Football Queensland (FQ) is pleased to announce Christine Wells of Boyne Tannum Football Club as the Volunteer of the Month for December.

As the winner for December 2019, Wells wins a $250 travel voucher courtesy of Flight Centre, Football Queensland’s official travel and accommodation partner.

Boyne Tannum Football Club Junior Club Registrar Wells was nominated to the Academy of Awesome by Club President Mark Holmes, for the time and commitment she has dedicated behind the scenes at the club.

“Chris is the heart and soul of Boyne Tannum Football Club,” Holmes said.

“Chris’ involvement in the club ensures that those little things behind the scenes are done to ensure the club is a success on and off the pitch.”

Holmes also praised Wells for taking on a variety of roles at the club.

“Whilst her substantive role is Registrar, she extends her involvement far beyond that with coaching, as a canteen convener and playing in the senior team,” he said.

When she found out she had won the award, Wells said she was surprised and overwhelmed, and insisted that her love of the game and bringing joy to the kids drives her passion.

“I enjoy being with the kids I coach and making sure they’ve got a club to come to – that’s why I do what I do in the background,” Wells said.

“I’ve had four kids come through this club. It’s really just making sure that getting to play is an available opportunity for everyone in the community.”

Although she struggled to narrow down her fond memories of volunteering at Boyne Tannum Football Club, Wells said a special celebration earlier this year still stands out.

“This year was our 40^th anniversary and I was part of the team that tried to make the club day special,” Wells said.

“That was a really exciting day – watching all the kids have their moment in the sun between the senior games, and seeing the little ones get a buzz out of running on to the field with the senior teams was pretty awesome.”

Words: Darren Newell

Football Queensland (FQ) is pleased to announce Barry McErlean of Arana United Futsal Club as the Volunteer of the Month for November.

As the winner for November 2019, McErlean wins a $250 travel voucher courtesy of Flight Centre, Football Queensland’s official travel and accommodation partner.

Arana United Futsal Club founder and President McErlean was nominated to the Academy of Awesome by Club Secretary Patrick McCormack, for the countless hours he dedicates and roles he undertakes at the club.

“He does everything, from coaching to organising things. There’s probably only a handful of people in South East Queensland that have done as much for futsal in as many different areas as Barry and I think he deserves recognition,” McCormack said.

McCormack praised McErlean’s attitude and work ethic, claiming the club wouldn’t be the same without him.

“He’s a really calm and considered individual. Sometimes running a club, people can become unhappy and things can get controversial, but I’ve never seen him get flustered or upset,” McCormack said.

“He’s the heart and soul of the club. When people think of Arana United Futsal Club they think of Barry – the association is that close.”

McErlean said he was honoured to be named the November Volunteer of the Month.

“Considering the huge number of passionate volunteers within the football and futsal community, it is a great honour to be recognised as the Football Queensland Volunteer of the Month,” McErlean said.

“I’m privileged to receive this recognition on behalf of all the unsung volunteer heroes out there who commit their time and energies for the love of the game. None of us set out, or expect, to receive accolades however it is really nice to be formally acknowledged.”

McErlean said his favourite thing about volunteering his time at the club is the people he has met and volunteered alongside over the years.

“Our club would be nothing without the people – the players, parents, supporters, referees and club officials,” McErlean said.

“I’ve made life-long friends through my involvement in our futsal club, as well as previous involvement as a coach and committee member at various football clubs. Our club has a real sense of belonging, it’s one big family.”

A former state team coach at the FFA National Futsal Championships, McErlean has dedicated years of service to both football and futsal in Queensland, but acknowledges that he could not have achieved what he has at Arana United Futsal Club alone.

“We rapidly grew and I’m so proud of what our club has achieved over the last decade,” McErlean said.

“I could never have done it without the loyalty and support of so many people, and together we have built a brand that is now widely known and respected.

“It’s been a long journey but I’m so proud of what we have achieved.”

Words: Darren Newell

Football Queensland (FQ) is pleased to announce Danni Harney of Gracemere Redbacks Football Club as the Volunteer of the Month for October.

As the winner for October 2019, Harney wins a $250 travel voucher courtesy of Flight Centre, Football Queensland’s official travel and accommodation partner.

Harney was nominated to the Academy of Awesome by President of Gracemere Redbacks FC Robert Law, for her dedication and countless hours spent volunteering at the club.

Law said that while Harney’s role this year was originally supposed to be Treasurer, she was the go-to person for various facets of the club.

“Danni just stepped up this year. She was only set to be the Treasurer, but we couldn’t find a Secretary so she took that as well and has been doing both roles for the entire season,” Law said.

