Mel Swindells
Mel Swindells
Football Administrator
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.”
