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.

 

 

Football Queensland (FQ) is pleased to announce Redlands United Futsal Club’s Jack Greenland and Jack Bolton as the Volunteers of the Month for November and December.

Greenland and Bolton, both 17 years old, are co-coaches of Redlands’ South East Queensland Futsal Premier League (SEQFPL) Under 14 boys team.

The coaches were nominated by Redlands United’s SEQFPL Head Coach Andy Greenland, who acknowledged the maturity they’ve shown at the beginning of their young coaching careers.

“Both boys completed the FQ Coaching Certificate course and have shown a high level of professionalism in their roles as coaches,” Greenland said.

“With minimal input from senior coaches, the boys have looked to get their team into the SEQFPL semi-finals and take their team all the way to the end.”

Greenland and Bolton have played futsal together since they were 10-year-olds, going on to play throughout high school and at Redlands United as teammates.

Currently the boys play together in the youth SEQFPL team at Redlands United and completed their FQ Coaching Certificate course together before taking on the role of co-coaches.

Greenland believes their experience playing together at the level they have has prepared them for their first coaching role.

“They know the game really well – technically they’re really good because they’ve played at a high level,” Greenland said.

“The senior coaches don’t need to get involved at half time, they just stand back and listen.”

Pocket and Mojo, as they’re affectionately known, have even inspired two younger boys at the club to coach next year.

Jack Greenland said coaching together after playing as teammates for so many years has been a great experience.

“It’s been awesome, I’ve been enjoying it a lot,” Greenland said.

“We have heaps of knowledge of the game together so we can help each other when it comes to our coaching.”

Bolton agreed, saying the experience of coaching with his teammate and friend has been a valuable one.

“It’s great, especially when our team wins games,” Bolton said.

“When we coach our players to do specific drills or movements and they do it on the court and it works out and we score a goal; it’s a great feeling seeing that what we have trained for has worked.”

When it comes to the challenges of becoming a coach, Greenland said it has been hard at times to switch his mentality from that of a player to that of a coach.

“Sometimes it’s hard to explain a situation because you know it from a player’s perspective, but it can be hard to transfer it and communicate it as a coach,” Greenland said.

“It is definitely easier to coach if you’ve played on the field though – you know what the players think when they’re on the field.”

Bolton believes their young age has been an advantage when it comes to coaching their Under 14 team.

“Because we’re pretty young as well I think the players can relate to us, but at the same time they still give us respect when it comes to playing and training,” Bolton said.

“We’ve learnt specific tactics from futsal coaches at the club, so we’ve been able to coach the young ones first-hand with specific movements and drills.”

For Greenland, the highlight of the season has been the experience he’s had getting to know the playing group they’ve coached.

“Overall, my favourite thing would be the team,” Greenland said.

“It’s been really fun so far and I’ve mostly just enjoyed building a relationship with my team.”

Bolton said his experience coaching has impacted the way he sees the game as a player, and he’d be keen to continue coaching next year – with Greenland by his side, of course.

“As a player you don’t see things coaches do,” Bolton said.

“Some things that can work you don’t see as a player, so coaching has really changed me as a player as well, looking around and seeing what can happen on the court.

“I would like to coach next year with Mojo still; if the opportunity arises it would be great to coach again next year because this year has been pretty fun.”

Football Queensland (FQ) is pleased to announce Redlands United Futsal Club’s Jack Greenland and Jack Bolton as the Volunteers of the Month for November and December.

Greenland and Bolton, both 17 years old, are co-coaches of Redlands’ South East Queensland Futsal Premier League (SEQFPL) Under 14 boys team.

The coaches were nominated by Redlands United’s SEQFPL Head Coach Andy Greenland, who acknowledged the maturity they’ve shown at the beginning of their young coaching careers.

“Both boys completed the FQ Coaching Certificate course and have shown a high level of professionalism in their roles as coaches,” Greenland said.

“With minimal input from senior coaches, the boys have looked to get their team into the SEQFPL semi-finals and take their team all the way to the end.”

Greenland and Bolton have played futsal together since they were 10-year-olds, going on to play throughout high school and at Redlands United as teammates.

Currently the boys play together in the youth SEQFPL team at Redlands United and completed their FQ Coaching Certificate course together before taking on the role of co-coaches.

Greenland believes their experience playing together at the level they have has prepared them for their first coaching role.

“They know the game really well – technically they’re really good because they’ve played at a high level,” Greenland said.

