards.

A recipient of an early nomination is Whitford Junior Football Club NAB AFL Auskick coordinator Belle Fischer.

Belle has been involved with Whitford JFC for over five years since arriving at the club in 2018 when her daughter started pre-primary Auskick. 

Belle has held many club volunteer positions including coach, manager, and, most notably coordinator of the NAB AFL Auskick program, where she has been instrumental in further developing the girls’ NAB AFL Auskick program. 

Each Saturday morning more than 380 Auskick participants are running around taking part in fun activities, which Belle describes as “the best organised chaos around’. For Belle, each Auskick session is about building confidence and skills with the kids.

“I’m so grateful I am part of the beginning of these kids' Football journey with Auskick,” she said. 

Belle works closely with her Auskick coaches, managers, and parents to create fun and inclusive programs for all skill levels. She is known for engaging with the wider community by organising events such as ‘come and try’, ‘girls come and try’, and ‘bring a friend’ days.

“Football is such a great sport that anyone can play and it’s great fun getting the kids involved,” she said.

Belle is extremely proud of her Auskick girls’ program and to see the graduation of those original players from Auskick has been so rewarding. 

“I’m so blessed to be the Manager of that first group of all girls in Auskick that are now playing modified football in the Year 3/4 girls’ competition,” she said.

Belle was surprised to find out she had been nominated for both NAB AFL Auskick of the Year and WA Football of the Year.

“I’m so incredibly grateful for the nomination, but it wouldn’t be possible without the incredible Committee that I get to work with at Whitford JFC,” she said.

“I have been supported by some of the people that built this club up to where it is today. 

“We’ve built strong relationships with people that are devoted to grass root football and our kids, it’s a real family at Whitford JFC. 

“The parent’s dedication and support make me appreciate this amazing club which I have devoted my time and love to and will continue to do for the next couple of years as my youngest son gets to begin his own Auskick journey.”

Troy Kirkham Executive Manager Game Development and Community Football at the West Australian Football Commission said Belle is a great example of how volunteers make a difference to their local community club.

“Congratulations to Belle for being nominated, and I encourage people to nominate a worthy volunteer from their club – it could be a coach, Club President, or a parent helping out at the canteen,” Kirkham said.

“Volunteers are the backbone of community clubs, they work tirelessly to make sure participants experience our great game."

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

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.

Nominations for Volunteer of the Year close 10 July, for more information and to nominate click here.