Bundaberg Brothers Social Touch Football Association recently recognised the outstanding contribution of two of its long-serving committee members through life membership awards.
Andrew McCracken and Kathy Foley become the eighth and ninth Life Members of the association.
Andrew joined the committee as president a decade ago, a role he continues to carry today, and continues to be a strong champion of promoting the social aspects of the competition and involving as many people with varying skill levels as possible.
“I’ve been playing with Brother Social Touch since 1998 in various divisions, and in recent years have had the privilege of playing alongside two of my daughters,” Andrew said.
“I stepped into the president role as a way give back, and I’m always looking for ways to keep our players and teams returning each season, and welcome new players to the field.
“I was humbled to receive the life member award – the 10 years of services has gone very quick – and I was even more honoured to be awarded it on the same night as Kathy, who gives so much.”
Kathy has served as the treasurer for more than a decade and continues in this role today and is renowned for going above and beyond her duties, contributing to many other aspects of the comp.
“I recall commenting to a few former committee members at an end of season dinner about 10 years ago that I thought it was time to give back to the club that had provided me with so much enjoyment with my friends and family for the six years prior,” Kathy said.
“For me, figures are my bread and butter and something that I’m good at, so it was obvious choice to take over the reins from our outgoing treasurer at the time.
“Since that time, I’ve built up my confidence and taken on a referring role as well as playing for two mixed teams, Marshalls and Balanced 4670, which I thoroughly enjoy.”
Andrew and Kathy join the ranks of Life Member alongside Geoff Kirkman, Greg Messenger, Janine Gordon, Mick Hochen, Shane Cavanough, Stewart Greggor and Eddie Whitworth (posthumous), who were inducted in 2021 for their longevity and commitment to the competition.
The association’s recent end-of-season dinner also saw Emma Hodge awarded Referee of the Year.
“Emma has been involved in our comp for many years, as a player, transitioning to a player and ref and more recently, making a full transition to refereeing,” Andrew said.
“Emma’s reliability, eagerness to fill in where needed and positive attitude make her a great asset to our comp, and we’re thankful to have her.”
More information about the comp can be found here www.facebook.com/brotherssocialtouch.
