2025 State Dinner Awards
Ian started playing soccer in 1957 with Carlingford Church of England Boys Home, until he left the homes and started his senior career with Granville All Stars.
After moving to Nowra, he played with his sons for Shoalhaven United and for many years, the Over 35 competition. He also played Summer Soccer for several years.
Ian started his coaching career 50 years ago in 1976 when his son commenced playing with Shoalhaven United, coaching successfully until 2003, winning many competitions. He started coaching Shoalhaven Representative teams in Branch Championships during this period winning several Championship medals.
Ian began coaching Southern Branch teams from 1989 until 2021 playing Metro League, Sydney based competitions, and in State/Country titles over several years.
Ian commenced his refereeing career in 1988 refereeing Junior and Senior games through to Grand Final competitions, retiring from refereeing in 2018 after 30 years with the whistle.
Ian was an administrator with Shoalhaven United & Shoalhaven Association over a period of 35 years holding many positions including President, Rep Coordinator and Competition Organizer. During this time, Ian introduced new competitions for Over 35 and 45 men, over 30 women, Junior & Senior Summer Soccer as well as the Cadet Referees system. Ian also served on the Southern Branch board in several positions over his 35-year involvement, culminating in Chairman.
Presently Ian is chairman of the sub-committee of Shoalhaven Association overseeing the running of the Shoalhaven FC Rep teams playing in the Football South Coast/ Illawarra competition.
Ian has been paramount in progressing the South Nowra complex to its multi-million dollar status through his tireless liaisons with the other sporting codes, Council Officials and local MPs. The current thriving condition of the grounds and amenities are of no small part due to Ian’s dedication to his Association.
Ian is a Life Member of Shoalhaven United Football Club, Shoalhaven Football Association, Shoalhaven Referees Association & Southern Branch, he also received a State Award in 2000.
Southern Branch wishes to see Ian recognized for his dedication to Football over the last 50 years.
Tyron’s journey in football began at the age of 6 where he played Mini Roos at Bankstown Sports Strikers.
In 2014 he joined AYL and then onto playing for BUFC in NPL.
At 16, he was regularly volunteering with BUFC and BDAFA across various roles, including gear management. His commitment and passion led him to commence his coaching career with SAP in 2020 at the age of 18 where he continued coaching through into NPL Youth League teams and mentoring Junior players.
In 2022, at just 20 years old, Tyron joined the staff at Bankstown Football. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication have driven significant growth in their Summer Football Program and Referee branch. Under his leadership, the Summer Football program has expanded by over 100%, and their refereeing roster has surged from 110 referees in 2023 to over 270 in 2025. Remarkably, they now achieve a 98.9% coverage for centre referees, a testament to Tyron’s strategic planning and understanding of the refereeing landscape.
Tyron possesses a unique ability to analyse complex situations calmly and implement innovative solutions. His extensive experience across various facets of football enables him to approach challenges with a well-rounded perspective. He is an all-rounder, tackling any task with determination and a positive attitude.
Tyron is a Future leader of football, and we are excited to see how he continues to shape the future of football in our community and NSW.
Millthorpe Junior Soccer Club (MJSC) has been a Club Changer club for three seasons, and in 2025 achieved 3-Star accreditation through the program (highest level attainable)
MJSC has shown itself as being a family-first club, welcoming players of all abilities and backgrounds. The club delivered Girls Love Football weekly sessions with between 20-25 participants and ran Pippin Girl workshops supporting body confidence, leadership, and resilience. This season saw the introduction of a dedicated female coordinator role in the committee.
The club runs entirely on volunteers, with long-serving committee members recognised alongside new parents stepping into roles and all coaches/volunteers meet safeguarding requirements with a dedicated MPIO role on the committee.
Millthorpe recognises volunteers regularly in communications / social posts and presentation day acknowledgments, adoprting micro-volunteering opportunities such as canteen duty and setup/pack-up to make involvement easier.
The club supported coaches through subsidised access to AFC C Diploma training, including fully subsiding a C Diploma for two female coaches in 2025. They also encouraged refereeing development, with several juniors refereeing ODFA games.
Millthorpe Junior Soccer Club has developed a comprehensive Strategic Plan, embedding risk management, succession planning, and annual reporting into committee operations. The committee operates with strong transparency and accountability for members.
2025 saw record participation growth of more than 11% at the club, with girls making up 35% of the player base with strong retention. If you include the Girls Love Football Participants, female participation climbs to 44%.
