To celebrate the launch of the Volunteer Programme for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, Glen Eira FC hosted a volunteer appreciation for the Victorian Football community.
As a thank-you to the dedicated volunteer community, CommBank Matildas and Glen Eira FC club members came together to host a BBQ, in recognition of their ongoing contribution to our game on Wednesday, November 9.
Long-time volunteer with Glen Eira FC, Maggie Stavrou said people may not realise how fulfilling volunteering can be.
“I’ve made some amazing friendships and met some wonderful parents,” she said.
“I’ve met young girls who have turned into these amazing young people who all have something different to offer and to see them go from 13 or 14 years of age, not knowing what they are thinking and feeling, to seeing them find a voice has been a wonderful experience.”“As a volunteer, we get to be part of seeing these young players find their voice.”
Stavrou has been a volunteer coach at Glen Eira teams for many years, with her commitment to the team and club inspiring from the very start.
Glen Eira's Spiros Drossos was also recognised for his seven years of hard work volunteering at the club.
Drossos has left a real legacy as a coach at the club, and he says he's well and truly ready for a break. In fact, he has tried to hang up his coaching boots at the end of each season, but the players on his team just won't let him go.
"Ultimately it's about getting the best outcomes for the players - inspiring and encouraging them to be the best versions of themselves," he said.
Victorian Minister for Sport, Tourism, and Major Events The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos, Football Australia Legacy ‘23 Ambassador Kate Jenkins, and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Head of Sustainability Dr Sheila Nguyen, all attended in support of celebrating a team of volunteers, many of who have volunteered their time and efforts for over 20 years at the club.
The Official Mascot of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM Tazuni™ made her debut appearance on Australian soil and much to the delight of kids, parents, and volunteers, she lent a hand on the pitch, helping deliver skills and drills session for the club and many junior participants in attendance.
Tazuni™ joined forces with CommBank Matildas Alex Chidiac, Emma Checker, Jada Whyman, Elise Kellond-Knight and Holly McNamara to award five local volunteering heroes with FIFA Volunteer Programme jerseys.
Jada Whyman told reiterated the important role volunteers play in the football community.
“I have had a lot of volunteers in my life that has changed my pathway in football,” she said.
“I just want to thank you for everything that you do.
“These young kids wouldn’t have the community if it wasn’t for you."
Fellow Matilda, Elise Kellond-Knight echoed her teammate's sentiment, saying “volunteers are the life and blood of any football club… they make the club function and were vital to my football career.”
Maggie Stavrou said it was “so exciting” for Glen Eira to host the event and have four Matildas come to talk and mingle with players, parents, and volunteers.
‘Seeing these amazing women come and play on our soil is going to give such excitement to such young players who can have a dream,” she explained.
Legacy 23 ambassador Kate Jenkins also highlighted how crucial volunteers are to our great game.
“Volunteers are so important to community football and now as we recover and come back,” she said.
“It’s a great joy to be out with all the volunteers, the parents, the kids and see our great game, back on the pitch.”
The event took place whilst junior and beginning training was taking place at the club, allowing many parents and volunteers to attend with the overall attendance around 70 people.
The Volunteer Programme will have an integral part to play in the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM with thousands of enthusiastic people needed to boost the workforce across our five Host Cities in Australia over the next 10 months.
These volunteers will be required to help at FIFA Fan Festival locations, stadiums, training sites, hotels, transport hubs, and airports.
Just like the hundreds of thousands of young players who will benefit from having a tournament of this size in their backyard, local volunteers will also gain experiences and memories from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
To apply for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM Volunteer Programme, click HERE