The WA Football Volunteer of the Year is one of the most prestigious awards on the WA Football calendar. 

Volunteers are the lifeblood of football in WA and in line with National Volunteer Week, nominations for the 2022 awards program are now open.  

The Award has its origins in Western Australia and has now been adopted nationally with nearly 1350 nominations state-wide last year.  

The importance of volunteers cannot be underestimated across society, bringing us together as a community, along with assisting businesses and organisations. 

The WA Football Volunteer of the Year Awards cover the following categories in conjunction with the AFL:  

• Community football volunteer of the year 

• Disability inclusion volunteer of the year 

• Diversity ambassador of the year 

• Go for 2&5 Junior coach of the year 

• Senior coach of the year 

• NAB AFL Auskick volunteer of the year 

• AFL school ambassador of the year (Primary & Secondary awards) 

• Community umpiring service  

 
Troy Kirkham, Executive Manager Junior, Youth and Community Football at the West Australian Football Commission, is in awe of the role these West Australians play.  

“There are over 45,000 volunteers that support community football clubs right across WA week in and week out. 

Participation from Auskick to Masters football simply wouldn’t happen without the ongoing work of volunteers. 

Kirkham has applauded the dedication of those who give up their valuable time. 

“Football volunteers are integral to the game, whether it’s the Club President, the Team Manager, or parents putting on the BBQ. Volunteer roles can be as simple as helping set up the oval, pumping up footballs or providing support in the canteen,” Kirkham said. 

One of the awards is the Rio Tinto Volunteer of the Year Award. General Manager Communities and Social Performance, Rio Tinto Iron Ore, Ainslie Bourne said, “Rio Tinto is proud to sponsor this award which recognises outstanding volunteers who selflessly give their time to ensure that sport and other activities are run successfully and enjoyed by all. Not only do volunteers keep local sport and recreation clubs operating, but they also bring people together to help build stronger and healthier communities.”? 

The Rio Tinto WA Football Volunteer of the Year, supported by The Sunday Times, taps into how communities and sport work together.

There will be one finalist per category from each District and Region, with one nomination from each District and Region recognised at the Sandover Medal. 

The Volunteer of the Year will receive $5,000. 

A WA winner from each category will also be submitted to the AFL National Volunteer Awards to become eligible for the overall National awards hosted by the AFL. 

KEY DATES  

Date Action 
16 May Nominations open  

5-Aug Nominations close  

WA Volunteers can be nominated by clicking here. 

Photo: Shazza J Photography