Football Tasmania has celebrated the tireless work performed by over 1,600 volunteers to run the state’s most played team sport each year, launching a new community champion award in partnership with MyState Bank.
The MyState Bank Football Community Champion Awards have been created to recognise the important contribution that volunteers make both on the pitch and behind the scenes.
Football Tasmania CEO Matt Bulkeley said the benefits many Tasmanians enjoy from community sports would simply not be possible without the dedication and hard work of volunteers.
“From coaches to committee members, junior referees to canteen operators, volunteers are the lifeblood of community sport,” Mr Bulkeley said.
“While National Volunteer Week is a great opportunity to celebrate their contribution, their tireless work year-round should never go unnoticed.
“Football Tasmania is excited to build on our partnership with MyState Bank to celebrate the outstanding commitment and contribution of our volunteers with this new award, each month.
“An impact study commissioned by Football Tasmania in 2019 found the environment of football clubs assists in developing confident, well rounded individuals of all ages who apply their leadership, teamwork and community spirit to make a positive contribution to society.
“Therefore, as well as making matches possible for our participants, our volunteers also arguably play a much more important role in contributing to the personal development of football players, particularly children and youth.”
MyState Bank’s General Manager of People and Culture, Janelle Whittle said the award was designed to shine a light on the fantastic behind the scenes work which goes into making community sports, such as football, possible.
“As a strong supporter of the World Game in Tasmania, MyState is delighted to work with Football Tasmania to develop this new initiative and celebrate the behind-the-scenes work which makes community football possible,” Ms Whittle said.
“We’re asking members of the football community to nominate a volunteer who has gone above and beyond, with a MyState Bank Football Community Champion announced each month, and Community Champion of the Year announced at season’s end.
Mr Bulkeley encouraged Tasmanians involved in community sport to thank volunteers around the sporting fields this weekend.
“This National Volunteer Week, please remember to thank those whose hard work and dedication makes it possible for Tasmanians to play or watch the sport they love,” he said.
Tasmanians can nominate a MyState Bank Football Community Champion here.