Northern NSW Football awards local champions of the game

Italo Stars football club vice president honoured with prestigious award. See the list.

Inaugural NNSWF Local Champion Awards for April 2022.

Northern NSW Football have announced the recipients of its inaugural Local Champion Awards for April.

The awards are a monthly recognition of individuals and teams who make a difference and for their commitment to their club, team, community and football.

Italo Stars football club vice president Ben Perry has been awarded volunteer of the month for his efforts during the Lismore floods.

The Football Far North Coast club were one of the hardest hit by the Northern NSW floods which started in February and continue to affect large areas of the Northern Rivers and Clarence Valley.

Volunteer of the month: Ben Perry – Vice President Italo Stars football club

Inaugural NNSWF Local Champion Awards: Volunteer – Ben Perry

Mr Perry and his Italo Stars teammate Nick Organ spent several hours in Mr Perry’s tinny rescuing stranded residents during the worst floods in Lismore’s history.

“I’ve never seen a war zone but that was as close as I’ll ever come to seeing a bomb hitting somewhere in Lismore,” Mr Perry said.

A 30 year veteran of the Italo Stars, Mr Perry has been a player, a coach, Club President and held most roles on the committee.

He was awarded life membership in 2016 as the club celebrated its 50th year.

Mr Perry along with a dedicated group of about 10 volunteers have spent countless hours cleaning up at the club with hopes to play football again this season.

“We’ve had dozens of people from the club directly affected by the floods,” Mr Perry said.

“Our playing group all come from North or South Lismore so everyone has been smashed.

“But everyone is looking forward to having a kick and some social fun.

“There’s no expectations, just a kick with your mates,” Mr Perry said.

Player of the month Joshua Cappiello – Stockton Sharks Football Club

Northern NSW Football Community Football Manager Ross Hicks said Cappiello is an inspiration.

“Not only does he manage to play and coach his team but he inspires and encourages every player to do their best,” Hicks said.

“A lifelong Newcastle Jets fan, his passion and commitment deserve to be recognised.”

Referee of the month Lucy Hungerford – NNSWF Referees

Inaugural NNSWF Local Champion Awards: Referee – Lucy Hungerford

Mr Hicks said Hungerford has demonstrated outstanding ability and commitment during her three seasons as a match official.

“She has risen through the ranks and is officiating on a level of football rare for someone so young,” he said.

Hungerford attends coaching sessions, training nights, fitness tests and courses to upgrade her qualifications and gain more knowledge.

She is a member of the NNSWF Youth Referee Academy where she is a willing contributor to the coaching and development opportunities she receives.

“She is an inspiration to other referees and has the potential to advance a long way as a match official,” Hicks said.

Coach of the Month Scott Masters – Kahibah football club

Inaugural NNSWF Local Champion Awards: Coach – Scott Masters

Masters has been coaching girls’ football for four years including under-7s, 8s, 11s and 12s.

Hicks said Masters is a strong advocate for women’s football and encourages the girls to give their all as sportswomen.

Masters believes fair play and striving to do your best creates an enjoyable atmosphere for the girls who have a ball playing together.

“The enthusiasm comes from the top down where Scott supports the girls to thrive. An absolute champion,” Hicks said.

Team of the month Bellingen United football club first grade – Coastal Premier League

Inaugural NNSWF Local Champion Awards: Team – Bellingen United

Bellingen United FC have transitioned into the Coastal Premier League competition.

The team have experienced all around growth at the club and achieved a five-star rating in the National Club Development Program last year.

Club of the month Nelson Bay Football Club

Inaugural NNSWF Local Champion Awards. Nelson Bay football club.

Nelson Bay FC is one of the largest clubs operating within Northern NSW football.

The committee have continued the great work of their predecessors in strengthening the club’s governance and striving to attract new people to the club.

The club have made a strong commitment to NNSWF community programs including delivering a Kick On for Women program and recently delivering Summer Football despite the pandemic impacts.

Nelson Bay FC create numerous opportunities for women and girls to engage with football and will be engaging with Female Football Week, which started on Friday.

Northern NSW Football Community Football Manager Ross Hicks said without people like Ben, Lucy, Scott and Joshua as well as clubs like Bellingen United and Nelson Bay FC we wouldn’t have a game.

“They make football what it is in our region,” Hicks said.

“It is their commitment to their clubs, teams and football community that make the game and improves the experience of playing football for the people around them.”

NNSWF Local Champion Awards monthly award winners are also nominated for the annual Local Champion Awards in October.