About Bill Turner

Bill Turner was involved in school football for more than 30 years and was synonymous with the development of football at the school and elite player levels. In the late 1960's, Bill had a vision to develop schoolboys football. To facilitate this development he started organising trials at the local, regional and state level. 

He also saw the need to develop football at the national level and was a founding member of the national schools football organisation that continues today as the School Sport Australia football program. 

Bill and his committee not only organised national championships but commenced the international touring program that also continues today. 

Bill was instrumental in starting the Northern New South Wales Schools Soccer association that not only competed at the national schools football championships but were victorious on a number of occasions. Many members of this team went on to represent Newcastle United in the fledgling National Soccer League competition and also Australia. 

Bill's vision not only included school football but also junior football. The development programs Bill commenced were the forerunner of the elite programs conducted at the regional academies of sport. Bill was one of the founders of the Tasman Cup which continued on as the Commonwealth Bank Cup knockout competition. 

But Bill will always be remembered for his contribution to football in the competition that bears his name: the Bill Turner Cup.

About the Award

The Bill Turner Memorial Award is a prestigious honour, given to someone who has made an outstanding, long-term contribution to the game in northern NSW. 

Nominations for this award may be submitted by any individual but must be seconded by a NNSWF Member (Member Zone Chair/President or Standing Committee Chair) or a NNSWF Director to be considered by the NNSWF Board for endorsement. 

Nominations must be completed via the nomination link below. 

Nominations should address the award criteria and be supported by a one-page statement as to why the individual is being nominated.

Nomination Criteria

To be eligible to receive the award a nominee shall:

• be a current registered playing or non-playing participant or recognised stakeholder who has contributed significantly to the game within Northern NSW Football. 
• have given not less than 10 years outstanding service to football in northern NSW.
• have been creative and demonstrated a vision and commitment to the growth, development and promotion of the game in northern NSW.

Nominations for 2026 closed at 5pm, Wednesday 14 October.

Download the nomination form here

Past recipients