Fitzroy’s Danny McNamara wins SANFL Volunteer of the Year

A number of local footy clubs, coaches and volunteers have been honoured at the SANFL community football and volunteer night. See all the winners here.

A veteran local footy contributor has headlined the winners of the SANFL community football and volunteer awards.

76-year-old Fitzroy Football Club icon Danny McNamara took out the Volunteer of the Year award in recognition of his 30-year career at the Adelaide Footy League and SANFL Juniors club.

McNamara – who had spent nearly 30 years at the St Dominic’s Football Club before its amalgamation into Fitzroy in 1987 – has assumed a number of roles at the Lions, namely as a president and coach of their junior football department.

The stalwart has coached players from U7s to U16s for most of his time at the club and said he was thrilled to be recognised for his countless hours of work.

“It was a pretty special feeling to be awarded – I nearly broke down at one stage,” McNamara said.

Fitzroy Football Club member Danny McNamara took out SANFL's Volunteer of the Year award for his long-time service at the club. Picture: Aaron Burgess

“There are a lot of people who do a lot of work in local football clubs, so I guess to be part of that group and to be recognised is really special.”

The club has experienced a significant amount of success at junior level, developing strong players for the future, and has even developed AFL players such as the Frederick brothers.

McNamara said the opportunity to introduce kids to the game, give them a place to socialise and give back to the club was a rewarding feeling which kept him around.

“We give a lot of kids a place to come first and foremost, some might not have had a great upbringing but we give them a place to be, enjoy the company of others and enjoy footy.

McNamara accepting his award. Picture: Supplied, Fitzroy Football Club

“I just love the club – it’s family-oriented and such a welcoming place for anyone, and it’s really multicultural too.

“The feeling of contributing here and coaching the young ones, seeing them develop, it’s an amazing thing.”

McNamara was one of many people recognised in the awards.

See below for a full list of major winners.

Volunteer of the Year – Danny McNamara (Fitzroy Football Club)

Senior Coach of the Year – Matt Golding (Hahndorf Football Club)

Female Community Coach of the Year – Megan Boers-Veen (Willaston Football Club)

Junior Coach of the Year – Tony Stephens (Rambler Football Club)

Community Umpire of the Year – Ryan Prentice (Barossa, Light and Gawler Umpires Association)

SANFL Merit Award – John Gasgoyne (Western Eyre Football League)

SANFL Merit Award – Peter Mitchell (Mid South Eastern Football League)

SANFL Merit Award – Martin Clark (Southern Football League)

SANFL Merit Award – Mark Goodman (Adelaide Football League)

Diversity Ambassador of the Year – Chris Caruana (Central District)

Disability and Inclusion Ambassador of the Year – Luke Huezenroeder (West Adelaide)

Facility of the Year – Athelstone Football Club

Auskick Coordinator of the Year - Campbell Murdoch

Primary School Ambassador of the Year - George Gregory

Secondary School Ambassador of the Year - Matt Panos (Norwood)