Law also praised Harney’s tireless day-to-day efforts in keeping the club running as smoothly as possible.

“Without the amount of work she’s done in the background, as Secretary and Treasurer, there’s no way in the world that we would have functioned,” Law said.

According to Law, some of Harney’s duties this year included creating a social media profile for the club, securing sponsors, managing club emails, updating game results, lending a hand at trainings and assisting with grant applications.

Shocked to receive the Volunteer of the Month award, Harney said she’s just thankful to be recognised.

“I think it’s really lovely to be appreciated,” Harney said.

When it comes down to what her favourite aspect of volunteering is, Harney said it’s about helping the community.

“Just knowing that you’re benefitting not just the club but the community as well. It’s about supporting the kids in that community and supporting the community club itself.”

Words: Vivien Topalovic

Football Queensland (FQ) is pleased to announce Brett O’Keefe of Whitsunday United Football Club as the Volunteer of the Month for September.

As the winner for September 2019, O’Keefe wins a $250 travel voucher courtesy of Flight Centre, Football Queensland’s official travel and accommodation partner.

O’Keefe was nominated to the Academy of Awesome by Abigail Draper, a parent at Whitsunday United FC, for his long commitment to coaching at the club.

Draper said O’Keefe has shown dedication to developing junior players at the club, coaching the same team for the last four years.

“Brett’s encouragement for the team is amazing; he instills good sportsmanship and respect in the kids,” Draper said.

“The kids respond to him as he is fair and very encouraging to all of them.

“He makes it fun for them so they enjoy playing even more.”

Draper said O’Keefe also regularly dedicates his time to helping out around the club, including setting up for training sessions and games.

“He marks all the fields for the juniors the day before games which can take all day; he sets up and packs down and nothing is too hard for him,” Draper said.

O’Keefe currently coaches the Under 10 team at the club, the same team that he has coached for four seasons.

A former player at the club for over ten years, O’Keefe also previously coached the Women’s Premier League team for a season.

Humbled to receive the award, O’Keefe said he was surprised to be selected as the September Volunteer of the Month.

“I wasn’t expecting it to be honest. But I feel pretty good,” O’Keefe said.

When it comes to how he become a volunteer coach, his son wanting to play inspired him.

“My son plays so that’s why I coach and I’ve been coaching them [the team] for four years. It’s good. I love it because I love soccer,” O’Keefe said.

O’Keefe said his favourite part of volunteering at the club was spending time with the kids and doing what he loves.

“I just get a kick out of knocking the ball around with the kids,” O’Keefe said.

“While I’m coaching, when I see their little brains tick over and they make the right choice or decision on the field, and they pass the right ball to the right player at the right time; when you see it all come together, I just really enjoy that.”

Words: Vivien Topalovic

Football Queensland (FQ) is pleased to announce Pam Tindall of Gympie United Football Club as the Volunteer of the Month for the month of August.

As the winner for August 2019, Tindall wins a $250 travel voucher courtesy of Flight Centre, Football Queensland’s official travel and accommodation partner.

Tindall was nominated to the Academy of Awesome by Gympie United FC’s President Joel Albion for her long-term commitment and dedication to football in the Gympie region, having volunteered at the club for an incredible two decades.

Albion said that while Tindall’s official role is Club Secretary, she’s involved with all facets of the club and is a dependable asset.

“Essentially, she runs the show as far as I’m concerned. Everybody knows that if you need anything, you go and talk to Pam,” Albion said.

Some of Tindall’s duties over the years have included writing grants, overseeing club name changes and managing competitions.

“I’ve been President for 11 years and without her, I wouldn’t know what I’m doing. She basically guided me through it,” Albion said.

He also said that the accolade couldn’t come at a better time for Tindall.

“She’s retiring from volunteering for the club at the end of the season. She’s been there for 30 years,” Albion said.

Shocked to receive the Volunteer of the Month award, Tindall said she was excited to be recognised.

“It’s exciting, but unexpected, definitely unexpected,” Tindall said.

While Tindall has been Club Secretary for 20 years, she’s had a role in the greater Gympie region for nearly 30 years.

When it comes to volunteering, Tindall said she just enjoys being a part of the community.

“My favourite thing is being amongst the children. It’s kept me young and I really enjoy the work that I do.”

Words: Vivien Topalovic

Football Queensland (FQ) is pleased to announce Angela Blomfield of Nerimbera Football Club as the Volunteer of the Month for the month of July.

As the winner for July 2019, Blomfield wins a $200 travel voucher courtesy of Flight Centre, Football Queensland’s official travel and accommodation partner.

