Tim Coates, Les Withers' and Monique Soutters' hard work and commitment has been recognised with the trio announced as the coach, referee and volunteer of the year for the Northern Inland in Northern NSW Football's annual Newcastle Permanent community awards.
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Oxley Vale Attunga FC mentor Coates was named Community Coach of the Year.
Nominated by the Mushies for his commitment and service to the club and to football, after taking over the coaching reigns again at the start of the 2020 season and guiding the club through the COVID difficulties to the Premier Division first and reserve grade minor and major premierships, Coates took them to the minor premiership double again in 2021, with first grade going through the season undefeated.
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Results aside, in their submission the Mushies said Coates is "truly magnificent at player management and takes everyone's needs into consideration. He is the first person players go to with issues and he is able to solve them effectively."
Withers is the Community Referee of the Year.
The veteran works tirelessly to arrange match officials for the many games played around the region and also helps in a mentoring capacity in addition to refereeing himself where needed.
Soutter was named the Volunteer of the Year.
The mother of three, who is the Wee Waa United president, contributes a lot to club from setting up for games to organising kits at the start of the season for distribution.
"Finding volunteers as enthusiastic and selfless as Monique is the goal for all sporting clubs across Australia," NNSWF Community Football Manager Ross Hicks said.
"Her contribution has been key in the club's sustained success and it is satisfying to be able to acknowledge the effort and hard work Monique has provided Wee Waa United FC over the years."