In 2025, MJSC trialled combined U5/U6 training sessions to build stronger club culture and community across age groups.
Worked closely with Blayney Council, Millthorpe Public School, and local sponsors to enhance opportunities for players. They ran pre-season community engagement sessions with Grove Start and Blayney Preschool, celebrated Female Football Week with player/parent/volunteer stories and continued to foster pathways into association level programs.
In 2024, Millthorpe Junior Soccer Club were recognised as Football Australia’s Regional Club of the Year, and in 2025 are the inaugural recipients of the Nine Ad Manager Community Club of the Year.
Incorporated in 2008 following the unification of five former bodies, FSC has rapidly grown into a model of excellence and collaboration with Football NSW and fellow Associations. We recognise the impact of grassroots sport and the service it provides to our community in relation to physical and mental wellbeing.
FSC has placed the women’s game at the centre of its strategy, driving 20% growth and the creation of 70 new female-only teams in 2024—the second-highest increase in metro Associations (24%).
Key initiatives include:
- Establishing a female football coordinator,
- Launching a Women’s Premier League
- Implementing over-30s and, in 2025, an over-40s competition
- Developing a Mums & Minis program
- Building female-focused development programs
Hosting the Women’s Premier League Grand Finals at the region’s largest stadium, WIN Stadium, in 2024 and 2025 was a landmark moment, underpinning our dedication to growing the female game.
Recognising referee shortages as the greatest barrier to growth, FSC made recruitment, development, and welfare a priority. This delivered a 27% increase in registrations, including the state’s highest growth in female referees (38%). Innovative initiatives such as the Referee Armband Campaign, a Junior Referee Development Officer, and the Respect the Referee program in partnership with Football NSW have built a safer, stronger environment for match officials.
FSC is committed to making football accessible at every level and age and promote football in our region for ‘All Ages and Abilities. As part of this, through our partnership with the Disability Trust, we deliver programs that allow players with special needs to participate fully in the game.
Collaboration with the Multicultural Community Council Illawarra has enabled refugees to play and transition into local clubs. Walking Football, in partnership with the University of Wollongong, engages older players, while school collaborations with Illawarra Sports High and Warrawong High integrate football into education.
These initiatives expand participation and use football as a tool for social connection, diversity, and community integration.
Infrastructure is a major challenge for clubs. With FSC’s support, more than $1.4 million in government funding has been secured for changerooms, lighting, and irrigation upgrades.
FSC also invested $800,000 in the region’s only synthetic pitch and secured FIFA Women’s World Cup legacy funding to establish our first permanent home.
This investment has enabled FSC to capitalise on summer football activities, which now generate 40% of revenue outside the winter season, helping keep registration fees among the lowest in NSW.
Volunteers are the backbone of our clubs. We have invested heavily in supporting, training, and recognising their contributions. We deliver Volunteer Management Workshops, equipping clubs with position descriptions, recruitment strategies, and retention tools to strengthen their volunteer base. Our annual Season Launch celebrates the dedication of volunteers across all football streams, while regular recognition programs highlight their ongoing impact.
By empowering volunteers with resources, education, and appreciation, FSC ensures that the game continues to thrive at every level of the community.”
The Football Canterbury nomination for the Fair Play Award is best summed up in the correspondence received from the Leichhardt Saints FC President, Matthew Bowen, following a Roselands v Leichhardt Saints Under 16 Girls Division 3 fixture at Arlington Oval on 29 June 2025.
“As mentioned, I wanted to share a recent example of genuine sportsmanship that was passed onto me by the coach of our U16 Girls Division 3 team, and one I believe is well worth acknowledging.
Our U16 Girls have had a really tough season. At the time of this match, they had played 11 games, lost all 11, scored just 4 goals, and conceded 69. They’ve only managed to field a full 11 twice this season, most game they’ve had 9 or 10 players, which has obviously impacted morale.
In this particular game, they turned up with only 9 players. Roselands had more than 11 players available on their match sheet, but they made the decision to also start the match with just 9 to keep things even.
At the 15-minute mark, with the score still 0-0 and the game fairly even, our coach approached the Roselands coach to say they were welcome to bring on additional players. The Roselands coach declined, saying he thought it was a good opportunity for his player to learn to adapt, that life isn’t always fair, and to rise to the challenge.
Our coach was incredibly impressed, both by that decision and by the attitude of the Roselands players. Sitting 3rd on the ladder, they would have had good reason to use the match to build their goal difference, but they chose sportsmanship instead. Roselands ended up winning 3-2, and our team said it was the best game they had played in this season.
