Time to shine a light on SA’s footy heroes in National Volunteer Week

By SANFL Media

Do you know a local hero who has gone above and beyond for their community football club?

Well now is the time to put their name forward as SANFL puts the call out for nominations for the 2021 SANFL Statewide Super Volunteer of the Year Award.

Now in its fifth year, the SANFL Statewide Super Volunteer of the Year Award aims to highlight those individuals who have provided notable voluntary service to community football in South Australia.

Fittingly, the call out for nominations for this year’s award also coincides with this week’s National Volunteer Week.

SANFL Chief Executive Officer Darren Chandler said the award is ultimately a chance to recognise all the local legends who work tirelessly behind the scenes at a grassroots level to make our game great.

“From dealing with the ongoing impacts the COVID-19 on their local footy clubs, to spending countless hours manning the BBQ or lending a hand to renovate facilities, volunteers are the heartbeat of community football clubs right across the State,” he said.

“While this award is about celebrating those individuals who go above and beyond in service of their local community football club, it is also about recognising the thousands of volunteers who dedicate their time to our game each and every week.”

As has become tradition, this year’s winner will receive the David Shipway AM Medal and the title of Statewide Super Volunteer of the Year. The state’s top volunteer for 2021 will also have their name printed on the perpetual trophy along with past winners Millicent’s Craig Tunkin (2017), Crystal Brook’s Mick Fogarty (2018), Bridgewater/Callington’s Andrew Frazer (2019) and Blackwood’s Leonie Wilmshurt (2020).

The 2021 SANFL Statewide Super Volunteer of the Year will be presented in August, with eight shortlisted nominees each receiving the following prizes:

• An invitation to attend the awards ceremony at Adelaide Oval with an overnight stay at the Oval Hotel, including breakfast
• Financial planning session thanks to Statewide Super
• Recognition certificate of their nomination.

In addition to the above, the overall winner will receive:

• 1 night’s accommodation for two people at the Serafino Winery McLaren vale, including a 3-course dinner and breakfast. During the stay, the winner will be provided a brand-new luxury Kia vehicle to explore the famous wine region in style.
• 2 x Adelaide Oval Football Memberships, including reserved seats to all AFL Home games (excluding finals) in season 2022.
• Invitation and entry into the Toyota Good for Footy AFL National Volunteer Awards.

Statewide Super Chief Executive Tony D’Alessandro said football and sporting clubs are a vital part of the social fabric of local communities and cannot function without the contribution of dedicated volunteers.

“We’re proud to once again support this award, which recognises the exceptional local heroes who work so hard to make community football happen across South Australia,” Mr D’Alessandro said.

“Whether they be administrators, coaches, trainers, scoreboard attendants, timekeepers or work in the canteen or BBQ, now is the time to honour the unwavering loyalty of volunteers to your football club or league.”

If you know a deserving volunteer at either your SANFL or grassroots community club, or an administrator of a local league, nominate them now at www.sanfl.com.au/volunteer. Nominations close on July 13.