Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) congratulates Football Far North Coast’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, Football Far North Coast 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, Football Far North Coast and Newcastle Permanent congratulate all the recipients for August.
Volunteer of the Month
Thomas Gough – Lismore Richmond Rovers FC
Gough, the Lismore Richmond Rovers FC club president, has been involved with the club since 2011 and is now an administrator, player and coach of two junior sides.
Gough brings professionalism through his day job as a chartered accountant that will help to evolve the way that Rovers operate, to supplement the energetic work of many long-term volunteers at the club.
Gough said he was fortunate to be at a club that had so many experienced and generous people to lend a hand.
“There are so many others who deserve this award more than me.” Gough said.
“Thanks to the Newcastle Permanent for the ongoing investment that they make to the game.”
Coach of the Month
Chris Layland – Byron Bay FC
Chris Layland is a highly credentialled coach who believes passionately in the relevance of coach education. This experienced coach has an impressive CV of qualifications and a commitment to providing junior players with technical support to improve their skills.
Layland also has a sound appreciation of the range of components required to make a club environment effective, fun and responsive to change. He applauded volunteers at his own club and also people at other local clubs who he believes are the “silent and unheralded few” who work tirelessly behind the scenes to assist coaches, players and parents at club level.
The Newcastle Permanent Community Coach of the Month for August also highlights his strong belief that building good values, respect for others and being part of a community are responsibilities that are just as important as the football activities.
“The Newcastle Permanent understands why it is so relevant to be here for the community and I thank them for the belief shown and for this award,” Layland said.
Referee of the Month
Neil Flannery – Football Far North Coast
Neil Flannery returned to refereeing in 2018 after a hiatus. The return to refereeing was inspired by his children, who decided to become match officials for the first time and so Flannery decided he would join them and return to the refereeing ranks.
Flannery is an experienced senior match official who shows a dedication to the role, ensuring his attendance at key coaching activities and travelling distances to games when required.
As well as his contribution on the field, Flannery is recognised for his devotion to support his children who have officiated, particularly his daughter Olivia, who is part of the Northern NSW Football Referees Academy.
Flannery drove eight hours with Olivia from Uki to Newcastle earlier this year to ensure that Olivia was present at the essential training that was provided to the academy participants, which is just one example of the support he provides to his children through his role in football.
