“If we didn’t have volunteers, we wouldn't have a club.”
In just 10 words, Glenorchy Knights president Paul Woodham perfectly summarised the value of volunteers to any sports club.
The KGV outfit has been recognised by Football Australia’s Club Changer initiative and with the November theme being the value of volunteers, Woodham wasn’t going to miss an opportunity to acknowledge Knights’ loyal band of support workers.
“For all clubs, volunteers are vital,” he added.
“To run a club you’ve got to have people willing to put their hand up and take on tasks.
“I just want to thank them all for the way they tirelessly work for our club. Some of them put in up to 20 hours a week in various roles and without them our club would not function.
“We’re very grateful to anyone who does any task, no matter how small, because it helps us maintain the club and run our game days.”
With 41 teams from under-fives through to social men and women, Knights require more than 200 volunteers plus another 13 on their committee.
Roles range from coaching to team support, administration and fund-raising with match-day duties including manning the bar, kiosk, kitchen and gate. The club also has a number of talented photographers who capture many action photos each week.
Secretary Marina Brkic handles the complex role of communication across the club including coordinating the committee and volunteer staff.
Woodham also praised treasurer Anita Furjanic, and senior team managers Angelika Koblenz and Craig Pitt while Mick Thorne coordinates match managers on a roster which can sometimes run from 8.30am to 10pm on busy match days.
All of which ensures the smooth running of a club which was formed in 1956 and joined the Tasmanian Soccer Association the following year as the Croatia-Hobart Soccer Club.
One of Tasmania’s most successful clubs, Knights have won eight state championship (1963, 1970, 1974, 1975, 1992, 2005, 2021, 2024), five Lakoseljac Cup titles (2000, 2005, 2012, 2020, 2024) and joined the Women’s Super League in 2024.
They finished fifth in both senior statewide competitions in 2025 and third in the NPL under-21s.
Woodham said recruiting volunteers is mostly done through either word-of-mouth or direct approaches for particular tasks.
“I find generally if it’s only doing one or two things, people are happy to do that,” he added. “Volunteers are always needed and very welcome.”
Image: Glenorchy Knights volunteer match managers Anthony Bonnitcha and Mick Thorne.