WEST Perth District Volunteer Darryl Sanders was recognised for more than 15 years of dedicated service when he was named the 2011 WA Football Volunteer of the Year at the WAFL’s Sandover Medal count (Monday, September 19).

Mr Sanders was announced as the overall winner from 17 regional and district finalists and more than 850 nominees. He received a trip for two to the AFL grand final and will also march in the Grand Final parade and attend a Grand Final breakfast function.

Mr Sanders was nominated for the award by West Perth District Manager Andrew Ridley, who said his love of the game had stood the test of time, seeing him continue his involvement with football long after his son had finished playing Auskick.

Maureen Gathercole’s 30 years of dedicated service to the East Fremantle Football Club was recognised when she was presented the 2010 RAC Football Volunteer of the Year Award at the Sandover Medal, held on September 13.

Ms Gathercole was one of 17 finalists selected from over 500 nominees. She was thrilled to receive the award from West Coast Eagles coach John Worsfold and RAC representative Scott Marsh, who congratulated her on outstanding service to football.

Ms Gathercole, a former primary school teacher, hopes more young people will volunteer their time and effort to grassroots football.

The lifeblood of grassroots football in Western Australia will be acknowledged when the West Australian Football Commission presents the 2010 RAC Football Volunteer of the Year Award at the Sandover Medal on Monday, September 13.

The recipient of the 2010 Volunteer of the Year Award will be selected from 17 finalists, with each district and region in the state represented.

Included in the 2010 RAC Football Volunteer of the Year Award is a trip for two to the AFL Grand Final, where they have also been invited to march in the Grand Final parade and attend a Grand Final breakfast function.

THE RAC Football Volunteer of the Year Award is up for grabs again in 2010 and the West Australian Football Commission is calling for more nominations.

The winner will receive a trip for two to the AFL grand final including flights and accommodation as well as the chance to march in the Grand Final parade and attend an AFL breakfast function.

Now in its fifth year, the award aims to recognise the hard work of over 40,000 volunteers.

The West Australian Football Commission will recognise football’s unsung heroes following the launch of the 2010 RAC Volunteer of the Year Award in conjunction with National Volunteer Week from May 10 to 16.

Now in its fifth year, the RAC Volunteer of the Year award has grown each season, with almost 300 nominations received in 2009 and Peel District volunteer Robyn Sutton named overall winner after 20 years of service to Waroona Junior Football Club.

Mrs Sutton received a trip for two to the AFL grand final including flights, accommodation and a grand final breakfast function.