Greg Waterhouse gives his heart and soul to Mascot Juniors
Mascot Junior Rugby League Club has been an integral part of Greg Waterhouse’s family for generations and he has been associated with the club since he was three.
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If you’re looking for someone who symbolises the heart and soul of Mascot Junior Rugby League Football Club, life member Greg Waterhouse is it.
The club vice president’s involvement with Mascot Juniors dates back 56 years to 1963 when aged three he became ball boy for his older brother Stephen’s team.
He started playing for the club aged six or seven. Over the years Waterhouse has been a coach, manager, trainer, assistant treasurer and coaching co-ordinator.
The club has produced some top players including Mario Fenech, Dylan Walker and Cameron Murray as well as Jillaroos player Maddie Studdon.
Waterhouse, a proud Mascot resident, said his family’s connection to Mascot Juniors went back generations. His sons Zachary, 21, and Declan, 19, both played for the club and his father-in-law was treasurer.
Waterhouse is our latest Service to Sport nominee in the 2019 Local Sports Stars Awards.
A work accident three years ago which injured his spine has meant he can’t be as active, but he still sells raffle tickets for the club on a Friday night, opens the gym and changerooms for players, attends training on Tuesday and Thursday and helps with any administrative duties.
“Without people like Greg, clubs like Mascot wouldn’t exist,” Mascot Juniors secretary Shane Stewart said.
Waterhouse said more volunteers were needed in junior rugby league.
“A lot of people don’t want to help out in any way or raise money, if it continues there won’t be any grade football.”
Asked what kept him going, Waterhouse said: “Making kids happy, keeping them off the streets and out of trouble and the community aspect.”
Local Sports Stars includes individual, team and inspiration (all 18 years and under) categories.
Nominate at localsportsstars.com.au/newslocal
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