“The senior coaches don’t need to get involved at half time, they just stand back and listen.”

Pocket and Mojo, as they’re affectionately known, have even inspired two younger boys at the club to coach next year.

Jack Greenland said coaching together after playing as teammates for so many years has been a great experience.

“It’s been awesome, I’ve been enjoying it a lot,” Greenland said.

“We have heaps of knowledge of the game together so we can help each other when it comes to our coaching.”

Bolton agreed, saying the experience of coaching with his teammate and friend has been a valuable one.

“It’s great, especially when our team wins games,” Bolton said.

“When we coach our players to do specific drills or movements and they do it on the court and it works out and we score a goal; it’s a great feeling seeing that what we have trained for has worked.”

When it comes to the challenges of becoming a coach, Greenland said it has been hard at times to switch his mentality from that of a player to that of a coach.

“Sometimes it’s hard to explain a situation because you know it from a player’s perspective, but it can be hard to transfer it and communicate it as a coach,” Greenland said.

“It is definitely easier to coach if you’ve played on the field though – you know what the players think when they’re on the field.”

Bolton believes their young age has been an advantage when it comes to coaching their Under 14 team.

“Because we’re pretty young as well I think the players can relate to us, but at the same time they still give us respect when it comes to playing and training,” Bolton said.

“We’ve learnt specific tactics from futsal coaches at the club, so we’ve been able to coach the young ones first-hand with specific movements and drills.”

For Greenland, the highlight of the season has been the experience he’s had getting to know the playing group they’ve coached.

“Overall, my favourite thing would be the team,” Greenland said.

“It’s been really fun so far and I’ve mostly just enjoyed building a relationship with my team.”

Bolton said his experience coaching has impacted the way he sees the game as a player, and he’d be keen to continue coaching next year – with Greenland by his side, of course.

“As a player you don’t see things coaches do,” Bolton said.

“Some things that can work you don’t see as a player, so coaching has really changed me as a player as well, looking around and seeing what can happen on the court.

“I would like to coach next year with Mojo still; if the opportunity arises it would be great to coach again next year because this year has been pretty fun.”

Football Queensland is pleased to announce Peta Demerutis of Sunshine Coast Futsal Association (SCFA) as the Volunteer of the Month for October.

Demerutis volunteers on South East Queensland Futsal Premier League (SEQFPL) match days, assisting with a range of roles for Sunshine Coast Wave, and has been a committee member of the SCFA for two years.

She was nominated to the Academy of Awesome by SCFA Director of Coaching Justin Morrison.

“Peta helps with the day-to-day running of the local futsal competition and for the Sunshine Coast Wave, she’s the game day administrator for the SEQFPL,” Morrison said.

“She completes team sheets as team manager, enters results online and also operates as first aid officer.

“Peta is one of those people you can always rely on. Home games can be stressful, always trying to do a million things at once, so it’s great have to have someone reliable like Peta around.”

Demerutis became a volunteer due to her sons’ involvement in the sport. All three sons play and referee football and futsal.

“I don’t think you can have a functioning community or good environment if you don’t have people stepping up and volunteering,” she said.

Demerutis said her favourite part about volunteering for Sunshine Coast Wave was interacting with the local futsal community on a regular basis.

“With futsal specifically, I like how there’s such a variety of tournaments on offer for junior players,” Demerutis said.

“Most of all, I enjoy the people who are involved – the families, the kids, and how it links in with the outdoor football community as well.”

Football Queensland (FQ) and NAB are proud to announce Mandy Hall of Alloway FC in Bundaberg as the winner of the NAB Volunteer of the Month award for September.

Hall was nominated to the NAB Academy of Awesome by Alloway FC secretary Matthew Brown for her tireless dedication to the club where she undertakes numerous roles, most importantly club treasurer.

“She’s been treasurer for three years at the club,” he said.

“She’s done a few extra jobs for us this year, like taking on registrar, because our old registrar had to resign. She has helped with junior teams as well throughout the year.”

Hall confessed to being extremely surprised when she was told she’d won the NAB Volunteer of the Month award.

“I was actually quite stunned,” she said.

“We’ve had a really busy year, and we have a small group of committee members who work ridiculously hard to make the club run, so I’m just one of many.”

Like many volunteers, Hall first became involved with the club through her children’s participation.

“Three years ago I came over to Alloway because my daughter needed a team to go to,” she explained.

“At the time, the club didn’t have a treasurer, and her coach asked me to help out so I jumped on board and the rest is history.”

