Nominations open for Recognition Awards
We would like to encourage Local AFL leagues and clubs to nominate volunteers, coaches and club stalwarts for one of four 2013 Community Recognition Awards.
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.
AFL NSW/ACT General Manager Tom Harley says that all clubs should take this opportunity to recognise their dedicated volunteers.
“The volunteers in NSW and the ACT are undoubtedly some of the most passionate football people I have ever met,” he said.
“They give their time to help us grow the game and expect nothing in return, so these awards are a way for us to help clubs show how much they care about their volunteers.”
The Volunteer of the Year award recognises the contribution unpaid helpers make to our wonderful game. Whether they’ve been a runner for 30 years, a club president leading their club; or anything in between, this award gives clubs the opportunity to thank the people who given their time to help grassroots football.
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 must have been involved in the game for a minimum of ten years.
Twenty-eight regional winners will be awarded from leagues and clubs within NSW and the ACT for the Volunteer and Coach of the Year. There will also be one state winner for the coach and volunteer of the year awards.
The State Volunteer of the Year will receive a Toyota AFL Grand Final experience for two. The State Coach of the Year will receive flights, accommodation and entry to the 2014 AFL National Coaching Conference (destination to be determined). The AFL Merit award is awarded to only two people in the state and territory.
Last year’s state coach of the year was Coolamon’s Matt Hard (pictured) while Michael Barnes from the North Wagga Football Club 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, Jim Woodlock (AFL North Coast) and Ronald Chapman (The Rock Yerong Creek Football Netball Club) received the prestigious award.
Please nominate your candidates by completing the attached forms or by visiting the following links:
Volunteer of the Year – Word Document
Volunteer of the Year – Online Form
Merit Award – Word Document
Merit Award – Online Form
Coach of the Year – Word Document
Coach of the Year – Online Form
Nominations close on July 25.
For more information please contact AFL NSW/ACT Community Football Programs Coordinator Kirsty Garrard on kirsty.garrard@aflnswact.com.au or (02) 8867 7401.
The NSW/ACT NAB AFL Auskick Volunteer of the Year Award is up and running again in 2013 and the winner will receive a prize of a trip for two to Melbourne for week 1 of the AFL Finals series. AFL NSW/ACT Development Staff will nominate the best Auskick Coordinator in their region for the prize.
The State winner will be notified in July and announced on the Auskick website on the August 19.
