Mr Hoskins will represent the district as one of 17 finalists in the running to be crowned the 2009 RAC Volunteer of the Year at the Sandover Medal count on Monday, September 14. Mr Hoskins was nominated by Warren McDiarmid.
“Mick has been a club committee member, coach, Auskick coordinator, runner, time keeper, interchange steward, umpire and ground manager, holding one or more of the above positions for the past 12 years.
“What makes him an outstanding volunteer to our club is that he not only takes on his own role or position in the club, but he knows and understands what needs to be done to run a club and either volunteers to take on other roles or just gets on and gets things done.
“His main role at the club over the years has always been as a coordinator or coach for different age levels. He is passionate about junior footy and is respected and liked by all. Mick was made a life member of our club in 2008 and as one long time member stated: "That was a no-brainer, he certainly has been the heart and soul of this club for a long time.”
All finalists in the RAC Volunteer of the Year Award have been invited to the Sandover Medal presentation, with the winner to receive a trip for two to the AFL grand final including flights, accommodation and a grand final breakfast function.
WA was the first State to recognise its volunteers on such a large scale. The WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award was won in 2008 by the South West District’s Craig Cahill. The award’s success has prompted the AFL to initiate similar programs across all States.
Now in its fourth year the award has grown to receive almost 300 nominations. Anyone involved in football at any level was eligible to be nominated for the award through their local district or by the WA Football Commission.
WA Football Commission Volunteer and Clubs Co-ordinator Glenn Morley said WA had more than 46,000 volunteers participating every week in the game at all levels and without them the game would be lost.
“There are so many aspects of our game that just wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and commitment of our volunteers,” Mr Morley said.
“Volunteers are involved at all levels whether it’s in the canteen, umpiring, peeling oranges, coaching or driving their kids to the game. The RAC Volunteer of the Year program aims to elevate the standing of volunteers to that of a star. Just like you have star players and star coaches we want to recognise star volunteers.”
Volunteer of the Year Award Finalists
DISTRICT FINALIST
Claremont Merle Manea – (08) 9341 2514
East Fremantle Max Freeman – 0439 474 528
East Perth Lily Windus – 0414 301 017
Goldfields Cobber Rogers – 0408 900 185
Great Southern Brenndon Deering – (08) 9828 2148
Kimberley Dani Woodhouse – (08) 9167 8978
Mid West Karl Suckling – 0427 839 274
Midlands Grag Richards – (08) 9646 6208
Peel Robyn Sutton – (08) 9733 1547
Perth Rick Johnson – (08) 9256 4203
Pilbara Pete Withers – 0408 677 024
South Fremantle Darrin Bryden - 0410 337 195
South West Tim Harrington - 0427 771 145
Subiaco Michael Hoskins - 0411 758 345
Swan Districts Brian Pallister - 0414 861 983
West Perth Mark Brown - 0415 944 886
Wheatbelt Brian Barnett – (08) 9044 5040