Being able to put her skills as a trained bookkeeper to good use and then see her contribution make a difference around the club is what continues to motivate Hall.

“I genuinely believe that my skills have helped strengthen the club, so I take a lot of pride in that,” she said.

“That’s what motivates me to do it as well, you get to see the difference you’re making along the way, whether its season to season, week to week or month to month, you can see that you’re making a difference, you can see that your contribution is definitely helping.”

Most of though, Hall was eager to use the spotlight of her award win to heap praise on everyone at Alloway FC.

“We have a really great group of people, coaches, managers and committee members and everyone works really hard for the benefit of the club,” she said.

“I can honestly say we have the most amazing group of volunteers.”

Is there a volunteer at your local club who should be recognised for the time they dedicate to football? Nominate someone for the NAB Volunteer of the Month here.

Football Queensland (FQ) and NAB are proud to announce Amanda Glaspy as the winner of the NAB Volunteer of the Month award for August.

Glaspy, the Junior Vice President of Statford Dolphins FC and mother of four, is currently in her seventh year volunteering for the club.

Parent and former treasurer Kyllie Brannstrom nominated Amanda to the NAB Academy of Awesome for her dedication and commitment to developing the club at both a junior and senior level, while looking after her four children.

“Amanda’s contribution to the club is huge. She works tirelessly to ensure the juniors have development and mentors at the club and encourages senior interaction with the club,” Brannstrom said.

“Amanda volunteers hours to the club at both junior and senior game days and events and is really deserving of this recognition.”

Glaspy said she was excited to find out she’d been chosen as Volunteer of the Month, especially as this is her last year in her current executive role for the club.

“I was really excited actually, it was really nice. I’ve been doing this for so long so this is like a little thank you,” she said.

Glaspy was the manager of her son’s team before taking on the role as Junior Vice President to improve the experience her children and their friends had at the club.

“My kids were involved in the club and I wanted them to have the best experience they could. I wanted my kids and their friends to enjoy their time playing sport,” Glaspy said.

“When my kids started playing I remember thinking the club should do this and that, I had all these little ideas. Then I thought how about I do something about it, that’s a good idea.

“I had the time and the motivation, so I wanted to do it for my kids and my friend’s kids, and I thought it was the right thing to do to give back to the community.”

Glaspy says she has juggled her role as Junior Vice President with being a mum of four by making the most of her spare time, such as when her kids were asleep or at school.

While she has less free time now and will be taking a step down from her executive role at the end of this year, Glaspy will still be on the committee for Stratford Dolphins FC after this season.

She said the people she’s met along the way have been her favourite thing about volunteering at the club.

“The kids I’ve met and the friendships I’ve made from it really are the highlight of the last seven years.”

Is there a volunteer at your local club who should be recognised for the time they dedicate to football? Nominate someone for the NAB Volunteer of the Month here.

Football Queensland (FQ) and NAB are proud to announce John Sketchley of Buderim Wanderers FC as the winner of the NAB Volunteer of the Month award for July.

Sketchley, who is almost 81 years old, started volunteering at the Sunshine Coast club last year and helps out twice a week, undertaking tasks such as marking lines and setting up fields.

What makes Sketchley’s dedication to the Wanderers so captivating is that he has no family members at the club and only became involved when his friends’ children started playing at the club.

Now Sketchley is not only recognised as the number one supporter of Buderim’s Under 14s team (the team whom his friend’s children play for) but also as a role model and an inspiration for everyone involved at the Wanderers.

Buderim Wanderers Under 14s parent Danielle Schaumburg nominated Sketchley to NAB’s Academy of Awesome for his selfless dedication to the club and the local community.

“He marks lines, sets up fields, puts in flags, sets out chairs and just does anything that is asked of him,” she said.

“I can’t explain what it is like to have an 80-year-old, almost 81, it’s his birthday next week, as such an important mentor and role model to all the kids here at the club.

“He talks to them before games and he’s always there to give them a pat on the back after games as well.”

Schaumberg was overjoyed to see his dedication recognised but Sketchley was shocked by the honour.

“It took me by surprise,” he admitted, when he first found out he’d won.

“There are so many volunteers, certainly in Queensland and certainly on the Sunshine Coast, that I am sure are more worthy of this award than I am, but I feel very humbled.”

A former naval man, Sketchley credits his time at sea for shaping his community-centric attitude.

