Community Recognition Awards

Local AFL leagues and clubs are encouraged to nominate volunteers, coaches and club stalwarts for one of the three community recognition awards.

Nominations are now open for the NAB AFL NSW/ACT Volunteer of the Year award, NAB AFL NSW/ACT Coach of the Year award and AFL Merit award.

Volunteers and coaches are the backbone of Australian football and without their continued dedication, support and commitment many leagues and clubs simply wouldn’t exist.

The aim of the Volunteer of the Year award is to recognise the contribution unpaid helpers make to the game. Whether they’ve been a runner for 30 years, a club president leading their club, or anything in between, they should all be nominated.

The Coach of the Year award aims to reward coaches who have been advocates in providing a safe, fun and inclusive environment for players.

An AFL Merit award is one of the most prestigious in community football and is given to two people in the state who have provided significant service to Australian football. To be eligible for the award, nominees have to been involved in the game for at least ten years.

Sydney Swans defender Marty Mattner encourages all clubs to nominate representatives to receive the recognition they deserve for their tireless hours spent involved in AFL.

“Coming from a community club in a regional area I understand the hard work and dedication that volunteers put in behind the scenes to successfully run football clubs,” Mattner said.

“Volunteers are the life blood of community football and right throughout their football careers, all AFL players have been supported by volunteers.

“This is one way of saying thanks for all of the hard work and I encourage all clubs and leagues to nominate someone from within their organisation for the AFL NSW/ACT Volunteer, Coach of the Year and AFL merit awards.”

Twenty-eight regional winners will be awarded from leagues and clubs within NSW and the ACT. There will also be one state winner for the coach and volunteer of the year awards, who will both receive a Toyota AFL Grand Final experience for two. The AFL Merit award is awarded to only two people in the state and territory.

Last year’s state coach of the year was Westbrook’s Andrew Turner while South Coast AFL president Katy Daniel received the state volunteer of the year award.

The national AFL Merit award dates back to 1931 and has seen the likes of David Parkin and Noel Judkins recognised. Last year, Ian Parker (Pennant Hills) and David Sedunary (Broken Hill) received the prestigious award.

Please nominate your candidates by completing the below forms. Nominations close on July 15.

* Volunteer of the Year/Merit Awards
* Coach of the Year Award
* More about the awards

For more information please contact AFL NSW/ACT Community Football Manager Andrew Knott on andrew.knott@aflnswact.com.au  or 0411 805 082.