William Derederenalagi – remember that name

William Derederenalagi… Get used to reading that name because chances are you’ll being seeing a lot more of it.

18 year old Fijian Australian William Derederenalagi is a genuine all-rounder; Revesby Workers Football Club Sportsperson of the Year, National award-winning song and dance man, successful small businessman, 2014 East Hills High School captain and currently working for the State Member for East Hills, Glenn Brookes.

William’s plan was to work through a gap year and go to University with the intention of becoming a policeman but a career in politics beckons; “I wasn’t really considering it but after meeting Members of Parliament and going to Parliament House myself it inspired me and showed me a career path.”

With the endorsement of his boss and local member; ‘He’s in touch with what the youth are about, he’s not a shy person, he’s got charisma and he’s honest. That in politics I could say is rare but yes he’s an honest young man,” Mr Brookes said.

William Derederenalagi’s Number One fan is his mum Kathleen; “A single mother, it was really hard for me to raise him up on my own and now I can have a bit of a rest, I’m so proud!”

“Now that I’m at that age when I can step up and start working I guess I’ll be able to give back to her for all the years she’s given me,” William said.

After coordinating Revesby Workers FC’s summer coaching program, Derederenalagi will likely put his own playing career on hold to concentrate on coaching. He guided the club’s under 18 boys’ team to the Grand Final last year but is now looking for a new challenge; “I’d love to work with a women’s team, I just feel there are a few areas I can help them with.”

William’s coaching clinics are at Milperra Reserve but games can’t be played at that venue because the ground’s too small. Revesby Workers Football Club’s home ground is Marco Reserve in Panania which desperately needs new lighting, for games and training, and a decent amenities block for the use of all members.