These are exactly the kinds of stories we should be surfacing and promoting. They show the values we want to see more of in the game, and while I passed this only Kylie [the President] at Roselands I thought it worth sharing with the Association as well.”
The considerate nature of the Roselands team and coach in their contest with Leichhardt Saints is a perfect display of Fair Play. It was about the enjoyment of the game for all participants, with winning a distant second.
For the record, Roselands concluded their season rounds with 8 wins from 15 games with a 45-47 goal ratio in the Under 16 Girls Division 3, finishing third and making their way to the Grand Final where they finished as Runners Up. Leichhardt Saints’ season wrapped with the team securing 1 draw from their 15 games and a 6-86 goal ratio – with 2 of these coming in the fixture against Roselands on 29th June.
May’s Female Football Week once again shone a spotlight on the growing contribution of women across all facets of the game. Football NSW recognised several outstanding individuals during the initiative:
- Community Champion of the Year – Emma Madden
- Player of the Year – Lisa Bullivant
- Coach of the Year – Sarah McKinley
- Referee of the Year – Sharon McLachlan (Blacktown District Referees)
- Volunteer of the Year – Lauren Gibson (Penrith Football Club)
For 38 years, Kiera has been a dedicated and invaluable member of the AWFA community, contributing as a player, referee, volunteer, and leader. She has played over 400 senior games with Boomers, represented AWFA and Riverina, and earned selection for the NSW Country State team. At Boomers, she has been Club Secretary and a committee member for over 20 years, coaching girls, running the JK Summer Academy, assisting with grants and fundraising, and mentoring junior referees through AWSRA.
Her contribution at association level has been equally significant. She has held executive roles since 2013, including Recorder, Registrar, and Secretary. In 2024, Kiera managed the MiniRoos program, growing the girls-only competition by more than 20 teams and introducing a referee cadetship program for under-12 representatives. This initiative gave younger players pathways into officiating and built greater respect for referees among the football community.
In 2025, Kiera became the youngest President in AWFA’s history, where she has led with passion, professionalism, and innovation. She partnered with EQ Nexus to curb poor sideline behaviour and upskill families, introduced the Technical Dismissal ruling which reduced red cards, and worked with local providers to deliver concussion education for clubs and families. Alongside the Executive Committee, she successfully organised a State of Origin between Victoria and New South Wales, which not only showcased regional talent but also raised $10,000 for the Albury Wodonga Regional Trust.
Kiera’s long service is matched by her vision for the future of football in our region. She has consistently elevated standards, created inclusive opportunities, and promoted a culture of respect and growth across all levels of the game. Her ability to combine strong governance with genuine care for players, referees, and families makes her a transformative leader. Kiera Hayes is an outstanding role model and a most deserving nominee for this award.
Some people are simply born for Hornets life. For Julia Woods, it wasn’t a matter of if she’d become part of the furniture at Padstow Hornets – it was a matter of when she’d get her own reserved car spot. After all, Hornets runs in the Woods’ family DNA. Julia has played for the Hornets side by side with her twin sister since making their debut at the age of 8yrs old.
Julia has carried the blue, black and white flag for an incredible 22 seasons – starting way back in 2004, including multiple grand final appearances, receiving the Amelia Freeman award for Best Senior Women’s Player in Padstow Hornets in 2018.
She’s currently still terrorising opposition attackers in their All Age Ladies Division 2 side. Julia isn’t just a player – she’s a coach, a mentor, and basically the “cool big sister” to generations of Hornets juniors’ girls, winning Padstow Hornets Coach of the Year in 2024. She’s spent countless seasons coaching, and is currently shaping the future stars in our 10/11 SSG Ladies team
Quite simply – Julia is everywhere Playing, Coaching, Ground Control, Field Setup & Backup, Canteen, Photographing, Posting, Supporting, & always Smiling. She goes above and beyond for her team, her players, and her club. And when you’ve given 22 years to Padstow Hornets, coached countless kids, and still turn up with a grin every weekend – you’re more than a volunteer. You’re a club legend.
BDAFA extends its gratitude to Julia for her service to football in Bankstown.
Chris became involved in football in Blacktown when his son started playing the game – when he joined Plumpton-Oakhurst FC Chris helped out with the committee which led to him taking on the role of Club Secretary in 2002, a position he held for three years alongside assisting his son’s team as manager.
