August Volunteer and Coach of the Month Awards

AUGUST Australian Venue Co. Volunteer of the Month and Carruthers Executive Coach of the Month – Winners Announcement

August marked the last chance for clubs to recognise the contribution of Coaches and Volunteers through the VAFA Recognition Awards Process.

A large number of nominations were received for both the Australian Venue Co. Volunteer of the Month and Carruthers Executive Coach of the Month awards with winners representing a core VAFA Value – Community.

Community; Represent, connect, and support everyone within the VAFA community.

Congratulations to Lou Belli from Aquinas OC FC for being named Australian Venue Co. Volunteer of the Month.

Jack McDonald, Vice President of Aquinas OC FC shared with the VAFA “Lou joined Aquinas OC FC back in 1982 when his son Chris started playing. A handful of years later Chris stopped playing but Lou never left. In Chris’ playing years Lou filled a variety of roles around the club. He commenced the role of canteen manager in the late 1980’s and has been at the reins ever since. For over 35 seasons Lou has not missed a home game and has worked in the canteen all day supplying food and drinks to the Bloods faithful.

In 2023 he is hanging up the tongs after 41 years of selfless dedication to his Bloods community. Round 18 of the 2023 VAFA season marked his last day as a club volunteer and he we will be missed greatly by all. At the age of 88 Lou has given a lifetime of service to the Aquinas OC FC community”.

Congratulations to Marnee Silver from West Brunswick AFC for being named Carruthers Executive Coach of the Month.

Marnee was nominated by Evan Lloyd, West Brunswick AFC President.

Evan shared that “Marnee has been an incredibly important member of the West Brunswick Amateur Football Club for a number of years, and during that time has developed into an outstanding leader of our community. As Senior Coach and head of our Women’s Football Program, Marnee is guided by a principle of making football accessible to, and inclusive of, as many people as possible, and in doing so promotes inclusion and equality both on the field and off the field. Marnee is also a powerful advocate of the club’s priorities as a progressive community sporting organisation and supports various initiatives to address on-field issues and off-field issues. They apply their advocacy and support to the entire West Brunswick Football Program, (both the Women’s and Men’s teams), in line with our goal for an equal and harmonious club”.

—

VAFA would like to acknowledge all Australian Venue Co. Volunteer of the Month and Carruthers Executive Coach of the Month nominations from season 2023.

2023 Australian Venue Co. Volunteer of the Month and Carruthers Executive Coach of the Month Winners