Johnny Thomson awarded OAM
One of Australian football’s most passionate footballers, Scotsman Johnny Thomson was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his wonderful services to football at the state and national level and to the community.
The 94-year-old Collaroy resident was over the moon upon receiving such a prestigious accolade during the Queens Birthday Long Weekend.
“Soccer has been a godsend for me and so has Australia,” he said.
“Receiving this award is a very big honour indeed,” he told the Manly Daily.
Thomson, who is known for having a smile and personality that can light up any person he comes into contact with, played for Gladesville Ryde and Canterbury Bankstown in the NSW State League and then assumed admin roles with the likes of PS4 NPL NSW Men’s 1 side Sydney Olympic as well as being a founding member of the board of Football NSW.
He was also the chairman of the foundation committee of the National Soccer League and was also an executive member of the NSW Football Federation.
The smiling Scotsman was also the manager of the National Team that took part in the first Oceania tournament and managed many NSW overseas touring teams.
Football NSW would like to commend Johnny on his amazing achievements with the award certainly fitting this well-loved football advocate and admirer of this amazing sport.
