Northern NSW Football congratulates Macquarie Football’s Newcastle Permanent Community Award winners for May.
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, Macquarie 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, Macquarie Football and Newcastle Permanent congratulate all the recipients for October.
Club of the Month
Dudley Redhead United Senior FC
Dudley Redhead United Senior FC is a small but community-focused club.
The club operates with basic facilities, including a single pitch at Lydon Oval, with just over 200 players for the 2021 season.
Despite the club’s size, Dudley Redhead are champions of female football and the continued engagement of women in the sport.
Dudley Redhead has introduced its third all age women’s football team this season, with the club now fielding All Age Women’s teams in B, E and H grade.
The newest team, H grade, has provided a pathway for a number of women to transition from Northern NSW Football’s Kick-On for Women program into club football, offering women the chance to play more football.
The club’s culture of female engagement is supported by strong leadership from the committee and coaches.
Dudley Redhead create opportunities and give back to the community. Already this season the club has hosted the Charlie Carr Cup in support of Charlie’s Run 4 Kids and joined Charlestown Azzurri FC for a fundraiser towards Move Mountains for Ash.
A further football focused fundraiser is planned for late June to help a different cancer support group.
The club continues to grow in numbers. On the field, their Zone Premier League men’s team competed in round five of the FFA Cup this week where they were narrowly defeated by NPL club Weston.
Volunteer of the Month
Ben Walsh – Edgeworth Junior Soccer Club
Ben spends every Saturday down at the club from 6.30am to help set up the grounds, not returning home until after 3pm when everything is packed up.
He organises and runs the club’s MiniRoos program including organising the referees and chasing people to sign their team sheets, only leaving to coach his under-9s team.
Referee of the Month
Sam Donald
Sam is an up-and-coming referee who has shown great leadership for someone of such a young age.
He sets a great example to other young referees and his efforts on the park deserve recognition.
Macquarie Football representatives thanked Sam and said they felt he was set up to have a great season.
Coach of the Month
Conrad Swindail – Morisset United FC
Conrad, 17, has dedicated his time to coaching Morisset United’s under-10/1s team since they were an under-7s side.
Conrad decided to coach rather than play this year due to his own school and work commitments, dedicating his time to his young team.
Conrad is regarded as a promising young coach, well respected by his players and able to listen to advice. Training sessions are always well organised and provides written feedback following matches.
He also focuses on teamwork and sportsmanship, teaching the children more than just football, and is regarded as a true asset by the club as well as the team.
