Ron Cole of Kyneton District SC was named Male Volunteer of the Year at the FVCIB Full-Time Luncheon on Thursday, November 16 as part of the 2023 Football Victoria Community Awards.
This award recognises individuals who have selflessly dedicated their time and efforts to not only grow and develop our sport - but breathe life into our communities.
Cole said if you asked his family, the club "means everything" to him.
"When you spend a lot of time at an organisation, you meet a lot of people and make lifelong friends and it becomes part of your life," he explained.
"It is fantastic recognition for myself but not only me, all the volunteers within our club, all the volunteers put in a tremendous amount of time and I am just the lucky one who got the award."
Cole has held every position at the club across four decades from President, Treasurer, Secretary and even coached the senior women's side in 2023.
"From my time at the club, a personal highlight would have to be winning the Championship as coach of our senior women's side this season and watching all the kids come through from the junior ranks through to the senior sides," he said.
Cole has served multiple stints as Club President, and currently also sits as Vice President of the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League, leading mental health initiatives, cultural sensitivity training and undertaking the Change Maker program.
Under his leadership at Kyneton, female participation has grown by over 650% at the club across the past decade, now representing 45% overall participation of the clubs 600 strong membership base.
His commitment as a volunteer has also seen successful advocacy with Local, State and Federal Government to unlock investment in pitch, lighting and facility infrastructure upgrades at Barkly Square, which are due to be formally opened next week – mostly due to his passion to create a welcoming family environment where everyone can come together through Football.
Ron’s legacy is one of selfless dedication, putting every player, parent, and member above himself – a devotion to the game that has left an incredible mark on thousands of people within our community.
Read more about the 2023 Community Award Winners