MEMBERS of the Football Hall of Fame WA Committee were among those honoured by Football West at a morning tea to celebrate National Volunteers Week.
The Football Hall of Fame WA was the first of its type in the code in Australia when it was set up in 1996.
The Committee was initially made up of a group of volunteers who recognised the need to preserve and honour the history, and the history-makers, of the game in Western Australia.
And that continues to be the aim today with the hard-working Committee members (still all volunteers) striving to stage a series of celebrations and induction ceremonies to ensure the rich history of the game is not forgotten.
Over 180 former players, referees, coaches and administrators have been inducted into the Hall of Fame in 20 years - and the Committee has also staged functions to honour the Top 100 players in the State; to celebrate the march into Asia by WA's male and female players; and an exhibition to highlight the impact by WA players on the World Cup.
The Football Hall of Fame WA is a not-for-profit organisation and is endorsed by Football West.
Football West reported on its website:
More than 850 football matches take place every weekend in WA with the assistance of thousands of volunteers.
From coaching, refereeing, administration, grounds keeping and canteen staff, volunteers ensure games go ahead for almost 240 clubs every weekend.
To celebrate the contribution these volunteers make to the game, Football West hosted a morning tea on Friday May 12, recognising that the growth and success of the game is largely due to the dedication and efforts of volunteers.
The event, supported by Volunteering WA and Lotterywest, was held as part of National Volunteers Week which runs from May 8 to 14.
Volunteering WA Training & Development Manager Gilda Davies attended the event, along with a number of volunteers representing clubs around WA.
Football West CEO James Curtis said the role of volunteers was critical to the continued growth of the game.
“We’re so proud of the continued support and dedication of our volunteers, who are the backbone of football in WA,” he said.
“We are thankful for organisations such as Volunteering WA, who continue to ensure volunteers receive support.”
PICTURED: Putting a smile on the faces of some of the volunteers, and Football West staff.