He then joined Blacktown Spartans when his son was selected for the Under 19s, again serving as the teams manager for both the U19s and U21s. Following the club’s promotion to Football NSW Division 1 State League, Chris was appointed President of the club, holding the position until 2010.
Following a short break from the game, Chris was then encouraged by his daughter and grandson Charlie to coach their team at Plumpton-Oakhurst, a position he still holds to this day. Throughout his time in Blacktown, Chris also spent time on the panel of the BDSFA’s General Purpose Tribunal. This led to his appointment as Compliance and Regulations Manager at the association, a role he still holds today.
There is nobody more fitting to deserve this award this year – Chris has filled multiple roles across our association over the years and is a valued member of the association staff, taking all association disciplinary issues in his stride with his sunny disposition and cheery outlook on life.
Patrick has been an invaluable member of the football community for over 20 years, consistently demonstrating remarkable leadership, dedication, and a passion for the game. His extensive experience includes coaching both junior and senior teams, as well as his involvement in the SAP program and various Western Youth League sides. Remarkably, at 40 years old, Pat continues to play first grade football, exemplifying his commitment to the sport.
He has held the position of vice president at Macquarie United Football Club across the years, and has instilled a community based ethic into his children, who have also stepped up to begin their coaching journeys and give back to the club. Patrick has played a crucial role in fostering growth, especially within the junior teams. He has led his Under-17s team to a grand final victory, further showcasing his coaching expertise.
Patrick takes immense pride in developing Dubbo football, always maintaining a humble approach despite his significant achievements. His contributions, both on and off the field, make him a deserving nominee, elevating the game and positively impacting the local football. His Under 16s representative team went through the season undefeated, and he creates a nurturing environment for his players to grow both as young adults and athletes.
Lokomotiv Cove FC—formed by Sydney FC fans in 2006 and competing in ESFA since 2007—is more than a football club; it’s a community built by fans, for fans. And at the heart of that community is Rebecca Smith.
Without Bec, Lokomotiv Cove simply would not exist as it does today. Her leadership, commitment, and tireless dedication have sustained and grown the club across nearly two decades. As the club’s first Women’s Vice President, Bec broke new ground and served in the role for seven years. Since 2014, she has led the club as President, guiding it through challenges, growth, and countless seasons—because at Cove, there’s truly no off-season.
Her impact goes beyond titles. Bec is the driving force behind the scenes, ensuring players of all levels and backgrounds have a place to play. She embodies the spirit of community football—passionate, inclusive, and relentless.
Wally’s unwavering dedication has seen his club grow from a single team to over ten, in the past decade. He has been the heartbeat of Turruwul Park, there every weekend, always giving his time generously. His passion is unmatched.
Wally founded the club—originally named Coronation, after the community centre at Prince Alfred Park where he played. In the 1970s, to comply with FNSW requirements, Wally proposed the now-iconic name Redfern Raiders. Despite challenges—including the church-affiliated naming restrictions of the time—Wally’s vision endured.
President for an incredible 63 years and still playing after 56 years, Wally has built a club culture defined by fairness, inclusion, and hard work. His leadership has ensured that players return season after season, and new players are always welcomed.
Uniquely, the club’s founder is still deeply involved—Redfern’s longest-serving football figure, and among the longest in ESFA history. He also served on the ESFA Board, including as President from 1982 to 1984, and is an ESFA Life Member.
Coach, player, president, administrator—Wally has done it all. The Redfern Raiders, and football in Sydney, would not be the same without him.
Gary Megay has been a dedicated servant to football since first qualifying as a referee in Broken Hill in 1994. Upon moving to the Eurobodalla region in 2006, he quickly became an integral part of the local football community.
In 2011, Gary was elected President of Batemans Bay Football Club, a position he held with distinction until 2022. During his tenure he worked tirelessly to strengthen the club, increase participation, and support player development across all age groups.
That same year, Gary also took on multiple key roles within the Eurobodalla Football Referees Association (EFRA), serving as Secretary, Treasurer, and Registrar. In 2012, he completed his Level 1 Instructors Course, becoming an accredited Instructor/Assessor for EFRA, where he played a pivotal role in developing referee education and standards in the region.
Gary’s commitment to continuous improvement saw him complete the Level II Referees Exam, followed by the Level II Instructor/Assessor course in 2023. He remains an active referee, consistently officiating as Referee and Assistant Referee while also mentoring and assessing junior referees. His dedication to training and supporting the next generation of match officials has left a lasting impact on the refereeing community.
