To celebrate the upcoming Volunteers Recognition round, Footy HQ - WA reporter Andrew Elstermann spoke to three of South Bunbury Football Club's long time volunteers.
While interviewing for stories for the South West Football Leagues’ volunteer recognition round, one questions set itself apart as my favourite.
What makes your club so special?
I put it to three long-time members of the South Bunbury Football Club and they all said much the same thing – that the club is actually one big family.
First up it was the enthusiastic Cheryl Caley who was a key player in establishing the netball competition nine years ago.
Cheryl is a real jack-of-all-trades.
“Any job you can think of has basically been mine at one time or another,” she said.
“The club has been very proactive at getting girls into their clubrooms as valued teammates.”
Cheryl first joined the club when her two daughters were playing the game and now says it’s become too hard to hand it all over.
“Being involved in this club is something I’m really proud of and my girls and I always feel so welcomed.”
Next up was Alan Wells, a former board member and reserves team manager who recently stepped back from an official role after 30 years of service.
Alan is the strong, silent type who seemed reluctant to shine a light on his own contribution which club president Jeff Hayres assures me has been extensive.
But my favourite question softened him up.
“What makes this club so special is that you can be involved from the ground level up,” he said.
“Most of the volunteers become involved in the club through relatives but once you are involved you become part of the extended South Bunbury family.
“We are a club with a lot of history that we are immensely proud of which is owed to all of the hardworking volunteers.
“Anyone who puts their hand up to offer some help will be embraced with open arms.”
Thirdly I turned to Steve Kirby, the current junior’s president.
He has been involved at the club for 10 years and seems like he would be prepared to give anything a crack.
With a warm smile and inviting eyes, Steve said he fell into the role of junior’s president but has managed to pull it all together.
“You know how it is, you can’t have a club without a president so I just took it up,” he modestly said.
“With my kids involved in the club it just seemed right to pitch in.
“I really enjoy watching the kids join the club, learn new skills and chart their development into valued members of our club’s family and the wider community.”
The camaraderie at the club is infectious so if you feel the desire to be part of a caring family, consider volunteering with South Bunbury.