The Ellinbank & District Football League (EDFL) is delighted to announce that current board member Alan Massaro has been awarded league Life Membership. His badge was presented to him by current league president Roger Gwynne at the 2021 Annual General Meeting at the Ellinbank Football Netball Club social room last night. The accolade took Alan by surprised, “I’m dumbfounded,” he exclaimed while shaking his head in disbelief. Asked to say a few words Alan said he “just enjoys doing what he does” and fortunate to meet “so many good friends” over the years.
The EDFL received the nomination for Alan from the Poowong Football Netball club and the Nyora Football Netball Club and the later said they would be honoured to second the motion to induct Alan into life membership of the EDFL. Alan has had an extended career at both clubs in tandem with an outstanding commitment to the league across four decades.
He started his time in the EDFL with Nyora in 1981 where he played over 50 matches at U18 and reserves level, and in 1988 commenced as a trainer, he was Nyora’s treasurer for a number of years which in one of those (1993) the Saints won a senior premiership. Alan continued into to 2000s as trainer with many of those years on the Saints committee and played a vital role in the continuous development of the clubs facilities and culture.
Alan has been a trainer with Poowong since 2004 and also a committee member for the majority of that time, receiving a Magpie Life Membership in 2018.
Remarkably he has also been, a trainer for EDFL junior and senior interleague teams since 1991 and instrumental in founding the EDFL Trainers Association. He has been a League Director for the past five years and also had a stint as the league treasurer in the 1990’s.
In recent years Alan regularly put aside rivalry to help out any club that was short of trainers and this was acknowledged by many club spoke persons at the AGM. Ellinbank President described Alan as a “true gentleman,” which was concurred by all present. Alan incurred a serious health issue in recent years but such is his work ethic he returned to the field as soon as he was well enough to assist others.
“He was always one of the first people willing and wanting to help in any way he could all for the benefit of his club and community. Alan still volunteers his time for all community groups therefore a life membership is just and befitting of this selfless man,” said the Nyora FNC in their letter of support for his nomination.
Incredibly Poowong stalwart and now fellow EDFL life member Keith Fort estimates Alan has strapped over 6000 ankles. Aside from his football exploits Alan has served as President of the Nyora Recreation Reserve, the Korumburra Workhorse and Tractor rally and the Loch Primary school council.
Well-deserved Alan!
Alan on the right is pictured with EDFL President Roger Gwynne.
Last Modified on 25/11/2021 19:33
