NAB Auskick Volunteer of the Year named

Ryan was the driving force in establishing the new Auskick centre aligned with the new Northern NSW club Coffs Harbour Breakers, a merger between North Coffs and Coffs Swans late last year.

Last year the two clubs had a combined total of 35 Auskick participants, but on Ryan’s watch the number has skyrocketed to 60 in 2015.

In a region not traditionally aligned with Australian Football, his tireless effort and drive to retain and recruit participants was complemented by a desire to create an inclusive and accepting club environment.

“Steve has placed a huge emphasis on the fun side of coming down to the club and having a run around and a kick in a really approachable setting,” said Northern NSW Development Coordinator Matthew Crawley.

“There are a lot of girls who’ve come down and played this year at the Breakers Auskick centre, along with indigenous kids and children from different multicultural backgrounds.

“It doesn’t matter what level of ability the child had, Steve made sure the club sessions were open to everyone, ensuring a lot of laughter!”

Known to encourage first-timers to play AFL, Ryan himself made his football debut recently, playing a local mid-year Masters match in Coffs Harbour, where he “looked right at home,” according to Crawley.

Ryan was selected from a strong pool of NSW/ACT candidates, including runners-up Kathy Lawrence (Liverpool Eagles JAFC), and  Taryn and Wes Kendall ( Lake Cargelligo ), who will both receive Auskick resource kits for their club.

With the organisation and coordination of Lawrence, the Eagles’ club president, Auskick numbers have spiked by 33% this year, while the Kendall husband and wife team have driven a doubling in participation at their club in 2015.