Northern NSW Football congratulates Northern Inland Football’s Newcastle Permanent Community Recognition Award winners for July.
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 Recognition 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, Northern Inland 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, Northern Inland Football and Newcastle Permanent congratulate all the recipients for July.
Volunteer of the Month
Mitchell O’Keefe – Oxley Vale Attunga FC
As club president, Mitchell goes above and beyond for Oxley Vale Attunga FC. He is always there to help committee and club members when needed, helping organise the teams and coaching kits at the beginning of the season, assisting with sponsor raffles alongside committee members, running monthly committee meetings and assisting with the organisation of special events, including fundraising days.
He gracefully handles disputes within the club when needed, all while working full-time and still finding time to spend with his two young children. He is an advocate for fairness and everyone having a go in all ages and grades, encouraging the growth of women’s football by supporting the growth of our women’s teams in all ages.
Mitchell is also the striker in the club’s first grade team, training twice a week and turning up every weekend and giving everything to the team. He is respected among the players of all teams as well as the referees and he even chooses to help with the refereeing on a Friday night as there is a shortage of referees in the region.
Finally, on Saturday mornings he coaches an under-6s team, whom he also trains every Thursday afternoon. The passion he has for the club and the love he has for the game of football, he gives everything he can to the club and to the sport.
Referee of the Month
Joshua Attard
One of the region’s youngest up and coming match officials, Josh is continually working to improve his game. A regular on Northern Inland Premier Division fixtures, Josh also travels to Newcastle each fortnight to officiate on HIT106.9 Northern League One and National Premier League NNSW fixtures, showing his commitment and love for the game.
Josh mentors and provides assistance to first year and junior match officials. Josh is a great role model for young match officials to follow and learn from.
Coach of the Month
Daniel Murphy – Moore Creek FC
Daniel gives up so much of his time to coach the club’s under-11s and under-16s teams.
He is well respected by the young kids and also gives up his time to help manage the senior teams on Saturday afternoons.
Daniel is a well-respected member of the club.
