2024 Hostplus SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award opens at Gather Round

April 6, 2024

The SANFL has opened the annual Hostplus SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award as part of this weekend’s Gather Round.

The opening of nominations for the 2024 award was announced today at the Gather Round Footy Forum at the Adelaide Convention Centre, attended by around 300 footy volunteers and coaches from across the State.

As part of the Gather Round festivities, over 100 volunteers from local footy clubs across the State also have received free tickets to Gather Round double-header matches at Adelaide Oval.

This includes volunteers from PHOS Camden (Phantoms) Football Club which won 15 double passes to the AFL Gather Round double-header at Adelaide Oval today as acknowledgement for having the most volunteers registered to date this year across juniors and seniors.

The Hostplus SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award shines a light on the remarkable contribution of volunteers who go above and beyond for their local football club or league.

SANFL Executive General Manager Football Matt Duldig said the Gather Round Footy Forum was an ideal opportunity to put a call out to the SA football community to acknowledge an admired member of their club or league and nominate them for the Award.

“Gather Round is really a celebration of all of footy in our State, so what better time to open the Hostplus SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award than before 300 members of our grassroots football community,” Duldig said.

“Thanks to the tremendous support of Hostplus, the award is a great recognition of all the local legends behind the scenes who help make our game a love of so many South Australians.”

“From administrators, umpires, coaches, trainers and Auskick co-ordinators, to fundraisers, scoreboard attendants, timekeepers and those running the weekly canteen or barbecue, volunteers are the lifeblood of our clubs and this is an opportunity to honour them.”

Hostplus Chief Executive Officer David Elia said Hostplus was proud to support the award and recognise the important work of local volunteers.

“On behalf of Hostplus, I extend my gratitude to all the volunteers whose efforts ensure local football clubs and leagues across South Australia can continue to thrive,” Mr Elia said.

“Your work directly contributes to the enjoyment and sense of community that players, officials, and spectators experience when they turn up on gameday and the Hostplus SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award is important recognition of this.”

The 2024 Hostplus SANFL Volunteer of the Year will be presented at the SANFL Community Volunteers Awards Dinner at Adelaide Oval in November.

In addition to being awarded the David Shipway AM Medal and a perpetual trophy, the award winner will receive the following prizes:

• A night’s accommodation at The Oval Hotel, including breakfast, following the Awards Dinner
• A one-night stay for two people at Serafino Winery, McLaren Vale, including a three-course dinner and breakfast. The winner also will be provided with the use of a brand-new luxury Kia vehicle to explore the famous wine region in style during their stay
• Two x Ultimate Football Memberships, including reserved seats to all AFL home games at Adelaide Oval (excluding finals) in season 2024, valued at approximately $1,600
• A $200 e-gift voucher (prepaid Mastercard), courtesy of the AFL

The 2024 Hostplus SANFL Volunteer of the Year Award also will be nominated as the SA entry for the national AFL Volunteer of the Year Award.

To nominate a volunteer from a SANFL Club, community club or local league, scan the QR codes displayed at Gather Round events and venues this weekend or click on the link below.