Graham ‘Ted’ Harders
Graham ‘Ted’ Harders
Groundsman & Club Physio
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.”
