Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) congratulates this month’s Newcastle Permanent Community Award Monthly Winners in Football Far North Coast for July.
The awards recognise the hard work and significant time volunteers, coaches and match officials contribute to Australia’s largest team sport.
NNSWF Senior Officer Community Football Ross Hicks said the Newcastle Permanent Community Awards provide 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,” Hicks 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 was 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 Lismore Branch Manager Sarah Lane congratulates each of the winners and thanks them for their contribution to the game.
“Newcastle Permanent’s Community Football Awards provide opportunities to recognise volunteers who generously give back to their clubs and communities. It is great to see a local representative being recognised for their ongoing commitment”, Lane said.
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 at NNSWF’s Annual Awards Night in October.
Northern NSW Football, Football Far North Coast and Newcastle Permanent congratulate all the recipients for July.
REFEREE OF THE MONTH
Arky Ryall
Football Far North Coast
Arky began refereeing last year and despite her seemingly limited experience as a match official, she has very quickly proven herself as an up-and-coming talent. In just her first season, Arky proved herself to be capable as an Assistant Referee on higher grade senior fixtures and at the end of the season her ability meant that she was appointed as an Assistant Referee on the FFNC Women’s Premier Division Grand Final. Now 17, Arky has impressed many with the professionalism and positive attitude she dedicates to the role. Arky is hopeful to be available to attend the upcoming Northern NSW Football Match Officials TOP Camp in Coffs Harbour, which will provide her with an opportunity to progress further as a referee. Arky is a great role model for other younger match officials to look up to and is a worthy recipient of the referee of the month.
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
Cameron Taylor-Brown
Woodburn Wolves FC, Football Far North Coast
Cameron Taylor-Brown has been involved with Woodburn Wolves FC for 6 years and is the current club secretary in addition to roles including gear steward, senior register, and field maintenance. Taylor-Brown has also coached a senior women’s team for three seasons, despite his significant work commitments that require him to travel away from home daily. Cameron’s parents instilled a strong work ethic into this hard-working volunteer by often saying that “many hands make light work”. Taylor-Brown believes that any amount of assistance by a volunteer will help the broader cause for a sporting club and he has a passion for supporting the Wolves that he describes as being a close knit family orientated community. We applaud the positive contribution that Cameron makes to his club and also to working constructively with Football Far North Coast.
COACH OF THE MONTH
Mary-Ann Bugeja
Casino RSM Cobras FC, Football Far North Coast
Mary-Ann Bugeja moved to Casino as a 9 year old in 1989 and began to play soccer the next year. She first coached a junior team as a 13 year old where she devoted her time to look after a team of 6 year old players. Bugeja has since coached many senior and junior teams and has also played almost every year since 1989. She is currently coach of the Casino RSM Cobras FC Women’s Division 4, Division 5 teams and assists with the Women’s Premier Division team. Like so many staunch club volunteers, Bugeja is a one club person and is deeply committed to the Cobras. In addition to her contribution as a player and coach, Bugeja is also the club’s senior and junior registrar. Her selection as the Newcastle Permanent Building Society Community Coach of the Month in this region is a fitting recognition for a generous individual. “I simply love the game and I plan to play for as long as my body allows me to” says Bugeja. “When I can no longer play, I will coach as it is very satisfying seeing players develop their skills” Bugeja concludes.
