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Putting your hand up isn’t something you usually want to do in soccer, unless you’re offering to help as a volunteer, that is.
Like other community sports clubs, Warkworth Association Football Club (AFC) is largely run by volunteers – it simply wouldn’t be able to function without their immense contribution.
Warkworth AFC president George Moore says there are dozens of volunteers who work at the club.
“All of our coaches, team managers and referees – it’s all volunteers,” he says.
Among them is Lucy Coory, who wears many hats at the club.
“I’m an assistant coach with the ninth-grade team, support the committee in the clubrooms on a Saturday, do admin and provide information about what’s happening with the teams, and run the barbeque.
“Plus, I’m helping out with the gear at the moment,” she says.
What does Coory enjoy about it the most?
“The kids; they love it. The smiles and their enthusiasm, they’re just having a great time. If you can make the practices fun for them, you can make the game days fun.
“We’ve got a little team that’s grown together over the last couple of years, so it’s really nice watching the development of the players as well.
“Also I get to meet so many people being around the club and volunteering. It’s incredible how many people you meet and say hello to.”
This year will be Coory’s second season with Warkworth and she has two boys who play for the club – Tama will go into grade 13, while Luca is grade 10.
“I try and fit in my coaching and training with when they’re down here. So that’s a couple of nights a week and on Saturdays.”
Coory says it’s mostly parents who volunteer, but anyone is welcome.
“If you’re part of the community, and want to see the club grow, come down and help out with the kids and see what your community is about. This is where it is on a Saturday because we’re all here.”
Coory says with the increase in membership at Warkworth AFC, which has doubled over the past two years (MM, Dec 26), more coaches and managers are needed.
“So why not come and be a volunteer?” she says.