Blomfield was nominated to the Academy of Awesome by Nerimbera FC women’s coach Zoe Peters for her tireless effort and dedication to all areas of the club.

Peters said that while Blomfield has the title of Junior Coordinator, she is involved in more than just junior football at the club.

“Angela just always goes above and beyond for everyone, no matter what age, or what part of the club it is, whether it’s the committee, whether it’s players, coaches, the public when they’re coming in,” Peters said.

“We always see her; as senior players and coaches we always see her absolutely everywhere. It doesn’t matter if it’s night games or the junior games, she’s at all of them.

“Everyone just knows who she is and what she’s there for, and really there’s not a question that goes unanswered with her; she just happens to know everything.”

Peters said Blomfield is one of the club’s biggest assets.

“She’s like a jack of all trades honestly, she’s just awesome,” Peters said.

“For the work that she does and the amount of hours she puts in, I think that she deserves heaps of credit for what she does.”

In addition to her official role as Junior Coordinator, Angela volunteers her time at the club assisting coaching staff, running the canteen and even writing grant applications.

Surprised to receive the Volunteer of the Month award, Blomfield said she’s thankful for the recognition.

“It’s nice to be acknowledged for the hard work,” Blomfield said.

While she has been involved with the committee for over five years, Blomfield’s commitment to the club began when her four daughters started playing the sport.

“My kids play so it’s easy [to volunteer] because it ensures they get to play and that we have a family friendly club,” Blomfield said.

When asked about her favourite aspect of volunteering, Blomfield says there’s a range of things that bring her happiness.

“The completion of our fundraising, making sure that our fields look awesome, that our canteen is providing everything people want and that people want to come back,” Blomfield said.

But essentially, it comes down to seeing her children play the sport.

“We continue to do it because our kids play and we’ve made some really great friends in the community too.”

Words: Vivien Topalovic

Football Queensland (FQ) is pleased to announce Mel Swindells of Rochedale Rovers as the Volunteer of the Month for June.

As the winner for June 2019, Swindells wins a $200 travel voucher courtesy of Flight Centre, Football Queensland’s official travel and accommodation partner.

Swindells was nominated for the Volunteer of the Month award by Club Secretary Melissa Stachowicz for his tireless effort and commitment to the club.

“I had no idea how much work he actually had to do until I became a part of the Committee, and what he does is absolutely unbelievable,” Stachowicz said.

“Mel is an absolute workhorse, who prefers to work in the background but truly deserves as much acknowledgement and appreciation we can give him.”

Swindells is involved in all facets of the club, including in his role as football administrator which sees him interact with referees, players and other administrators.

He also prepares applications for grants for the club and if he’s not in his office, he’s looking after the grounds at Underwood Park.

Humbled to receive the Volunteer of the Month award, Swindells says he’s content with just being recognised.

“There’s a lot of people out there who put in a heap of effort for a whole bunch of clubs so it’s quite an honour to be selected,” Swindells said.

Swindells has been involved with Rochedale Rovers officially for over six years, but has been a part of the club since his grandson started playing there in 2005.

He says his decision to become a volunteer came down to a love of football.

“It’s all about trying to do the best you can for the game and trying to promote the game in any way you can,” Swindells said.

Swindells is also the brains behind the Inter City Cup, the pre-season tournament run out of Rochedale Rovers, which sees players from across all age levels play pre-season games ahead of their respective seasons.

“With the way it’s organised, it’s very good for the players with involvement from U9 up to Seniors and it gives them quality pre-season games,” Swindells said.

In terms of what his favourite part of volunteering is, Swindells says it’s all about watching young players progress through the junior pathway.

“It’s always good to see the junior players coming up. The best thing is being able to participate and contribute to their development,” Swindells said.

“Even though it’s not a hands-on coaching role, it’s good to be around the place and try to make the club as good as it can be for these younger players.”

Football Queensland (FQ) is pleased to announce Julie Porter of Central FC Gladstone as the Volunteer of the Month for May.

As the winner for May 2019, Porter wins a $200 travel voucher courtesy of Flight Centre, Football Queensland’s official travel and accommodation partner.

Porter was nominated to the Academy of Awesome by club President Marty Emerson for her effort and commitment to the Central Queensland club.

“Julie’s contribution and dedication to our club is amazing,” says Emerson.

“From organising details for the upcoming games on the weekend to arranging for grant applications, Julie’s commitment to ensure the success of our club is fantastic.”

Porter is the Secretary and Junior Registrar of the club which are positions she’s held for several years.

