Brian Vella: “Without Volunteers we don’t have a game”
The message was simple. Prospect United’s highly dedicated volunteer Brian Vella emphasised the important role volunteers played in the make-up of our wonderful game.
“It’s a no brainier, without volunteers we simply don’t have a game.
“We need to create some sort of incentive to bring more people into our game as this really is our lifeblood of ensuring football continues on for many more years to come.”
Having kicked off his love affair for the beautiful game at the age of 8 playing with the Lourdes SC at Seven Hills, Vella went on to play representative football in the Blacktown Districts Soccer Football Association before joining Hajduk Wanderers, now known as the Mounties Wanderers.
Following his time at the Wanderers, his journey at Prospect United started in 2006 where during that time, Vella became the President of the club a year later and played first grade football up until 2012 as well as coaching – not a bad effort but it was there he showed how much football meant to him.
Vella has been the backbone of Prospect United SC ensuring that the Club has progressed not only at grassroots level but also at National Premier Leagues level as well. The football fanatic can be seen at Prospect’s homeground William Lawson Reserve maintaining the field, amenities and the club house to ensure that all members of the Prospect United family have a place to call home.
His endless efforts and services to the game were second to none as he was appointed as a Board Member for the Blacktown Districts Soccer Football Association as well as heading the Coach Education side of things running grassroots courses.
“My love affair with the world game was thanks to my family who lived and breathed it, I had no choice, but I knew this game was for me.
“You realise this more and more especially now during the sudden break to our game via COVID-19.
“It has been great catching up with normal day to day things as well as going out on weekends to the beach, fishing and bush walks but to be honest, you don’t realise how much time football takes up – one of the biggest things I miss most about our sport is coaching the kids, I am looking at doing that very soon.”
Vella’s achievements were acknowledged by Football NSW when he picked up a coveted State Award in 2018 as nominated by his local Blacktown & Districts Soccer Football Association as he continues to churn out more time towards the game especially at a coaching capacity.
Football NSW is celebrating National Volunteer Week acknowledging the amazing and wonderful support our football family receives from our generous volunteers who continually dedicate their time in ensuring our game continues week to week.
