With over 2,500 volunteers dedicating their time and effort to their respective clubs each weekend, WRFL Reporter Shannon Brien caught up with a few of the volunteers who help make our league so enjoyable to be involved in.
LISA KELLY-North Footscray FC
What is your role at the club?
Officially I am the Under 11s team manager, but I help out wherever its needed with two other amazing helpers in Teena Brown and Sarah Lewis.
How long have you been volunteering for?
I’m in my fourth year this season and loving it.
Why do you volunteer your time at the club?
I think it’s a great club. My son currently plays for the under 11s and my husband runs water for the seniors and I also help out at the canteen and cook close to 100 meals for the seniors and juniors with Teena and Sarah where I can.
How many hours a week do you volunteer for at the club?
Sometimes up to 15 hours a week
What’s the best thing about being involved in the club?
The people here are just great, it’s a really good place to be.
CARMEL COOPER-Yarraville Seddon Eagles FC
What is your role at the club?
As a member of the executive committee, I help to supervise and run the canteen on senior game days. I also coordinate Thursday night meals.
How long have you been volunteering for?
I’ve been volunteering my time for about 12 years, since my sons were in juniors. Now aged 19 and 24, neither of them play at the club anymore but as a family we still support and help out when we can.
Why do you volunteer your time at the club?
Started as helping out because my kids played there but now I have a connection to the club and want to offer as much as I can. I have enjoyed many roles within the club throughout the years.
How many hours a week do you volunteer for at the club?
Around 12 hours a week, it’s hard because I work more than 10 hours a day.
What’s the best thing about being involved in the club?
It’s the social connection, seeing the club move forward. Watching both the club and players who come through the ranks grow and change. Mostly seeing the club grow successful and watching knowledge be passed along.
LUKE FITZGERALD-Spotswood FC
What is your role at the club?
This year I am the runner for the senior’s squad
How long have you been volunteering for?
I have been at the club for a number of years, but this is my first year as a runner and I’m loving it!
Why do you volunteer your time at the club?
I’ve played football for most of my life, even playing in the Ressies last year, but due to work commitments as an apprentice carpenter, I decided rather than give it away altogether, I’d still like to be part of the club and join up as a runner.
What’s the best thing about being involved in the club?
Football is more than just kicking a ball around on a field. It’s about working together as a team and bonding with your mates and I love the fact that whilst I can no longer play, I can still get amongst the boys and help contribute to the club which I love being part of.
Last Modified on 16/05/2014 09:11