Kim Richards awarded 2021 “John McLafferty Spirit” Award

Untitled-design-2-8

It was a memorable moment for well admired volunteer Kim Richards who this week was announced as NWS Spirit FC’s “John McLafferty Spirit” Award winner for her amazing dedication to the club and sport.

Named after the North West Sydney Football Legend, the award recognises significant contributions made towards the NWS Spirit Football Club as a volunteer and Kim certainly exemplified that this year.

Kim’s amazing dedication to the sport and her club was there to be seen by all who stated how much she loved being a volunteer.

“Many of us spend much time pursuing professional achievements and recognition, usually in the form of titles or remuneration. And, of course, it’s understandably important.

“But, this week I was blindsided by the recognition for my volunteer contributions to the football association of northwest Sydney. Contributions I make for both my love of football (confession: daughter of a Socceroo and the mother of a potential one) but more importantly, my deeply held belief that we should all be paying it forward.

“Volunteering matters.

“It matters for more reasons than I could write here.

“Since receiving this award I have reflected on my motivations for the extensive volunteer work I have undertaken over many years and I have continually circled back to the simple words of a trusted mentor, who asked a peer (basking in the glory and attention after receiving an award for professional achievement that had effectively made them very, VERY wealthy): “But, what have you given back?

“They were gut-wrenchingly silent. Rich. But silent.

“This award means more to me than any professional accolade ever could. Why? Because it recognises giving without getting. Or, more profoundly.

“At the end of the day it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished, it’s about what you’ve given back.

“Volunteer. I thoroughly recommend it.”

Amazing words Kim, congrats to you on an amazing year, the sport is lucky to have a volunteer like you.