'Challenging but rewarding': How volunteering at a footy club became Krystal's passion

The efforts of those working for no profit to achieve a goal within the community are of vital importance in the current coronavirus pandemic, so we at the Mandurah Mail thought it prudent to highlight the good work of our local vollies.

First up, we chat with Pinjarra Football and Netball Club legend Krystal Bee about her time at the Tigers.

Footy clubs don't just run themselves.

It takes hours of painstaking efforts from a collection of volunteers dedicated to making sure it runs like clockwork: volunteers just like the Pinjarra Football and Netball Club's Krystal Bee.

Krystal has been an integral part of the Tigers' committee for seven years now, spanning across several roles in that stint.

She was originally led to the club by her now husband Matt back in 2013, when she would often be found giving up her time to work the canteen or sell raffle tickets.

Just a year later Krystal was voted onto the club's committee, a position she has held ever since.

Currently her roles include leading the club's sponsorship program, fielding memberships and also running its social media platforms.

Team that with organising functions and general gameday responsibilities around the club and you're looking at a gig that takes a significant amount of hours and a tireless motivation.

But while admitting it can be a fair workload, Krystal was adamant the benefits of volunteering far outweighed the strain of the work.

"It's challenging, but rewarding," she said.

"It's long hours and late nights, but when you see that success the club has both on and off the field, it's nice to know you were part of it in some way.

"Plus the whole club is basically just one big family. I've made so many friendships in my time there and that makes it all worthwhile."

One particular area Krystal takes pride in is the club's netball sector, for which she has been the coordinator since the team's inception.

In that time Pinjarra have been a force on the court, making regular finals appearances: A success she has also been able to enjoy as a player.

Krystal has also spent time playing women's footy for the Tigers, winning the PFNL's inaugural women's premiership with the team in 2018 before injury unfortunately ended her campaign last year.

But forever maintaining a club-first mentality, the accolade she treasures most came when she was named the inaugural Terry Jeffs' Club Person of the Year.

Krystal had worked alongside club legend Terry for years before his untimely passing in 2016.

"It is one of the biggest honours I've ever received," she said.

"Honestly, it has kept me wanting to be involved in the club."