Behind every training session, match day, tournament and club event are volunteers giving their time to make football happen.
Across the Geelong region, thousands of players take to the pitch each week thanks to the committee members, coaches, team managers, administrators, coordinators, canteen helpers, ground marshals and many others who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
Now there is an opportunity to recognise one of those special people.
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has opened nominations for the 2026 ASC Sport Volunteer of the Year, recognising a volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution to a sporting organisation, club, team or program over the previous year.
The award celebrates volunteers who are inclusive and community-focused, give their time without financial gain and help create a positive legacy through sport.
What are the judges looking for?
Nominations will be assessed on the volunteer’s:
- Impact within their club, team or organisation – the tangible difference they have made to its functioning, culture and success.
- Impact on the broader community – including strengthening community connection, inclusion, health, wellbeing or resilience.
- Innovation and adaptability – finding creative or forward-thinking ways to meet changing needs.
- Inspiration and legacy – inspiring others to volunteer and creating lasting positive change.
Nominees must also demonstrate a commitment to the values of Australian sport, including fairness, integrity, inclusion and respect.
Who could your club nominate?
Every football club has those people who always seem to be there.
They might be the volunteer who arrives first and leaves last. The committee member who has spent years helping the club grow. The coach who goes above and beyond for their players. The person who welcomes new families and makes everyone feel part of the club. Or someone who has introduced a new program, initiative or way of doing things that has made a genuine difference.
Football Geelong encourages clubs across our region to think about the volunteers who have made an exceptional contribution over the past year and consider telling their story through a nomination.
It is also a wonderful opportunity to recognise the enormous contribution volunteers make to community football throughout our region.
Nominations close Sunday 18 October 2026.
Finalists will be announced on Monday 23 November, with the winner announced on Saturday 5 December – International Volunteer Day.
