Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) congratulates this month’s Newcastle Permanent Community Award Monthly Winners in North Coast Football for July.
The awards recognise the hard work and significant time volunteers, coaches and match officials contribute to Australia’s largest team sport.
NNSWF Senior Officer Community Football Ross Hicks said the Newcastle Permanent Community Awards provide 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,” Hicks 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 was 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 Coffs Harbour Branch Manager Erica Farag congratulates each of the winners and thanks them for their contribution to the game.
“Newcastle Permanent’s Community Football Awards provide opportunities to recognise volunteers who generously give back to their clubs and communities. It is great to see a local representative being recognised for their ongoing commitment”, Farag said.
From the pool of monthly winners, North Coast 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 at NNSWF’s Annual Awards Night in October.
Northern NSW Football, North Coast Football and Newcastle Permanent congratulate all the recipients for July.
REFEREE OF THE MONTH
Elijah Thorn
North Coast Football
Elijah Thorn, 16, from Urunga, has been refereeing for 3 years and has progressed admirably over this period. He centres junior matches up to 14 Years and is competent in AR ing up to Premier League Men’s games. Elijah also currently officiates at NPL level. He has impressed senior referees with his dedication and commitment, especially this season, and Elijah is now aiming to progress to becoming a Level 3 Referee in the near future.
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
Ben McKay
Coffs City United, North Coast Football
Ben coaches an under 10’s side. His enthusiasm to create a team environment amongst the players and parents has been well received. As a coach he is very supportive and responsible with the players ensuring that they enjoy their football in a fun and safe learning environment. He is a fantastic club member who dedicates his time to helping club players when they are starting out to give them the skills to progress into the future.
COACH OF THE MONTH
Cressida Usher
Nambucca Strikers, North Coast Football
Cressida is passionate about making football accessible to everyone and in particular, to grow women’s football in Nambucca Heads. Cressida has been instrumental in the return of a girls team into junior competitive football for the Nambucca Strikers FC. She also is involved with coaching the O/30’s women’s team and through her encouragement, many new players have been attracted to the game.