Gary Meguy’s service demonstrates passion, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to football. His legacy is reflected in the stronger clubs, well-supported referees, and the countless individuals he has inspired throughout his years of service.
Santino is an individual that has served football both at Club and Association level for over 30-years. An imposing figure, but one that comes with plenty of sense and considered input.
His involvement in the game commenced as a junior footballer at Five Dock RSL and then at Concord Juniors. It would be at his third club where his legacy will be enshrined – Inter Lions Football Club. It is this club where he took on coaching, mentoring, and ultimately becoming a leader.
Santino guided junior teams instilling not only footballing ability but the values of respect, discipline, and teamwork. His 30-years of service has been unwavering which includes the current stint of 25-years as Club Secretary.
Throughout the years, Santino has also contributed significantly to the conduct of Association activities. He’s served as a Junior Vice President (prior to governance changes) helping to shape youth development and lay foundations for growth.
He served the Association on the Junior now Male Competitive Grading Committee for 27-seasons, 20 of them as Chairman. He was the guardian of fairness, balance, and transparency in the competition.
Through Santino’s reputation as a calm authority and an individual with integrity and an absolute dedication to getting things right, he’s aided the Association judicial processes serving on both the Disciplinary and Appeals Tribunals. Santino was one of the Association’s former Chairman and Life Member Armando Gardiman AM “go-to” people when senior experienced panellists were required for Tribunals, he’d once chair.
His commitment to the game extended to serving the former Sydney Branch on their Disciplinary Tribunal, as a Standing Committee Chair and Deputy Chair at Football NSW.
Santino continues to serve as a mainstay at home venues of Inter Lions FC across all forms of football. His services to the Club and Association saw him recognised this year in receiving the Vince & Val Laws Medal at Football Canterbury’s Cec Barlow Awards night.
Playing since she was five years old in Lithgow and then as a representative play for Nepean District, Kendall is a self confessed lover of the game.
Since moving to the Illawarra Kendall has played for Fernhill and Coniston. At both clubs she has taken on volunteer general committee member roles before taking on more senior roles. Her current role at Coniston as Women’s Vice President sees her working with the senior club to firmly cement the women into the club structure and working to creating a strong community club. While at Fernhill she was the Women’s President for three years.
Kendall is a great advocate for women’s football both on the pitch and in her club. She loves the enthusiasm of the young players she is coaching and is looking forward to making them even better players. Despite the challenges facing women’s football, Kendall only sees opportunities. The opportunity to raise the profile of women’s football, the opportunity to create an inclusive club environment, the opportunity to recruit and retain players, the opportunity to improve the standard of play and the opportunity for the women’s competition to continue expanding to meet the needs of both younger and older players.
Football St George nominates John (Yianni) Stojanovski to receive the FNSW State Award. John is a long serving director of Football St George, and has a long standing affiliation with Scots FC since its establishment in 1983.
John commenced his affiliation with football in St George over 50 years ago as a junior player. In 1983, John was one of the founders of Scots FC, and served on its inaugural committee. John served continuously as a committee member of Scots for more than 20 years, and played for the club in almost every season from their 1983 inaugural season up until his retirement from playing in 2023.
Apart from serving on the Scots Committees and playing, in more recent years John continues to serve the club in various capacities by supporting coaches of its junior teams, filling in as a team manager, and being available for advice and support. He is a cherished stalwart of the Scots FC community.
In 2010, after decades of service to Scots FC, John transitioned to serving Football St George, initially by volunteering to sit on its various committees. In 2018, John joined the Football St George board and has been a valued and respected director. He is an important advocate for clubs and the integrity of the game. John’s time as a director has included significant advocacy for infrastructure improvements to playing facilities in the region, including the redevelopment of Ador Ave with a synthetic pitch and new amenities building.
Over the past seven years, Cameron has consistently demonstrated his dedication and commitment to our club, leaving a lasting impact on the Rouse Hill Rams Football Club. His presence, especially on game days, has become essential to our community—a true backbone that grassroots sports depend on.
Cameron’s journey with the Rams began as a player on our All-Age Men’s team and as a coach for his eldest son’s team. For the last five years, Cameron has excelled as our Club Registrar, a role that is crucial yet often goes unnoticed in community sports. He effectively manages the registration process for hundreds of players each season, navigating the complexities of compliance with Football Australia and Football NSW guidelines.
