Stephen Hayes inducted as Football NSW Life Member
Football NSW has inducted former Board Member Stephen Hayes as a Life Member following Wednesday’s Annual General Meeting at Valentine Sports Park.
Hayes, who served close to twelve years as a Football NSW Board Member, played a pivotal role in the advancement of football in NSW across many key areas of the business.
Football was in Hayes’ blood ever since his early beginnings as a footballer at the age of 11.
He started playing at the age of 11 with Forestville in the Northern Beaches before having stints in Albury and Brisbane.
Hayes also played semi-professionally in the NSW Southern League with the Boomers FC.
Playing football up until the age of 50, Hayes also coached and managed various clubs as well as refereed, such was his passion for the world game.
Hayes coached men’s, women’s, and juniors of all ages at his local branch Albury Wodonga FA as well as running academy programs in the Riverina for several years.
Hayes also held a referee licence for football and Futsal.
Administration wise, Hayes held various positions at club and association levels.
He was the Albury Wodonga FA President for six years and was on the Riverina Branch Board for fifteen years.
He was given life member honours with Boomers FC, Albury Wodonga Football, Riverina Branch, and the Albury Wodonga Soccer Referees Branch whilst being awarded the coveted George Churchward medal in 2010 at the Football NSW State Dinner.
Following this accolade, Hayes was appointed to the Board of Football NSW in November 2010 and retired on the 31st of December 2022.
Following his retirement from the Board of Football NSW, Hayes looked back on a fruitful period where the game changed on many fronts.
“I really enjoyed my time on the board,” said Hayes.
“It wasn’t always smooth sailing and I never expected it to be easy. Sometimes difficult decisions needed to be taken for progress to be achieved.
“There have been many changes and developments along the journey, mostly, I believe, for the betterment of the sport and its participants.
“It was a pleasure to meet, work with, and enjoy the company of people from a broad section of the football community across all levels, many of them I now call friends.
“For me, sport, in particular football, provides so many opportunities for people of all levels and abilities to come together and enjoy the involvement and interaction.
“For me, I intend to continue for as long as I am able, I have a new generation following their parents and I look forward to doing whatever I can to help them enjoy this great game as much as I have and do.”
