WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award Finalists AnnouncedThursday, August 1, 2024 - 7:45 AM

The West Australian Football Commission (WAFC) congratulates the 17 finalists in the WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award.

The finalists include Ben Boyce (Scarborough JFC/Claremont District), Richard Jarvis (Bullcreek Leeming JFC/East Fremantle District), John Pinneri (Morley JFC/East Perth District), Jake Turner (Kambalda FC/Goldfields Region), Matthew Gilbert (Mount Barker FC/Great Southern Region), Luke Donovan (Kununurra JFA/Kimberley Region), Matthew Williams (Toodyay JFC/Midlands Region), Peter Lawer (Warriors FC/Midwest Region) Nathan Velda (Baldivis FC/Peel District), Darren Guild (Belmont JFC/Perth District), Joel Taylor (Fortescue NFL/ Pilbara District), Ben Meakins (Fremantle City Dockers JFC/South Fremantle District), Justin Harris (Southwest JFL/Southwest Region), Nicole Rodgers (Warwick Greenwood JFC/Subiaco District), Hamish More (Swan View JFC/Swan District), Jamee Brien (Brighton JFC/ West Perth District, Luke Yates (Bencubbin FC/Central Wheatbelt FL/Wheatbelt Region).

There were over 2,400 nominations recognising the state’s football volunteers.

The WA Football Volunteer of the Year is one of the most highly valued awards in the football industry, an initiative adopted nationally.

The program recognises the dedication and tireless efforts of our football volunteers from team managers to trainers, coaches to canteen workers, these volunteers are the lifeblood of football in this state.

There are over 47,000 volunteers across the state who contribute to the success of not only a club but match day activities. 

They ensure that football games can be played in every corner of Western Australia, making it possible for aspiring players and enthusiastic fans to experience the joy of our great game.

WAFC Club Development and Volunteer Specialist, Jenne Russell congratulated the finalists who have made invaluable contributions to football.

“Well done to the finalists,” Russell said.

“The WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award is an exceptional opportunity to honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions of our volunteers.

“It’s great to see our community taking the time to recognise our volunteers.”

“This year we received over 1,000 more nominations than last year.

“This weekend is volunteer appreciation round and we encourage all football clubs to take a moment to recognise all the tireless efforts of the volunteers who make our game possible."

The 2024 WA Football Volunteer of the Year will be announced at the WAFL Grand Final on Sunday 22 September.

The following volunteers are finalists in the Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year award.

Toyota AFL Young Leader of the Year – Zavier Hunter (Mandurah Mustangs Football and Netball Club

Toyota AFL Community Club of the Year – Coolbinia JFC (Michael North (President)

NAB AFL Auskick Volunteer of the Year – Adam Goedecke (Broome Auskick Centre)

AFL Community Coach of Year (female) – Tayah Reed (High Wycombe JFC, Swan Athletic FC, Swan Districts FC)

AFL Community Coach of the Year (male) - Kyle Quirk (Kalamunda JFC)

AFL Teacher of the Year – Robert Beswick (Pinjarra SHS)

AFL Diversity Ambassador of the Year – Jessica Albers (Hedland SHS)

AFL Disability Inclusion Ambassador of the Year – Mark Clayton (Quinns Districts JFC)

AFL National Community Umpiring Service Award – Ben Cutri (South Fremantle Junior Umpire Association)