This role demands meticulous attention to detail, technical skills, and the ability to maintain composure, especially during the often-hectic registration season. Cameron tackles these challenges head-on with professionalism and patience.
Beyond his administrative duties, Cameron is a familiar face on the field, embodying true commitment. Whether he’s setting up and packing down the fields to ensure everything runs smoothly, acting as a Ground Official to guarantee fair play and safety, or managing the VEO camera to capture game footage for our players and coaches,
Cameron is always dependable and ready to pitch in wherever needed. He intuitively sees what needs to be done and jumps right in without waiting for anyone to ask.
Additionally, Cameron is an accredited grassroots referee, bringing a credible level of expertise.
Cameron’s contributions are impressive—not merely in one area but across multiple fronts. He is an administrator, game-day support, official, and mentor all rolled into one. His willingness to give his time without expecting anything in return truly sets a benchmark for others in our community. He embodies a fantastic attitude and genuinely cares for our club and its members.
Peter Kovacsics has been a dedicated servant of football in the Macarthur region for nearly two decades, giving his time and energy across club, representative, and association levels. His consistent contribution has spanned roles as a coach, volunteer, committee member, sponsor, and administrator, culminating in his current role as Chair of Macarthur Football Association.
Peter began his involvement in the game at Campbelltown Uniting Church Soccer Club, where he first volunteered when his son started playing. Over the course of seven years, he contributed in a variety of capacities, including as a coach, general committee member, and sponsor. Beyond his administrative efforts, he was often the first to put his hand up for practical tasks, taking responsibility for landscaping and ground maintenance to ensure a welcoming environment for players and families.
Following his time at Campbelltown Uniting, Peter became a board member at Macarthur Rams, where he spent five years supporting one of the region’s most prominent representative clubs. His work at Rams strengthened his understanding of the pathways between grassroots and elite football, knowledge that he carried into his later leadership roles.
In 2019, Peter joined the Board of Macarthur Football Association, where he served diligently for five years before being elected Chair in 2024, a position he continues to hold. As Chair, Peter has overseen major initiatives that strengthen the governance, growth, and sustainability of the game, including the launch of new development pathways and stronger partnerships with community stakeholders.
Peter’s long-standing commitment and leadership have made a lasting impact on football in the Macarthur region. His dedication across clubs and at association level has improved the experience for countless players, coaches, referees, and volunteers, making him a worthy recipient of a Football NSW State Award.
Rhonda Ferguson has been a lifelong contributor to football in the Manly Warringah area, as a player, coach and administrator.
She had a decorated playing career, earning selection for Manly Warringah and New South Wales representative teams. On the local football scene, Rhonda played for the legendary Seasiders team that helped push women’s football to new heights in the area. In total, Seasiders won ten Manly Warringah FA Championships, six Champion of Champions titles and three State Cups.
Rhonda has also been involved as a coach for both Manly Warringah and local clubs Dee Why, Harbord and Curl Curl for over 20 years. Her passion for coaching is evident and her involvement with Curl Curl continues to this day, as the coach of their Women’s Over 40 Division 1 team.
Away from the field, Rhonda has served in key administrative roles for several years. Her involvement in the administrative side began when she became Manly Warringah Football Association’s Vice President of Women’s Football, a role she held from 2003 to 2015. During her time as Vice President, she oversaw the area’s growth in girls and women’s football, helping Manly Warringah Football Association become the strong women’s football region that it is today. MWFA is the largest female sport of any kind on the Northern Beaches and have the highest number of female players within FNSW.
Since 2020, she has served as both an MWFA Director and Chair of the Registration and Grading Committee, performing invaluable work to ensure the area’s 20000 members can get on the park each season.
For her service to football in the Manly Warringah region, Rhonda was awarded MWFA life membership in 2015.
Rhonda’s dedication and commitment to Manly Warringah football over a sustained period make her a worthy recipient of a Football NSW State Award.
Together, Wayne & Kath have been a formidable pair at Blaxland FC for over 30 years. 30 years’ service to an organisation is a phenomenal achievement!
Wayne and Kath have been a part of the Redbacks for 36 years. Individually and together, they have taken on a variety of different roles in both an official and unofficial capacity.
Wayne has held various roles on the committee for 17 years, coached for 20 years, has been the club photographer for 20 years and even had a go at playing the game! But his true strengths lay off the field, capturing precious moments that reflect the joy, teamwork, and passion of the sport. These images are lovingly perfected and shared with parents and teams, allowing families to relive the excitement and pride of watching their children play the game they love.
