VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
BRENDON MCLEOD KICKING GOALS AS A VOLUNTEER
HUNDREDS of parents step up each week in the Dubbo region – rain, hail or shine – to coach, ref and run junior sporting clubs and teams.
Local dad, Brendon Mcleod is very typical of this army of passionate parents. Working full time, running a hobby farm and a welding business on the side he downs tools a couple of times a week to train his current team, the U17s RSL Tigers and each Saturday, supports them at Lady Cutler ovals, during their competitive matches. Without this army of volunteer parents, junior sport would not exist.
“Junior coaches are important because it's at this age we don't just teach skills, but we also show teamwork and sportsmanship. TEAM together and everyone achieves more,” Brendon said.
“Each week presents a different challenge. We have 16 players in our team, running substitutions along with watching play is sometimes overwhelming. But we tend to have a routine that works now.”
In a statement of commitment, it’s Brendon’s eighth year coaching the Tigers.
“I was very passionate about the game growing up in Parkes. Eventually it became too hard for me to play as well, so I now play through coaching. “Seeing players grow their skills is why I, and probably lots of other parents, volunteer. Seeing the progress from when players join your team, and they’re chasing butterflies around the field to now, being a reliable soccer player, is very rewarding. “Watching the team brainstorm too, on how we can change strategies shows commitment and that they're excited to be a part of the team.” Brendon gives about four hours a week to training and games and despite working Monday to Friday at a quarry at Collie, making lamb marking cradles on the weekends and running a hobby farm at Elong Elong, he’s no stranger to lending a hand. “I grew up in Alectown. A small village north of Parkes. Growing up in a small community taught me about helping each other out, whether it be in the fire brigade or going to help on the neighbouring farm. It was just what we did.
“I’m a member of the Elong Elong Rural First Service but I don't get to spend as much time with them for the monthly shed barbecues and things like that, as I'd like to.” It’s a win-win for the young adults on his team watching Brendon and other parents dedicate time to their growth in the sport benefiting from the positive impacts which volunteering has on the success of their sporting community.
“The team suggests they're lucky to have me, but I'm the lucky one still being able to play through the team.”