Property 1 Graydon Poulsen Award
The Property 1 Graydon Poulsen Award was instituted in 2007 in recognition of the Nambour Football Club’s, in particular the Under 18 player’s, contribution to the participation of Graydon Poulsen in under age football. Due to his team mate’s commitment, Graydon, despite having personal challenges, was able to play football with considerable success.
This award will continue in 2008. Clubs are requested to nominate a circumstance within their club which represents an exceptional level of support for an individual within the club. This may be in the form of;
- Providing work opportunities,
- Providing emotional and/or financial support for someone suffering hardship in either or both areas,
- Assisting a high performance athlete to cope with the pressures of competing elements in his life, and/or
- Supporting young people whose families are facing difficult times.
These are only examples; there may be other circumstances which warrant consideration for this award. Clubs should contact Brian Douge if they are unsure as to the merit of a particular circumstance in their club. Nominations will be called for in late July.
This award is sponsored in 2008 by Garth Rothwell’s company Property 1, a long term supporter of AFL, whose empathy for the significant contribution football clubs make to the community, has prompted him to support the award. We thank Garth for his insight and substantial contribution.
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The ALLEN-ANKINS family at Kenmore are a respected and loyal family.
In March this year the Kenmore AFC/JAFC learnt of the news that Steve Allen-Ankins a father of 7 children (5 boys and 2 girls) suffered bleeding to the brain. Steve has since been comatose and suffered a further stroke whilst hospitalised in the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Today he remains in hospital responding slowly to treatment and rehabilitation. His future is uncertain and at this stage it is unknown if he will walk again let alone work and provide for his 7 children.
Of the five boys; the eldest Simieon played junior AFL at Kenmore, Jindalee and Sherwood. Matthius played junior AFL at Kenmore and currently plays with the Senior Team in Div.1 State Association. Currently Benjamin and Jacob play at Kenmore and both Captain their under 18 and under 16 teams respectively. ALL the Allen-Ankins have a reputation of being inspirational and talented players. They always provide support to their team mates and are outstanding role models both on and off the field.
The illness and subsequent hospitalisation of Steve Allen-Ankins has created much hardship for his family. They currently survive on Centre-Link benefits without prospect of Steve able to work again. Despite the hardship the family continue to grow and remain solid in these difficult times. Mother Julie spends many hours each day at hospital to assist Steve in his recovery. All the family help with the cleaning, cooking and then study in order to keep things normal and cope with their father’s tragic circumstances. What shines through with the AA’s family in these times is their love and devotion to each other which has enabled the family to get on with everyday life.
The Kenmore AFC/JAFC is currently providing support to the AA family. The Kenmore JAFC has donated $1000 cash to the family to assist with bills and expenses in running a household with 7 children. Club registration for the three boys playing AFL has been waived and currently the Kenmore AFC is running a raffle to raise money for the AA family. A new box trailer has been purchased which is fully registered and on 14 September 2008 this box trailer filled with new household, electrical and other donated goods will be raffled. The proceeds from this raffle will be donated to AA family. It is anticipated that $10,000 will be raised and donated to the family.
Ben will lead Kenmore under 18’s into Sunday’s Divison 2 (North) Grand Final. Despite the illness of his father he has lead the team with great passion this year. The enthusiasm and talk that he generates is infectious and genuinely inspires his team mates. He does this despite the fact that his father lays in hospital not knowing if he will recover. Younger brother Jacob like his brother is a very talented courageous player and leads by example. Both boys are the youngest members of their teams. Their appointments as Captain’s is testimony to the respect and admiration they have by their peers and coaches.
