With a number of football seasons now coming to an end and end of year wind ups taking place all over the state, it provides a great opportunity to recognise volunteers and the critical role they playing running local footy each week.

The Kalannie Bulldogs will still be celebrating their grand final win over last weekend and local farmer and WACFL executive member Ian Stanley was recognised by the Central Wheatbelt for his services to the League with Life Membership presentation.  

Stanley will be one of the main drivers in the formulation of the WACFL’s strategic plan to address the many challenges facing country football and lack of volunteers and better support systems will be two of the major issues on the table for the report due early in the 2017 season.

Last Friday, the Lower South West Football League recognised Boyup Brook farmer David Inglis as their League’s Volunteer of the Year at the Tyrepower Medal night in Manjimup.

David carried out a number of roles within both junior and senior football for the Roos throughout the year including playing, coaching, President, ground manager, umpiring and set up and closing the venue.

Additionally, David has been one of the main drivers of the ‘sheep and cattle work’ the club does to raise money to participate each season.  This work includes busy bees amongst the club undertaking crutching, drenching, shearing, feeding and fencing to raise money for the club.

“I was astounded to hear the number of roles David undertook this season to keep football happening and he is one of a number of unsung hero’s keeping football alive in the bush” said WACFL General Manager Joe Georgiades

Another of those unsung heroes was Ardath farmer John Foss who was presented with Life membership at their Millar medal night in the Eastern Districts. John had decades of experience as a volunteer for both the league and Bruce Rock FC and jobs have included Club delegate, League director and president, Umpires director, goal umpire, timekeeper and laundry man for 13 years at the Landmark Championships.

Landmark staff have a strong tradition of volunteering in their community and Jerramungup legend, Neil ‘Omo’ Foreman was presented with Ongerup FA life membership for a volunteer career spanning two decades in which he has umpired, coached, played, been secretary of the League and team manager of the Ongerup’s Landmark side. 

Three cheers to you Omo!