Dulwich Hill FC Coaches Honoured For Helping Young Player

Two Dulwich Hill FC junior coaches have been recognised by Football NSW for their courage, composure and care after coming to the aid of an eight-year-old player who suffered a medical emergency during a JDL fixture earlier this month.

Arthur Beltsos and John Giallourakis were coaching the Dulwich Hill Under-9 team when an opposing player suffered an unfortunate fall and became unconscious during the match on Sunday, 2 August.

The pair immediately responded and, after identifying that the young player’s airway was obstructed, intervened to clear the obstruction and assist him while emergency services were called.

Arthur and John remained with the player until NSW Ambulance arrived and took over.

Thankfully, the young player was later confirmed to have returned home from hospital and was back at school shortly afterwards.

Dulwich Hill FC Member Protection Information Officer Jason Perestrelo said the actions of the two volunteer coaches demonstrated exceptional composure and leadership in circumstances that went well beyond their normal responsibilities.

“There was no distinction between clubs when a child needed help, his welfare simply came first,” Perestrelo said.

“As volunteer junior coaches, Arthur and John demonstrated exceptional composure, care and leadership in circumstances that went well beyond their normal responsibilities.”

Football NSW recognised the pair’s efforts by presenting Arthur and John with Football NSW Community Service Certificates at Dulwich Hill FC’s JDL Presentation Day at Arlington Oval on Friday, 28 August.

The certificates recognise their outstanding efforts and courage in assisting others in football, while highlighting their commitment to the safety and wellbeing of all participants.

Having volunteered their time as junior coaches, Arthur and John went above and beyond their roles when it mattered most.

Football NSW’s Group Head of Strategic Partnerships & Corporate Affairs Helen Armson, who presented the certificates, said the response from the two coaches was a powerful reminder of the values that exist within the football community.

“What Arthur and John did was simply put the welfare of a young player first. In a situation that would have been incredibly confronting, they showed remarkable composure and acted when it mattered most,” Armson said.

“Football is about much more than what happens on the pitch, and their actions demonstrate the care, responsibility and community spirit that we want to see throughout our game.”

For Arthur and John, however, their response was simply about helping a young player in need.

Their actions serve as an outstanding example of the care and community spirit that exists across grassroots football.