Kath has also held various roles including managing for 5 years and serving on the committee for 8 years. Although she agreed to be the club registrar at a Christmas party while under the influence, it was this role and her passion for record keeping that led her into the integral role of Club Historian, which she has been in for 18 years now. If anyone wants to know anything about the club, Kath is the person they go to.
Together, they are the driving force behind the very impressive club yearbook—a cherished keepsake that showcases the highlights of the season. Their tireless work in coordinating and producing this publication ensures that the club’s memories are preserved and celebrated. Their dedication, creativity, and attention to detail are inspiring and valuable beyond measure.
When polled and asked to describe Wayne and Kath, the Redbacks family had the following to say: Committed; Hard working; Dedicated; Proud; A sense of openness and unwavering loyalty. They are interwoven with the club, they are part of the club’s history and it wouldn’t be where it is today without them.
Wayne and Kath have been dedicated volunteers for over 30 years, contributing in countless ways to the growth and spirit of our club and in turn, the Nepean District. Their commitment to our football community is unwavering, and their impact is felt across generations of players and families.
It was a fateful night back in 1995 when this person joined a friend at The Oaks for the Club AGM. When the position of Club Secretary was open for nominations a nomination was made and accepted and that’s when Simon Cox began his journey with North Sydney FC, not having stepped on the football pitch due to a broken pelvis.
Back then the Club had around 50 members in 3 senior Men’s teams. In 1996 Simon was contacted by a lady by the name of Jane Hodgson to see if the Club was interested in taking on a women’s team and of course the answer was ‘yes’. Jane became an important part of the Club in growing the number of Womens’ teams in the early days and also in recruiting a player by the name of Sharon, who later became Simon’s wife.
Simon remained as Club Secretary until 2012 when North Sydney merged with the Bears to become North Sydney United with Simon as Vice President and now involved in a much larger Club with seniors and junior. That only lasted a year, as the then president decided to step down resulting in Simon taking on the role of President which has been the case ever since.
Simon also spends time lobbying Council for the good of football, and was involved in the transformation of Cammeray into a synthetic pitch, extension of floodlights on Sundays to allow an additional womens game and promoting improvement to Primrose and other grounds in the Association.
He was made a Life Member of the Club in 2024.
Simon was asked to join the NSFA Board in 2019 and remained for the full 8 year term which ended in 2024.
Other notable achievements during this time have been the establishment of the Community Fund, a voluntary member donation to support families within the Club dealing with varying issues from the death of loved ones, to serious illness and financial distress as well as donations to various charities supporting those members such as the National Breast Cancer, Brain Cancer and Leukaemia foundations.
The Club has now grown to nearly 1,800 members, over 120 teams with a successful boys and girls Development Squad and Academy program run by a dedicated committee following the lead of a truly incredible and dedicated President.
Tom epitomises the spirit of the volunteer. As a referee, administrator, player, mentor, and advocate, his impact has been profound. Beginning his journey with the Gladesville Hornsby Referees Association (GHFRA) 25 years ago, Tom has risen to become a respected Premier League referee, Life Member, Senior Vice President, President, and long-standing leader of the Appointments Committee. His foresight and technical skill also saw him design and build the referee appointment software still in use today – a system that ensures more games are properly officiated and enhances the experience of players across the region.
Tom has also been deeply engaged at the club level, serving West Ryde Rovers FC for over 16 years as a Committee Member, Selector, and Coach. His tireless service was honoured in 2021 with Life Membership. For Beecroft FC, he has been a dependable player and volunteer, ever willing to assist with grading, coaching, or setting up fields.
Beyond formal roles, Tom has been an outspoken advocate for respect and the wellbeing of referees, highlighting the impact of negative behaviour on officials and the wider game. He also gives back through mentoring programs at his former high school, supporting disadvantaged youth, and raising funds for the Cancer Council through the Shitbox Rally.
Balancing these commitments with a full-time executive role and family life, Tom’s contribution is nothing short of inspirational. His generosity of spirit, leadership, and unwavering dedication make him an irreplaceable asset to community football.
Steve, in his early years was involved with Rockdale FC helping as a manager giving of his time and becoming passionate about the sport, upon moving out west he became involved with the Mount Pritchard Community Football Club.