Humbled to receive the Volunteer of the Month award, Porter says it’s a team effort to keep the club running smoothly.

“We’ve put in a great effort this year. One person on their own doesn’t do as well as a whole team together.”

It’s Porter’s passion in particular for growing female participation in football that’s making a significant difference within the club.

Whether it’s organising the club’s ‘Girls Only Come and Try’ days or hosting one of the upcoming Football Queensland Yeh The Girls Galas, Porter aims to encourage more girls to try the sport.

“They could have a turn at the sport without worrying about what the boys will think of them or whether they’ll push them over and take the ball away from them,” Porter says.

But that’s not all. Adding to her list of commitments, Porter is also a Bid Champion for Australia’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup bid.

“My role is to ensure that information [Australia 2023 Women’s World Cup bid] gets out into every nook and cranny including the small country towns throughout Queensland.”

When it comes down to her favourite part of volunteering, Porter says it’s seeing young kids enjoy playing while aiming for higher ambitions.

“There’s a couple of young girls at our club here, one of which is my daughter, who’ve done very well in the representative football field.

“There’s nothing that the young players like to see more. They like to have someone to aspire to.”

Football Queensland is pleased to announce Graham ‘Ted’ Harders of Willowburn FC as the Volunteer of the Month for April.

As the winner for April 2019, Harders wins a $200 travel voucher courtesy of Flight Centre, Football Queensland’s official travel and accommodation partner.

Harders was nominated to the Academy of Awesome by Willowburn Senior Vice President Adam Daly.

“We nominated Graham to show our gratitude and give exposure to just how much work he puts into our club,” Daly said.

“I haven’t seen as much love and commitment for a club anywhere else as much as he shows for Willowburn FC.”

Ted has been involved with the club for more than 50 years, having joined in the late 60s after the late Stan Mills asked him to come across and play.

Now retired, the Willowburn life member spends almost all of his time volunteering down at the club, from grounds keeping to being a team physio at training and at games.

If anyone asked the South West football community about Ted, they’d know him due to his outstanding contribution not just to Willowburn but to football in general.

“Graham’s presence in the footballing community goes beyond just our club,” Daly said.

“He is well known within the region and his character alone generates a massive level of respect from all who have come to know him and his love of the club and game.”

The enjoyment and friendships that Harders has gained are what keep him involved in the club after all these years.

“I love the family atmosphere that Willowburn strives itself on and being able to volunteer my time to help others only motivates me more,” he said.

“The social side of the club and the mates I’ve made is what keeps me coming back.

“I especially love chatting about all the old stories over a nice cold beer with the current up and coming group of lads.”

The Volunteer of the Month award came as a big surprise to Harders, who volunteers his time because of a love for the club and the people, rather than for the recognition.

“It was a big surprise to be nominated for such a great award because I have never done this for the recognition,” Harders said.

“I feel really honoured and privileged to even be considered for an award like this.”

Football Queensland is pleased to announce Eamonn Gilbert of James Cook University (JCU) Strikers Football Club as the Volunteer of the Month for March.

As the winner for March 2019, Gilbert wins a $200 travel voucher, courtesy of Flight Centre, Football Queensland’s official travel and accommodation partner.

Gilbert was nominated to the Academy of Awesome by JCU Strikers Secretary and Registrar John Cahill who describes him as “the heart and soul of the club.”

“He has again been elected as club Vice President for the sixth year and has agreed to take on coaching three teams within the club,” Cahill said.

“He deals with our youngest members of the club (3-5 year olds) in the Mini Roos Kick-Off, our Under 18 boys and also is the current coach of our reserve grade men’s side.

“He is also a mentor to other coaches who regularly come to him for advice.”

Gilbert is always willing to help where he can, and is often the first one at club events to set up and the last to leave.

Cahill said that Gilbert’s involvement in the club is a key motivator in him continuing in his executive role at the club.

“He is always there to lend a helping hand wherever he can and he’s given the sport a lot,” Cahill said.

“The kids who have had the pleasure of working with him have not only grown as players but they have grown to love the sport.

“He is a real asset to the club.”

A humble man who doesn’t likes recognition, Gilbert didn’t think he was worthy to receive the award but did appreciate the fact that Cahill values what he does for the club.

“I duck and weave because I don’t like recognition but I do like the fact that John does value what I do because he is a wonderful human being,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert joined the Far North Queensland club at its inception to be surrounded by like-minded people, and continues to be involved because of his love for the kids.

“I only ask two things of them; give me all you’ve got and at least one training session try and make me laugh,” Gilbert said.

“If you can make me laugh, you will keep me going.”

