WA Football

THE West Australian football community will recognise some of the game’s most valuable assets following the start of National Volunteer Week today (Monday, May 13).

Amy Potter from Armadale Auskick Centre was announced as the winner of the WA Child Safety Volunteer Award at the inaugural Constable Care WA Child Safety Awards at Burswood Grand Ballroomon on July 28.

Over 400 guests attended the gala function including dignitaries His Excellency Malcom McCusker QC (Governor of Western Australia), The Honourable Chief Justice of Western Australia Wayne Martin QC and Police Commissioner Dr Karl O’Callaghan.

The evening celebrated the people and organisations that have contributed to child safety in Western Australia in 2012.

Highlighting the outstanding work that is done by so many of our NAB AFL Auskick volunteers, Amy Potter (Armadale Auskick Centre) was announced as the winner of the coveted Western Australian Child Safety Volunteer Award.

The Sunday Times WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award has reached a record 1369 nominations from around the State.

The number of volunteers nominated for recognition in 2012 is a big increase on the 850 nominations received in 2011 and 500 the previous year.

The 1000th nominee was Haydn Quick from Rostrata Junior Football Club in the East Fremantle District, who was put forward after nine years of service as a club committee member, coach, runner, timkeeper and umpire.

Descirbed as "a great club person who always gets in and helps", Haydn is now in the running for the District Finals and overall Sunday Times WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award.

WEST Perth District Volunteer Darryl Sanders was recognised for more than 15 years of dedicated service when he was named the 2011 WA Football Volunteer of the Year at the WAFL’s Sandover Medal count (Monday, September 19).

Mr Sanders was announced as the overall winner from 17 regional and district finalists and more than 850 nominees. He received a trip for two to the AFL grand final and will also march in the Grand Final parade and attend a Grand Final breakfast function.

Mr Sanders was nominated for the award by West Perth District Manager Andrew Ridley, who said his love of the game had stood the test of time, seeing him continue his involvement with football long after his son had finished playing Auskick.

Maureen Gathercole’s 30 years of dedicated service to the East Fremantle Football Club was recognised when she was presented the 2010 RAC Football Volunteer of the Year Award at the Sandover Medal, held on September 13.

Ms Gathercole was one of 17 finalists selected from over 500 nominees. She was thrilled to receive the award from West Coast Eagles coach John Worsfold and RAC representative Scott Marsh, who congratulated her on outstanding service to football.

Ms Gathercole, a former primary school teacher, hopes more young people will volunteer their time and effort to grassroots football.