Football Victoria (FV) is proud to announce the recognition of 44 Life Members from the former regional associations of Ballarat, Bendigo, Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley, who will be formally honoured with Life Membership of Football Victoria.
This confirms one of the foundational pillars of the regional review which resulted in the administration of the game in much of regional Victoria falling under the auspice of Football Victoria. They join a broader cohort from Bendigo, Geelong, Sunraysia and the former Goulburn North-East Association that were all formally recognised by Football Victoria in 2016.
"This marks an important step in the Regional Transition, ensuring the invaluable contributions these individuals have made across Victoria are recognised and celebrated,” said Lauren Stevens, Manager – Regional Development.
"Collectively, they bring more than a millennium of experience and service to football in Victoria, and we pay tribute to the lasting impact each person has made on the game and their communities."
The full honour roll of Football Victoria's newest Life Members can be found below.
Ballarat & District Soccer Association
Peg Peterson, Lola Pierce, Jane Nicholson, Brother Monagle, Ken Reeves, Graham Smith, Fred Maggi, Edna Oliver, Dave Henderson, Kingsley Curtis, Herman Bogers, Gwen Quince, Steve Briggs, Neville Keen, Marilyn Tyndall, Kathy Payton, Peter Reid, Howard Wilson, Tracy Dean and Mark Powell.
Bendigo Amateur Soccer League
Darryl Brown, Ron Cole, Andrew Mertens and Ian Schepers.
Gippsland Soccer League
Linda Spiteri, Philip Miller, Andrea Dempsey, Daren Dempsey, Daniel Brown, Patrick Finnigan, Glenn Odgers, Bethany Milkins, Jason Beer and Kathryn Cooper.
Latrobe Valley Soccer League
Pastor Norman Minor, Lou Adrichem, John Halkett, Ron Steel, Luke Cheney, John Hutchinson, Tom Thompson, Peter Albanese, Allan Roberts and Madelaine Breakspear.
All will officially be ratified as Life Members at the 2025 Football Victoria Annual General Meeting on Monday 25 May.
For a brief profile on each individual and their contribution to football in their respective communities, please follow the links below.