SIMONE Jordan from Nambucca Strikers Football Club was announced as a finalist for Volunteer of the Year for Female Football Week by Northern NSW Football.

Nominations for the award poured in from Tweed Heads in the north down to Newcastle in the south.

Simone was honoured to be named one of the three finalists in a large region which consists of hundreds of football clubs.

“I was really honoured to be announced as a finalist, I know many volunteers are working really hard at promoting female football and it is great to be a part of this and to be recognised for my contribution.

“I have a lot of support from the Nambucca Strikers Club, committee, members and supporters.

“Female Football Week is a great initiative in supporting and highlighting girls and women in sport, we had such a positive response from the FFW event and wonderful feedback from our members, junior girls and senior women players, everyone was able to connect and enjoy playing and supporting one another in a game we all love.

“There was just as much talking and socialising on the field as there was football, it was really inspiring to see the connections and everyone so happy,” said Simone.

Nambucca Strikers Club Secretary Keily Chase explained the extent of how Simone helps the football club.

“Simone runs our Kick On for women program on Monday nights, which is for women who just want to have a go at football.

“She had the opportunity to be paid, but waived it to make the fees cheaper so she could attract more women to join her.

“She felt like she shouldn’t be paid for something she loves to do which will encourage more women to join in playing football.

“She is on our committee as a women’s delegate and she is also a social director for the over 30s women’s team.” Keily said.

Apart from her skills as a volunteer, Simone is also quite the football player.

“She is an incredible midfielder and is so versatile, you can put her anywhere on the field and she will give it 110% and do it with a smile on her face.

“She also helps train our under 6’s, she is fabulous with kids and has this way of getting on their level and helping them understand football and the fun of it.

“She held an incredible night to celebrate Female Football Week where she got volunteers to run mini games, a BBQ and her mum made cupcakes with sunflowers.

“The night was a great success and we’ve had great feedback from all the girls and women that participated.

Simone also played an integral role in organising the Club’s Indigenous Round celebrations, complete with a traditional Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country.

“Simone is an allrounder, she is a Mother, wife, teacher, player, social director, delegate events organiser and a volunteer but most of all she is humble.

“She is a true Striker through and through and everyone at our club is so thankful to have her,” said Keily.

 

By David WIGLEY