Northern NSW Football is thrilled to announce the recipients of its Local Champion Awards for August 2024.
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.
Coach of the Month
Tim Ward
Tim’s role as Garden Suburbs All-Age C grade coach transcends much further than coaching.
He describes the close bond he shares with the team to be more like a family, who 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 has had massive success with his team in 2024, as they are on their way to the grand final after defeating Dudley Redhead Senior Football Club on penalties in the semi-final.
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
Hayden Banning
Hayden is a young up-and-coming match official at Hunter Valley Football.
Though he is new to the role, Hayden makes excellent calls and allows play to continue despite high pressure moments.
He remains calm and composed even when facing questioning by coaches and managers on his decisions.
Hayden’s resilience is a testament to his potential and dedication as a match official.
Team of the Month
Valentine FC Under-8s
Valentine FC’s under-8s team is compiled of participants who have become like family.
Since the start of the season in March, the team has picked up momentum through training and have progressed hugely in their skill level.
Despite numerous washed-out training sessions and cancelled games, the team always keep their heads up and have had a positive attitude.
The team works hard for every opportunity and strive to challenge themselves whenever they can.
Valentine FC under-8s are respectful, caring and are a pleasure to watch on the field.
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 prides itself on making registration affordable for all, assisting those experiencing financial difficulties to make sure they do not miss out.
In the Football Mid North Coast 2024 competition, Gloucester SC has had three undefeated teams so far this season.
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.
The club also runs Summer Football each year and a Winter Ladies Futsal program.
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
Angus Seberry
Angus has been a valuable member of Kotara South Junior FC and committee for several years.
He has been the go-to person for a range of operational matters and has taken on multiple club roles.
Angus acts as coordinator for many of the club’s teams, organiser of the MiniRoos Game Leaders, volunteering in the canteen and BBQ, as well as setting up and packing down game equipment.
No job is too big or too small for him and he always has a smile on his face.
Angus has made a wide range of contributions to the club and goes above and beyond to make sure the community has an enjoyable game experience.
Described as an unsung hero, members of the club have stated that Kotara South Junior FC could not run without Angus.
Player of the Month
Zaydie Zubani
Zaydie is a hardworking and dedicated player in the Snappers Under-11s at Alstonville FC.
She began playing at the age of five and shows inspiring levels of resilience, always giving her best and not shying away from challenges.
Zaydie’s passion for football is seen when she plays, giving every game her all.
She never misses a game or training session, always displaying a strong will to improve her skills.
Zaydie always makes sure that her teammates are having as much fun playing as she is.
Her hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, with her love of football clear to all.
Northern NSW Football General Manager Member Services Ross Hicks congratulated the recipients and thanked them for their contributions to football in northern NSW.
“Without people like Tim, Zaydie, Angus, and Hayden as well as clubs like Gloucester SC and teams like Valentine FC under-8s we wouldn’t have a game. They make football what it is in our region,” Hicks said.
“It is the recipients’ commitment to their clubs, teams and community football 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 NNSWF Local Champion Awards winners for August. We wish them all the very best for the rest of the 2024 season.”
Monthly award winners are also nominated for the annual Local Champion Awards in October.
