Nominations open for coach awards
Nominations are now open for the 2017 AFL Gippsland coach and volunteer of the year awards.
More than 15 awards are up for grabs at the second annual AFL Gippsland Coaches and Community Awards dinner at Traralgon’s Premiere Function Centre on Friday, October 6.
Hosted by AFL Gippsland and the Gippsland branch of the Australian Football Coaches Association, the event is designed to recognise the region’s outstanding coaches for season 2017 and thank volunteers for their significant contribution to the sport.
Reigning Gippsland coach of the year Darren Brown encouraged the Gippsland football community to support the award and put candidates from their club forward.
“If you think enough of the person coaching your child or your team then nominate them because it will mean a lot to them,” Brown said.
“I was rapt that I was even nominated… it gives you confidence that what you’re trying to do is the right thing, especially as a youth coach you always hope you’re sending the right message and it’s not just about footy but helping develop good people as well.”
The Wonthaggi Power under-16 coach said premierships were not the only measure of success when it came to recognising coaching excellence and acknowledgement of an individual also had the potential to raise the profile of clubs and communities.
Coach award categories include senior, youth, junior, female and Auskick, with individual awards for each league, as well as the overall Gippsland coach of the year award.
Clubs are also encouraged to nominate standout individuals for the volunteer of the year award.
Nominations for coach of the year awards close Friday September 1, while nominations for volunteer of the year awards close Friday, September 15.
Awards shortlists will be announced by Friday, September 22, with all finalists invited to attend the awards dinner as guests of AFL Gippsland and the Gippsland AFCA branch.
Nomination forms are available at www.aflgippsland.sportingpulse.net
Hawthorn Football Club assistant coach and former Gippsland Power coach Damian Carroll is guest speaker for the night.
Tickets for the dinner are $45 per head, including a two-course dinner, and can be purchased at www.trybooking.com/mnot or by phoning AFL Gippsland on 5134 8733.