“The community spirit in the navy and how we run our crews, maintaining discipline, while also being very caring, it’s stood me in good stead for community work here,” he said.

Most of all though, Sketchley was eager to use the spotlight to pay tribute to all the people at Buderim Wanderers, especially the players he watches every week with such pride.

“I’ve found the kids, certainly at the football, are very polite”, he said.

“They are all great to talk to, very grown up and know where they’re are going”.

“They’re just nice people to be around and I find, especially at my age, mixing with the youngsters these days, it gives me a big boost.

“Their parents are extremely friendly and I just find that the whole community spirit up at the Buderim Wanderers club is out of this world.”

Is there a volunteer at your local club who should be recognised for the time they dedicate to football? Nominate someone for the NAB Volunteer of the Month here.

Words: Samuel Johnson

Football Queensland (FQ) and NAB are pleased to announce Paul Knight of Samford Rangers FC as the winner of the NAB Volunteer of the Month award for June.

Knight is a volunteer coach for the Samford Rangers U9 Roar ALDI MiniRoos team, who he has coached for the past three seasons.

He recently returned to playing himself, pulling on the boots for Rangers’ Over 35s Division 4 team – the first time he’s played since he was 11-years-old.

Knight is loved by both his young players and their parents, who have recognised his dedication to making sure all his players achieve their best while having fun.

Samford Rangers U9 parent Bradley Stock nominated Knight to NAB’s Academy of Awesome for his ability to inspire and encourage his players, as well as make the parents feel like a welcome part of the team.

“Paul’s pep talks before games, at half time and after the game are legendary,” he said.

“He has an amazing attitude, skill and energy and every week he turns up early with a smile on his face and an infectious positive attitude.

“He’s a blessing to the entire team and a brilliant role model for coaches, referees and parents alike.”

Samford Rangers U9 parent Jason Bow agreed, saying Knight has fostered a great sense of team camaraderie.

“Paul’s passion and commitment to the team is nothing short of amazing,” he said.

“He has the ability to inspire and motivate the team, while developing skills that encourage both teamwork and individual brilliance.

“He does all this with significant respect for his players, parents, officials and opposing teams.”

Knight is equally popular with his young U9 ALDI MiniRoos players, who have retained the skills they’ve been taught and effectively implemented them in their games under his guidance.

As a result, his team has improved from week to week and is achieving success on the field.

“They are wonderful kids to coach, we are like a family,” Knight said.

“It is more than just football. I encourage the kids to express their natural talents, play with flair and enjoy the game, teach them to never give up and always show respect and to shake hands with the opposition win, lose or draw.”

Knight, who uses Football Federation Australia’s (FFA) National Curriculum and YouTube videos of drills from England and Brazil for inspiration, thanked those around him for their support.

“I also have great support from the team manager Janna Roop and assistant coaches Lance Webb and Larry Ellis,” he said,

“I couldn’t do this without them and the support of the parents.

“I have also had strong on-the-ground support from Samford Rangers’ technical development team.”

This year is Tracey’s 20^th year at the club where she began volunteering as her eldest son’s team manager, before going on to work as the Clubhouse Convener and Canteen Coordinator for the last 15 years.

As the Clubhouse Convener and Canteen Coordinator, Tracey has put in countless hours of volunteer work over the last decade including organising the club’s merchandise and canteen, taking registration payments, cleaning the clubhouse and supporting committee members in all duties within the club.

Gatton Redbacks FC Secretary Carley Logan said she nominated Tracey due to her willingness to always help out at the club wherever necessary.

“She goes above and beyond to help us out, we would be lost without her. She is a great asset to our club” she said.

Tracey said the NAB Volunteer of the Month award came as a surprise.

“Really shocked actually, and humbled,” she said when asked how she felt about receiving the award.

Over the years Tracey’s whole family has been involved in the club, with both her sons playing in the mens team and both going on to marry women who also play football.

Now the next generation of Tracey’s family has joined the club, with her grandson starting in under 6s this year with his father as coach and his mother as team manager.

Tracey’s eldest son is also still involved in the club as the Vice-President of the Executive Committee this year.

When asked about her favourite part of volunteering at Gatton Redbacks FC, Tracey said it was the family nature of the club that she loved the most.

“I think just the family aspect of the club, it’s very family-orientated and it’s great meeting new people every year that come to the club,” she said.

“A lot of us have been there for a long time.

“We’ve got a really good group of core volunteers at the club.”

Volunteers are at the heart and soul of community football and without them, the game would fail to exist.