AFL recognises top Nelson Bay volunteer

As part of the AFL NSW/ACT tour of the Hunter/ Central Coast region, General Manager Tom Harley visited Nelson Bay Auskick coordinator and coach Ryan Connor to congratulate him on his involvement in the sport. Originally hailing from Sydney’s western suburbs, Connor was a rugby league fan before he became a champion of NAB AFL Auskick in Nelson Bay.

Connor is the Branch Manager of the Nelson Bay NAB and has played a vital role in the implementation of the NAB Introducer scheme which helps clubs raise money by referring home loan applicants to their local NAB branch. He became involved in the Auskick program when his son began playing and was later named the NAB Auskick Representative.

Hunter/ Central Coast Area Manager Simon Smyth said parents like Ryan are integral to the success of junior sporting initiatives like NAB AFL Auskick.

“Ryan Connor at the Nelson Bay Marlins Auskick Centre is a prime example of a parent volunteer who dedicates his time on a Sunday morning, to ensure his Auskickers learn new skills, meet new friends, but more importantly, have loads of fun!” he said.

“Ryan’s association with the Nelson Bay NAB Branch is the perfect relationship to promote Auskick in the Nelson Bay area. NAB are wonderful supporters of Auskick, and awareness is created through in-store promotions, as well as NAB employees spending time at their local NAB Auskick Centre.

“The NAB Auskick program is reliant upon many volunteers, to ensure our Auskickers have the best possible experience they can. Auskick is a wonderful way for the community to bond together, to support their local children become active and healthy.”

NAB branches in the Hunter/ Central Coast region have a strong connection with their local NAB AFL Auskick teams and help to foster support for the clubs by displaying registration information in their branches. The NAB Introducer program is driven through the clubs, who are encouraged to spread the word to potential NAB home loan customers, the club will in turn receive a percentage of the loan as a donation from NAB. Ryan Connor has also been an active fundraiser for his club through more traditional avenues, when he dons an apron and mans the barbeque.