Being at the clubhouse five times a week on top of full time work, Gilbert has a very heavy workload but is happy to it for the people of the club.

“Because I want to do it, I make the time to do it,” Gilbert said.

“I like having an impact and I believe I have good ideas and values and the other people on the committee and at the club are just really nice people and easy to get along with.

“So whatever I can do to make it good for them, I will do.”

Words: Zoe Nilsen

Football Queensland (FQ) is pleased to announce Megan Turner of Brothers Townsville Football Club as the Volunteer of the Month for February.

As winner for February 2019, Turner wins a $200 travel voucher, courtesy of Flight Centre, Football Queensland’s official travel and accommodation partner.

Turner was nominated to the Academy of Awesome by fellow club member Kristen Sexton for her countless working hours and dedication to the North Queensland club.

“Without Megan the club would not be what it is today,” Sexton said.

“She just dedicates a lot of time and effort towards the club.

“She is always at the club house doing stuff and everyone knows she is the go-to person for enquires.”

Her role in the committee is club Treasurer however it doesn’t stop there for Turner, always going above and beyond and doing more than her role requires.

“She helps run the club, the six-a-side competition in the Summer season and answers a lot of enquires via social media and email as well,” Sexton said.

“She spends many hours at the clubhouse each week for training nights to assist both the seniors and juniors and often stays late at night on the computer to do behind the scenes things.”

Turner has been involved in the club for over 10 years from when her husband was playing in the senior competition until now, with her son currently playing in the Under 12’s.

The mother of two keeps herself very busy, working a full time job and looking after her own family at home, and is involved in school committees on top of volunteering for the club but says it’s all worth it.

“I manage it through lack of sleep and probably don’t get enough time for myself but what I get out of volunteering far outweighs that,” Turner said.

“Being involved as a volunteer especially in kids’ sports, is so important.

“Sport isn’t just about playing a game to me, it’s about social skills, behaviour, friendships and discipline so I’m more than happy to put in as much as I can to help with that because kids are our future.”

While Turner was humbled by the award, she was ultimately honoured to be recognised for all her hard work.

“To know that someone values you, even if it is the person who nominated me, that’s what makes it worth it,” she said.

“I’m lucky that we do have a new committee and it’s a very supportive one which helps as well.

“Even though I’ve been able to put in what I have, I don’t think I would have been able to do that without the support of rest of the committee.”

Words: Zoe Nilsen

Football Queensland is pleased to announce Nambour Yandina United Football Club’s Sue Usher as the first recipient of Volunteer of the Month award for 2019.

Usher was nominated to the Academy of Awesome by fellow member of Nambour Yandina United and Club Secretary Suzanne Bellamy-Kavanagh for her generosity, passion, tireless work and commitment to the Sunshine Coast club.

As winner for January 2019, Usher wins a $200 travel voucher, courtesy of Flight Centre, Football Queensland’s official travel and accommodation partner.

“Sue works as a registrar with our club, but that is simply just the beginning,” said Bellamy-Kavanagh.

“No task is too grand, she goes out of the way to ensure everyone at the club is happy, whether that be making sure children feel comfortable in the same team as their friends, organizing activities or making hundreds of sandwiches to feed the masses come carnival day.

“Sue handles everything with grace, which is just one of the reasons why we love her.”

Recognising the unsung heroes of grassroots clubs who put in hour after hour of work such as Sue from behind the scenes of Nambour Yandina United is what the Academy of Awesome is all about.

“She may be quiet, but particularly over the past few months, with the pressure of a new registering system and the work that came with that, I wanted to recognise Sue’s efforts as she puts herself second despite everything going on around her,” said Bellamy-Kavanagh.

Surprised and embarrassed to be on the receiving end of a volunteer award, Sue said she just loves to give back to a club that has been such a welcoming community staple.

“My role as a registrar isn’t all that big compared to those behind the canteen or even ground staff, but to purely be recognised, I’m very touched,” said Usher.

“Coming up from Sydney with twin boys, I’ve been at the club for 12 years.”

Starting out as team coordinator for her sons’ side, Sue has grown into a club stalwart and an integral part of the committee for the past decade.

“The club has been good to us ever since we arrived in Nambour,” Usher said.

“Whether it be team training, the boys heading down there for simply a kick around, or having a beer and watching the football on a Saturday night, there is a real community feel.”

Usher said Nambour Yandina has real sense of community – a haven that not only serves as a football field, but a home away from home.

“That is why I like to give back, because NYU feels like a second home and seeing the smiling faces of those young and old, they make it worthwhile,” she said.