Northern NSW Football was delighted to announce the annual winners of its 2024 Local Champion Awards on Friday night.
The NNSWF Local Champion Awards are a monthly recognition of individuals and teams who make a difference across the football family as we thank them for their commitment to their club, team, community and football.
The annual award winners were chosen from recipients of the monthly awards across each of the six categories, with winners recognised in front of more than 500 people at NNSWF’s van Egmond Jennings Awards night at Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre on Friday night.
Coach of the Month
Tim Ward
Tim’s role as Garden Suburbs FC All-Age C grade coach transcends much further than coaching.
The Coach of the Month for August described the close bond he shared with the team as being more like a family. The team always get together for team bonding activities outside training and games.
“What makes the team so special is how close we are. We don’t just get together for games, we go and watch the Matildas and Newcastle Jets, have dinner or go bowling,” Ward said.
“We feel more like a family than a team.”
Tim had massive success with his team in 2024, after they were crowned premiers and champions of the All-Age C grade competition.
A main motivation that drives Tim as a coach is to grow the women’s game.
“For a long time, all TV advertisements were for men’s sport and I always felt upset that the women’s game was so underrepresented,” Ward said.
“I wanted to make the women’s game better.
“It is less about accolades for me and more about improving the game for women.”
Tim is a dedicated coach, showing up for the team despite facing incredibly tough hardships in his personal life, losing his teenage son to brain cancer in July.
He is a champion in the eyes of his team, who describe him as an inspiring, selfless and resilient coach. But Tim said that this season in particular had been extra rewarding for him.
“It has been a very rough year for me personally but, despite everything, they have been there for me like I have for them,” Ward said.
“Watching a player and their skills grow, seeing them putting what you have taught them into practice on the field is satisfying.
“Big thank you to Northern NSW Football and Garden Suburbs for allowing me to coach such a great group of women.”
Referee of the Month
Andrew Goulstone – NCF
Andrew has been an outstanding asset to North Coast Football since he became a green shirt first-year referee in 2023.
The Referee of the Month for April has grown into one of the zone’s more senior referees in a short period of time and is always willing to learn from other senior referees.
In 2024, Andrew travelled from Coffs Harbour to Tuncurry to officiate the Vikings Challenge, as well as referee the Nambucca Cup and Premier Youth League fixtures in the area.
He committed himself throughout the entire NCF season, officiating the Premier League and finals series.
Fellow referees have described Andrew as easy to work with, able to absorb advice given, an ability to read the game well, having effectively player management and an all-round good person.
Team of the Month
Inverell FC
Inverell FC Women’s team are an up-and-coming side that have shown excellent skill in the Armidale Women’s Premier League.
The Team of the Month for May show great respect for their fellow players, opponents and match officials each week.
The team won the Jan Johnson Cup which saw teams from across the region go head-to-head.
Inverell FC also made it to the finals in their first season, finishing as runners-up in the grand final.
Off the field, the team actively participates in fundraising opportunities and furthering their football skills, becoming role models for the next generation of female footballers.
Club of the Month
Gloucester SC
Gloucester SC was established 48 years ago and is a football club that fosters young talent and promotes inclusivity.
The Club of the Month for August prides itself on making registration affordable for all, assisting those experiencing financial difficulties to make sure they do not miss out.
In this year’s Football Mid North Coast competition, Gloucester SC had teams make the finals.
The club host an internal winter competition, which provides participants who do not wish to or cannot travel out of town a place to play locally.
Gloucester SC also runs Summer Football, Gloucester Masters and recently began a winter ladies futsal program to promote more football opportunities for women within the community.
They have a proactive committee that fosters a can-do attitude, working to ensure the club thrives.
Gloucester SC stands as a symbol of community spirit, inclusivity and sporting excellence.
Volunteer of the Month
Jillian McTaggart
Jillian is a vital member of the South Cardiff Community FC committee and holds the role of Member Protection Information Officer.
The Volunteer of the Month for June, Jillian’s role extends beyond what is expected of her, going above and beyond to coordinate team kits, referees and game leaders.
She is consistently seen with an infectious smile on her face as she organises players, parents, game leaders and volunteers.
Jillian tirelessly prioritises the well-being of players at South Cardiff Community FC, ensuring they feel supported, confident and well cared for through her mentorship.
She is an individual who works diligently to create a nurturing environment for the kids, organising end-of-season gifts and presentation ceremonies for all the players.
Parents say they would be lost without everything that Jillian does for the community.
She has shown unwavering commitment to the club, exemplifying dedication and selflessness.
Player of the Month
Fiona Scanlon
Fiona is a proud life member of Cessnock City Hornets FC and is the only female player to have played more than 300 matches in the yellow and black.
The Player of the Month for April, Fiona has also managed her team for more than14 years and is incredibly passionate about her side and the club.
In 2023, her team nearly folded due to losing players but it did not stop Fiona from getting out in the community and putting together a new team.
Fiona is a dedicated club person, a fantastic teammate, a friend to all and the thread that holds her team together.
Northern NSW Football General Manager Member Services Ross Hicks congratulated the recipients and thanked them for their contribution to football in northern NSW.
“Without people like Tim, Andrew, Jillian and Fiona as well as clubs like Gloucester SC and teams like Inverell FC we wouldn’t have a game. They make football what it is in our region,” Hicks said.
“It is their commitment to their clubs, teams and football community that makes the game and improves the experience of playing football for the people around them.
“We thank them for their contribution and congratulate them on being named the NNSWF Local Champion Awards annual winners for 2024. We wish them all the very best for the 2025 season and beyond.”
