Volunteer Hero of the week – John McKay

In this weekly off-season feature we profile a club recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award to highlight the incredible work our volunteers do so that others can enjoy their footy.

This week’s Volunteer Hero is John McKay from the South West Rocks Dockers where he is the President, Ground Manager, and Under 13 Coach.

What do you love about volunteering?

I love teaching our young kids the skills of game. Not only footy skills, but life skills too like teamwork, resilience, setting goals and working towards them.

What’s your favourite volunteering moment?

Looking at the smiles on the players’ faces at the end of every game. Our kids love playing footy, and our parents and volunteers get a real buzz out of seeing that enjoyment.

What skills has volunteering helped you to develop?

Communicating and working with others to promote the club as a positive and safe environment for all.

How does your club support new volunteers?

By encouraging them to have their say as we will always listen to another view. Ensuring people have the information they need to be able to do the job to the best of their ability, e.g. Code of Conduct, laws of the game.

What would you say to someone who’s thinking about volunteering?

Welcome aboard! There is such a wide variety of roles, from traditional committee jobs to specific match day tasks that there’s something to suit everyone’s interests. We’ll ask new volunteers in what way they would like to help and fit them in to the most suitable task.

What areas will your club be looking for help in 2020?

Game day volunteers such as Ground Manager, goal umpire, canteen helper, first aid officer.

What do you love most about your footy club?

The friendships we build with players and parents.

The South West Rocks Dockers can be contacted at australiandentremoval@bigpond.com if you would like to volunteer or need info on any other aspect of the club.