Graham Knights National Volunteer of the Year Touch Football Australia (TFA) has named Graham Knights (NSW) and Steve Watterson (Qld) as the joint recipients of the 2017 Volunteer of the Year award. 2017 is the third year TFA had the privilege to acknowledge some of our volunteers for their tireless efforts and contribution to the sport they and we all love. Each State and Territory was asked to nominate one individual who provides exceptional service, and who has made a notable and measurable difference in their region; while demonstrating and epitomising the TFA organisational values. A summary of each nominee’s claims was provided to the TFA Board, with individual voting determining the 2017 TFA Volunteer of the Year Award winners. “Each and every one of our volunteers is extremely valuable to our sport. The seven volunteers nominated by their states as the most appreciated volunteers, have committed themselves to making significant contributions to the sport we all love – and we thank you,” TFA Chair, Anita Hagarty said. The TFA Board was set the difficult task of selecting just one from the list of seven nominees; instead they chose two! Under Graham Knight’s leadership, the Manly Warringah Affiliate has become the outstanding leader in many aspects of the sport. The work he has instigated with his committee has seen the club go ahead leaps and bounds in the areas of grassroots participation, player development, technical development, community engagement and representative performance. Indeed, the club is now operating at full capacity for their Friday night junior competition with 255 teams; another outstanding result for the affiliate. Graham is one who leads but with empathy and respect. He is consistent with his approach to listening to feedback from members and implementing change when needed. Graham has a vision, not just for his club, but also the game and continues to work toward that vision. He is one who is willing to challenge the organisation, not for any ego, but for the good of the game. “I extend a huge thank you to New South Wales Touch Association who nominated me for this amazing award. Thank you to Touch Football Australia for ultimately choosing me as a joint recipient. I have had the pleasure to work with so many awesome volunteers at my home club of Manly Warringah Touch Association and New South Wales Touch Association. It is great to be able put back into the sport that has given me so many great experiences and opportunities over the years,” Knights said. The NSWTA is proud of the contribution Graham makes to our sport and congratulate him on this recognition. Volunteers are what the organisation is all about; they embody everything great about our sport and the people that spend countless hours contributing their time and effort to the sport. Keeping In Touch 2016 | 25 IMG002_NSWTouch_Dec17_v3_FILM_R.indd 25 28/11/17 4:21 pm