Volunteers like Tuncurry Forster FC’s Kristy Ragno are the beating heart of football clubs across northern NSW.
Ragno is Tuncurry Forster’s president and canteen manager and has been involved with the Mid Coast club for more than 30 years.
“My brother started playing for the club in the under-10s. I have been involved on and off since then,” Ragno said,
“I ended up meeting my now husband through the club whose father actually founded the club in 1973. It is all still in the family. My kids have all played at the club and my husband has played there for over 40 years.
“I also manage the canteen and am always looking at staying on the healthy side and how we can keep prices lower so that people can afford it.”
Ragno has never played herself despite being around football for most of her life, preferring her role on the sidelines.
“I have never played full field football. I have always been happy to be supporting on the sidelines and watching the kids play,” Ragno said.
The club has grown on and off the field during Ragno’s tenure as a club volunteer and she said she looked forward to another exciting season in 2025.
“I am most proud of how much the club has grown. When I first joined the club, we didn’t have lights or canteen facilities. Seeing the club flourish into what it is now and be a part of that journey has been so special,” Ragno said.
“We have built a really good and positive relationship with Northern NSW Football. I think that has helped us to push our club going forward and promote football in a wider community.
“This year is going to be one of our biggest yet. We filled every role on the committee as well as adding new ones after nearly having to fold the club last year due to poor committee numbers.
“We are trying to really focus this year on being an inclusive club. Over time that has fallen away a bit.
“It means a lot to be able to show my father-in-law what the club is now and that the family has continued running the club. It is very special.”
Ragno said the best part was making a positive impact on the local community.
“It is really good and rewarding. You find time for it. It is rewarding to see how many kids are involved. I love seeing kids run around with a smile on their face,” Ragno said.
“I just love being involved in the community and giving back. It is such a good thing when you hear people out and about saying what a good club we are and it means a lot to have played a part in that.
“[If you’re thinking about volunteering] just jump in and do it. You can do as little or as much as you like. Someone’s half an hour can make a big difference [to a club].
“It is the little things that make a massive difference. If people can give a little bit of their time it makes an impact.
“I encourage the younger generation to get involved and volunteer for their local club as they are the future of community football.”
Registrations for the 2025 season are now open. Find out more and register to be a volunteer HERE.
