Well done to Craig Sampson on being a finalist for the Statewide Volunteer of the Year Award for 2020.
This is great recognition for his commitment to not only Central Eyre FC, but the MWFL and Eyre Peninsula Football in general.
Congratulations Craig, well deserved, enjoy the spoils and hopefully you can get to a few “packed out” games at Adelaide Oval in 2021.
Congratulations to the 2020 winner, LEONIE WILMSHURST from the Blackwood Football Club. The finalists are:
DAVID CASH – SOUTH GAWLER FOOTBALL CLUB
Representing the CENTRAL DISTRICTS ZONE
David is recognised with 9 years of service and is the current Head Trainer at the club
He is described as a “pillar of strength” and one of the “friendliest members” around the South Gawler Football Club with a passion towards promoting health and wellbeing through the playing ranks and the community. David has mentored new trainers to the club through his extensive knowledge of injury management and prevention. Furthermore, he has provided further support to the South Gawler Women’s football program, being a passionate advocate for the development of women in the game. The club sincerely thanks David for his commitment to the sustainability and longevity of the South Gawler club.
TREVOR STANBURY – WEST CROYDON FC
Representing the EAGLES ZONE
Trevor is recognised with over 45 years of voluntary service
His roles have included being a Treasurer, Committee member, match day official, and by providing all round general club support. The West Croydon Football club says Trevor “has made a measurable impact at the club and has devoted himself to a continued and selfless voluntary service”. Trevor is the first one to the club before a game and only leaves when official duties are complete and works tirelessly to ensure the club is always moving forward. He is the type who reaches out to those who aren’t as privileged as others, ensuring their involvement in the club is both fair and enjoyable. Furthermore, Trevor has driven activities to raise thousands of dollars for the club by way of raffles and various club events.
ANDREW SMEDLEY – BORDERTOWN FC
Representing the GLENELG ZONE
Recognised with 10+ Years of voluntary service
Andrew is the current Bordertown Football club secretary, yet he has held numerous important roles through the club prior to this. Andrew is described as a “tireless worker” often found in his office or at home dealing with correspondence and supporting the committee. He is also the Football Club’s COVID safety officer and deals with the ever changing protocols in relation to this, which has proven to be a challenging task this year. Andrew is also heavily involved in the maintenance of the grounds – whether this is fixing damaged infrastructure, grass mowing or even re-upholstering the bar stools. He is an RSA accredited barman and usually the one who gets to lock up after the bar closes on a Saturday night.
BOB POOLE – WEST WHYALLA FC
Representing the NORTH ADELAIDE ZONE
Bob is recognised for his service as 10 years as Chairman and countless years in voluntary roles
He is described as a “very hard working volunteer” and when COVID 19 hit, Bob was told that he wasn’t allowed to return to work due to his age. Those at the club say that he just “cannot sit still”- so from day one of the clubs Covid closure he has been there tackling various jobs. Many duties were performed in this time including the much needed TLC and repair to the venues cold room. Then there was painting, cupboard renno’s, wall scrubbing and cleaning of commercial exhausts – not forgetting the various plumbing jobs too. The amount of hours Bob has put into the club can never be repaid. As a result, the West Whyalla committee send a HUGE Thank you!
CRAIG SAMPSON – CENTRAL EYRE FC
Representing the NORWOOD ZONE
Recognised with 41 years of voluntary service across the football club, the Mid West Football League and the Western Football Zone
Craig is one of the most recognisable and popular identities amongst the Eyre Peninsula Football Community. This is reflected by having been awarded Life Memberships to the Central Eyre Football Club, Mid West Football League, Pt Adelaide Cup and Mortlock Shield. Starting as a trainer for the Central Eyre Football Club in 1996, he continues in this role today, and was also the head trainer from 2001-2014. Often the first point of call at all levels of football – from the Auskick at half time of the A Grade on a Saturday afternoon, through to the SA Country Championships – Craig exemplifies what community spirit is all about.
PAUL HOLDSWORTH – STRATHALBYN FC
Representing the SOUTH ADELAIDE ZONE
Paul is recognised with 23 years of voluntary service and is the Head Trainer of the Strathalbyn Roosters.
Paul has also given many years of service as a player at the club from 1976 -1991. Outside of club involvement, Paul has served for the Great Southern Football League and Southern Zone teams. As such, he is a life member of both the League and Club. The club says that “his long serving dedication, passion, expertise and reliability has afforded the Football Club access to a high level of care for injury prevention and management – undoubtedly leading to on field success. Additionally, Paul adds “significant value” to the culture of the football community by ensuring player welfare is always placed first and foremost. His application is always professional and displays the clubs core values.
LEONIE WILMSHURST – BLACKWOOD FC
Representing the STURT ZONE
Leonie is recognised with 20+ years of voluntary service
Her roles and duties have included being a Team Manager for the last eight years, a SANFL Juniors administrator, has managed many players permits, she constantly engages with club sponsors, has managed fundraising events and coordinates other volunteers match day rosters. The success of girls and women playing football at Blackwood can be attributed to Leonie. Championing a small team, Leonie sacrificed an Easter weekend (and countless other hours) to prepare the clubs submission for the “Grants Assist for Female Facilities Program”. This was in fact successful for raising $450,000 of federal and local funding. Furthermore, Leonie has built strong relationships with local council and members of parliament, often hosting them at club games to gain support and commitment to the new build at Blackwood FC. The football club has a real sense of community which can be contributed to the tireless efforts from Leonie.
MARK GOODMAN – GOODWOOD SAINTS FOOTBALL CLUB
Representing the WEST ADELAIDE ZONE
Recognised with 48 Years of voluntary service
Mark’s roles have included: Facilities Manager, Match Day set up / take down, BBQ, Management Committee, Cook, New Build Committee, Junior Football Director, Social Director, Sponsorship, Bar Manager, Canteen, Cleaner, Boundary Umpire. Mark first started volunteering at the club as a boundary umpire, back when he was 10 yrs old in 1972. His greatest impact was during his tenure as the club Junior Football Director and Facilities Manager. Mark is on the Goodwood Saints new build committee and has been instrumental in ensuring the new club room will be fit for purpose. Certainly, this is an exciting time for all people involved with the club.
The team at SANFL and Statewide Super love to celebrate our footy heroes, but they’re not always on the field. We want to acknowledge all of the local legends who make our game great – from behind the scenes.
There’s no doubting that 2020 has been one of the most challenging years for volunteers as they navigate their clubs and leagues through the Covid-19 shutdown period. Some also from bush fire affected areas around the state. Whether they be administrators, umpires, trainers, scoreboard attendants, timekeepers or work in the canteen or BBQ, volunteers show a tremendous amount of unwavering loyalty to their football club or league.
2020 PRIZES:
The top eight finalists will receive:
- Financial planning session thanks to Statewide Super
- 2 x Adelaide Oval Football Memberships, including reserved seats to all AFL Home games (excluding finals) in season 2021
- One-night accommodation at a luxury Adelaide CBD hotel, including breakfast on September 10, 2020
- Recognition certificate of your nomination
AND the winner, will further receive:
- The David Shipway AM Medal and title of the Statewide Super Volunteer of the Year
- Your name printed on the perpetual trophy
- 1 Nights’ accommodation for two people at the Serafino Winery McLaren vale, including a 3-course dinner and breakfast. During your stay, you will be provided a brand-new luxury Kia vehicle (2-day loan of vehicle from a Kia dealer) to explore the famous wine region in style.
NOMINATIONS FOR 2020 ARE CLOSED.