FOOTBALL Federation Victoria and the Geelong Region Football Committee (GRFC) would like to congratulate North Geelong Warriors Senior Football Operations Manager and a member of the GRFC Strategic Leadership JOSIP ZILIC on being named the winner of the People’s Choice Award as part of this year’s inaugural Viva Energy Club Legends Awards.

Zilic, along with Surfside Waves Soccer Club president Kev Bowers and Geelong Rangers legend and club stalwart Lyn Toll, had made it to the final 20 Club Legends who were honoured at a glittering awards ceremony in the President’s Room at Simonds Stadium on Monday night.

A former North Geelong club president and one time Technical Director, Zilic received $2000 as an individual prize, while the Warriors also received $2000 as part of winning the People’s Choice Award.

“It's very humbling to be nominated let alone receive an award and I sincerely thank VIVA Energy for their initiative to recognise the effect that people in their communities have on each other,” Zilic said.

“Thank you to my club North Geelong Warriors, who allow me the privilege to work with many beautiful people from all over the Region. Most of all, thanks to my beautiful wife Rose and the kids who provide me endless amounts of love and encouragement.

“To all volunteers out there, keep doing what you do and bring people on board with you. It's the volunteers that are at the centre of my thoughts and inspire me to be a better person every day I'm out there working with players and coaches.

“A special ‘well done’ to Lyn Toll from the Geelong Rangers and Kev Bowers from Surfside Waves, who both do a marvellous job. It’s always great to see fellow football family members being recognised. All people nominated are deserving of their recognition,” concluded the proud recipient of the People’s Choice Award.

GRFC Chairperson Jo Plummer was understandably proud of the local recognition of the three football community legends.

“It’s terrific that three volunteers from the greater football family have been formally recognised in our region,” Plummer said.

“Each are very deserving recipients whom work tirelessly and selflessly for the benefit of our children, young adults and clubs. My sincere congratulations go to Kev, Lyn and Josip.

“I would also like to extend my appreciation to Josip for his participation and support in the ongoing implementation of the Geelong Region’s Football Strategic Plan,” concluded Plummer.

The actual winner of the Club Legend Award was North Geelong Cricket Club’s Roger Allen, who pocketed $5,000 as his prize and a further $5,000 went to his club.

The Club Legend Award Runner-Up prize went to Claire Barnes from the Newtown City Hockey Club. She received $2,000 individual prize and $2,000 for her club.