Three Decades Of Service Rewarded As Santino Grieco Claims Charles Valentine Medal

More than three decades of dedication to football in New South Wales was recognised on Thursday night, with Inter Lions FC’s Santino Grieco awarded the prestigious 2026 Charles Valentine Medal at the Football NSW Annual Gala Dinner.

Presented by Football NSW Chair Gilbert Lorquet and Deputy Chair Deborah Chapman, the Charles Valentine Medal recognises an individual who has made a significant and sustained contribution to the development of football in NSW.

For Grieco, the honour represents recognition of a lifetime spent serving the game in a remarkable variety of roles.

His football journey began at the age of 15 with Five Dock FC, before moving to Concord JSC. At 19, Grieco joined Inter Lions, then known as Majors Bay SC, and the club would go on to become a defining part of his life.

Nearly three decades later, he remains one of the club’s most influential figures.

Grieco’s contribution to Inter Lions has extended from the playing field into coaching, mentoring, administration and governance.

He has dedicated countless hours to coaching junior teams, mentoring players and supporting families, consistently putting the interests of the wider football community ahead of his own.

His journey from player to coach and eventually administrator has allowed him to influence generations of footballers, coaches, volunteers and club members.

But his contribution has extended well beyond the club.

Grieco has played an important role in the administration and integrity of the game, contributing to Football NSW structures and the governance of football at a high level.

Throughout the constant evolution of the sport, he has provided leadership, stability and sound judgement, helping clubs and participants navigate changing governance requirements and an increasingly complex football landscape.

His commitment to fair play and the integrity of competitions has also been a defining feature of his service.

In recognising Grieco, Inter Lions highlighted not simply the length of his involvement but the impact he has had throughout that time.

His contribution has helped create opportunities for thousands of players while strengthening the structures and environments in which clubs, coaches, volunteers and administrators can succeed.

The qualities recognised in Grieco’s contribution closely reflect those associated with the medal’s namesake, Charles Valentine.

Valentine remains one of the most important figures in the history of football in NSW.

Following the Second World War, Valentine settled in Sydney and purchased a chicken farm in Parklea for his restaurant business.

Through the influence of his employees, he became involved with Pan Hellenic and developed a deep connection with football.

After retiring, Valentine joined the NSW Coaches Federation Committee and began running coaching clinics, having constructed a football field on his property.

In 1972, he joined the NSW Soccer Federation Board and began lobbying for a dedicated headquarters for football in NSW.

He subsequently purchased 26 acres of adjacent land and helped establish a NSW Government-supported accommodation facility.

Valentine ultimately bequeathed his facility at Parklea to football.

Following his passing in 2004, his vision and generosity continued through what is now Valentine Sports Park — the Home of Football in New South Wales.

The Charles Valentine Medal was established to honour those who, like Valentine, make a significant contribution to the development and advancement of the sport.

For Grieco, receiving the medal therefore carries significance beyond the personal recognition.

His service has been defined by personal sacrifice, sustained leadership, integrity, resilience and an enduring willingness to put the interests of football and its people first.

He has been a builder of both structures and people, helping develop footballers, supporting clubs and contributing to the governance systems that underpin the game.

His legacy is reflected not simply in the number of years he has given to football, but in the people he has helped, the communities he has strengthened and the opportunities he has helped create.

Football NSW congratulates Santino Grieco on receiving the 2026 Charles Valentine Medal and thanks him for his outstanding contribution to football in New South Wales.