Northern NSW Football is thrilled to announce the recipients of its Local Champion Awards for June 2023.
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
Andy Myers
Andy has coached his Under-10s team at Garden Suburb Football Club through from Under-7s.
Over the past four years Andy has been inspirational, encouraging and inclusive to all abilities with his team. He encourages the boys to have fun, be their best and play fair and kindly. He puts a lot of time, patience and effort in and is a wonderful male role model for the team.
Player of the Month
Tori Yates
Tori plays for Weston JFC in the juniors and is a selfless player and amazing support for her teammates.
In a recent match, Tori saw a fellow teammate struggling with anxiety and saw that her team on the field needed a midfielder to help them out.
Tori has grown so much throughout the season and told her coach to put her on in midfield and that she would give it everything she had so that her teammate could stay off.
She jumped in to play her most hated position and played her heart out.
Referee of the Month
Rod Menzies
Rod is a valued member of the referee organisation, being a part of North Coast Football Referees and Football Far North Coast Referees. He is a friendly and reliable referee across both zones.
Rod like many referees is a former player who has now picked up the whistle after responding to the call out for more referees. He was a highly respected player and coach before taking up refereeing and has brought the same traits into being a match official. Rod is a person of the highest integrity and is a positive influence on others within the football community. He can deliver regardless of what role he has and when a tough decision is required.
Rod’s sound and impartial judgement is enhancing the ranks of local referees. NCF and FFNC are very fortunate to have a match official of his calibre on the books.
Volunteer of the Month
Daniel Kane
Daniel is Wingham FC’s coaching coordinator, making sure that all coaches have everything they need at all times.
He also marks the lines and mows the four fields when required as well as jump in the canteen or on the barbeque when needed. Daniel also helps with the boys Under-18s and Under-15s sides on Friday night and all-day Saturday.
Daniel does not stop in the off season, selling raffle tickets to keep money coming into the club.
He goes above and beyond for Wingham FC, helping the club be the best it can be. The club would be lost without him.
Team of the Month
Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley FC Under-11s Macaws
The Under-11s play for Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley FC Macaws in their first year together as a team. The amazing group of young boys have embraced the true spirit of the game, always listening, wanting to improve and play well as a team. The Macaws are inspired by wholesome leadership in coaches, mentors and parents, who are equally as enthusiastic about their boy’s journey this season. This team and its essence and inspiration is infectious in the best possible way.
Club of the Month
Lochinvar Rovers FC
Lochinvar Rovers FC has over 500 players from three to 59-years-old and is a great club to be a part of as a player, coach, manager, volunteer or spectator.
The club supports players, coaches and managers ensuring they are successful both on and off the field. Lochinvar Rovers has successfully completed each accreditation program that arises and promotes the game at all levels, specifically around the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.
The home hub for four to seven-year-olds provides a nurturing and fun environment for the young Rovers to play without the pressures or stress of playing different teams in different locations. The hub allows the players to play amongst their friends.
Coaches, game leaders and referees are given the opportunity to learn and develop through mentoring and financial support. The club has a strong Game Leader program, feeding more kids into refereeing each year.
Lochinvar Rovers has a welcoming atmosphere with lots of volunteers who help out around the grounds and jump in to assist where needed. The club has a large committee with each member looking after different areas of the club which helps to reduced the workload for other volunteers within the club.
Northern NSW Football Community Football Manager Ross Hicks congratulated the recipients and thanked them for their contribution to football in northern NSW.
“Without people like Daniel, Rod, Andy and Tori as well as clubs like Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley FC and Lochinvar Rovers 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 make 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 June. We wish them all the very best for the rest of the 2023 season.”
Monthly award winners are also nominated for the annual Local Champion Awards in October.
