Northern NSW Football is thrilled to announce the recipients of its Local Champion Awards for July 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.
Team of the Month
New Lambton Junior Arnetts FC
Arnetts FC is an all-abilities team associated with New Lambton FC Juniors.
The team encompasses a diverse range of abilities, who face many challenges off the field.
Emma Martyn, who is in her third year running the All-Abilities Program at Lambton FC, and said the program gives children from different abilities a supportive environment to be involved in football.
“Lots of families find community sport not welcoming of those with disabilities. The competitive nature doesn’t suit everyone” Martyn said.
“The program is disabilities specific for school-aged students regardless of gender. It isn’t competitive. It’s about everyone having a go and being encouraged to do their personal best.
“Skill development is important too, that comes along in time and isn’t ignored, rather encouraged.”
Excellent teamwork, great skills and genuine joy are seen whenever Arnetts FC plays.
The team are encouraging and supportive of one another, making them a delight to watch on the field.
“Having a child with a disability can feel quite isolating, so the children, parents and families of Arnetts FC get to be part of a positive and welcoming community as well” Martyn said.
“The team is run by volunteer parents and coaches. New Lambton FC also go out of their way to help.”
The positive culture they have curated makes each player's contribution greatly valued.
Arnetts FC have the capacity to grow, with registration information available on their Facebook page.
Coach of the Month
Stephanie Foreman
Stephanie is a dedicated coach of the women’s team at Shores United Soccer Club.
Beginning her football journey as a Shores United Junior, she was forced into early retirement after 2 knee injuries and threw herself into coaching.
Stephanie created the first ever Shores United Women’s team in 2019 and has been coaching the team ever since.
Stephanie also balances being the club’s treasurer and running the canteen every game weekend as well as studying and working full time on top of her coaching, but always gives everything she has to her team.
Despite her humility, she has made an overwhelming impact and has become a great role model for junior players.
Stephanie has become a solid foundation for the club and deserves recognition for all the hard work she does.
Player of the Month
Skye McDonald
Skye is a dedicated player in the under-13s-competition at Rutherford FC.
She has also consistently played in the all-age women’s team when they are short on players, allowing her to advance her skillset.
Skye’s skills, positional awareness and reading plays have improved vastly, helping her confidence flourish.
No matter the outcome of the game, she can be seen with a grin on her face, making her a joy to watch on the field.
Beyond the field, Skye is also friendly and generous, helping in the canteen on her own accord.
Players like Skye deserve to be recognised for their outstanding attitude and skill in the game.
Referee of the Month
Bob Jex
Bob is a dedicated and committed match official within the Northern Inland region.
Every Saturday, he is seen arriving early to open the facilities, setting up the corner flags, handing out team sheets to coaches and organising other referees.
After Bob finishes officiating three to four matches, he then locks up the facilities, offers advice to other referees and tidies up the fields.
He has shown a level of commitment that deserves to be recognised and is long overdue.
Bob goes above and beyond his expected duties, his dedication to ensure that football goes smoothly in Armidale is truly one of a kind.
Volunteer of the Month
Sarah Mander
Sarah is a player and the canteen manager at Nambucca Strikers FC and supports the club in every way possible.
She is often seen opening the canteen at 7am every game day, supporting other volunteers and running the BBQ.
Sarah will also act as the club's Duty Officer when required, all before she takes part in her team.
She leads her team by example, promoting enjoyment and participation for all players in the club.
Sarah does not get the recognition she deserves, acting as a role model to others in the club.
She seeks no accolades or thanks, doing it all for the love of the club and fellow players.
Club of the Month
Edgeworth Junior SC
Edgeworth FC is a club that has grown rapidly over the last five years.
The growth is a testament to the committees’ hard work and drive to deliver an excellent football experience for all.
The club has worked hard to obtain grants to improve the clubs’ facilities and disability access to accommodate for their growing numbers.
Edgeworth FC have focused their purpose on inspiring all members to achieve their goals, offering clear pathways from community to premier football.
They have also worked hard at providing opportunities for players to be a part of Newcastle Jets game days and football clinics.
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 Steph Foreman, Skye McDonald, Bob Jex and Sarah Mander as well as clubs like Edgeworth Junior FC and teams like Arnetts FC we wouldn’t have a game. They make football what it is in our region,” Hicks said.
“It is the recipient's 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 July. 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.
