Wagin footy club’s Brian Roderick honoured for service

Brian Roderick was recognised for his many years of service to the Wagin Football Club at the Sandover Medal presentation in Perth last Tuesday.

As the 2020 Football Volunteer of the Year finalist for the Wheatbelt region, Mr Roderick was one of 17 finalists representing all of the metropolitan and country football regions in the State.

Mr Roderick has filled a range of roles at the club, from running water to serving as treasurer for 16 years.

He has co-ordinated the Auskick program, coached C and D-grade teams and managed the league side.

His love for footy has kept him coming back to volunteer every year.

“In a small country town like Wagin, your football club is the lifeblood of the town,” he said.

“It’s good to be recognised for the work that I've done for the footy club over a long period of time, however that’s not why I do it.

“I love football and always have done since I was a junior.”

While Mr Roderick won the Wheatbelt category, Dampier Football Club president Russell Turner was named the eventual winner of the Statewide Football Volunteer of the Year Award.

Mr Roderick said he was honoured by the recognition.

“I feel very humbled to win this award and it’s great to be recognised, however I'm one of many volunteers throughout the football club in Wagin and the Wheatbelt,” he said.

“My wife has been a sports trainer at the club for 20 years so I feel that the award was to recognise her also.”

The veteran volunteer said he had witnessed a fair bit of change in his time with the football club.

He stressed the importance of people coming forward to volunteer their time with local sporting clubs.

“I think it’s harder to find volunteers now” he said.

“I think there's so much for kids and families to do other than football. When I first started, football was so prominent and isn’t as such now. But with volunteering I get so much more out than what I put in.”