Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) congratulates Newcastle Football’s Newcastle Permanent Community Award Monthly Winners for August.
The awards recognise the hard work and significant time volunteers, coaches and match officials contribute to Australia’s largest team sport.
NNSWF Head of Football Development Peter Haynes said the Newcastle Permanent Community Awards provided an important opportunity to recognise those who make the game what it is today.
“Without this month’s winners football simply would not be in the position it is. Each of these winners has made an outstanding contribution to their clubs and deserve to be recognised,” Haynes said.
“Community football relies on a collective effort and these awards reflect the appreciation extended to everyone who plays a role in progressing our game.
“I am pleased we are able to thank and acknowledge each of them on behalf of the sport, thanks to the support of our major sponsor, Newcastle Permanent.”
Each of the winners were selected from a number of nominations made by club colleagues and observers of the game. Each winner receives unique packs from Official Community Football Partner, Newcastle Permanent, to help them in their endeavours.
Newcastle Permanent CEO Bernadette Inglis congratulated each of the winners and thanked them for their contribution to the game.
From the pool of monthly winners, Newcastle Football will nominate one winner from each category to represent their Zone for the opportunity to be named “Newcastle Permanent Community Football Winner of the Year” to be announced in October.
Northern NSW Football, Newcastle Football and Newcastle Permanent congratulate all the recipients for August.
Volunteer of the Month
Mel Africa – Wallsend FC
Mel 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, which was 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.
Coach of the Month
Ross Buxton – Shortland United Junior
Not only does Ross Buxton coach an under-17s team but also an All Age Women’s team. Buxton is also president of the club.
Buxton is a father figure to some of the boys in his team. He has helped them through tough times, financially and personally and has a good relationship with his team. He goes above and beyond just being a coach.
Referee of the Month
Rylan Sewell
Rylan has refereed as a club Miniroos referee for a number of years but wanted to challenge himself this year. He begged to be allowed to referee and at 12-years-old passed the Level 4 course. He has already jumped in with great enthusiasm and drive with real passion for the game.
His first appointment was running an All Age women’s line, with his grandfather having the centre. Rylan was congratulated by both coaches on the excellent job he did.
On one recent weekend, Mayfield United Junior FC were in need of referees so Rylan stepped up with the help of his grandfather and refereed the under-12s boys, All Age men’s D grade and under-14s girls.
Once again Rylan was congratulated on his professionalism and attention to detail. He has started his career in a very positive way.
