Northern NSW Football is pleased to announce Mel Africa as Newcastle Football’s Newcastle Permanent Volunteer of the Year for 2020.
Africa was nominated by Wallsend FC for her ongoing commitment and dedication to football.
Africa, Wallsend FC’s club secretary, has been an active volunteer at the club for a number of years.
Africa has done a fantastic job taking over from former administrators after the entire executive left and a new group of people were appointed, an extremely difficult task.
Africa has kept her stakeholders informed as to what is happening, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is full of great ideas, is approachable and happy to listen to feedback or ideas that are presented to her.
She takes on any role or job that needs doing and is flexible with an enthusiastic work ethic. Africa gives maximum effort to her club and is a big part of the Red Devils family which includes her two children as players and her husband who is an amazing coach.
Northern NSW Football Head of Football Development Peter Haynes said NNSWF were delighted to be able to recognise Africa’s contribution.
“Without volunteers such as Mel our sport simply would not be in the position it currently enjoys,” Haynes said.
“Mel’s contribution to Wallsend FC has been key to its ability to provide positive football experiences for all its members. I am pleased that NNSWF can thank and recognise Mel on behalf of the sport.”
Newcastle Permanent Chief Customer Experience and Delivery Officer Paul Juergens congratulated Africa on becoming the recipient of the Newcastle Permanent Volunteer of the Year award for Newcastle Football.
“Volunteers are at the heart of any club’s activities and operations,” Juergens said.
“This award recognises the great example of members giving back to their local club and community. Newcastle Permanent is proud to recognise and reward volunteers for their valuable contribution.”
As the winner of their Zone’s Volunteer of the Year award, Africa is now a nominee for Northern NSW Football’s Annual Newcastle Permanent Volunteer of the Year award to be announced during the week commencing 26 October.
About NNSWF’s Community Partnership with Newcastle Permanent:
Newcastle Permanent is the major partner of Community Football across northern NSW and has partnered with NNSWF since 2008, supporting the High-Performance Program and Junior Football Program.
Newcastle Permanent’s investment in football is one of its most important community partnerships and reflects the financial institution’s commitment to supporting the local community.
Integral to the Newcastle Permanent Community Football partnership is recognition of volunteers, coaches, referees and others on the ground who play a vital role in delivering the game across northern NSW.
The Community Partnership with Newcastle Permanent includes recognition programs such as Newcastle Permanent Volunteer of the Month, Newcastle Permanent Community Coach of the Month, Newcastle Permanent Referee of the Month, Newcastle Permanent Community Club of the Month, training tools for community coaches and volunteers, as well as the distribution of more than 10,000 free footballs to young players each year.