For nearly thirty years, Steve has been the heartbeat of the Mounties club, devoting an impressive 28 years to its growth and success. Throughout this journey, Steve has displayed extraordinary leadership, visionary thinking, and unyielding support, transforming Mounties Junior Soccer into a vibrant community. His passionate commitment to fostering connections within the club cannot be overstated. Steve has tirelessly created an atmosphere of inclusivity, making it a welcoming space where players, families, and supporters feel authentic warmth, connection, and pride in belonging. His relentless dedication exemplifies the belief that football is not just a sport; it is a transformative vehicle for community, connection, and opportunity.
Steve’s influence extends far beyond administration; he has crafted a genuine pathway for players, effectively bridging the gap between grassroots football and the Mounties Wanderers, empowering young players to aspire to elite levels. His impact reverberates throughout our club, nurturing juniors from their first steps in football and inspiring them at every stage of their journey. His commitment ensures that players develop not only as athletes but as confident, resilient individuals ready for success on and off the field. He epitomizes the true essence of community spirit and stands as a shining testament to exceptional leadership, committed service, and a profound passion for the game Transforming our club into a family and establishing a legacy that will endure for years ahead.
Steve has given of his time to be a member of the Association PD & JC Committee for a number of years, his committee to the sport and the growth of his involvement continues, he currently holds a position as Director with The Mounties Group of Clubs a position which requires a large amount of time however Steves still heavily involved on a day to day basis with his beloved Community Club.
Mark has provided outstanding service to both Wollondilly Soldiers Football Club (WSFC) and the Southern Tablelands Football Association (STFA) for more than a decade, demonstrating exceptional commitment, leadership, and reliability.
He first joined the Wollondilly committee in 2013 as a general member, actively supporting club activities, including fundraising through Bunnings BBQs—often with only one other volunteer for several years. In 2014, Mark accepted the role of Treasurer serving until the end of 2016. During 2016, he also stepped into the role of President, capably managing both positions concurrently.
At the WSFC AGM in 2015, when no nominations were received for President, Mark selflessly put his name forward and has remained in the position ever since. In addition, he has taken on the Registrar’s duties for four years, particularly during difficult periods of reduced volunteer capacity, including throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2017, Mark began coaching at club level and has continued to coach every season since, primarily supporting his children’s teams, including several years managing two squads simultaneously. His dedication to player development and team spirit has been a cornerstone of his service.
In 2024, recognising the workload of the STFA committee members, Mark also volunteered to undertake the responsibility of marking the playing fields at STFA’s home ground. The flexibility afforded by his own business enabled him to consistently meet this commitment, ensuring facilities were maintained to a high standard to this day.
Mark’s long-standing dedication, adaptability, and willingness to step into roles wherever needed have been instrumental to the stability and growth of both WSFC and STFA. His service exemplifies the values of community sport and makes him a most deserving candidate for recognition.
Cherie Donoghue is an exceptional example of long-term dedication, integrity, and leadership within community football. Over more than 15 years, Cherie has contributed across multiple roles within the Sutherland Shire Football Association and its member clubs, embodying the true spirit of volunteerism that sustains our game.
Cherie began her football journey with Gymea United Football Club in 2009, serving on the committee for 12 years until 2021. During this time, she held key executive positions including Secretary and Communications Officer, after first serving as a General Committee Member. Cherie’s professionalism, attention to detail, and communication skills quickly made her an indispensable part of the club’s leadership team.
Her peers recognised her outstanding contribution in 2016, awarding her the Giant of the Year Award one of the club’s most prestigious volunteer honours. In 2018, Cherie was further acknowledged for her extraordinary service through the awarding of Life Membership with Gymea United Football Club.
Cherie’s passion for football extended beyond club level. She has served the Sutherland Shire Football Association Judiciary Committee since 2017, providing balanced, fair, and thoughtful contributions in one of the most important governance roles within the sport. Her commitment to integrity and respect has set a benchmark for others.
From 2019 onwards, Cherie also joined the Sutherland Titans Football Club committee, where she has been instrumental in promoting inclusive football opportunities for people of all abilities. Her empathy, professionalism, and collaborative approach have made her a valued voice within the inclusive football community.
In 2024, Cherie was appointed to the SSFA Executive Committee, where she continues to contribute to strategic and operational discussions that shape the future of football in the Sutherland Shire.
Throughout her service, Cherie has also managed multiple teams, providing vital on-the-ground support to players, coaches, and families.
Cherie’s involvement across so many areas club, association, judiciary, and inclusive programs demonstrates her deep and sustained impact on the football community. She is respected by peers, players, and officials alike for her fairness, humility, and dedication to making football an enjoyable and inclusive experience for everyone.