Lions District recognises outstanding volunteersTuesday, August 26, 2014 - 11:52 AM

On Saturday 16 August, the Subiaco Football Club celebrated Count Me In Round as part of the Round 21 WAFL fixture, an initiative developed in partnership between the Disability Services Commission, the WA Football Commission and the Department of Sport and Recreation to promote access and inclusion throughout the football community.

The day also doubled as the “District Day Presentation” during the pre game President’s function, including the Subiaco District’s Volunteer of the Year presentation which saw Chris Biddle of the Karrinyup Saints Junior Football Club crowned as the winner (pictured above with Subiaco District Manager Rohan Blee).

“Chris Biddle has been a part of the Karrinyup Saints Junior Football Club since 2006 and has become an integral part of the club and its culture. He leads by example and undertakes tasks with enthusiasm but is very rarely seen. Chris's efforts have been the major contributing factor to making Karrinyup Saints a family friendly club and his dedication and loyalty is invaluable. The Karrinyup Saints prosper from his efforts.” - John Mottolini, President of Karrinyup Saints JFC.

Chris is now a finalist in the overall WA Volunteer of the Year award.The winner of that receives a trip for two to the 2014 AFL Grand Final. He also receives two tickets to the 2014 Sandover Medal count.

The Sunday Times WA Football Volunteer of the Year Awards, made possible by the WA Football Commission and The Sunday Times, seeks to recognise the outstanding contributions volunteers make to our great game. In 2014, the Subiaco District received a total of 642 nominations, including an astounding 234 club generated nominations from the Warwick Greenwood Junior Football Club who were also acknowledged on the day for their support for this program and their commitment to recognising volunteers.

In line with the Count Me In Round theme, District Manager Rohan Blee spoke about growth of the WAAFL’s Integrated Football Competition and encouraged attendees to stick around and watch the Kingsway vs Coolbinia West Perth Integrated fixture at 5pm after the WAFL league game. Blee explained that the Subiaco District had launched an Integrated Youth Football Program in 2014 based at the Kingsway Junior Football Club, acting as a feeder program to the senior Integrated team at Kingsway. This program for 12-15 yr olds with an intellectual disability creates a direct participation pathway from youth to senior football at a local community football club.

Coastal Titans Women’s Football Club player and #1 draft pick in the 2014 AFL Women’s Draft, Ms Tiah Haynes was also invited on stage to chat about her journey in football and the continued growth/developments in the female football portfolio.